Cellebrite Launches Point-of-Sale Diagnostics Tool to Significantly Reduce Mobile Repair Costs
Cellebrite Diagnostics Solution Provides Comprehensive Detection and Correction of Phone Faults in Retail Stores
GLEN ROCK, N.J. and PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cellebrite, the market leader in POS mobile content transfer, backup and restore, has announced the launch of its Diagnostics Solution, an easy to use, comprehensive tool, which enables the fast identification and resolution of simple mobile device faults at the Point-of-Sale (POS) in retail stores. This tool can substantially reduce the need to send NFF (No Fault Found) phones to labs and repair centers, thereby minimizing costs, saving time and improving service.
On average it costs $80.00 for a single mobile device to be sent to the manufacturer's repair center. According to a November, 2011 study of global trends conducted by WDS(1) - a UK-based wireless experience management company - Android device returns alone cost operators $2B USD per year.
With Cellebrite's diagnostic solution, faults can be quickly and easily identified and fixed at the POS, thus eliminating the need to send the device to the repair center. This can significantly reduce such enormous operating costs, save support resources and remove inconvenience and frustration for customers.
When a suspected faulty phone is brought to the retail store, counter staff and engineers commence a time and resource-consuming work cycle: providing the customer with a replacement phone; sending the suspected faulty unit to the repair center or lab; having technicians identify the fault, fix the device, send it back to the store, while the replacement phone is retrieved and recycled back into the store's inventory.
Now available for use in mobile retail stores throughout the US and UK, the tool will automatically analyze a mobile device at the POS, diagnosing hardware and software problems and leading service agents through a simple and effective fault isolation and resolution process for common problems - many of which can be fixed automatically on the spot.
Interaction with the tool is achieved via a user-friendly UI Wizard, which guides even the novice user through an automatic process examining many of the known sources of mobile faults including: CPU and RAM performance, memory, storage, network and device information, and problems with self-installed apps. By running diagnostics and explaining how to deal with the particular issue at hand, the diagnostics tool enables a POS agent to save considerable time and money and improve customer service. Cellebrite's diagnostics tool also has the ability to install flash software and to update older operating systems.
Benefits of the Cellebrite diagnostics tool include:
-- Reducing the need for expensive phone servicing
-- Reducing the number of NFF phones sent to repair centers
-- Speeding up the service process
-- Better customer support at the POS, resulting in improved satisfaction
levels
-- Reducing overall operational costs
-- A dramatic reduction in the quantity of handset exchanges
-- Exceptional problem-solving solutions, with no data loss to the customer
-- Reliable diagnosis of actual faults - no time wasted on suspected,
unproven faults
Ron Serber, Co-CEO of Cellebrite, commented: "This new diagnostics tool meets a growing demand on an issue that regularly concerns our customers. It costs a significant amount of time and money to send a faulty phone from the high street store to the manufacturers repair center for the identification and resolution of what is often a simple problem. Not only is this frustrating for the operator but also for the customer who can be left without a phone, or with a temporary device, for a considerable amount of time. But such problems can often be resolved within minutes in the store itself by the service agent diagnosing and fixing the problem at the POS. In this way, we are reducing the time and cost of fixing a mobile device off-site and dramatically improving the customer's experience and overall satisfaction."
Please visit Cellebrite at Mobile World Congress 2012, February 27th-1st March, in Barcelona in Hall 8 Booth B71.
About Cellebrite
Founded in 1999, Cellebrite is a global company known for its technological breakthroughs in the cellular industry. The pioneers in mobile phone-to-phone content transfer, today Cellebrite provides a complete range of solutions for the mobile retail industry such as phone to phone content transfer, backup & restore, diagnostics and application and content delivery at the Point-of-Sale. Cellebrite works exclusively with more than 150 wireless carriers worldwide including Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint/Nextel, T-Mobile, O2, Radio Shack, Orange, Vodafone and many more.
Cellebrite is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sun Corporation, a listed Japanese company (6736/JQ)
CONTACT: Media US, Sharon Topper, Cellebrite USA, +1-917-826-2894, marketing@cellebriteusa.com, or Kim Smith, or Dianne Canham, eclat Marketing, +44 (0)1276 486000, cellebrite@eclat.co.uk
Chumkee, the Social Conversation App, Lets You Talk to the World
From Thai to Greek, Chinese to Arabic, Chumkee Breaks Down Language Barriers with Automatic, Real-Time Translation
NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chumkee, the innovative social conversation app by developer C-Vibes Ltd., announced today a number of new features that will break down the walls of global communication, opening up the world in a very real way to its users. The new features, including real-time translation in over 30 languages, deliver on Chumkee's mission to connect the world, through its entertaining video, text and photo conversation tool.
The free iPhone app enables the Chumkee community to capture and post their daily experiences, passions and interests. The visual nature of the app serves as an outlet to showcase creativity that is best featured through photo or video, such as artwork, song or dance, or 30 second talking heads with people simply sharing what's on their minds. Other users can then respond with their own video, photo or text comments. With its unique interface, Chumkee has organically grown enthusiastic communities and connected people to others with the same interests.
Now with Chumkee's new translation feature, people from all over the world will be able to have conversations, share experiences and express themselves. "Language is no longer a barrier," said Chumkee Co-founder and CEO David Aumonier. "Chumkee offers users the chance to talk to the world, no matter who they are or where they are from."
Because the translation is done in real-time, there is no need to hit a "translate" button, and users will be able to see the conversation thread in both languages. Users can engage with friends from around the world regardless of language and location, whether they are in Japan and Brazil, or Russia and the U.S. Chumkee is the first social conversation app to offer this game-changing feature.
Since its launch late last year, Chumkee has been working on the development of its own dictionary, which supplements powerful, existing translation tools. The Chumkee dictionary is constantly being adapted to new language trends and is able to translate slang as well as popular text messaging acronyms.
Other new features Chumkee has added include private one-to-one messaging, faster navigation and the ability to create longer videos. "Our most recent updates are in response to our passionate user base and their ongoing desire to make new friends globally. Users wanted longer video to better express themselves and demand was high for connecting privately as well as publicly with followers. We are committed to making Chumkee the best place for conversations around the world, with more exciting features to come," announced Aumonier.
About Chumkee
C-Vibes Ltd is the creator of Chumkee, a free mobile app which brings people together through video and photo conversations. With its innovative interface and real-time translations of over 30 different languages and users from 100 countries, Chumkee offers a fun new way of socializing that transcends language and location. Users can express themselves, engage with friends and meet new people through video or photo posts and replies. For more information, please go to http://www.chumkee.com or the App Store.
Aero Financial Subsidiary, The Investor Center, Actively Searching for Dynamic Companies
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Aero Financial announced today that the company's subsidiary, The Investor Center, is actively searching for dynamic companies in need of strategic consulting services, financial guidance, and M&A assistance. Theinvestorcenter.com is a portal for companies to connect with the services that they will need to grow. Theinvestorcenter.com represents a strategic component of Aero Financial's platform expansion initiative to discover and incubate great companies across a multitude of industries. For additional information, please visit http://www.theinvestorcenter.com
Jim Price, Chairman and CEO of Aero states, "TheInvestorCenter.com is a website that we have developed to help start up and early stage growth companies connect with the services and financial tools necessary for them to accelerate their growth, both from an organizational phase as well as a financial position. We will evaluate each company that submits their business plan and work with the company to decide the best course of action to follow."
About TheInvestorCenter.com
Owned and operated by Aero Financial, Inc., The Investor Center is a resource that offers an opportunity for Entrepreneurs and established companies to submit their business plan for possible funding by Aero Financial, Inc., a San Diego, California based strategic consulting and private equity firm. In addition, The Investor Center (TIC) offers fee based consulting and support services to help companies develop their corporate infrastructure.
About Aero Financial
Aero Financial was founded in 1992 as a Strategic Consulting and Private Equity firm, concentrating on providing essential support and organizational services to private and public companies. Aero has advanced into a Diversified Holding Company with equity ownership in a wide array of companies participating in several market segments and sectors. Aero's unique, client-centric private equity and service model marks a return of the personalized-service that defined the industry in past decades. Aero is headquartered in San Diego, California. For additional information, please visit http://www.aero-financial.com.
Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure?
This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In this context, forward-looking statements may address the Company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "will," and other terms with similar meaning. These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can provide no assurances that these assumptions will prove to be correct. All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, risks, and uncertainties, and by reference to the underlying assumptions.
SOURCE Aero Financial, Inc.
Aero Financial, Inc.
CONTACT: James Price, CEO of Aero Financial, Inc., +1-858-794-1420
Vertafore WorkSmart Engage(TM) Improves Independent Insurance Agent Communication Processes
WorkSmart Engage Enhances Agency Efficiency and Customer Satisfaction
BOTHELL, Wash., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vertafore (http://www.vertafore.com), the leading provider of software and information to the insurance industry, today announced the general availability of its WorkSmart Engage solution, the first and only insurance-specificcloud-based collaboration tool. WorkSmart Engage provides independent insurance agencies with secured workspaces to share and collaborate on client and policy documents, and team communications in real-time.
WorkSmart Engage is a module of WorkSmart and seamlessly integrates with Vertafore's management systems, offering everything independent agents need to securely and conveniently collaborate on complex commercial business in one place. The innovative solution allows agencies, carriers and MGAs to communicate and share work in real-time - reducing the inefficiencies and communication barriers involved with complex insurance transactions requiring multi-party collaboration.
"Agencies and carriers definitely recognize the need for better collaboration amongst themselves as a way to improve business and customer relationships," said Barry Rabkin, Principal Analyst - Insurance Technology, Ovum.
"WorkSmart Engage is about getting accounts submitted faster and reducing our overall costs associated with writing business," said Donna Wilson of Bowen, Miclette, & Britt. "Knowing that I can communicate, collaborate and exchange key information with carriers and clients securely, from my iPad, is a game-changer."Click here to watch more.
Agencies can leverage WorkSmart Engage for working with adjusters and clients on large commercial claims; collaboration with underwriters on renewals, remarkets and new business; with reinsurers on alternative risk transfers; and when working with third-party outsourcing firms for projects such as policy checking.
"Far too many insurance transactions are done via unsecure email communications; WorkSmart Engage embraces these communications processes and adds security and insight in an easy to use environment," said Steven Finch, Enterprise Market Solutions of Vertafore. "We are committed to ensuring our customers have the competitive edge needed to win new business faster and service customers better."
WorkSmart Engage is available immediately. For more information on the product, visit the WorkSmart Engage product page or call 888.444.4819.
About Vertafore
Vertafore is the leading provider of software and information to the insurance distribution channel including independent agents, brokers, MGAs, carriers and reinsurers. Vertafore leverages a unique industry presence to deliver meaningful solutions - powerful technology, critical information and robust insights to help organizations effectively respond to business challenges and capture new opportunities. Vertafore solutions have helped more than 17,000 customers and 500,000 users gain a competitive advantage to accelerate their business performance. For more information about Vertafore, please visit http://www.vertafore.com/.
New African American Romance Series from Debut Author Sparkles with First Novel, North Star and iPod Touch Contest
North Star is a captivating romantic tale that takes readers on an unforgettable journey that embraces family bonds, pop culture, Twitter, and community service in Toms River, New Jersey
EDISON, N.J., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Soul Mate Publishing (SMP) announced the acquisition of a new contemporary African-American romance series from debut author Angeline M. Bishop.
Deborah Gilbert, Senior Editor of Soul Mate Publishing, secured world rights of the Sheridan series which follows the romantic relationships of the Sheridan siblings after the loss of their mother. North Star takes inspirational themes of family bonds and community involvement and gives readers a passionate romance.
North Star, the first title, published in November 2011, will be followed by South Beach, Wild West, and Big East. This February, the North Star iPod Touch contest will promote the great artists on the North Star Soundtrack and Apple's all-new iTune U app, which gives educators and students everything they need on their iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch to teach and take courses. Romance readers should visit http://www.angelinembishop.com for more contest details.
Inspired by the volunteers of a local community center and her ten year work experience at Rutgers University, Angeline created North Star leads Caresse Aldana and Graham Sheridan. She desires to transport romance readers from their stressful lives with sensual love stories that feature captivating characters with strong family values.
Deborah Gilbert of SMP says: "We're delighted with the success of North Star and proud to announce this new series as Angeline prepares for her first visit to Romance Slam Jam conference in Little Rock, Arkansas this spring. She's a fantastic storyteller and we are very excited to continue our relationship with her."
NORTH STAR is available for ebook purchase online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Soul Mate Publishing.
About the Author
Angeline was born in Washington, D. C., but lived most of her life in New Jersey and considers the 'Garden State' her home. Her childhood passion for writing led to a degree in English Literature and a membership in Romance Writers of America.
She is the 2011 recipient of the Southern Burlington County NAACP's Rising Star award and a current board member of Write of Passage, Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports under-served artists in the Baltimore, MD, area. She provides aspiring novelists with writing resources to help them strengthen their craft.
For more information or interviews please visit the author at http://www.angelinembishop.com or email amb.novels@yahoo.com. Follow @ambishop1 on Twitter for the latest news.
President of Finsphere Robert Boxberger to Present at FinovateEurope
BELLEVUE, Wash., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Finsphere Corporation, a leading provider of identity analytics, today announced that its president, Robert Boxberger will present at FinovateEurope on Feb. 7 in London.
Time/Date: Tuesday, February 7th 1:00 PM
Location: Old Billingsgate Market Hall
16 Lower Thames Street, London
Finsphere will demonstrate its suite of solutions that include fraud management services for financial institutions and online merchants, as well as access management services for enterprise and cloud computing environments. The company will also present its latest offering in fraud protection solutions, the Identity Security Services (ISS) platform. ISS utilizes carrier data for privacy-enhancing identity authentication solutions.
"Debit and credit card fraud is a serious issue that is costing the banking industry more than four hundred million pounds a year in the UK alone," said Boxberger. "Finsphere looks forward to sharing real world examples and advice with financial institutions regarding the tools and best practices that help protect against fraud."
About FinovateEurope
FinovateEurope is now in its second year, and is a spin-off of the American Finovate conference series. Finovate is the first demo-focused conference series in financial technology. All Finovate events are organized by The Finovate Group, a boutique banking technology research firm based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1995, The Finovate Group is best known for its research publication Online Banking Report and its popular blog NetBanker.com.
About Finsphere Corporation
Based in Bellevue, Washington, Finsphere was founded in 2007 to enable wireless carriers to help protect their customers through identity authentication services. Finsphere utilizes sophisticated analytics to provide a platform for the development of non-intrusive, privacy enhancing services to protect individuals and data across all industry segments. For more information, visit http://www.finsphere.com.
SOURCE Finsphere Corporation
Finsphere Corporation
CONTACT: Graham Sorkin, +1-831-440-2406, graham.sorkin@nadelphelan.com
From the Boardroom to BBQs, Timeless Design Makes iPod nano® Desirable Timepiece
OXNARD, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- HEX, award-winning "tech-cessories" brand, is continuing to bring glamour to gadgets and substance to style, with today's release of the Vision Classic Leather Watch Bands for iPod nano (sixth generation). Incorporating a timeless design, the Vision Classic Leather is a sophisticated accessory when combined with one of the music player's 18 clock faces.
Joining the line-up of already established watch bands, the Classic Leather line offers consumers a chic and refined accessory available in four colors -- black, white, British tan and grey. Composed of high-quality genuine leather and topstitched embroidered edges, the ageless colors combined with its thoughtful design composition provide a sophisticated look for a day at the office to a night out with friends.
"We want to continue to provide consumers with endless ways to use their iPod nano as a wearable timepiece," said Dan Maravilla, vice president of HEX. "Adding the Classic Leather bands to the Vision line was the perfect step in that direction."
The bands are designed with a patented clip-in, clip-out stainless steel plate, also coated for advanced scratch resistance.
The Vision Classic Leather Bands are now available for $49.95 on Apple.com and ShopHEX.com. For more information on the brand visit the website, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ShopHex or on Twitter @shophex. Also, check out our Spring/Summer look book to see our new collections in action.
About HEX:
Established in 2010, by the trend setting folks at August Accessories in Oxnard, California, HEX is proud to bring fashion forward thinking to the often mundane world of tech apparel and merchandise. With more than 20 years of experience within the fashion and accessories industry, August has sprouted a brand that is already taking the market by storm. With a collection that showcases ever modern iPod nano® watchbands and a stylish array of bags, through fusing technology and fashion HEX has created some very innovative products that will no doubt garner top-quality storage for all of your tech devices without damaging your steez or street cred. We're here to serve... More information on HEX can be found on http://www.ShopHEX.com, Facebookand Twitter.
Skip the High Cost and Hassle of Going Out for Valentine's Day with a Romantic Dinner at Home from eMeals.com
Show Your Love with a Delectable, Homemade Dinner for Two with the Help of eMeals' Special Free Valentine's Day Menu
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Valentine's Day is the most romantic day of the year, and if you've ever tried making dinner reservations for a night out, you know it's also one of the busiest dining out days of the year. It can be nearly impossible to get a table. And, just how romantic can it be when you're surrounded by a crowded restaurant full of strangers?
This year, skip the reservations, long wait times and high cost of going out and instead have a real, intimate and romantic dinner for two at home with the help of eMeals.com, the online meal planning service that saves you time, money and dinnertime hassle.
With eMeals' special Valentine's Day Dinner for Two, you and your sweetie can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal in the privacy of your own home without the prying eyes of onlookers. Show your love by taking the time to prepare this scrumptious meal, complete with dessert, for your Valentine. Or, prepare the meal together for a fun and flirtatious cooking experience.
"There's no better way to show someone how much you care than by cooking a delicious meal just for them, and with our special Valentine's Day Dinner Menu, it couldn't be easier," said Jane DeLaney, founder of eMeals.com (formerly E-Mealz.com). "We take the worry out of what to prepare and give you the step-by-step instructions and ingredients you need so that you can focus on the romance and not stress out over the food."
According to Zagat's Valentine's Day Dining Survey, nearly 45 percent of those surveyed said they plan to eat out for the big day and will spend an average of $116 on their romantic meal. Factor in the price of a card and a gift, and playing Cupid can get pretty costly. Given today's tough economy, that expense simply may not be in the budget for many amorous couples.
Instead, eMeals' Valentine's Dinner for Two costs only about $35 to prepare and with one quick trip to the grocer you'll have everything you need for this scrumptious meal that includes: bacon-wrapped eye of round steaks, hassleback potatoes featuring parmesan cheese and smoked paprika, roasted asparagus with lemon zest, easy fresh salad with sliced almonds and homemade citrus vinaigrette dressing, and a decadent chocolate cheesecake for two with homemade chocolate whipped cream.
The eMeals menu includes a complete shopping list and full recipe instructions to ensure your romantic meal turns out perfectly. And, with the money you'll save by dining in, you can spring for that extra special gift without feeling guilty or worrying about how you'll pay for it later.
To get the special free Valentine's Day Dinner for Two Menu, sign up now at http://www.eMeals.com. And, after your special dinner is over, you'll enjoy a year's worth of easy, time-saving and hassle-free dinner menus including shopping list for as little as $5 per month.
About eMeals.com
eMeals.com (formerly E-Mealz.com) has been the market leader in online meal planning since 2003, providing a simple and affordable dinnertime solution to hundreds of thousands of busy people everywhere. The eMeals team constructs and publishes more than 30 delicious meal plans and corresponding grocery lists every week based on food style preferences, family size and the current sales at selected grocery stores. Dinner menu plans include classic family meals, low-fat, portion control, low-carb, gluten-free, vegetarian dishes and the new natural and organic plan. For more information, please visit http://www.emeals.com
SOURCE eMeals.com
eMeals.com
CONTACT: Molly Antos, +1-847-415-9327, press@emeals.com, for eMeals.com
Hammacher Schlemmer Introduces The Best Digital Video Monitor
NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its 164-year history of offering the Best, the Only and the Unexpected, Hammacher Schlemmer introduces The Best Digital Video Monitor after it outperformed all other models in tests for video and audio clarity, ease of use, range, and features.
The Best model's camera delivered crisp, clear video and sound to the handheld monitor when it was 550' away, providing more than 2X the range of lesser models that could only transmit up to 250'. Unlike lesser systems, The Best model was unaffected by interference from other electronics and consistently displayed 320 x 240 pixel images on the monitor's 3 1/2" color TFT display.
"The Best Digital Video Monitor transmits images over the Internet, allowing you to monitor your home or a sleeping baby anywhere in the world using an iPhone, iPad, or a computer," explained Hammacher Schlemmer's General Manager Fred Berns.
The Best model can be used with up to four cameras, it uses night vision to eliminate the need for disruptive lighting, and provides two-way transmission of sound between the camera and the monitor.
The Best model was the only monitoring system that recorded video and still images to its included SD memory card, it monitors and displays the room temperature, and can play music through the camera to soothe a tired infant or lonely pet.
The Best Digital Video Monitor is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $199.95. For more information about this product, please visit http://www.hammacher.com/81926 or contact Trish Hammond at (847) 581-8987 or via e-mail at pr@hammacher.com.
About Hammacher Schlemmer
Hammacher Schlemmer is America's longest running catalog, offering the Best, the Only and the Unexpected since 1848. The company provides unique products that solve problems or represent the only one of their kind, backing all products with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee. Hammacher Schlemmer's innovative offerings are available through its catalog, website, and its famed landmark store on East 57th Street in New York City.
Big Shoes Filled -- Skylanders Giants(TM) Revealed at the 2012 American International Toy Fair
New Game to Build on the Landmark Success of its Predecessor, Skylanders Spyro's Adventure(TM)
Next Chapter in the Franchise Introduces More Than 20 New Figures Including Super-Sized Giants and Characters Featuring Light Technology
Global Marketing Partnership With Toys"R"Us Grows Alongside The Game
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bring Your Toys To Life(TM). This novel premise takes a monster step forward with the worldwide unveiling of Skylanders Giants, the follow-up to the most successful kids' IP launch of the year.(1) Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), will debut the sequel at the North American International Toy Fair in booths 3151 and 3251 at the Javits Center in New York City from February 12-15.
Skylanders Spyro's Adventure uniquely combined collectible real-world toys with an epic virtual game world, creating a new platform for communal play that was embraced by parents and kids everywhere. Skylanders Spyro's Adventure was the #1 best-selling kids' franchise worldwide in 2011, as well as the #1 overall new IP launched in North America, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and GfK.
(1) According to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk
According to The NPD Group, Skylanders Spyro's Adventure went on to become a Top-10 seller in North America and generated the greatest overall single-year sales, inclusive of software and accessories, of any new children's IP in North America, since NPD has been tracking the category.
Skylanders Giants builds upon the breakthrough fundamentals of the first game--merging the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toy figures that have "brains," which players everywhere can magically bring to life in the world of Skylands. This next installment of the franchise features a variety of new characters, new challenges, a thrilling new story-driven adventure, and advanced integration across console, handheld, mobile and online:
-- Going Big: Skylanders Giants introduces eight new highly collectible
figures that are more than twice the size of the main skylanders cast in
both physical and virtual form. Their in-game powers and abilities
reflect their colossal scale.
-- Bright Lights: Helping to further the real world magic of bringing toys
to life, Skylanders Giants includes a set of characters that feature
spectacular new light technology integrated into the toys, allowing the
figure to light up when near or on the Portal of Power(TM). These
characters have additional in-game benefits as well. Batteries are not
required.
-- Brand New Skylanders: Eight new regular sized skylanders, each with
their own unique powers, abilities, and personality, join the adventure
alongside the Giants.
-- Forward Compatibility: Every beloved character from Skylanders Spyro's
Adventure is 100% compatible with Skylanders Giants, leveled-up stats
and customizations intact.
-- Wider Worlds: Portal Masters will see all new arenas and more gameplay
options in Battle Mode for exciting head-to-head play, as well as
enhanced Elemental Zones, new Hero Challenges, and other features that
encourage players to collect and level up every character.
Skylanders Giants also features closer integration with Skylanders Spyro's Universe(TM), the large online world that allows Portal Masters around the world to greatly expand their Skylanders experience.
"Skylanders Spyro's Adventure's success in 2011 validated an exciting idea--that with the right technology, and the creative minds to support it with engaging characters and story, we could define a new model for children's play," said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. "Skylanders Giants marks the evolution of this core concept. We've got super-sized figures, remarkably cool new characters that light up, as if by magic, and more ways to play and explore Skylands than ever before. We're delighted to announce the title at Toy Fair 2012 and can't wait for fans to go hands-on this fall."
Toys"R"Us has reaffirmed its commitment to Activision and the Skylanders franchise, and will remain a marquee retail partner for the launch of Skylanders Giants. "While it was still in development, we recognized the potential that Skylanders had to connect with our customers due to its unique merging of physical and digital play," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "The game was an enormous success last holiday shopping season, and the toys seem to evaporate as soon as they arrive on our store shelves. We're excited to continue our enthusiastic support for Skylanders with a comprehensive, global marketing program to introduce Giants to our customers."
Skylanders Giants is developed by Toys For Bob, an Activision studio located in Novato, California. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information, visit http://www.skylandersgame.com
Activision Publishing Broadcast Media Center
Members of the media can visit Activision Publishing's Broadcast Media Center to download broadcast quality video, web-ready video and high-resolution images. Members of the media using Pathfire can take advantage of a Pathfire enabled video download.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,570 stores, including 858 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States, and more than 510 international stores and 200 licensed stores in 33 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys"R"Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," "future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition including from used games and other forms of entertainment, litigation risks and associated costs, rapid changes in technology, industry standards, business models including online and used games, and consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as music, first-person action and massively multiplayer online games, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors, and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and developers that can create high quality "hit" titles, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities and potential challenges associated with geographic expansion, and the other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
Skylanders Spyro's Adventure, Portal of Power, Bring Your Toys to Life, and Skylanders Giants are trademarks, Skylanders Spyro's Universe is a service mark, and Spyro and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
SOURCE Activision Publishing, Inc.
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/LA48464 http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Activision Publishing, Inc.
DROID 4 by Motorola Ready to Work and Play on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network
Power, Speed and Reliability Get the Job Done
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The award winning DROID 4 by Motorola will be available to handle even the most demanding lifestyles starting Feb. 10 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at http://www.verizonwireless.com. Introduced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the DROID 4 is the thinnest and most powerful 4G QWERTY smartphone measuring at less than half an inch thin. DROID 4 not only features a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, but also a five-row QWERTY keyboard with a PC-like layout and edge-lit keys for fast, precise typing, even in the dark. Powered by America's fastest, most reliable 4G network, DROID 4 customers will have access to 4G LTE coverage in 195 markets covering more than 200 million people.
Additional features
-- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE - Customers can expect fast download speeds of 5
to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G
LTE Mobile Broadband coverage areas
-- Android((TM)) 2.3.5 Gingerbread, to be upgraded to Android((TM)) 4.0 Ice
Cream Sandwich
-- 4.0-inch qHD display with scratch and scrape resistant glass
-- Government-grade encryption (FIPS 140-2) for email, calendar and
contacts; preloaded with Citrix(®) Receiver((TM)) for Android
(available in webtop) for desktop virtualization and access
-- 8-megapixel camera with 1080p HD video capture
-- Front-facing camera for video chat
-- 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot supporting up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices
Business Ready
DROID 4 is designed to help customers get more done. Business professionals can impress their audience by presenting to a conference room full of potential customers in a snap by plugging the DROID 4 into an HDTV and presenting directly from the phone. Professionals can also combine the DROID 4 with the Lapdock 500 and its 14-inch display to create a full-featured mobile office. They can download documents, make edits using Lapdock's full keyboard and email the updated documents to colleagues or customers. The Lapdock even features a built-in webcam so customers can attend virtual meetings and manage their business face-to-face.
The Smart Actions app on the DROID 4 helps automate everyday tasks and optimizes battery efficiency by letting customers create rules, such as automatically setting the phone to vibrate during work hours or dimming the display at a specific battery level.
Business professionals can leave their laptops behind and use the MotoCast((TM)) app to remotely stream documents, videos, music and pictures from their work or home computers to their handset. The remote access of MotoCast eliminates the need to store documents on the handset as everything is stored on their office laptop.
Pricing and availability
-- DROID 4 by Motorola will be available on Feb. 10 in Verizon Wireless
Communications Stores and online at http://www.verizonwireless.com for $199.99
with a new two-year customer agreement.
-- The Lapdock 500 is available in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores
and online for $299.97.
-- Customers that purchase a DROID 4 will need to subscribe to a Verizon
Wireless Nationwide Talk plan beginning at $39.99 monthly access and a
smartphone data package starting at $30 monthly access for 2 GB of data.
For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to http://www.verizonwireless.com. Follow @VZWnews on Twitter for the latest news on Verizon Wireless.
About Verizon WirelessVerizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 108.7 million total wireless connections, including 92.2 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
CONTACT: Albert Aydin, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7513, Albert.Aydin@verizonwireless.com or Kira Lee Golin, Motorola Mobility, +1-858-404-2130, kira@motorola.com
Baskin-Robbins Announces Winner of Its Second Annual Online Flavor Creation Contest
California's Kelsey Lien's Winning Ice Cream Creation "Nutty Cream Cheese Brownie" will be Available Nationwide as the November 2012 Flavor of the Month
CANTON, Mass., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of ice cream enthusiasts throughout the country competed to be named the winner of Baskin-Robbins' Second Annual Online Flavor Creation Contest. After tallying the online votes, Baskin-Robbins today announced that Kelsey Lien of Santa Clarita, California has won the Online Flavor Creation Contest with her innovative ice cream submission, "Nutty Cream Cheese Brownie."
"Nutty Cream Cheese Brownie," the November 2012 Flavor of the Month, is a flavorful combination of chocolate fudge ice cream swirled with a cream cheese ribbon, combined with walnuts and fudge brownie pieces. To celebrate her winning flavor, Kelsey visited Baskin-Robbins' corporate headquarters in Canton, Massachusetts on January 31, where she worked alongside the Baskin-Robbins' culinary team to create the very first batch of her new flavor.
"On behalf of everyone at Baskin-Robbins, we are happy to congratulate Kelsey Lien on creating such a fun and delicious new ice cream flavor," said Dan Wheeler, Baskin-Robbins U.S. Vice President of Brand and Field Marketing. "This year, we received an incredible number of inspired Online Flavor Creation Contest submissions and we are thrilled to see so many ice cream fans getting involved in not only entering the contest, but also participating in the voting process."
"All of the flavors created sounded delicious, which makes being chosen as the contest winner even more of an honor," said Kelsey Lien, a student at University of California, Irvine, whose area of study is economics and public health. "'Nutty Cream Cheese Brownie' was inspired by my love of baking and is meant to bring family, friends and loved ones together to enjoy a modern twist on the traditional brownie. I'm very excited to share my flavor creation with ice cream lovers everywhere when it debuts this November in Baskin-Robbins stores nationwide."
The Online Flavor Creation Contest began in October 2011 and asked consumers to mix and match their own ingredients to create a signature ice cream flavor from 31 base flavors, a variety of ribbons such as fudge and peanut butter and a copious amount of mix-ins including candy pieces and cookies. Ice cream fans voted for their top 10 favorite flavors and chose the winning flavor, "Nutty Cream Cheese Brownie." For more information on the contest, please visit http://baskinrobbins.com/flavorcontest/.
About Baskin-Robbins
Named the top ice cream and frozen dessert franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine's 31st annual Franchise 500® ranking, Baskin-Robbins is the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops. Baskin-Robbins creates and markets innovative, premium ice cream, specialty frozen desserts and beverages, providing quality and value to consumers at more than 6,600 retail shops in nearly 50 countries. Baskin-Robbins was founded in 1945 by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion led to the creation of more than 1,000 ice cream flavors and a wide variety of delicious treats. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is a subsidiary of Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: DNKN). For further information, visit http://www.baskinrobbins.com.
CombineNet Adds Powerful Spend Analysis Solution to E-Sourcing Offering in Partnership with Spend Radar
Best-in-class solution delivery extends to advanced spend management technology
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CombineNet, Inc., the leading provider of best-in-class online sourcing technology solutions for global supply chains, announced it has added an advanced spend analysis and spend management technology solution, powered by industry-recognized partner Spend Radar. The CombineNet Spend Analysis product is a natural extension to the CombineNet ASAP® e-sourcing product, bringing together the essential components of enterprise spend management and strategic sourcing with advanced capabilities.
"The analysis of prior spend decisions and their business impact is vital to strategic sourcing and conducting new online sourcing events, as well as to inform future spend allocation choices," stated Rich Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of CombineNet. "By integrating a robust, easily accessible spend analysis solution with our world-class e-sourcing product, we are giving customers two powerful best-of-breed technologies to help boost their business results."
Like CombineNet ASAP, CombineNet Spend Analysis is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based product, allowing for swift user implementation, a high degree of transparency, and instant access to the latest available features and enhancements.
Key features of CombineNet Spend Analysis, powered by Spend Radar, include:
-- A rapid-ROI implementation process involving initial cleansing and
classification of data that is completed within weeks, coupled with
end-user training and rollout.
-- Ease in sharing spend analytics data with sourcing data from the
CombineNet ASAP e-sourcing product to improve spend and sourcing
decisions, particularly when collaborating with business stakeholders
and potential suppliers.
-- A product architecture designed specifically for transparently managing
spend data, getting companies close to 99% of their data being
accurately classified. All types of currencies, languages, and data
classifications/taxonomies are supported.
-- Reports provided in a visual, interactive method that simplifies complex
analysis and provides visibility to organization-wide data to make the
right decisions with the right information.
-- Flexibility for customers to determine and apply appropriately tailored
business rules, standard and customized data taxonomies (e.g. UNSPSC® -
United Nations Standard Products and Services Code), and algorithms for
classifying spend data and conducting analysis.
-- Faster ongoing classification and management of data refreshes that is
supported through customer-tailored rules and algorithms for
auto-classifications, and flexible support for multiple simultaneous
classification taxonomies.
-- Web-based solution that can be accessed anywhere, at any time, to get to
the data you want and to improve management of spend.
"We partnered with Spend Radar to deliver this joint solution to customers, because they have become a demonstrated industry leader in advancing spend analysis well beyond simple snapshots of spend data," stated Dean Arnold, Vice President of Strategic Business Development at CombineNet. "In addition, our customers focus on key value themes when choosing technology-enabled solutions in spend management: speed and ease of implementation, as well as capabilities to continuously improve processes while driving sustainable business results."
"We are very excited to form this partnership with CombineNet," said Spend Radar Chief Executive Officer Brian Daniels. "Our spend analysis software combined with CombineNet's e-sourcing technology will provide a best-in-class solution for their clients based on two industry-leading technologies."
CombineNet, Inc. delivers award-winning best-in-class e-sourcing software through its product CombineNet ASAP®. As a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based sourcing solution, CombineNet ASAP allows customers to speed, simplify, optimize and centralize the sourcing of any and all spend categories from global suppliers: direct and indirect materials, all modes of transportation and services. Now in its twelfth year in business, CombineNet has a proven track record of driving significant bottom-line and productivity savings for its clientele which includes: Procter & Gamble, General Mills, Sears, Johnson & Johnson, A.P. Moller-Maersk, Bayer, Coca-Cola, Pepsico, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and many more. http://www.combinenet.com
About Spend Radar
Spend Radar is a leading software technology company focused solely on conquering the challenges of spend analysis and spend management. Spend Radar was founded to overcome many of the challenges that previous generation spend analysis and data classification solutions fail to address in a complete or optimal way. Our entire focus is to help any organization working with spend or supplier-related data to take action more quickly and effectively, significantly reducing the time spent to create actionable analysis. By enabling organizations to gather and structure complicated, distributed and diverse sets of information in a completely new manner, Spend Radar sets a new standard for data management. Spend Radar customers achieve greater savings faster. http://www.spendradar.com
CouponSnapshot Offers Sweet Valentine's Day Deals and Coupon Codes to Celebrate Your Love
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Valentine's Day brings sweet sentiments and romantic dates to enjoy with the one you love. According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average consumer is expected to spend a little over $125 on Valentine's gifts for their sweetheart, family and friends this year, up 8.5% from last year's spending. This Valentine's spending projection is the highest in the 10-year history of the NRF's Valentine's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions survey, conducted by BIGinsight. Retailers are expected to offer special deals on restaurant menu items, flowers, chocolates, clothing and other specialty gift items. Jewelry, gift cards, greeting cards and an evening out also comprise some of the top Valentine's purchases.
The same NRF Valentine's Day survey for 2012 predicts roughly one in five consumers will make their gift purchases online for this upcoming holiday. To help consumers save money on their Valentine plans and gifts, CouponSnapshot, a site offering countless ways to save money while shopping online, has prepared a long list of Valentine's Day deals and coupon codes for all online shoppers to enjoy.
"Valentine's Day is a special time for couples to enjoy together, sharing signs of their love and even sharing their heartfelt sentiments with family and friends," says CouponSnapshot's Marketing Director. "Buying gifts for Valentine's Day isn't cheap. At CouponSnapshot, we are proud to offer our visitors great opportunities to save money on everything from jewelry and watches to flowers, clothing, candy, coffee, and countless other popular gifts. It really is as simple as coming to our website and searching for online coupons to use on your favorite shopping sites."
CouponSnapshot shares partnerships with Macy's, Purdy's Chocolates, Sirius XM, FTD, 1800 Flowers, and Shari's Berries, just to name a few. Shoppers can also score deals on gifts for their pets at PetSmart or gifts for family and friends in addition to something special for their partner. Visitors can currently receive discounts of up to 70% off at Amazon.com, 10% off sale and clearance jewelry and watches at Macy's, and up to 30% off Valentine's gifts at Barnes & Noble. Some other Valentine's Day coupon codes include deals at Chicago Steak Company, Blue Nile and Snapfish, among countless others posted on the Valentine's Day Coupons page.
In addition to the great Valentine's deals offered online, consumers can also enter CouponSnapshot's $100 Valentine's Day Giveaway. Entering involves simply liking the CouponSnapshot Facebook page and sharing the Valentine's Day post for a chance to win. Two winners will each receive a $50 Kohls gift card. For more information on the Valentine's Day contest, check out CouponSnapshot's $100 Valentine's Day Giveaway post.
"We would like to wish everyone a wonderful Valentine's Day," says CouponSnapshot's CEO. "We are thrilled to be able to assist you in finding the perfect present for your sweetheart at a price you can afford."
About CouponSnapshot:
CouponSnapshot is a website devoted to helping shoppers save time and money by using online coupon codes and discounts. The site compiles online coupons, deals, and special offers from thousands of merchants, giving shoppers the opportunity to save money on just about anything they're planning to buy. CouponSnapshot is free to use and new discounts are becoming available every day. For more information on CouponSnapshot and to view thousands of online coupon codes and discounts, please see: http://www.couponsnapshot.com
Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc. & Namco Bandai Team Up in the Americas on Action-packed Animated TV Series -- LBX!
LBX A Run-Away Broadcast & Product Hit In Japan; Namco Bandai Also Signed Master Toy Deal With TV TOKYO For European Territories!
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc. and Namco Bandai announced today a multi-territory partnership for the master toy license covering distribution of toys throughout the Americas. Namco Bandai has also signed a separate master toy license agreement with TV TOKYO for European territories.
LBX(TM) (a.k.a. "Little Battlers eXperience") - an animated television series and franchise based on miniature customizable robots - is a major hit show in Japan airing on TV TOKYO. There are over 44 episodes aired in a prime time programming block, with more to follow.
As the Japanese program continues to explode in popularity, it is now being adapted by Dentsu Entertainment USA throughout the Americas. Bandai's toy products for the Americas have an anticipated debut date of fall 2013. In European territories, Bandai and TV TOKYO plan for broadcast and toy launches with a similar timeframe.
"With an exciting storyline and an organic transition from the TV screen to mass market toy products, we are confident that the LBX series and toys will appeal broadly in all markets worldwide. LBX is all about customizable battling robots, and Bandai has a great reputation for innovation and for producing inspiring, high-quality toy robots. We view this as a great alliance," said Mr. Yuma Sakata, president and chief executive officer, Dentsu Entertainment USA.
Mr. Masayuki Matsuo, chairman and chief executive officer, Bandai America said, "The LBX robots that appear in the series fit in the palm of your hand, which offers so many creative play possibilities. We look forward to working closely with Dentsu Entertainment USA and TV TOKYO to introduce LBX to the world outside of Asia. We know kids are going to love this TV series and these toys!"
Bandai America will develop an all-new line of toys for mass distribution based on the adapted LBX animated series, currently being developed by Dentsu Entertainment USA and TV TOKYO for their respective territories. The line will include figures, role play, vehicles and action model kits.
About LBX
In this Japan-originated animation series, children in the year 2050 have miniature LBX robots, which they build, customize and play with in robot battles. Our young hero has control over the LBX <AX-00> model, a super-charged version left for him by a mysterious woman. Our hero and his friends, with their own unique robots, are now involved in a global conspiracy in which the robot battles have become deadly serious. The friends have joined together to fight for the very safety of the world.
The LBX robots are often personalized by both the characters in the animated series, and by present day, real-life children who are fans of the property. In Japan, LBX is currently in its second season, and has demonstrated ratings success since it first launched on TV TOKYO in March, 2011.
About Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc. was formed in April 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dentsu Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange, Code 4324), the world's largest advertising agency brand, and a leading producer of Japanese animation, with over 20,000 full-time employees and more than 200 offices worldwide. Dentsu Entertainment USA develops original animation programming and media content for markets worldwide, and manages licensing programs for existing and new properties. Current projects include Chub City®, a toy based property featuring street-savvy characters and vehicles, currently in development as an animated series, Deltora Quest®, a 52-episode animated series based on the international top-selling fantasy-adventure book series of the same name airing in multiple markets worldwide, Mameshiba(TM), a collection of animated shorts and character licensing program with over $100 million in product sales since 2008, and the Monsuno(TM) project, a joint venture with JAKKS Pacific, Inc. expected to hit U.S. retail shelves with the U.S. TV series premiere in Spring 2012.
About Namco Bandai and Bandai America Incorporated
A leader in developing engaging, quality toys that capture children's imaginative spirit and provide endless "Fun For The Future," Bandai America Incorporated is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children's toys and interactive entertainment today. The Bandai America brand family includes Power Rangers®, Ben 10(TM),ThunderCats(TM), and Pocoyo(TM), among other boys, girls, preschool and hobby product lines. Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., an entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests encompass three strategic business units: Toys and Hobby, Amusement Facility and Contents. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California. Find out more about our expertise in connecting with kids in fun and fresh ways at http://www.Bandai.com.
Priceline.com Launches Android Version of Tonight-Only Deals® Service for Same-Day Hotel Bookings
NORWALK, Conn., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Priceline.com (Nasdaq: PCLN) today announced the launch of an Android version of its Tonight-Only Deals®hotel reservations service that is being bundled into its free Hotel Negotiator® app for Android devices. The service enables last-minute travelers to choose the exact hotels they want for stays the same night at discounts of up to 35% off published prices. Late last year, priceline.com launched versions of the Tonight-Only Deals® service for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users.
Tonight-Only Deals® are available in cities around the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Ft. Lauderdale, Honolulu, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, Portland, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Fe and Washington, DC.
Current Android Hotel Negotiator® app users will need to download this newest version of the app in order to get the Tonight-Only Deals® service. The app, including the new service, is now available for free from the Android market https://market.android.com/details?id=com.priceline.android.negotiator.
Tonight-Only Deals® is priceline.com's new way to serve up deep discounts on top-quality hotel room reservations around the country. Travelers who download the free app with the Tonight-Only Deals® service will have access to an exclusive inventory of 3-star and 4-star hotel rooms that can be booked for check-in that same night, with a maximum 4-night stay, at discounts of up to 35% off published prices found elsewhere. Tonight-Only Deals® will be posted on the service at 11:00 a.m. local time. Room reservations can be instantly booked up until 11:00 p.m. local time, or until they sell out. The new service will show the names of all the available Tonight-Only Deals® hotels with descriptions, maps and photos, along with the rates and the percentage discounts. Tonight-Only Deals® also will display each hotel's customer satisfaction score and reviews generated by priceline.com guests who have stayed there.
Here's how the Tonight-Only Deals® service works as part of the Hotel Negotiator® app: When a traveler searches the app's published-price hotel listings for a same-night stay, the app will also look for Tonight-Only Deals® and alert the traveler if specially discounted deals are available. The traveler will then see a list of up to three available hotel room reservations per city and will see which hotels have reservations available. Travelers can choose to see the Tonight-Only Deals® or continue with their hotel search. In either case, room reservations can be immediately booked through the Hotel Negotiator® easy check-out feature.
iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and iTunes are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a registered trademark of Google, Inc.
About The Priceline Group
The Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN) is a leader in global online hotel reservations, with over 200,000 participating hotels worldwide. The Group is composed of four primary brands - Booking.com, priceline.com, Agoda.com and TravelJigsaw - and several ancillary brands. The Priceline Group provides online travel services in over 140 countries in Europe, North America, South America, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa.
Booking.com is the number one online hotel reservation service in the world, offering over 170,000 hotels (as of November 7, 2011), and is available in 41 languages. More recent hotel counts are available on the Booking.com website. Priceline.com gives leisure travelers multiple ways to save on their airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, vacation packages and cruises. In addition to getting compelling published prices, travelers can take advantage of priceline.com's famous Name Your Own Price® service, which can deliver the lowest prices available. Agoda.com is an Asia-based online hotel reservation service that is available in 37 languages. TravelJigsaw is a multinational car hire service, offering its reservation services in over 4,000 locations. Customer support is provided in 29 languages.
SOURCE Priceline.com
Priceline.com
CONTACT: CONTACT: For Press Information, Brian Ek, +1-203-299-8167, brian.ek@priceline.com, or For Investor Relations, Matthew Tynan, +1-203-299-8487, matt.tynan@priceline.com
Finally, an Uncensored Career Site for Company Insiders and Job Seekers Alike: theFIT
Answering the Burning Questions You've Never Been Able to Ask
BOSTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- theFIT debuted today, a career site that finally fulfills the needs of job seekers and the 80 percent of people who are not looking for a new job. Developed by Bullhorn, Inc., theFIT helps you get inside the heads of current or prospective co-workers by asking burning questions that reveal the true story of a workplace. Because life is short and the workday is long, theFIT is on a mission to make your office a place you want to work.
"Until now, career sites have been places where job seekers mingle with other job seekers. That is a waste of time. And job boards and the interview process do very little to show you a company's true culture," said Art Papas, CEO of theFIT. "We designed theFIT to be a place where employees and job seekers alike will visit day after day. It's not filled with boring surveys about what you like about your job, but rather fun questions that foster authentic answers and reveal the true culture of a workplace."
Key Features:
-- Answers to Burning Questions. Did everyone else get a small bonus last
year? Am I the only one who's gay here? Did the boss steal one of your
brilliant ideas, too? Now anyone can find out. Initial data from the
5,000 people who have contributed to theFIT shows that people are three
and half times more likely to be dissatisfied at work if a boss has
taken credit for their ideas. This kind of information is virtually
impossible to glean based on an interview or a job posting.
-- At-a-glance Company Culture Snapshot. theFIT provides an uncensored
snapshot inside a company through ranks of cultural attributes -
according to the people who work there. Each company is assigned badges
such as Amazing Perks, Play Hard, Incredible Mentors and Earning
Potential.
-- Social Connectivity. Users can login through LinkedIn or Facebook and
engage their co-workers to compare notes, commiserate or just goof off.
Job seekers can also browse job openings and leverage their LinkedIn and
Facebook connections to get a foot in the door of a potential workplace.
"For the past 10 years, we've worked with recruiters to develop technology solutions to better match candidates with employers. But, the biggest hurdle in the hiring process is always fit, and there is absolutely no way to screen for it," continued Papas. "In fact, 46 percent of employees who quit do so within 18 months of being hired. It's a gaping hole in the employment process and we designed theFIT to fill the void and prevent such a rapid turnover."
theFIT debuts today for Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
Bullhorn® creates software and services that improve the way employees and employers come together. For over ten years our innovations have powered the recruiting and staffing operations of fast-growing start-ups up through the world's largest employment brands. But don't take our carefully crafted, boiler-plated word for it. See what employees are saying on theFIT at http://www.thefit.com/company?company=Bullhorn.
Contact: Francy Ronayne
--------
InkHouse for Bullhorn
781-966-4115
bullhorn@inkhouse.net
SOURCE Bullhorn, Inc.
NeighborOil and FreeCause Partner to Reduce Home Heating Oil Costs
Innovative shopping technology provides points people can redeem for discounted oil prices
BOSTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent start-up NeighborOil and rewards technology leader FreeCause have partnered to offer consumers innovative new technology that allows members to earn points simply for shopping online, which they can then redeem for discounts on home heating oil.
The program allows members to sign up and begin earning Neighbor Points for shopping at any of FreeCause's merchant-funded network of more than 3,500 top online retailers, including Apple, QVC, Buy.com, and Sears. Neighbor Points are then automatically converted to discounts when consumers purchase oil directly from NeighborOil, reducing the amount people pay on their heating oil delivery by as much as 35%.
"NeighborOil is focused on gaining more outlets and opportunities for its members to earn Neighbor Points, especially when they are doing something they normally do like shopping online. With Neighbor Points, consumers control the amount of money they pay to heat their homes so partnering with FreeCause to gain such a tremendous number of outstanding retail relationships made perfect sense," stated Paul Harkins, CEO of NeighborOil.
This partnership is the latest successful implementation for FreeCause and highlights a growing trend as more companies are taking advantage of the evolution of eCommerce to reward their members with virtual currencies that drive members back to their brand. "Our revolutionary technology is setting the standard for how companies can best utilize rewards-earning tools to drive member engagement and activity," said Michael Jaconi, CEO of FreeCause. "With the rising cost of oil and the strain it has placed on millions of American families, NeighborOil offers a perfect synergy for our solutions. We are proud to provide NeighborOil consumers with an engaging, user-friendly way to earn valuable rewards that help offset these rising energy costs."
To learn more about NeighborOil and how members can reduce their home heating oil costs by shopping online, visit https://neighboroil.com/.
About FreeCause
FreeCause, one of the fastest growing technology companies in Boston, specializes in building innovative software that enables major brands, loyalty programs, sports teams, and nonprofits to monetize and reward consumers for their online behavior. The FreeCause team develops award winning, revolutionary new technology that allows consumers to connect with their favorite brands while simultaneously giving these consumers an enriched web experience. With more than 20 million subscribers, the FreeCause advanced loyalty and engagement solutions reward consumers as they search the Internet, or when they shop through the FreeCause network of over 3,500 online retailers. FreeCause is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rakuten, Inc. (JASDAQ: 4755).
About RakutenRakuten, Inc. (JASDAQ: 4755), is one of the world's leading Internet service companies, providing a variety of consumer and business-focused services including e-commerce, travel, banking, securities, credit card, e-money, portal & media, online marketing and professional sports. Rakuten is expanding globally and currently has operations throughout Asia, Western Europe, and the Americas. Founded in 1997, Rakuten is headquartered in Tokyo, with over 10,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit http://global.rakuten.com/group.
About NeighborOil
NeighborOil(TM) is a Patent Pending platform designed to assist consumers to reduce their dependency on foreign oil by giving them a new way to pay for more efficient heating systems and the fuel used to run them. With NeighborOil(TM) consumers control the price they pay to heat their homes thereby saving an average of more than 30% on their heating bill. NeighborOil accomplishes this through the use of its reward currency called Neighbor Points(TM). Neighbor Points are earned by members then convert to cash when purchasing thereby reducing the overall cost to a consumer.
SOURCE FreeCause
FreeCause
CONTACT: Tom Guenette, Director of Marketing & Public Relations of FreeCause, +1-617-502-8935, tom.guenette@freecause.com
Jaguar Land Rover Selects EMC Isilon to Drive its Simulation Operations
Leading luxury car maker simplifies IT, increases production capabilities and improves environmental efficiency with "no compromise" scale-out NAS
SEATTLE, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) today announced that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the U.K.'s largest manufacturer of premium vehicles, has deployed EMC® Isilon® scale-out NAS to simplify storage for its Big Data capacity and performance. The demand for new products in shorter timeframes whilst reducing dependency on physical testing had put pressure on JLR engineers to improve and streamline virtual simulation processes and deliver actionable analysis to the manufacturing teams.
JLR depends on advanced Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and High Performance Computing (HPC) to develop, deliver and verify each new design to ensure that every vehicle is optimized across a range of customer attributes such as safety, quality, robustness, dynamics, aerodynamics and performance and economy. In 2010, the company undertook a project to decrease reliance on physical testing and increase its simulation operations, a project for which it has won the 2011 Project Excellence Awards for Business Project of the Year from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. The award recognized the company's work in aligning the right technologies to meet its changing business needs. Among those needs was new storage architecture capable of scaling in line with JLR's growing demand for simulation analysis - this was provided by EMC Isilon.
Customer Benefits:
-- Reduced complexity and costs: JLR consolidated its workflow to a single
file system and point of management, simplifying the IT infrastructure,
accelerating productivity, increasing both capacity and performance and
reducing costs.
-- Reduced environmental impact: JLR achieved increased power efficiency
and decreased its environmental impact, both in the data center and in
simulation operations.
-- Disaster Recovery: By deploying Isilon X-Series and NL-Series scale-out
NAS, with an N+3 protection setting, JLR ensured that even in the event
of a total three node failure crucial data will remain immediately
available.
Customer Challenges and Solution:
To fully utilize CAE to deliver its new vehicle programs, JLR invested in technologies to increase simulation capability. The increased virtual simulations created a significant growth in high performance data storage which could not be supported by the existing legacy CAE storage architecture.
JLR evaluated a number of different solutions and selected an EMC Isilon scale-out NAS system due to its "no-compromise" approach to performance and capacity. The company deployed 54 nodes within the cluster of the Isilon X-Series platform, providing a central CAE storage area that mounts to the client infrastructure. The HPC clusters provide a single CAE data management solution for virtual simulation and physical tests including safety, durability, chassis, aerodynamics, ride and handling. Additionally, JLR is using a separate Isilon NL-Series cluster for disaster recovery and backup, with Isilon SyncIQ software application providing asynchronous data replication between the primary X-Series cluster and remote NL-Series cluster.
EMC Quote:
Sam Grocott, vice president of marketing, EMC Isilon
"JLR produces some of the best luxury SUV's and sports cars the industry has to offer. They need a storage solution to match the rapid advances in simulation technology to help sort through the resulting Big Data. EMC Isilon delivers a simple, flexible and scalable platform that JLR has leveraged to maximize performance and capacity, while simplifying management and lowering overall environmental impact of their operations."
About Isilon
Isilon, a division of EMC, is the global leader in scale-out NAS. We deliver powerful yet simple solutions for enterprises that want to manage their data, not their storage. Isilon's products are simple to install, manage and scale, at any size. And, unlike traditional enterprise storage, Isilon stays simple no matter how much storage is added, how much performance is required or how business needs change in the future. We're challenging enterprises to think differently about their storage, because when they do, they'll recognize there's a better, simpler way. Learn what we mean at http://www.isilon.com.
About EMC
EMC Corporation is a global leader in enabling businesses and service providers to transform their operations and deliver IT as a service. Fundamental to this transformation is cloud computing. Through innovative products and services, EMC accelerates the journey to cloud computing, helping IT departments to store, manage, protect and analyze their most valuable asset -- information -- in a more agile, trusted and cost-efficient way. Additional information about EMC can be found at http://www.EMC.com.
EMC and Isilon are registered trademarks of EMC Corporation in the United States and other countries. Other products and/or services are trademarks of their respective owners.
This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Federal Securities Laws. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risk factors, including but not limited to: (i) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; (ii) delays or reductions in information technology spending; (iii) the relative and varying rates of product price and component cost declines and the volume and mixture of product and services revenues; (iv) competitive factors, including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions; (v) component and product quality and availability; (vi) fluctuations in VMware, Inc.'s operating results and risks associated with trading of VMware stock; (vii) the transition to new products, the uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and rapid technological and market change; (viii) risks associated with managing the growth of our business, including risks associated with acquisitions and investments and the challenges and costs of integration, restructuring and achieving anticipated synergies; (ix) the ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees; (x) insufficient, excess or obsolete inventory; (xi) fluctuating currency exchange rates; (xii) threats and other disruptions to our secure data centers or networks; (xiii) our ability to protect our proprietary technology; (xiv) war or acts of terrorism; and (xv) other one-time events and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in EMC's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. EMC disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release.
SOURCE EMC Corporation
EMC Corporation
CONTACT: CONTACT: Ellen Arbeznik, The OutCast Agency, +1-216-588-1199, ellen@theoutcastagency.com
Lightwave Logic's Terry Turpin Projects Billion-Fold Performance Improvement of Spatial Light Modulators Using Organic Nonlinear Materials
Replacing Existing Liquid Crystal Technology with Organic Nonlinear Polymers Can Eliminate the Major Impediment to the Progress of Optical Computing
NEWARK, Del., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightwave Logic, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: LWLG), is a technology company focused on the development of a Next Generation Non Linear Optical Polymer Materials and Devices for applications in high speed fiber-optic data communications and optical computing.
In a conference call with shareholders on January 25, 2012, Terry Turpin, Lightwave Logic's Optical Computing Expert detailed the advantages of a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) currently in development by the company with the help of an outside contractor using one of the company's organic nonlinear polymer based materials.
A spatial light modulator is a device that formats information for an optical computer and is essentially an erasable photographic film that can be used and erased extremely quickly to record and images. A Spatial Light Modulator can be considered the heart of an optical computer in the way that a CPU is the core of a digital computer.
Mr. Turpin characterized this as the HolyGrail of Optical Computing because essentially all machine intelligence applications like, facial recognition; pattern recognition and speech recognition are based on Spatial Light Modulators and currently have been limited by the slow response time of LCD technology.
According to Mr. Turpin, a recognized expert in optical computing for over 40-years including important work at Essex Corporation and the National Security Agency (NSA), "The progress of Optical Computing has been limited by legacy Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology which while effective, can only refresh at 10 to 30 millisecond intervals. Because of the extremely fast response time of Lightwave Logic's organic nonlinear optical materials are in the range of a picoseconds (one-billionth of a second versus LCD at 10 to 30-thousands of a second), improvement in performance could be a billion-fold."
Jim Marcelli, CEO of Lightwave Logic commented, "We are very excited by our Spatial Light Modulator development program and feel fortunate to have the experienced hand of Terry Turpin on this project.
We have been working on the basic design that will incorporate one of our Perkinamine(TM) based organic nonlinear polymer materials. Obviously, this is a huge opportunity for Lightwave Logic and attaining anything near the performance improvements that Terry has talked about will have a huge impact on Optical Computing in general and will actually give birth to markets for products that have been waiting for a solution to today's current speed limitations. We know for a fact that this will be of extreme interest to the military and commercial partners as well. Upon completion of a working prototype, we will be actively looking for partnering opportunities."
"Powered by Lightwave Logic"
Lightwave Logic, Inc. is a development stage company that is producing prototype electro-optic demonstration devices and is moving toward commercialization of its high-activity, high-stability organic polymers for applications in electro-optical device markets. Electro-optical devices convert data from electric signals into optical signals for use in high-speed fiber-optic telecommunications systems and optical computers. Please visit the Company's website, http://www.lightwavelogic.com for more information.
Safe Harbor Statement
The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "explores," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control.
For Further Information Contact:
Steven Cordovano
Lightwave Logic
203-952-6373
steve@lightwavelogic.com
Berge Avyazian, founding 4G World Conference Chair, to lead 4G mobile broadband conference and expo powered by UBM TechWeb's Light Reading and InformationWeek
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UBM TechWeb announced the acquisition of 4G World from Yankee Group.
4G World is the largest event in the world covering the entire ecosystem of 4G technologies and business models that power the mobile Internet industry and economy. The massive growth in the 4G marketplace - predicted to grow to 2.5 billion subscribers in 2016 according to Pyramid Research - fuels the demand for a conference and expo to bring key stakeholders together to discuss, debate and evaluate the most important 4G topics, opportunities and solutions. 4G World is happening Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, 2012 at McCormick Place in Chicago. For more information, visit http://www.4gworld.com/.
"The 4G market and 4G World is right in our sweet spot," said Lenny Heymann, UBM TechWeb Executive Vice President and Group General Manager. "4G World serves a fast growing market that will immediately utilize our conference expertise and infrastructure, taps into our thriving Light Reading and InformationWeek online communities and databases of service provider and enterprise tech decision makers, and provides a powerful event platform for 4G marketers around the globe."
Heading up the 4G World program will be Berge Ayvazian, the founding Conference Chair for 4G World and before that, WiMAX World. Ayvazian is currently Senior Analyst with UBM TechWeb's Heavy Reading where he manages the research company's 4G Consulting Business and has spent 30 spent years covering and advising the global communications market, including serving as former CEO of Yankee Group.
"With the rapid adoption of 4G mobile broadband technologies such as LTE, HSPA+, and WiMAX LTE, and an endless appetite for mobile broadband from both enterprise businesses and consumers, 4G holds significant potential to transform business and how people communicate, work and socialize," said Ayvazian. "I am excited to put the UBM TechWeb resources to work at 4G World, creating a brand and event that brings together the entire 4G ecosystem of carriers, their enterprise customers, application developers, key industry associations, and industry experts from other major research and media companies."
4G World 2011 attracted over 8,500 registered attendees and featured over 250 sponsors and exhibitors, over 80 interactive sessions featuring 20 speakers and 30 mobile operator case studies, an Expo show floor, rich networking opportunities, and an awards ceremony.
Follow 4G World on Twitter @4GWorld become a fan of 4G World on Facebook or join 4G World on LinkedIn.
About UBM TechWeb
UBM TechWeb, the global leader in technology media and professional information, enables people and organizations to harness the transformative power of technology. Through its three core businesses - media solutions, marketing services and paid content - UBM TechWeb produces the most respected and consumed brands and media applications in the technology market. More than 14.5 million business and technology professionals (CIOs and IT managers, Web & Digital professionals, Software Developers, Government decision makers, and Telecom providers) actively engage in UBM TechWeb's communities and information resources monthly. UBM TechWeb brands include: global face-to-face events such as Interop, Web 2.0, Black Hat and Enterprise Connect; award-winning online resources such as InformationWeek, Light Reading, and Network Computing; and market-leading magazines InformationWeek, Wall Street & Technology, and Advanced Trading. UBM TechWeb is a UBM plc company, a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion.
About 4G World
4G World is the first and only conference and expo covering the entire ecosystem of next-generation 4G technologies that enable the mobile Internet revolution, including mobile network infrastructure, advanced devices, applications and content. 4G World offers operators an opportunity to research state-of-the-practice business models and advanced mobile technologies, and learn from other operators about what works--and what doesn't--as they migrate their networks to 4G. For more information, visit http://www.4GWorld.com
Don't Miss the GLIDE1 Revolution: Pre-Register for Your Free Account Now: The Next "Big Thing" in Cloud Computing
GLIDE1 Brings the Cloud to You
NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The most popular WebOS, Glide OS http://GlideSociety.com, is launching the all-new GLIDE1 application soon. You can pre-register today at http://GlideSociety.com/Glide1. Register for a Glide OS account today and get 30GBs of free storage.
GLIDE1 is an application that you install on your desktop, tablet and smartphone. It manages all of your files that are scattered across various devices and cloud services. GLIDE1 is revolutionary because it provides a single point of access to all files stored on PCs, tablets, smartphones and cloud services like Dropbox, Flickr, YouTube, etc. With Glide, it is now easier than ever to share your files securely with friends & colleagues or publish to services like Twitter, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, etc.
"Walled clouds defeat the purpose of cloud computing," said TransMedia Chairman & CEO, Donald Leka. "GLIDE1 is designed to connect various proprietary devices and disconnected cloud services to realize the inherent efficiencies of cloud computing."
The Problem
The typical consumer might have a Windows PC at work, a Mac at home, a Google Android Smartphone and an Apple iPad. This is born out by the fact that Microsoft Windows continues to lead the personal computer market with over 85% market share; Google Android leads the smartphone market with about 50% market share; and Apple iOS (iPad/iPad2) leads the tablet market with over 70% market share. Consumers are also using various disconnected cloud storage and sharing services for photos, music, video and documents like Flickr, YouTube, Dropbox and Box.
The GLIDE1 Solution
GLIDE1 will provide a single point of access to all user files and information stored on PCs, tablets, smartphones and dedicated cloud file storage and sharing services. Utilizing Glide's cross platform synchronization application and browser components for Microsoft Internet Explorer, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, GLIDE1 will sync all user file directories across devices and cloud services consolidating the directories and user data on Glide's servers. Utilizing the Glide Cloud Operating System http://GlideSociety.com/, users will have automated file compatibility across platforms, granular permissions-based security in-between platforms and a comprehensive suite of collaboration and productivity applications to work with.
GLIDE1 Facilitates "Bring-Your-Own-Device" (BYOD)
With Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) - employees using their own devices and cloud services for work - becoming widely accepted, enterprise IT administrators are struggling to address the associated security risks. Currently, the majority of businesses don't have any policies, procedures or IT systems in place to manage the use of personal devices in corporations. GLIDE1 provides organizations with a solution for centralized rights based administration of files and information residing on employees' and members' personal devices and 3rd party cloud storage services.
Uniiverse launches world's platform for collaborative living
TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Uniiverse (http://www.uniiverse.com), the platform for collaborative living, launched today, worldwide.
Uniiverse is not a social network. The company is the first online
platform to take an offline approach for its users. Doing-away with
status updates and virtual friends, Uniiverse is all about trust, the
sharing economy, and face-to-face interactions. Watch the manifesto
video: http://uv.rs/A6OYPk
"Uniiverse is the only platform that allows anyone to share any kind of
real-life activity or service," says Ben Raffi, CEO & president of
Uniiverse. "And it's free to post."
Users can specify what they're offering, the price they charge (could be
free), and when it is happening. People can instantly discover, book,
and pay for the listing through the website. Uniiverse enables anyone
to become an entrepreneur, meet like-minded people, share their
passions - and live a smarter, happier, more sustainable lifestyle.
Watch the concept video: http://uv.rs/AfCSNG
The opportunities Uniiverse brings to people are endless:
-- Organize a jogging group, tapas party, or yoga session
-- Offer a service such as a photography workshop, language
lesson, or a sushi-making class
-- Use your extra time by posting your availability for errand
running, babysitting, or pet walking
-- Share your stuff that is rarely used such as a drill, a bike,
or a guitar
-- Rent out your space when you're away, or offer your unused
parking spot
-- Organize a ride-share to save money on gas, and help the
environment
Users are encouraged to rate and review each others' shared
experiences. Uniiverse enables people to get a full understanding of
each other's trustworthiness by showing social proximity, ratings,
reviews, and participation across categories.
"Uniiverse is building the sharing economy, where access and experiences
are more important than ownership. This movement will help the
environment, global financial issues, and build stronger communities,"
says Craig Follett, CEO & chairman of Uniiverse.
Through this platform, Uniiverse is resurrecting old marketplace
behaviors, such as sharing, on a scale that was never before possible.
The company aims to kick-start the sharing revolution.
About Uniiverse:
Uniiverse is an online person-to-person marketplace for offline services
and activities. With built-in trust features, the platform enables
people to safely offer and share their time, interests, belongings,
space, and skills with other local people in real life - for free, or
to make money. The company's vision is to encourage offline
interactions in today's increasingly virtual world and to help people
live better, together. The company believes everyone has something
unique to offer and share. Uniiverse is based in Toronto, Canada and
has operations in Montreal, San Francisco and Boston. The company,
founded in Toronto, raised $750,000 in seed round financing in 2011.
BEIJING, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRnewwire-Asia/ -- Recently, to give iPhone 4S users a better user experience, Tipard released three new software products, iPhone 4S Ringtone Maker, Mac iPhone 4S Ringtone Maker and iPhone 4S Transfer for ePub.
Tipard's iPhone 4S Ringtone Maker is a powerful iPhone ringtone creator specially designed for iPhone 4S users. With advanced system kernel and multimedia software technology, it not only can give users best image interface experience, but it can also help users create more personalized ringtones for them share with friends and families. This iPhone 4S ringtone creator supports ripping of almost any kind of DVD disc, DVD folder and IFO file and converts various video or audio files to output as iPhone 4S-compatible M4R ringtone files, which can then be directly transfers as ringtones to an iPhone 4S or PC. Plus, users can easily trim any source video or audio file by setting your desired start time and end time to get proper ringtone length.
In addition, this iPhone Ringtone Maker has four interface languages (English/French/German/Japanese) to give users a better international experience. And you are allowed to add "Fade in" and "Fade out" effects to your iPhone 4S Ringtone file to make it more professional. Also, the output of the iPhone 4S's ringtone volume maximum can be adjusted to 200%. Last but not least, it highly supports the newest iOS 5.0.1 and iTunes 10.5, iPhone 4 and many other iPhone models. It is available only for $14.95; to get the free trial version, please visit: http://www.tipard.com/iphone-ringtone-maker.html
Another product, Tipard's iPhone 4S Transfer for ePub is a user-friendly eBook transfer for iPhone 4S users. It can export any kind of ePub or PDF eBook files from your iPhone 4S to your PC for other use. Plus, you are allowed to import various ePub or PDF files from your computer to your iPhone 4S for eBook reading or sharing with other friends by directly transferring your eBook file to your friends' iPhone with this versatile ePub iPhone transfer for iPhone 4S users. Plus, its search function helps users quickly find the target file, and its multi-language interface with English/French/German/Japanese can help more users from different countries. Also, this iPhone 4S ePub transfer product has an auto-update function to make sure users always have the latest version, and then users can always get the best support and technology from Tipard. It is available only for $19; for more detailed information, please visit: http://www.tipard.com/iphone-4s-transfer-for-epub/
System Requirement for Windows Products:
OS Supported: Windows NT4/2000/2003/XP and Windows Vista, Windows
7
CPU: 800MHz Intel or AMD CPU, or above
RAM: 512MB RAM or more
About Tipard Studio
As a leading player in the multimedia software field, Tipard Studio always takes bringing multimedia users best software as its responsibility and keeps being innovative and competitive. With advanced technologies and a first-class R&D team, it has constantly developed many excellent multimedia desktop applications, which are very popular among Windows and Mac users. For more details about Tipard Studio, please visit: http://www.tipard.com
SOURCE Harbour Software
Harbour Software
CONTACT: CONTACT: Eric Smith, +86-132-6028-6758, pr@tipard.com
iBoss Web Filters Give Students Access to YouTube EDU Videos, Offering Parents and Teachers Peace of Mind by Restricting Content
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- While Internet filtering is designed to shield students from inappropriate material online, it also can prohibit them from accessing the vast resources available on the web. One relatively new resource is YouTube EDU, a dedicated channel designed to give schools customized access to educational videos.
Currently, many schools restrict student access to YouTube.com due to unwanted content. This, in turn, also restricts access to YouTube EDU. With the new iBoss Enterprise Web Filter firmware, schools can simply paste their unique YouTube EDU ID and open a direct path to the YouTube EDU channel while still restricting general student access to YouTube.
iBoss (http://www.iboss.com) is an expert in the field of Internet filtering. The company provides gateway security for large organizations across the globe.
The YouTube for Education integration with the iBoss Enterprise can be group based. This allows districts to enter specific keys for different schools - such as for elementary, middle, junior high and high schools - and still provide direct integration. This option is ideal for districts or education service centers that support many different campuses under one umbrella. iBoss is the first web-filtering solution to offer group-based integration with YouTube EDU.
The Federal Communications Commission reports that 97 percent of schools across the country had Internet connectivity as of 2010, according to an Education Week article. In 2010, restrictive Internet filtering was the top student complaint about Web use in data from Speak Up research by Project Tomorrow.
Many schools are required by law to restrict student Internet access; twenty-five states have Internet filtering laws that apply to publicly funded schools or libraries. Some states even require publicly funded institutions to install filtering software on library terminals or school computers.
"The new YouTube for Education portal provides a powerful tool for teachers and students to access videos from well-known organizations such as Stanford, PBS and TED," said Peter Martini, iBoss chief operating officer. "Our engineers quickly integrated this feature to provide students seamless access to these resources without exposing them to general content on YouTube.com."
About iBoss(TM)
Phantom Technologies, parent company of iBoss Web Filters and Application Firewalls, provides hardware security solutions for HTTP/S, application and Web 2.0 management. Incorporating bidirectional stream-based layer 7 filtering, zero-day hybrid cloud database and detailed drill-down reporting, iBoss Filters provide network solutions to keep up with today's high-performance fiber networks. With no per-seat licensing or throughput restrictions, iBoss Web Filters offer comprehensive performance and value. Learn more at http://www.iboss.com.
This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.
SOURCE Phantom Technologies Inc.
Phantom Technologies Inc.
CONTACT: CONTACT: Marisa Salzman, Director of Marketing, 1-877-742-6832 x 7807, Marisa.salzman@iboss.com
Free Site Will Provide Tire Dealers Valuable Tools and Sales Resources
CYPRESS, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Nitto Tire, a leading producer of high performance tires has launched a new dealer-specific destination that will help all businesses from "mom and pop" independents to national chains and everything in between. The completely free website is intended to help tire businesses grow, improve operations, and educate staff and customers on the latest tire technology, as well as offer valuable sales and marketing tools and templates. Nitto Tire hopes the site will become a go-to resource for dealers to learn and communicate with suppliers, customers and each other through a special dealer community forum. Interested businesses can register and begin using the site immediately at http://www.nitto-dealerportal.com.
The Nitto-DealerPortal.com Site Features
-- Live News - Receive the most up-to-date news from the industry's leading
trade publication, Tire Review.
-- Website Builder Tool - Help smaller shops create professional looking
websites that are completely functional. Site built using the tool will
live on the Dealer Portal, avoiding hosting and other fees.
-- Basic Customer Database - Help businesses keep track of customers' cars,
tires and provide service interval reminders via email/text reminders.
-- Dealer Community Forum - Members can pose questions, offer reviews or
advice on tires or ask marketing or operations questions.
-- Technical Training Videos and Points - Members can participate and view
special training videos and earn points. Members can take a quiz after
each session and earned points can be redeemed for exclusive Nitto swag.
For more information, please visit http://www.Nitto-DealerPortal.com.
About Nitto Tire Nitto Tire (http://www.nittotire.com) develops performance tires for all uses, including racing, off-road and street. Using state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facilities in both Japan and the United States - Nitto provides innovative and high-quality performance tires for the most demanding automotive enthusiasts. For more information about Nitto or its products, visit the company's web site or contact the company directly. Nitto is a registered trademark of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc., located at 5665 Plaza Drive, Ste. 250, Cypress, Calif., 90630.
Media Contact: Irving DerRogers & Cowan 310-854-8194IDer@rogersandcowan.com
Expectations Surpassed: the 36.3-Megapixel Nikon D800 is the Multimedia HD-SLR That Shatters Conventional Resolution Barriers for Maximum Fidelity
The New Nikon D800 Offers Unrivaled Resolution and Features Designed for a Variety of Demanding Professional Photographic and Multimedia Disciplines, Videographers and Filmmakers
MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, imaging leader Nikon Inc. announced the highly anticipated D800 HD-SLR, engineered to provide extreme resolution, astounding image quality and valuable video features optimized for professional still and multimedia photographers and videographers. A camera with an unmatched balance of accuracy, functionality and image quality, the Nikon D800 realizes innovations such as a high resolution 36.3-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, a 91,000-pixel RGB Matrix Metering System, Advanced Scene Recognition System and many other intuitive features designed to create the preeminent device for the most demanding photo and video applications.
Whether shooting high fashion, weddings or multimedia content, Nikon's highest resolution sensor to date, a groundbreaking new 36.3-megapixel (7360 x 4912 resolution) FX-format CMOS sensor, affords flexibility and astonishing image quality to satisfy a myriad of client requests. The Nikon D800 incorporates the latest 91,000-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering III and the Advanced Scene Recognition System, coupled with an improved 51-point AF system for images with amazing sharpness, color and clarity. With its compact, lightweight D-SLR form factor and extensive video feature set, the D800 allows photographers to transition to multimedia to create an immersive story. Professional videographers will appreciate practical features that go beyond NIKKOR lens compatibility and Full HD 1080p video, such as full manual control, uncompressed HDMI output, and incredible low-light video capability. With this innovative combination of features, the D800 celebrates resourcefulness and a dedication to the flawless execution of an epic creative vision. All of this is driven by Nikon's latest EXPEED 3(TM) image processing engine, providing the necessary processing power to fuel amazing images with faithful color, a wide dynamic range and extreme resolution.
"Whatever the project, visionaries need a tool that is going to help them stay on-time and on-task. The Nikon D800 re-imagines what is possible from this level of D-SLR, to address the needs of an emerging and ever changing market; this is the camera that is going to bridge the gap for the most demanding imaging professionals, and provide never before seen levels of SLR image and video quality," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "The D800 is the right tool for today's creative image makers, affording photographers, filmmakers and videographers a versatile option for capturing the ultimate in still image quality or full HD content, with maximum control."
Extreme Image Quality
The new Nikon developed 36.3-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24mm) CMOS sensor realizes Nikon's highest resolution yet, and is ideal for demanding applications such as weddings, studio portraiture and landscape, where there is no compromise to exceptional high fidelity and dynamic range. Nikon's first priority is amazing image quality above all else, and resolution of this magnitude affords photographers the ability to portray even the smallest details, such as a strand of hair, with stunning sharpness or crop liberally with confidence. Photographers also shoot with the assurance of NIKKOR lens compatibility, because only a manufacturer with decades of optical excellence can provide the glass to resolve this kind of extreme resolution.
For shooting with minimal noise in a variety of lighting conditions, the D800 features a wide native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 50 (Lo-1)-25,600 (Hi-2). Nikon engineers have created innovative ways to manipulate light transmission to the sensor's photodiodes, giving users the ability to shoot with confidence in challenging lighting conditions. Internal sensor design, an enhanced optical low pass filter (OLPF) and 14 bit A/D conversion with a high signal to noise ratio all contribute to a sensor capable of excellent low light ability despite the extreme resolution. Every aspect of this new FX-format sensor is engineered to deliver amazing low noise images through the ISO range and help create astounding tonal gradation and true colors, whether shooting JPEG or RAW. Images are further routed through a 16-bit image processing pipeline, for maximum performance. To further enhance versatility, users are also able to shoot in additional modes and aspect ratios such as 5:4 to easily frame for printed portraits or a 1.2X crop for a slight telephoto edge. For even more versatility, photographers can also take advantage of Nikon DX-format lenses for more lens options and enhanced focal range (1.5X), while still retaining sharpness and details at a high 15.4-megapixel (4800x3200) resolution.
Contributing to the camera's rapid performance and amazing image quality is Nikon's new EXPEED 3 image processing engine that helps professionals create images and HD video with amazing resolution, color and dynamic range. From image processing to transfer, the new engine is capable of processing massive amounts of data, exacting optimal color, rich tonality and minimized noise throughout the frame. Despite the immense data, the new EXPEED 3 also contributes to energy efficiency, affording the ability to shoot longer.
The D800 also features the Advanced Scene Recognition System with the 91,000-pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter III to provide unrivaled metering in even the most challenging of lighting conditions. At the system's core is a newly designed RGB sensor that meticulously analyzes each scene, recognizes factors such as color and brightness with unprecedented precision and then compares all the data using Nikon's exclusive 30,000 image database. Additionally, this new sensor now has the ability to detect human faces with startling accuracy, even when shooting through the optical viewfinder. This unique feature is coupled with detailed scene analysis for more accurate autofocus (AF), Auto exposure (AE), i-TTL flash control and even enhanced subject tracking. The Color Matrix Meter also emphasizes priority on exposure of the detected faces, allowing for correct exposure even when the subject is backlit. Even in the most difficult exposures the D800 excels, such as maintaining brightness on a bride's face while retaining the dynamic range to accentuate the intricate details of a wedding dress beside a black tuxedo.
Advanced new automatic systems make it even easier to capture amazing images. The camera features a new enhanced auto white balance system that more accurately recognizes both natural and artificial light sources, and also gives the user the option to retain the warmth of ambient lighting. Users can expand dynamic range with in-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture, and enjoy the benefits of Nikon's Active D-lighting for balanced exposure. Another new feature is direct access to Nikon's Picture Control presets via a dedicated button on the back of the body to tweak photo and video parameters on the fly, such as sharpness, hue and saturation.
True Cinematic Experience
The Nikon D800 has a compact and lightweight form factor that's preferable for a production environment, yet is packed with practical and functional features. The D800 is ideal whether the user is a filmmaker on location or in the studio or a documentarian in the field who requires portability and the NIKKOR lens versatility and depth of field that only a HD-SLR can offer. Filmmakers have the choice of various resolutions and frame rates, including Full HD 1080 at 30/24p and HD 720 at 60/30p. By utilizing the B-Frame data compression method, users can record H.264/MPEG-4 AVC format video with unmatched integrity for up to 29:59 minutes per clip (normal quality). This format produces higher quality video data without increasing file size for a more efficient workflow. The optimized CMOS sensor reads image data at astoundingly fast rates, which results in less instances of rolling shutter distortion. The sensor also enables incredible low-light video capability with minimal noise, letting filmmakers capture footage where previously impossible or expensive and complex lighting would otherwise be necessary. Users are also able to have full manual control of exposure, and can also adjust the camera's power aperture setting in live view for an accurate representation of the depth of field in a scene. Whether shooting for depth of field in FX-format mode, or looking for the extra 1.5X telephoto benefits of DX mode, the high resolution sensor of the D800 allows videographers to retain full 1080p HD resolution no matter which mode they choose to best suit the scene. Users are also able to easily compose and check critical HD focus through the 921,000-dot, 3.2-inch LCD monitor with reinforced glass, automatic monitor brightness control, and wide viewing angle.
For professional and broadcast applications that call for outboard digital recorders or external monitors, users can stream an uncompressed full HD signal directly out of the camera via the HDMI port (8 bit, 4:2:2). This output signal can be ported into a display or digital recording device or routed through a monitor and then to the recording device, eliminating the need for multiple connections. This image can also be simultaneously viewed on both the camera's LCD and an external monitor, while eliminating on-screen camera status data for streaming purposes. The D800 also includes features concentrated on audio quality, such as a dedicated headphone jack for accurate monitoring of audio levels while recording. Audio output levels can be adjusted with 30 steps for precise audio adjustment and monitoring. The D800 offers high-fidelity audio recording control with audio levels that can be set and monitored on the camera's LCD screen. A microphone connected via the stereo mic jack can also be adjusted with up to 20 steps of sensitivity for accurate sound reproduction. What's more, recording can be set to be activated through the shutter button, opening a world of remote applications through the 10-pin accessory terminal.
Wield Speed and Performance with Astonishing Accuracy
Whether shooting the runway or fast moving wildlife, the enhanced 51-point AF system of the D800 delivers blazing fast AF with tack-sharp results. Nikon has enhanced the Multi-Cam 3500-FX AF sensor module and algorithms to significantly improve low light acquisition, for precise focus to an impressive -2 exposure value (EV). The focus system utilizes 15 cross-type AF sensors for enhanced accuracy, and the system also places an emphasis on the human face, working in conjunction with the Advanced Scene Recognition System to provide accurate face detection even through the optical viewfinder. The camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and teleconverters with an aperture value up to f/8, which is a great advantage to those who need extreme telephoto focal lengths (single cross type sensor active with TC20E III). For maximum versatility in all shooting situations, whether photographing portraits or static subjects, users are also able to select multiple AF modes, including normal, wide area, face tracking and subject tracking to best suit the scene.
The D800 delivers upon a professional's need for maximum speed when it counts. The camera is ready to shoot in 0.12 seconds, and is ready to capture with super-fast AF and response speed. To photograph action in a burst, the camera shoots up to 4 frames per second (fps) in FX mode at full resolution, or up to a speedy 6 fps in DX mode using the optional MB-D12 Battery Pack and compatible battery. Further enhancing the speed of the camera and overall workflow, the D800 utilizes the new USB 3.0 standard for ultra fast transfer speeds.
Construction and Operability
The body of the D800 is designed to offer a compact form factor and a lightweight body for the utmost versatility. The chassis is constructed of magnesium alloy for maximum durability, and is sealed and gasketed for resistance to dirt and moisture. Users are able to easily compose through the bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100% frame coverage. For storage, the D800 has dual card slots for CF and SD cards, and offers users the ability to record backup, overflow, RAW/JPEG separation, and the additional option of shooting stills to one and video to the other. For high speed recording and transfer, data can be recorded to recent UDMA-7 and SDXC / UHS-1 cards. The shutter has been tested to withstand approximately 200,000 cycles, and the camera also employs sensor cleaning. The D800 also features a built-in flash and is compatible with Nikon's acclaimed Creative Lighting System, including a built-in Commander mode for controlling wireless Speedlights.
D800E - Maximum Resolution Unleashed
In addition to the D800, Nikon will also be releasing a supplementary model for those professionals who demand even higher resolution and D-SLR versatility; the D800E. This model treads in medium format territory for studio work or landscape photography when there is no exception to only the highest fidelity and sharpness. This unique alternative model will effectively enhance the resolution characteristics of the 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor by cancelling the anti-aliasing properties of the OLPF inside the camera. By doing this, light is delivered directly to the photodiodes, yielding an image resulting from the raw light gathering properties of the camera. A color moire correction tool will also be available within Capture NX2 to enhance the D800E photographer's workflow.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D800 will be available in late March for the suggested retail price of $2999.95.* The D800E version will be available in mid April 2012 for a suggested retail price of $3,299.95.* For more information about these models, NIKKOR lenses and other D-SLR cameras please visit http://www.nikonusa.com.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image(TM). Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 65 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon's heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @Nikon_USA.
*Suggested retail price listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
SOURCE Nikon Inc.
Nikon Inc.
CONTACT: CONTACT: MWW Group: Geoff Coalter, gcoalter@mww.com, or Matt Kopacz, mkopacz@mww.com, +1-201-507-9500, or press.nikonusa.com
Broadcom Announces Industry's First Octal 10GbE SFP+ PHY
New Eight-Channel Physical Layer Transceiver Delivers Higher Bandwidth to Data Center and Enterprise Networks
IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
News Highlights:
-- High-density 40nm architecture delivers higher bandwidth while reducing
printed circuit board (PCB) size and power consumption by approximately
25 percent
-- Features Broadcom's fourth generation of all-DSP electronic dispersion
compensation (EDC) technology
-- Extends industry's broadest portfolio of single, dual, quad, and now
octal channel SFP+ PHYs
-- Industry's first Octal 10GbE PHY optimized for increasing data center
and enterprise network traffic
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced the industry's first 10GbE eight-channel, front panel Ethernet physical layer transceiver (PHY). The new Broadcom(®) BCM84780 Octal SFI-XFI PHY establishes a new standard for higher bandwidth data center and enterprise network performance and server virtualization while reducing chip size and power by approximately 25 percent. The addition of the BCM84780 extends Broadcom's industry-leading portfolio of single, dual, quad and now octal channel SFP+ physical layer devices.
Consumer demand and traffic volume continues to rise for high-bandwidth applications such as streaming video and cloud computing. As the need for higher density processing and transmission of data rises, so does the need for data centers and enterprise networks to transition from 1GbE to 10GbE. According to The Linley Group, shipments of 10GbE ports are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 40 percent from 2010 to 2015.
Optimized for data centers and enterprise networks that are transitioning to 10GbE and server virtualization, the BCM84780 octal PHY is approximately 25 percent smaller with lower power per port compared to other currently available solutions. The PHY features eight fully independent channels with IEEE 1588 timestamping. It also incorporates EDC that enables data to be transmitted on a 10GbE serial interface for applications requiring transmission over multimode fiber (MMF) at distances up to 300m (LRM) using OM3 fiber and SFP+ copper twin-axial cable (CR).
In addition to supporting long reach over multi-mode fiber (LRM), the BCM84780 handles short range (SR), long range (LR) and newer extended range (ER and ZR) optical interfaces for a broad range of high-bandwidth applications. The all-DSP high-speed, front end and an on-chip microcontroller provide the highest performance and flexibility for line card designers.
The PHY's multi-rate capabilities enable the user to work with either 10GbE or 1GbE systems. Integrated IEEE 1588 time syncronization operates on a per-channel basis that allows an in-band scheme of precisely timed packets to traverse across multiple systems for voice, video and cellular base stations applications. The user also can bypass or disable the 1588 functionality for each channel independently.
The BCM84780 is fully compliant with the SFF-8431 SFP+ standard for both 10GbE and 1GbE operation.
Market Drivers:
-- 10GbE port growth fueled by increasing traffic and content
-- Streaming video, cloud computing, server virtualization
-- Shipments of 10GbE ports to increase 40 percent (CAGR) from 2010 to
2015(1)
-- Octal 10GbE PHYs a clear requirement for next generation, high density
networks moving to higher bandwidths
Key Features:
-- Octal-channel SFI-to-XFI PHY developed in low-power 40nm CMOS process
technology
-- Supports SFP+ optical, SR, LR, ZR, DWDM, and LRM optical interfaces
-- Supports SFP+ copper twin-ax
-- IEEE 1588 timestamping, Y.1731 with Sync-E recovered clock outputs
-- 1GbE mode with support for IEEE802.3 Clause 37 AN
-- 21mm x 21mm BGA, 1mm pitch
-- Advanced diagnostics on SFP+ interface including Eye-Mapping, SNR, and
BER
Availability
The BCM84780 is sampling now. Production release is scheduled for mid-2012.
Quotes:Jag Bolaria, Senior Analyst, The Linley Group"Broadcom is a market leader for standard Ethernet components and 10GbE PHY silicon. We expect Broadcom's product offerings to serve its customers well as this segment of the market grows rapidly through 2015."
Lorenzo Longo, Vice President & General Manager, High Speed Interconnect Products, Broadcom "Broadcom is committed to providing the broadest portfolio of 10GbE PHYs on the market. Our latest octal PHY provides the higher bandwidth required in data center and Enterprise networks while reducing footprint and power by up to 25 percent compared to previous generation designs. These enhancements enable our customers to successfully migrate to higher levels of bandwidth and all-around superior performance."
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a FORTUNE 500® company, is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom® products seamlessly deliver voice, video, data and multimedia connectivity in the home, office and mobile environments. With the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and embedded software solutions, Broadcom is changing the world by Connecting everything®. For more information, go to http://www.broadcom.com.
Broadcom®, the pulse logo, Connecting everything®, and the Connecting everything logo are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
(1)( )Linley Group, Inc. - Communications Semiconductor Market Forecast 2010-2015
Contacts
--------
Press Investors
John Jatinen Chris Zegarelli
Manager, Public Relations Director, Investor Relations
949-926-3462 949-926-7567
john.jatinen@broadcom.com czegarel@broadcom.com
SOURCE Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Infrastructure & Networking
Monument Policy Group and Nyhus Communications Announce Strategic Partnership to Expand Client Service Offerings and Geographic Reach
Seattle and Washington, D.C., Firms Deliver Comprehensive Bicoastal Government Relations and Communications Capacities
WASHINGTON and SEATTLE, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Monument Policy Group, a leading bipartisan government relations and lobbying firm, and Nyhus Communications, an award-winning strategic communications and advocacy firm, today announced a new partnership that will provide their respective clients with an expanded suite of complementary services.
"In today's 24/7 business and media world, companies need to integrate traditional and new media along with policy and lobbying efforts to be successful," said Tim Punke, partner at Monument Policy Group. "Our partnership with Nyhus allows Monument to increase the capabilities we offer our clients to include a full array of innovative, 2.0 communications, including comprehensive public relations, public affairs, marketing and social media services, which are critical to success in today's marketplace."
A nimble, creative agency, Nyhus Communications provides full-service public relations, public affairs, marketing and social media services to clients around the world. Monument Policy Group is a full-service government affairs and lobbying firm with deep relationships on both sides of the political aisle in Congress, the White House and the Executive Branch. Both firms provide counsel to an array of premier brands in the United States and globally.
In addition to offering complementary skills and services, both firms share an expertise in corporate responsibility as well as strong international capabilities, especially relating to China and Australia, putting them in a unique position to help clients with reputation and international issues.
"Monument Policy Group is one of the leading government affairs and lobbying firms in Washington, D.C., and, together, we offer smart, integrated solutions to our clients," said Roger Nyhus, president and CEO of Nyhus. "The Monument team is an elite bipartisan team with the experience and relationships necessary to address the toughest policy and legislative challenges. By joining forces, Nyhus and Monument offer clients a robust combination of government relations, lobbying, strategic communications and advocacy expertise tailored to meet each client's needs."
The partnership also solidifies both firms' bicoastal operations.
Monument Policy Group was founded in 2006 on the belief that teamwork and creativity are critical to advocacy and policymaking. Whether it is a high-profile legislative fight; a need for timely and useful information about policy developments; a search for federal funding to explore a promising technology; or a response to regulatory activity; Monument can effectively deliver a client's message to key influencers.
Founded in 1994, Nyhus Communications is an award-winning agency providing strategic communications and advocacy services for clients around the world. The well-connected Nyhus team includes specialists in public relations, public affairs, marketing and social media, allowing them to deploy the precise combination of resources needed to best serve each client's unique needs. The agency specializes in integrated campaigns, thought leadership and corporate responsibility, and is known for its candid, strategic and creative approach. Nyhus focuses on personalized customer service, developing true partnerships, and consistently delivering exceptional results.
The firms share offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle:
Washington, D.C., Office Seattle Office
1333 H St. N.W., Suite 300 W. 720 Third Ave., Floor
12
Washington, D.C., 20005 Seattle, WA 98104
202 719 9999 206 323 3733
For more information, visit http://www.monumentpolicy.com and http://www.nyhus.com.
Contact: Roger Nyhus Tim Punke
Nyhus Communications Monument Policy Group
206-323-3733 202-719-9999
roger@nyhus.com tim@monumentpolicy.com
SOURCE Nyhus Communications; Monument Policy Group
SAP to Arm Small and Midsize Enterprises With Real-Time Analytics Powered by SAP HANA(TM)
SAP HANA(TM) Platform to Empower SMEs to Unlock New Insights and Make Decisions in Real Time
WALLDORF, Germany, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced two new offerings that will deliver the benefits of the SAP HANA(TM) platform to small businesses and midsize enterprises (SMEs). With analytics powered by SAP HANA for the SAP® Business One application and SAP HANA, Edge edition, SMEs will be able to leverage powerful in-memory technology from SAP. By helping organizations act on information as it happens, SAP HANA revolutionizes decision-making, dramatically increasing the speed of existing processes and accessing large amounts of data in shorter periods of time.
In today's highly competitive business climate, immediate access to and analysis of all operational data ultimately determines the success of an organization. Companies demand insight into business operations as they happen in order to be able to react quickly to changing market conditions. These new offerings from SAP aim to provide SMEs with real-time access to information tailored to their individual requirements. SAP HANA is in-memory data management software on SAP partner hardware.
Analytics powered by SAP HANA for SAP Business One are intended to provide a cost-effective new combination of a special product version of SAP HANA designed with the needs of small businesses in mind. Targeted at companies using SAP Business One, the channel-only solution aims to offer a small-scale, easy-to-use SAP HANA-based application including best in class operational reporting with SAP® Crystal Reports® software. Ramp-up is planned to begin at the end of February, with general availability planned for later in 2012.
"Analytics powered by SAP HANA for SAP Business One will offer customers the flexibility to create interactive reports and run ad-hoc analysis faster than before," said Ketan Solanki, consulting manager, Evolution Future Solutions Pty Ltd, an Australia-based SAP channel partner delivering SAP Business One. "Another major advantage is the access to relevant information in seconds with freestyle search, with the ability to navigate through various business objects from SAP Business One without having to move from screen to screen due to it all being included in the current cockpit. We expect that customers will benefit from tremendously improved productivity."
SAP HANA, Edge edition, is an indirect offering compiled specifically for reselling in the midmarket. The software targets SAP customers in the midmarket -- typically those running the SAP® Business All-in-One solution. An additional value proposition is offered when the version of SAP HANA for midsize companies is bundled with SAP® BusinessObjects(TM) Edge Business Intelligence (BI) software, with the combination delivering insight in real time to midsize organizations. SAP HANA, Edge edition, is now globally available via enabled and authorized partners.
"Small enterprises have Big Data issues also," said Donald Feinberg, vice president and distinguished analyst, Gartner. "Big Data is not only large volumes of data but also includes the variety and complexity of the data. Looking at content such as audio, video, text, documents, small enterprises have as much Big Data as large enterprises. Solutions for small enterprises must address the issues of Big Data."
For a quick and predictable implementation of SAP HANA, customers and partners can use SAP® Rapid Deployment solutions, including the SAP® ERP rapid-deployment solution for operational reporting with SAP HANA. SAP Rapid Deployment solutions delivered by SAP partners include preconfigured software, partner implementation services and end-user enablement resulting in fast time to value with easy-to-deploy and integrated solutions. Another offering is SAP® CO-PA Accelerator software, which allows significantly faster processing of complex allocations and essentially instantaneous ad hoc profitability queries. It belongs to accelerator-type usage scenarios in which SAP HANA becomes a secondary database for SAP products such as the SAP® ERP application.
"Small businesses have the dual need of a real-time software platform for their business, and yet simplicity in their IT landscapes," said Dr. Vishal Sikka, member of the SAP Executive Board, Technology & Innovation Platform, SAP AG. "SAP HANA enables nearly 80 percent of our customers, which are small and midsize businesses, to bring together structured and unstructured data analysis from any source, as well as transactional applications and analytics, in a single highly scalable, elastic infrastructure for true real-time computing. Together with our ecosystem partners, we are excited about SAP HANA delivering unprecedented performance improvements to businesses without compromise."
For more information, visit the SAP Newsroom.
About SAP
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device - SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 183,000 customers (includes customers from the acquisition of Sybase) to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit http://www.sap.com.
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SAP and the SAP logo are registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and other countries. Business Objects and the Business Objects logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects Software Ltd. Business Objects is an SAP company. Sybase and the Sybase logo are registered trademarks of Sybase Inc. Sybase is an SAP company. Crossgate is a registered trademark of Crossgate AG in Germany and other countries. Crossgate is an SAP company.
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For customers interested in learning more about SAP products:
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United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727)
For more information, press only:
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