Hobnob(TM) elevates peer-to-peer fundraising and delivers donors through intuitive social media integration
LAKELAND, Fla., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Qgiv, a leader in online giving, has launched a new social fundraising platform, Hobnob(TM) - a fully featured registration and fundraising website for pledge-based special events, making it ideal for any event or campaign requiring individual and team fundraising capabilities.
"Today's donors expect to be able to immediately and easily interact with and give to their favorite causes, especially online. Plus, they want to share with their social networks, as well as invite family and friends to support them," says Todd Baylis, president of Qgiv. "Hobnob delivers on this. It's a robust and cost-effective peer-to-peer platform that allows an organization to empower its supporters to raise funds that make a difference."
Full customization, robust team pages
From Hobnob's intuitive control panel, organizations have full control over events with the ability to easily create an event and change web and email content. Custom background colors, themes, header and footer images and sponsor logos can be added to accentuate an organization's brand.
Each participant or team receives a fundraising page, which is personalized with pictures and videos and easily integrates with Facebook and Twitter.
Other features include:
-- Streamlined content management - Organizations can easily upload public
and private content to be shared with constituents. Public content is
accessible to anyone on the event website, while private content is for
those who have registered for an event or campaign.
-- Robust personal and team pages - Participants are empowered to raise the
most money possible on behalf of the sponsoring group. They can easily
customize messages with personal stories, images and videos. A real-time
thermometer keeps friends and family motivated to reach the goal amount,
and a friendly URL encourages sharing and easy linking.
-- Merchandise and event registration - Hobnob also handles event
registration and can be configured with an e-commerce component for sale
of branded merchandise like t-shirts and water bottles.
Seamless brand integration, fast set up
Qgiv platforms, including Hobnob, seamlessly integrate with a nonprofit's brand and website - providing assurance to participants and their supporters that funds are going directly to the host organization.
And regardless of the complexity of the event, Hobnob guarantees the site goes live quickly, so that an organization can start promoting its event or campaign and collecting funds all that faster.
Increased overall giving, straightforward pricing
On average, organizations using a Qgiv platform saw individual donations that were 160 percent higher than the industry average. Additionally, Hobnob's pricing is straightforward with no hidden costs.
Headquartered in Lakeland, Fla., Qgiv empowers organizations of all sizes with the tools, technology and intelligence necessary to raise funds that allow them to serve, be impactful, thrive and attract the next generation of donors. For more information, connect with Qgiv at http://www.qgiv.com or on Twitter (@Qgiv) and Facebook.
SOURCE Qgiv
Qgiv
CONTACT: Kate Eidam, +1-248-304-1424, eidam@airfoilpr.com
Cirrus Aircraft Offers Perspective Global Connect(TM) on All Aircraft Models in 2012
Integrated Worldwide Weather, Satellite Phone and Text Messaging Features Now Available
DULUTH, Minn., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New for 2012, all models of Cirrus Aircraft can now be equipped with Perspective Global Connect, an avionics enhancement that contributes to an already feature-rich cockpit. Perspective Global Connect provides access to the on-demand Iridium® satellite network to obtain global communications and data. Perspective Global Connect is fully integrated with the Cirrus Perspective(TM) by Garmin® cockpit and may be used in combination with any aircraft options. Features include: worldwide weather, satellite phone and text messaging capabilities.
Perspective Global Connect utilizes the Garmin GSR 56 LRU (Line Replaceable Unit) and features worldwide weather data including Meteorological Aviation Reports (METARs) that provide current temperature, dew points, precipitation, wind speed and more; as well as Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFS) that show predicted weather for up to 30 hours in advance. Other features include RADAR, Satellite, Lightning, PIREPs, SIGMETs and Winds Aloft. High-resolution radar imagery will be immediately available for Western Europe, Canada, Australia and the U.S. that displays in full color on Garmin screens. More complete weather products are expected to be available throughout the world.
Integrated into the Cirrus Perspective audio system are phone capabilities in which phone calls can be made, while in-flight, enabling the pilot and/or passengers to speak and listen directly through headsets. Coupled with the all new GMA 350 audio panel, private phone calls can be available for the pilot, co-pilot or rear-seat passengers. In addition, text messaging allows the pilot and passengers to send and receive text messages through the Cirrus Perspective system and displayed on the large MFD display regardless of location. This feature enables the pilot and passengers to have constant communication with those on the ground.
"Never before have these communication technologies been available to the general aviation pilot," said Dale Klapmeier, Co-founder and CEO. "Now Cirrus customers around the world can get access to graphical weather like pilots have had in North America for the past several years. When it comes to safety, graphical weather information is as important as the parachute. And now you can also call or text the FBO, your spouse or a business colleague while in flight. These new cockpit capabilities continue to reinforce that Cirrus is the leader in bringing real new capability into the cockpit."
About Cirrus Aircraft
Cirrus Aircraft is a recognized leader in general aviation. Its all-composite line of personal aircraft -- the SR20, SR22 and the turbocharged SR22T -- incorporate innovative and advanced performance, electronic and safety technologies, including Cirrus Perspective(TM) by Garmin(®) avionics and the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System(TM) (CAPS). To date, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed five million flight hours with 51 lives saved to date as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision SF50 jet, with nearly 500 production positions reserved, will provide a new personal and regional business transportation solution: the personal jet. All Cirrus aircraft are made in the U.S. with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world. Cirrus Aircraft is wholly owned by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd (CAIGA). For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.
SOURCE Cirrus Aircraft
Cirrus Aircraft
CONTACT: Debbie Breemeersch, Executive Marketing Director of Cirrus Aircraft, +1-218-788-3867 office, +1-218-260-8501 cell
Bell Aliant First To Bring Facebook to Atlantic Canadian TVs
Future-proof FibreOP network is making 'social TV' a reality and is
delivering the best TV experience
HALIFAX, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Bell Aliant Inc. (TSX: BA) is bringing
the world's most popular social networking tool into customers' living
rooms with its new Facebook application for FibreOP(TM) TV.
FibreOP TV customers can now watch their favourite TV shows while viewing their
Facebook news feeds, rate and comment on the TV show they are watching
and view Facebook photo albums. The free Facebook app is available today to FibreOP TV customers.
"Facebook has become a part of Canadians' lives. We are excited to bring
it directly to the largest screen in the home - giving our customers a
truly interactive and social TV experience," says Andre LeBlanc, Vice
President Residential Product, Bell Aliant. "Our future-proof FibreOP network was built to allow us to innovate and develop new services that
will meet the communication needs of our customers today and tomorrow.
Social trends are shaping where and how consumers want to connect, and
Bell Aliant is responding."
There are more than 800 million active Facebook users around the world
and 87.5 per cent of Internet users in Atlantic Canada are on Facebook.
This is higher than the national average of 83.3 percent*. Social
media is changing the way television is made, watched, and broadcast,
and the rise of social TV is expected to increase in 2012.
"Social TV is going to continue to grow as broadcasters and content
providers find new ways to engage with their audience," says Dr.
Anatoliy Gruzd, Assistant Professor, School of Information Management
and Social Media Lab, Dalhousie University. "TV technology and social media are merging;
according to a survey by Ovum, about 74 per cent of TV viewers with broadband use the Internet at the
same time and 38 per cent discuss TV shows while using social media. In
the future, this trend will likely accelerate as social TV technology
becomes more ubiquitous and easier to use."
Atlantic Canadians will be able to access six of the most popular
Facebook features on their FibreOP TV including:
1. Viewing news feeds on their wall;
2. Viewing profile details including names, profile pictures and
status messages;
3. Posting status messages and notes to their walls;
4. Rating the TV show they're currently watching;
5. Viewing photo albums in both a thumbnail view and full screen
slideshow;
6. Viewing friends' profiles, photos and wall updates.
To access the Facebook app on FibreOP TV customers need an active Facebook account and a Bell Aliant Internet
connection. Customers can press Menu, go to Apps and press Facebook to
launch the app on their TV. A step-by-step guide on how to set up and
use the new app is available at http://www.bellaliant.net/facebookonyourtv. The app supports up to 10 unique Facebook accounts per household.
Bell Aliant's future-proof FibreOP is the only 100 per cent fibre optic network that connects straight to
customers' homes so everything works faster, easier and better. FibreOP is number one in customer satisfaction because it delivers the fastest
Internet, video sharing and the ultimate high-definition TV experience.
FibreOP TV is the ultimate TV experience allowing customers to watch, record and
pause live TV from any room in their house with our best Whole Home
PVR. The new TV product also includes superior Whole Home HD, the
Ultimate Video-on-Demand - with the most HD movies and the most popular
TV shows in HD, and the Next Generation Interactive Guide, with
easy-to-use features like picture-in-picture browsing and advanced
search capability.
With our FibreOPInternet product,customers have the best Internet experience: they can upload as fast as
they download - a first in Canada for any major service provider. FibreOP Internet can deliver the fastest speeds with up to 170 Mbps download
and 30 Mbps upload services. These speeds enable customers not only to
download music or movies and share video or photos faster than ever
before, but also to accommodate the growing need for multiple users
within the home.
Bell Aliant was the first company in Canada to cover an entire city with
fibre-to-the-home. By the end of 2012, the company will have invested
almost half a billion dollars to extend FTTH to more than 600,000 homes
and businesses in the areas we serve. Customers can find out more about
the new Facebook app on FibreOP TV by visiting http://www.bellaliant.net/FibreOP or calling 1-866-FIBREOP (1-866-342-7367).
*Source: comScore MediaMetrix November 2011
About Bell Aliant
Bell Aliant is one of North America's largest regional communications
providers and the first company in Canada to cover an entire city with
fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology with its FibreOP services. Through its operating entities it serves customers in six
Canadian provinces with innovative information, communication and
technology services including voice, data, Internet, video and
value-added business solutions. Bell Aliant's employees deliver the
highest quality of customer service, choice and convenience.
Image with caption: "Andre LeBlanc, Vice President Residential Product, Bell Aliant shows the new Facebook App on FibreOP TV to Mark MacMurtry and Anthony Murphy, Bell Aliant employees (CNW Group/BELL ALIANT INC.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120125_C6554_PHOTO_EN_9151.jpg
GameTech International, Inc. Announces First Tribal Installation of New Explorer 2(TM) Hand Held Electronic Bingo Device
RENO, Nev., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GameTech International, Inc., a leading supplier of electronic bingo equipment and video lottery terminals, today announced the successful installation of 250 of its latest portable Wi-Fi electronic bingo device: the Explorer 2(TM) in the Tribal bingo market.
The new Explorer 2(TM) was installed in the First Council Casino Hotel - High Stakes Bingo Hall in Newkirk, Oklahoma on the GameTech EDGE Bingo System(TM) in late January. First Council Casino Hotel is one of the four gaming locations and the flagship property of Otoe Missouria Tribe. The High Stakes Bingo Hall is a newly built addition to their already popular gaming offering. This state-of-the-art facility seats up to 1000 guests complete with projection and Hi-Def LCD bingo flash boards. On their opening night session, First Council Casino Hotel successfully filled the new bingo hall with over 400 players.
The Explorer 2(TM) is GameTech's newest portable Wi-Fi bingo device with enhanced 10" touch screen, 10+ hours of continuous battery life and a new colorful design that is both attractive and rugged enough to withstand the bingo hall environment. The Explorer 2(TM) supports the latest bingo games including Slingo Jokers Wild(TM) and interfaces exclusively with the GameTech EDGE Bingo System(TM).
"Our goal was to bring the most exciting bingo experience ever to our players here in the Midwest, and GameTech helped us reach that goal and provide the experience," commented Bruce Barnett, CEO at First Council Casino Hotel.
Lorie Foerschler, Vice President of Product Management for GameTech agrees, "We are very excited to partner with First Council Casino Hotel to help them build their bingo business by continuously adding functionality to the system and new content that will set them apart in their market."
About GameTech International
GameTech International, Inc. is in the business of designing, manufacturing, and marketing electronic bingo and gaming equipment, systems, and services. Under the GameTech® product brand, the Company provides electronic bingo systems and equipment. Under the Summit Gaming(TM) product brand, the Company provides video lottery terminals, video gaming machines, and related software and content. GameTech International, Inc. serves customers in 40 U.S. States, Canada, Japan, and the Philippines. The Company was incorporated in 1994 and is headquartered in Reno, Nevada. More information on GameTech can be found at http://www.gametech-inc.com.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release includes various "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which represent GameTech expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Statements containing expressions such as "believes," "anticipates," or "expects," used in the Company's press releases and periodic reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurances that actual results will not differ materially from expected results. The Company cautions that these and similar statements included in this report are further qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. GameTech undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
SOURCE GameTech International, Inc.
GameTech International, Inc.
CONTACT: Investor Relations, GameTech International, Inc., Andrew E. Robinson, CFO, +1-775-850-6000
Rally Software's Agile ALM Platform and Services Now on GSA IT Schedule 70
Rally Partners with immixGroup to Serve Public Sector Customers
BOULDER, Colo. and MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rally® today announced that its leading Agile application lifecycle management (ALM) platform and services are now available to federal, state, and local government(http://www.rallydev.com/industry/government) agencies through the GSA IT Schedule 70 and the NASA-SEWP IV contracts. Rally has joined forces with immixGroup, Inc. to simplify the procurement process for public sector customers looking to incorporate Agile practices into their projects.
Rally's ALM platform and services are now available through the GSA IT Schedule 70 Contract (#GS-35F-0265X) and NASA-SWEP IV (#NNG07DA20B), each held by immixGroup's subsidiary immixTechnology, Inc. All federal government agencies, quasi-federal agencies, and government contractors purchasing in support of government-funded work and state and local governments can purchase from GSA Schedules. To learn more about Agile in the government and how Rally can help you make progress more visible, justify budgets more easily and build working products faster and with better quality, visit http://www.rallydev.com/industry/government.
Comments on the news:
"We are pleased to help Rally better serve its government customers by providing them with easy, reliable access to Rally's ALM platform and services through the contract vehicles they prefer," said Art Richer, President of immixGroup.
"Rally helps government agencies embrace Agile practices for delivering better-quality software and IT projects faster and ensuring solutions meet mission-critical requirements," said Rally's VP of Products, Todd Olson. "Our partnership with immixGroup reduces the complexities of off-contract procurement, so Rally can continue enabling federal agencies to effectively put Agile principles into practice."
About immixGroup, Inc.
immixGroup helps technology companies do business with the government. The company's four divisions deliver a unique combination of services for software and hardware manufacturers, their channel partners, and government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. Since 1997, immixGroup has helped hundreds of large and emerging companies grow and manage their public sector business while providing its government customers with reliable access to leading commercial technologies through the contract vehicles and partners they prefer. For more information, contact immixGroup, Inc. at 703.752.0610, via email at info@immixgroup.com, or on the Web at http://www.immixgroup.com.
About Rally
Rally is the recognized leader in Agile application lifecycle management (ALM). Rally is dedicated to helping organizations embrace Agile and Lean development and portfolio management practices that dramatically increase the pace of innovation, improve product quality and boost customer satisfaction. According to a study by QSM Associates, software-driven companies that rely on Rally's Agile ALM products and services are 50% faster to market and 25% more productive than industry averages. The company's experienced services group, including training through Agile University, guides companies through the organizational change required to become innovative, Agile businesses. Together, Rally's on-demand Agile ALM platform and its leading Kanban-based project collaboration tool, AgileZen, support more than 125,000 users in 109 countries.
Rally, the Rally logo, Rally Software Development and Agile University are trademarks of Rally Software Development Corp. Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE Rally Software
Rally Software
CONTACT: Lara Vacante of Rally Software, +1-720-921-8128, lvacante@rallydev.com
Blue Mountain Labs Provides Free No-Hype One-Hour Cloud Computing Consultation to Assist Those in Enterprise IT in Beginning the Movement to Cloud Computing
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Mountain Labs (http://www.bluemountainlabs.com) announced today the launch of a program to provide a free one-hour cloud computing phone consultation to those in enterprise IT that are seeking initial guidance on the potential use of private and public cloud computing resources to bring more cost and operational efficiencies to enterprise IT.
This is a balanced and independent initial assessment focusing on the requirements of the business, and not the hype. The consultation will provide a practical framework for those embarking on the effective use of cloud computing technology, as well as the defining the potential benefits that this technology can bring.
David S. Linthicum, the CTO and founder of Blue Mountain Labs, will oversee this program. Mr. Linthicum is a well-known thought leader in the cloud computing and service oriented architecture (SOA) space, and the author of the best selling cloud computing book Cloud Computing and SOA Convergence in your Enterprise...a Step-by-Step Guide. Mr. Linthicum provides leadership within the emerging cloud computing space, including many public speaking events, 4 blogs focusing on best practices in the emerging cloud computing market, and a weekly Cloud Computing Podcast approaching its 200th episode.
"This program is designed to provide those in enterprise IT solid initial answers about getting started as they look at the viability and application of cloud computing for their existing and future IT assets," states Mr. Linthicum. "We developed this program to clarify the hype about the emerging use of cloud computing, and define an initial path forward including first steps."
The phone consultations are scheduled on a first-come-first-serve-basis, and there is limited availability. Organizations seeking this consultation will be required to fill out an on-line short form, providing some initial information about the enterprise and specific problem domain.
Blue Mountain Labs is a consultancy created to lead enterprises to the promises of cloud computing, including how to integrate existing enterprise systems with the cloud.
SOURCE Blue Mountain Labs
Blue Mountain Labs
CONTACT: Cindy Risman, +1-314-373-3403, for Blue Mountain Labs
Peanut Butter & Co. and Stonyfield Announce Nutty Sweepstakes
Promotion features delicious new healthful recipes for 2012
NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Peanut Butter & Co. and Stonyfield Organic are pleased to announce a month-long online promotion, the Nutty About Yogurt Sweepstakes!
The two companies have engaged six food bloggers to develop new breakfast recipes using peanut butter from Peanut Butter & Co. and yogurt from Stonyfield Organic. From Friday, January 13, 2012 to February 13, 2012, consumers are invited to vote for their favorite recipe at http://www.NuttyAboutYogurt.com. The blogger whose recipe gets the most votes will receive $1,000. Consumers taking part in the promotion will be entered into a sweepstakes - 5 random winners will receive a prize pack containing products from Peanut Butter & Co. and Stonyfield valued at $100.
In addition, the first 20,000 people that vote will also receive $1.00-Off coupons from both companies.
The participating bloggers and their recipes are:
Blogger Blog Recipe
------- ---- ------
Brandi Evans Branappetit PB&J Rolls with Peanut
Butter & Yogurt Glaze
branappetit.com
--- ---------------
Tina Haupert Carrots 'N' Cake Maple Peanut Butter Yogurt
Scones
carrotsncake.com
--- ----------------
Jennifer Orcutt Peanut Butter and Jenny Peanut Butter & Jelly Baked
Yogurt Parfait
pbandjenny.com
--- --------------
Evan Thomas Wannabe Chef Pumpkin Peanut Butter
Muffins with Yogurt
Filling
thewannabechef.net
--- ------------------
Amelia Winslow Eating Made Easy Peanut Butter Pancakes with
Chocolate Yogurt Cream
eating-made-easy.com
--- --------------------
Lauren Zembron Healthy Food for Living Peanut Butter Banana Baked
French Toast with PB
Yogurt Sauce
healthyfoodforliving.com
--- ------------------------
"We thought this promotion would be a perfect way to start off the new year. So many people are making commitments to eat better. Breakfast is an integral part of a healthful diet, and combining wholesome ingredients like products from Peanut Butter & Co. and Stonyfield is an exciting way to get people thinking about breakfast in a new way," said Peanut Butter & Co.'s Founder & President Lee Zalben.
The Nutty About Yogurt promotion is part of a yearlong breakfast-focused initiative by Peanut Butter & Co. called "Build a Better Breakfast with Peanut Butter," which it developed in partnership with the National Peanut Board, which represents America's peanut growers. Peanut Butter & Co. products are made exclusively with USA-grown peanuts.
About Peanut Butter & Co.
Peanut Butter & Co. began in 1998 as a cozy little sandwich shop in Greenwich Village, NYC and is one of the fastest growing natural/specialty food companies in the US. The Company's ten varieties of all-natural, flavored peanut butter are available in over 15,000 supermarkets and specialty retailers, and Dark Chocolate Dreams, the Company's chocolate flavored peanut butter is the #1 selling all-natural chocolate nut spread in the country (Source: IRI). Peanut Butter & Co.'s products are made exclusively from USA-grown peanuts. Find out more at http://www.ilovepeanutbutter.com and http://www.facebook.com/PeanutButterCo and http://www.twitter.com/PeanutButterCo
About Stonyfield Farm
Stonyfield, celebrating its 28th year, is the world's leading organic yogurt company. Its certified organic yogurt, smoothies, milk, cultured soy, frozen yogurt and ice cream are distributed nationally. The company advocates that healthy food can only come from a healthy planet. Its use of organic ingredients helps keep over 200,000 farm acres free of toxic, persistent pesticides and chemical fertilizers known to contaminate soil, drinking water and food. To help reduce climate change, Stonyfield offsets all of the C02 emissions generated from its facility energy use. Stonyfield also donates 10% of its profits to efforts that help protect and restore the Earth. For more information about Stonyfield Farm, its products and initiatives, visit http://www.stonyfield.com or follow Stonyfield on Twitter @Stonyfield and @StonyfieldBiz, and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/StonyfieldFarm.
Contact: Maria Steinberg (212) 757-3130 ext. 103
maria.steinberg@ilovepeanutbutter.com
IceWEB Announces "iceTIME" Guarantee of Five Minute Setup Time or Less for Any IceWEB Unified Data Storage Appliance
Free NetBook Computer Included With Purchase; Comes Preconfigured With Setup Wizard for Effortless Deployment in Minutes for Small to Mid-Sized Organizations
STERLING, Va., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IceWEB, Inc.(TM) (OTCBB: IWEB), http://www.IceWEB.com, a leading provider of Unified Data Storage appliances for cloud and virtual environments, announced today its new "IceTIME(TM)" Guarantee, promising a setup time of five minutes or less for any of its unified storage appliances, compared to hours required by complicated systems manufactured by larger vendors. To back its claim, the company is shipping a NetBook computer preconfigured with IceWEB's setup wizard with every order at no additional cost.
"The benefits of cloud computing and virtualization should not come at a cost of unnecessary added complexity in the data center," said Steven Toole, IceWEB Chief Marketing Officer. "So with our IceTIME Guarantee, we're taking the 'stall' out of 'installation'. We're firmly committed to providing the absolute fastest and easiest set up time for small to medium sized organizations deploying unified storage appliances. With the free NetBook, implementing one of our award-winning unified appliances is as fast and easy as installing a printer - and there isn't a single network admin on the planet who can't do that."
Under the terms of the IceTIME guarantee, if customers can't implement IceWEB's appliances within five minutes using the free NetBook computer, they are entitled to return the system within seven days for a full refund and keep the Netbook gratis.
IceWEB's unified data storage appliances provide the absolute best performance, features and price for small to medium businesses optimizing file and block data storage utilization in cloud and virtual environments. IceWEB's unified storage appliances provide a standardized platform for your cloud and virtualization deployments, simplifying your data center environment while optimizing storage resources you've already deployed. And with fewer systems to power, cool and manage, you also benefit from reduced total cost of ownership (TCO).
All IceWEB Unified Storage Platforms are available through the Company's exclusive value-added distributor Promark Technology (800-634-0255). Promark markets IceWEB products throughout the United States through its nationwide network of 1,200 channel partners. For more information, please visit http://www.promarktech.com.
About IceWEB, Inc.
Headquartered just outside of Washington, D.C., IceWEB manufactures award-winning, high performance unified data storage appliances with enterprise storage management capabilities at a fraction of the price of traditional providers. Through thin provisioning, target deduplication and inline compression, IceWEB's unified storage arrays enable standardization, consolidation and optimized storage utilization for virtual and cloud environments, saving up to 90% of storage costs, while reducing space, power and cooling requirements and simplifying storage management. For more information please call 800-465-4637 or visit http://www.iceweb.com.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases you can identify those so-called "forward looking statements" by words such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "targets," "believes," "anticipates," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue" or the negative of those words and other comparable words. These forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, product tests, commercialization risks, availability of financing and results of financing efforts that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Further information regarding these and other risks is described from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available on its website at: http://www.sec.gov. We assume no obligation to update or alter our forward-looking statements made in this release or in any periodic report filed by us under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by applicable federal securities laws.
Contact:
IceWEB, Inc.
Investor Relations, 571.287.2400
investor@iceweb.com
or
Stephen D. Axelrod, CFA, 212.370.4500
steve@wolfeaxelrod.com
Wolfe Axelrod Weinberger Associates, LLC.
Auction Genius Turbo Charges Auction Buying for Car Dealers
Instant Access to Auction Information Helps Dealers Buy Smarter
DENVER, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Auction Genius has just announced a unique web-based software solution for auto dealers buying vehicles at auction. The system provides a quick and simple way to access critical information allowing dealers to make faster and better "buy decisions" on auction vehicles.
Todd Kinzle, president of Auction Genius shared, "The profitability of many auto dealers rests on their ability to buy pre-owned vehicles substantially below their retail selling price. If they pay too much their profit disappears. The components we package in a simple combined screen view allow dealers to quickly evaluate more vehicles in less time and participate in more auctions."
Dealers have access to timely information today to make better decisions, but the challenge is a lack of integration to quickly and efficiently find what you need. Time is a precious commodity at every auto retailer so dealers using traditional methods to obtain their information will be at a disadvantage when their competitors are using cutting edge tools like Auction Genius to cut hours off weekly tasks.
Cheryl Brillon of the Balise Automotive group said, "My performance is measured by how many cars I buy and how well they sell in our stores. I have already seen a measureable improvement in the first 30 days of using Auction Genius and I know from what I see that my performance will be greatly increased over all."
By utilizing Auction Genius dealers can find those diamonds in the rough and act on them quickly before they lose an opportunity. Robert Hertel, General Manager at Ravenel Ford said, "Last week a truck came through the lane at a price of $22,000. With Auction Genius I quickly checked the book values and CARFAX and determined it was selling for $2000 less than I would expect. I could see instantly it was under the money and I bought it." He continued, "Auction Genius has leveled the playing field and put me on par with the best of buyers."
To provide maximum value to dealers Auction Genius integrates with industry partners CARFAX, AutoCheck, NADA Guide Book, Black Book, Kelley Blue Book, and Galves. Auction integration includes Manheim Simulcast, OVE.com, Manheim PowerSearch, ADESA LiveBlock and ADESA DealerBlock, and more sources are in development. These alliances on the Auction Genius platform provide timely and powerful resources for vehicle buyers.
Anyone working in auto retailing knows there are thousands of moving parts to a dealership, so streamlining every process is a necessity. Auction Genius has successfully provided dealers with a simple and elegant solution to save them time and money, two critical elements of profitability.
Auction Genius will be at the 2012 NADA Convention and Expo in Las Vegas (February 4 - 6) and dealers can see demonstrations of their service at booth number 3673.
Auction Genius is web-based software for auto dealers buying vehicles at auction. It incorporates both local auction and vehicle specific information to help dealers make smarter buying decisions. The program integrates with industry partners CARFAX, AutoCheck, NADA Guide Book, Black Book, Kelley Blue Book, and Galves. Auction integration includes Manheim Simulcast, OVE.com, Manheim PowerSearch, ADESA LiveBlock and ADESA DealerBlock, with more in development. Auction Genius is located in Longmont, Colorado.
Overhauled digital platform marks start of 125th Anniversary celebration
ST. LOUIS, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation (NYSE: JAH) today introduced its new corporate website (http://www.Rawlings.com) and mobile-optimized digital platforms. The rebuilt site instantly transforms the user's brand experience with Rawlings, its complete product portfolio with elite pro players and championship-caliber collegiate teams that promote the brand's high-performance products at the highest levels of baseball.
"Rawlings' new, interactive digital experience more accurately aligns and promotes Rawlings' high-performance products and pro-preferred status as the #1 baseball brand worldwide," said Kurt Hunzeker, senior director of brand marketing for St. Louis-based Rawlings. "With an ever-evolving global marketplace, availability of new digital technologies and the simple fact that our core consumers live on their smartphones, tablets and laptops, we knew we had to create an enhanced engagement platform that better connects our storied brand with players, coaches, parents, retailers and strategic partners from across the globe."
To help develop the architecture and navigation of the new website, Rawlings conducted numerous focus groups, online surveys as well as implementing eye movement technology studies with its target market consumers. The final site design amplifies what users gravitate towards and how they naturally engage in their viewing experience as they interact with branded content.
The new site launch coincides with the start of Rawlings' 125th Anniversary celebration, and includes a historical perspective chronicling the company's game-changing product innovations over the years that transformed the way today's most popular sports are played, beginning with the first-ever fielder's glove introduced in Rawlings' inaugural year.
"With a new, in-house digital development team in place to constantly monitor, update and evolve Rawlings' digital capabilities, the redesigned website will continuously add new features and products with expanded descriptions, product image zoom tools and other features to enhance the user experience," said Jeff France, Rawlings' creative director.
Upcoming updates include a comprehensive apparel section, increased social media interconnectivity, new product customization configurators and multilingual brand websites.
"This initial stage of the new Rawlings.com is just the beginning of what we can do in the digital marketplace," said Kit Smith, Rawlings' technical director. "By coupling the power of the iconic Rawlings Patch and our legendary, high-performance product lines with the accessibility of the best professional players in the game, we now have an unlimited number of opportunities to best engage our consumers and accurately promote Rawlings' status as the authentic global baseball brand."
About Rawlings
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods in the United States. Since the company's inception in 1887, Rawlings' mission has always centered on enabling participation by developing and producing innovative, high-performance equipment and protective apparel for the professional, amateur and entry-level player. With an assortment of baseball, basketball, football game-related product lines, Rawlings is present everywhere team sports are played. Leagues and conferences of all skill levels integrate Rawlings' unparalleled product portfolio into their sports: as the Official Baseball Supplier and Official Helmet of Major League Baseball®, the official baseball for the NCAA®, the Official Uniform Provider of USA Football and Team USA, the official football for the NAIA®, the official basketball for the NAIA, NJCAA® and AAU®, and the approved baseball, basketball, football and softball of the National High School Federation®. For more information, please visit rawlings.com or by phone at (314) 819-2800.
About Jarden Corporation
Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of global consumer products with a portfolio of over 100 trusted, quality brands sold in more than 100 countries. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, ExOfficio®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Volkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden ranks #379 on the Fortune 500 and has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For in-depth information about Jarden, please visit http://www.jarden.com.
SOURCE Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120125/CG41746 http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.
CONTACT: Kurt Hunzeker, +1-314-819-5348, khunzeker@rawlings.com
Too Coo for School - the NEW Coo Boutique Launches to Take the Frustration Out of Travel Planning
Want to make sure you're booking the right hotel? Coo Boutique's vetted collection guarantees you will.
NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
The Problem
TripAdvisor and countless online reviews and forums overpopulate the internet, making planning a trip completely overwhelming and nerve-racking. Larger travel sites such as Expedia have over 500 hotels in New York City alone. Between clicking through a hotel's website for pictures, scanning opinion sites for reviews, and reading from publication websites for the best local sights and restaurants, it can be information overload.
The Cure http://www.CooBoutique.com, the newest and most discerning online luxury travel site, was formed as an antidote to this overload. Instead of spending hours combing the web for the best information for a trip, it's already in one place. Coo Boutique selects only the best hotels for its collection, accentuated by beautiful images, member reviews, and local city guides. The collection is carefully curated by an A-list roster of editors and advisors hailing from Travel + Leisure, Town & Country, The New York Times, and TheWall Street Journal and an advisory board of travel world veterans from Abercrombie and Kent, American Express, and several hotel groups.
These experts have advised on a streamlined list of luxury hotels and the perfect, succinct city guides to go with them, full of insider information on the best places to eat, shop, and sightsee (over 50 new guides coming this year). For instance, visitors to New York can avoid tourist traps by heading to the chicest restaurants and bars, just like a local.
Criteria
First and foremost, to even be considered as a Coo Boutique hotel, the property must have unparalleled service. Coo Boutique selects its properties by speaking to experts and fellow travelers and performing site inspections where they evaluate every aspect, from check-in to room service, dining to amenities. There is no fee for hotels to belong in the Coo collection, so no hotel can buy its way in. Booking through Coo Boutique assures a seamless travel experience and none of the let-down of arriving at a disappointing, internet-lauded hotel. They are constantly reviewing their hotels and looking for feedback. Hotels that don't meet the standard are immediately removed. Coo Boutique offers a limited collection to bring you only the most fabulous hotels and resorts in the world.
Man with the Plan
Coo Boutique was born out of founder Tushar Roy's own frustrations with finding the right hotel. An avid traveler though not in the business, Roy rounded up his travel contacts for the collective wisdom of experts in the industry and in media along with his own research to assemble the perfect list.
About Coo Boutique
Coo Boutique provides a tightly curated collection of luxury hotels worldwide, offering unbiased reviews, hotel perks and exclusive deals. Our secret resource - experienced hotel critics and seasoned travel editors - pre-select and thoroughly vet the hotels we invite to join the ranks of Coo Boutique members. Revisiting the classic - but nearly extinct - model of hotel inspection, we personally inspect hotels. Coo boutique plans to have 1000 hotels worldwide in its collection by the end of 2012. For more information please visit http://www.cooboutique.com.
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- iSlipTuFF is a convenient and seamless way to carry a spandex and antimicrobial microfiber screen cleaner on your iPad or tablet computer. The iSlip was designed to function either dry or wet and to be the LCD screen cleaner that is ready to perform. The iSlip is handy when you need it, not stuck in your purse, or bag, or in your pocket.
The iSlipTuFF is a patented product available in a variety of fashion colors and a host of patterns, such as digital camouflage, stripes, leopard, cupcakes and animal prints. The product is designed to be rugged, washable when needed. The iSlip also accepts adhesive or applied graphics for corporate logos, school and university names, or team logos.
The original idea for the iSlip series occurred to Mr. Cooper while he observed frustrated iPad users cleaning their screens. He saw people using their shirts, their shirtsleeves, nearby napkins, or parts of their dresses to remove smudges and fingerprints. Most tablet manufacturers provide a small flimsy wiping cloths along with their tablet. When Mr. Cooper observed people using the manufacturers'
offering, he saw the cloths blowing away in the wind or falling to the ground. The same scenario occurred with aftermarket cloths, the users were also tasked with what to do with the cloth after they use it. Does the user place the cloth in their desk, pocket, purse or carrier?
The iSlip is designed to be a fashionable combination of Spandex or elastic combined with microfiber material. The iSlip concept is simple. Create a material loop, join the loop at the seams with enough stretch left to be conveniently placed on the tablet cover when not in use, but easy enough to remove when needed for cleaning. It is that simple. Add a little color, throw in some patterns and there you have the iSlip series of cleaners.
Independent marketing studies indicate that the tablet market is expanding with 7-10 years of growth. Early estimates indicate a 350 million-unit market within the next 3 years. Cooper Product has secured a U.S. patent that will allow it to grow along with that trend.
The entire Cooper Product line is offered online at Cooper-Product.com. Currently we feature two versions of the iSlip with a new version to be launched each quarter. The products are completely retail ready, with GS-1 compliance, EDI capability and attractive packaging options for interested trading partners.
SOURCE Cooper Product
Cooper Product
CONTACT: CONTACT: Christopher Cooper, +1-818-481-4803, Info@Cooper-Product.Com
"The data loss notification aspect of the new proposed law is part of a wider picture
of increasing pressure on companies to be able to detect and respond to data breaches
quickly. Some businesses have suffered high profile data losses in the past year and the
speed and response in such cases is crucial in limiting the adverse effects of a breach.
"The proposed law directs that certain internet businesses need to contact regulators
within 24 hours after an attack, and data subjects "as soon as reasonably feasible" but it
can be challenging for a company to be able to report on a complicated data breach within
that time. Realistically many breaches will still be in the process of being forensically
investigated at this stage, making it all the more essential to have an incident response
plan agreed and in place. This means the business will be able to respond with as much
detail as possible in as short a period as possible. This is especially important to
minimise damage to the brand and avoid potential penalties."
It is essential for SME businesses to have a resilient incident response plan to
minimise the damage in the case of a data breach. In preparation for a breach such a plan
would include:
- Nominate an individual who is responsible for swiftly initiating contact
with the forensic company in the case of a breach
- Determine when it is appropriate to involve a lawyer, for example to maintain
legal advice and litigation privilege if the forensic report reveals adverse facts
- Nominate a forensic company to work with in the case of a breach
- Agreement with the forensic company on the type of instructions and contract
it requires to start work
- Agreement of the hourly rates from the forensic company as part of the
contract.
About Hiscox
Hiscox, the international specialist insurer, is headquartered in Bermuda and listed
on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HSX). There are three main underwriting parts of the
Group - Hiscox London Market, Hiscox UK and Europe and Hiscox International. Hiscox London
Market underwrites internationally traded business in the London Market - generally large
or complex business which needs to be shared with other insurers or needs the
international licences of Lloyd's. Hiscox UK and Hiscox Europe offer a range of specialist
insurance for professionals and business customers, such as public liability insurance
[http://www.hiscox.co.uk/business-insurance/public-liability-insurance ] and office
insurance [http://www.hiscox.co.uk/business-insurance/office-insurance ], as well as high
net worth individuals. Hiscox International includes operations in Bermuda, Guernsey and
USA. Hiscox Insurance Company Limited, Hiscox Underwriting Limited, Hiscox Europe
Underwriting Limited and Hiscox Syndicates Limited are authorised and regulated by the
Financial Services Authority.
Surf Communication Solutions Launches Orion-MCU(TM) HD Video Conferencing System for SMBO
Bridging the Gap Between Mobile and Enterprise Video Devices Connecting Different Protocols, Resolutions, and Profiles for a Ubiquitous Video Conferencing Experience
YOKNEAM, Israel, January 25, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
SURF Communication Solutions [http://www.surfsolutions.com ], a leading provider of
multimedia applications [http://www.surfsolutions.com/products ] and enabling
technologies, today launched the ORION-MCU(TM), a cost-competitive, high definition, low
latency video MCU (Multipoint Control Unit), unleashing video conferencing for
SMB's/SME's.
Orion-MCU(TM) [http://www.surfsolutions.com/orion-mcu ] addresses the large and
growing market of enterprise video solutions, extending the reach of video conferencing to
every organization including SMB's/SME's. Based on SURF's DSP-based advanced multimedia
processing and transcoding technologies [http://www.surfsolutions.com/solutions ],
Orion-MCU(TM) offers a complete solution for video and voice interoperability. It bridges
gaps by connecting a wide variety of devices including tablets, smart phones, desktops,
hardware phones and room systems that support different codec types, profiles and
signaling protocols.
Orion-MCU(TM) is available either as a standalone appliance that connects to any IP
network providing plug and play conferencing solutions, or as a PCI-e board,
MCU-on-a-blade solution for equipment manufacturers, that can be integrated into any
device in order to provide plug and play HD voice and video conferencing.
Mr. Niv Kagan, SURF's VP Marketing, explained: "Providing HD voice and video is
essential in conferencing systems. When combined with the ability to connect to the MCU
from any device, from within the enterprise or from a mobile client, any enterprise can
unleash the power of video seamlessly."
Niv continued, "With Orion-MCU(TM), organizations of all sizes can easily afford video
conferencing, as Orion-MCU(TM) will retail at a fraction of the cost of competitive
products."
To meet with a SURF representative, and see a live demo of the Orion-MCU(TM), join us
at the 2012 IT Expo East conference in Miami, Florida, January 31st - 3rd February, 2012
in booth 424.
About SURF Communication Solutions
SURF Communication Solutions (SURF) is an industry leader in high-capacity processing
solutions for real-time multimedia communication systems and applications. Since 1996,
SURF's products have delivered the integral technology behind many leading vendors'
multimedia servers and gateways and have been deployed with operators and service
providers worldwide. SURF-powered multimedia applications deliver next-gen services to
millions of end-users every day. SURF offers a fully converged multimedia processing
subsystem available in various form factors, DSP chips or end-to-end solutions, affording
unmatched density and optimal performance.
Zscaler ThreatLabZ Releases Free Service to Analyze Web Risk
New Zulu Service Provides Streamlined Public Web Portal to Comprehensively Identify Malicious Web Content
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Zscaler, The Cloud Security Company, today announced the release of a free web portal, Zulu, that the public can access at http://zulu.zscaler.com to quickly analyze URLs and assess risk posed by suspicious web content. Unlike other free security services, Zulu analyzes web pages from multiple perspectives in order to assess risk at a content, URL and host level. An overall risk score is delivered for the queried resource, along with detailed findings. In an effort to enable all users to enjoy a safe web experience, this new service brings powerful Zscaler technology to every consumer and allows them to rapidly identify malicious content.
Developed by Zscaler ThreatLabZ, the Zulu service combines a simple, easy-to-use web interface with intelligence derived from Zscaler's global cloud service, partner resources and public intel., to calculate a comprehensive overall risk score. This unique approach permits malicious content to be identified even when the page in question is no longer available. Users can even see page histories to identify when a page first became infected or was subsequently cleaned up.
Zscaler Zulu individually analyzes the page content, URL and host, leveraging a variety of proprietary tests, with continually updated data. Separately analyzing individual components of a web resource ensures that all characteristics that can lead to risk are assessed.
-- Content - Page content is scoured for the inclusion of potentially
malicious code leveraging proprietary Zscaler algorithms, conducting
heuristic tests and querying public sources.
-- URL - The requested URL is tested against known suspicious/malicious
patterns, public black/white lists, as well as historic risk assessments
for subdomains, domain TLDs, file types, etc.
-- Host - Historic reputations of the host IP address, Anonymous System
Number (ASN) and geographic location are analyzed, along with suspicious
behaviors displayed by the host in question.
"The Zscaler Zulu service sets a new bar in protecting the general public from web-based threats," said Michael Sutton, vice president of Security Research at Zscaler ThreatLabZ. "Zulu combines multiple data sources and builds upon the expertise that we've built as leaders in the web security industry to deliver a simple and free service that anyone can use to quickly and comprehensively identify malicious content."
According to Jim Reavis, co-founder & executive director at Cloud Security Alliance, "Users on the web today are inundated with web-based threats and traditional end-user security products are failing to protect them. It's encouraging to see Zscaler ThreatLabZ share the security knowledge that they gather by inspecting billions of web requests daily via a free web service that anyone can use."
Dynamic web-based threats demand dynamic solutions to ensure that even the latest malicious threats can be identified. The Zscaler Zulu service ensures that continually updated content, fed from proprietary Zscaler and public sources, is combined to identify even newly deployed web-based threats.
Zscaler ThreatLabZ Zulu service is freely available via a simple web portal to everyone and can be accessed at http://zulu.zscaler.com.
About Zscaler: The Cloud Security Company(TM)
Zscaler enforces business policy, mitigates risk and provides twice the functionality at a fraction of the cost of current solutions, utilizing a multi-tenant, globally-deployed infrastructure. Zscaler's integrated, cloud-delivered security services include Web Security, Mobile Security, Email Security and DLP. Zscaler services enable organizations to provide the right access to the right users, from any place and on any device--all while empowering the end-user with a rich Internet experience. For more information, visit http://www.zscaler.com.
About Zscaler ThreatLabZ(TM)
Zscaler ThreatLabZ is the global security research team for Zscaler. Leveraging an aggregate view of billions of daily web transaction, from millions of users across the globe, Zscaler ThreatLabZ identifies new and emerging threats as they occur, and deploys protections across the Zscaler Security Cloud in real time to protect customers from advanced threats.
UK Customers are Fifth Happiest in World; Second Happiest in Europe
LONDON, January 25, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
New Customer Satisfaction Index from Zendesk reveals most satisfied
customers by country, based on 65 million consumers in 137 countries
Zendesk [http://www.zendesk.com ], the cloud-based help desk support platform, today
released an early look at its new Customer Satisfaction Index, showing that UK customers
are the fifth happiest globally and second European wide, with the service they receive,
with an 83% satisfaction rating. The index measured customer happiness across 65 million
consumers in 137 countries.
Zendesk creates the Customer Satisfaction Index by analysing data from 65 million
customers via the Zendesk 'Customer Satisfaction Rating' feature. After a customer service
request is solved, Zendesk enables companies to automatically contact their customers to
collect feedback on the service that was provided. Not only is this a quick and easy way
to track customer satisfaction and reduce customer churn, it also provides tremendous
insight into comprehensive customer satisfaction.
Considering countries with high gross domestic product (GDP), Australians and
Canadians share joint first place as the most satisfied customers in the world, coming in
at a high 93%. This is followed by Germany at 88%, the United States at 87% and the UK
finishing off the top five at 83%. From a European stand-point, the UK is second only to
Germany in happy customers; Spain and Italy follow close to the UK at 81% each. France,
however, trails behind, coming in bottom of the table at 57%.
2011 was a banner year for Zendesk with the company tripling its year-on-year revenue
and opening new offices in London, Copenhagen and Melbourne to help support its customers
around the world.
This announcement comes on the heels of Zendesk's news that it has signed its 15,000th
customer.
"The UK is an important vocal market for consumers. The proliferation of smartphone
and tablet users has seen an increasing number turn to social media as the main means of
customer support. As such, offering good customer service to this very public audience is
imperative," notes Mikkel Svane, Zendesk's CEO. "Zendesk helps its 15,000 customers to
deliver superior customer service to more than 65 million people in 137 countries and so
we decided it's time to use this wealth of data to produce our new Customer Service
Index."
This listing provides an early look at the type of information that readers can expect
from Zendesk's Customer Satisfaction Index. The full document will be published on a
quarterly basis and will report on additional data such as customer service efficiency and
quality in various industries, geographies and, company size. Those who wish to subscribe
to the upcoming complete Customer Satisfaction Index can register at http://www.zendesk.com/index.
Customer Satisfaction by Country
Customer
Country Satisfaction
Australia 93%
Canada 93%
Germany 88%
United States 87%
United Kingdom 83%
Spain 81%
Italy 81%
Russia 80%
Brazil 79%
India 70%
France 57%
Zendesk also produces a real-time map that visualises where customer inquiries are
taking place, as they happen. This can be seen at http://www.zendesk.com/map.
About Zendesk
Zendesk is the leading provider of proven, cloud-based help desk software. For growing
organizations, Zendesk is the fastest way to enable great customer service. More than
15,000 Zendesk customers, including Adobe, Sony, OpenTable and Groupon, trust Zendesk with
their most valuable assets: their customers, partners, and employees. Founded in 2007,
Zendesk is funded by Charles River Ventures, Benchmark Capital and Matrix Partners. Learn
more at http://www.zendesk.com.
Media contact
Claire Treacy
clairet@balloupr.com
+44(0)7816-130-664
NSD Securities Turnover and Cash Accounts Turnover Grow Up to Record RUB95.9 Trillion and RUB239.6 Trillion Respectively for 2011
MOSCOW, January 25, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
National Settlement Depository (NSD), Russia's only settlement depository servicing
the full range of debt and equity securities of Russian issuers, has summed up its
operating results for 2011.
NSD's customers' cash accounts turnover and its securities turnover (the market value
of securities transferred in inventory operations) for 2011 reached record figures:
RUB239.6 trillion and RUB95.9 trillion correspondingly. It is 37.4% and 41.5% more than
for 2010 (RUB174.4 trillion and RUB67.7 trillion respectively).
Eddie Astanin, Chairman of the Executive Board, NSD, said:
"In general we are happy with the results of our operations, as 2011 was the first
year of NSD's full functioning after integration of NDC and MICEX SH. We consider our high
customers' satisfaction index as one of the most important factors in 2011. It became a
benchmark for NSD for 2012."
Cash settlements
Cash settlements on MICEX Group's markets at the market closing prices
In 2011 the aggregate turnover of trading accounts for provision of settlements
between participants in MICEX Group's on-exchange markets amounted to RUB150.7 trillion,
including:
- on stock exchange market: RUB81.33 trillion (31% growth against 2010);
- on governmental securities market: RUB29.9 trillion (increased by 49.7% against
2010);
- on derivatives market : RUB1.637 trillion (decreased by 26% against 2010)
Operations held via the Bank of Russia's settlement network
In 2011 the turnover of NSD's correspondent account with the Bank of Russia increased
by 58.2% against the previous year reaching RUB255.6 trillion.
The number of payments conducted via NSD's correspondent account with the Bank of
Russia for 2011 increased by 27.4% in comparison with 2010 (683,940 payments).
In 2011 the turnover of NSD's correspondent account with the Bank of Russia using its
RTGS system, Banking Electronic Speedy Payments (BESP) system rose by 82.6% against 2010
and reached RUB162.3 trillion.
The number of executed payments conducted via NSD's correspondent account with the
Bank of Russia using the BESP system grew almost four fold amounting to 82,555 payments.
A significant increase in the number of operations conducted using the BESP is mainly
caused by technologic improvement of the software and enhancement of the settlement
services in the course of conducting of payments through the system.
Securities safekeeping and servicing
The value of securities in depository accounts opened with NSD increased 5.5%
amounting to RUB8.139 trillion (as of 31 December, 2011) compared with the 2010 figure of
RUB7.718 trillion. The market value of Russian issuers' shares on deposit with NSD as of
31 December, 2011, reduced by 9.1% due to crisis situation in financial markets (MICEX
Index dropped 16.9% for the reporting period). Increase in aggregate nominal value of
corporate and regional bonds on deposit with NSD for 2011 was 10.7% and reached RUB3.328
trillion; nominal value of Eurobonds on deposit with NSD grew by 29.8% to RUB205 billion,
and UIT units' value grew by 97.1% reaching RUB111.554 billion.
The total number of securities on deposit with NSD grew by 27.1% from 2.02 trillion as
of 31 December, 2010, to 2.56 trillion as of 31 December, 2011. The number of inventory
operations for 2011 did not change against 2010; it reached 2,724,947 operations.
The number of issuers which securities were serviced by NSD amounted to 2,060; this is
30.8% more against 2010. The total number of securities issues serviced by NSD in 2011
reached 4,193; it makes 28.3% growth against the data as of 31 December, 2010. At the same
time the number of foreign issuers' Eurobonds serviced by NSD increased by 83.2% reaching
524. The number of foreign issuers' shares serviced by NSD grew from 19 to 179 issues as
of 31 December, 2011. Number of depository accounts for 2011 amounted to 2,065 accounts
including accounts opened by legal entities-non-residents; this is 8.6% growth since the
beginning of 2011.
The value of DVP transactions held by the participants in OTC market using NSD's
correspondent accounts opened with Clearstream and Euroclear for 2011 reached RUB96.066
billion; this is 74% more than for 2010 (RUB55.206 billion). In 2011 the number of DVP
transactions conducted increased by 60.4% against 2010 and amounted to 1,054 operations;
1,024 of them were represented by operations with bonds, 24 of them were conducted with
shares. 968 operations were held with bonds in US dollars.
The value of NSD's internal DVP operations held in 2011 17.4% grew against 2010 from
RUB37.2 billion to RUB43.7 billion. The number of NSD's internal DVP operations conducted
in 2011 dropped 25.7% compared with the same indicator a year earlier (from 315 to 234
operations).
NSD remains the leading Russian paying agent on corporate and regional bonds. As of 31
December, 2011, its share in the market of paying agent's services was 41.73% on basis of
all number of corporate and regional securities issues in circulation, and 44.54% based on
the number of issuers of corporate and regional securities in circulation. For 2011 NSD
being a paying agent accepted for servicing 110 bond issues of 56 issuers. As of 1
January, 2012, the total number of bond issues serviced by NSD as a paying agent amounted
to 338 issues of 159 issuers.
For 2011 NSD made 767 payments as income on corporate and regional bonds and on the
Bank of Russia's bonds for a total sum of RUB1.35 trillion (this is by 1.4% more than for
the same period of 2010 - 651 payments for RUB1.331 trillion). The company also paid
RUB18.88 billion as income on registered securities (dividends, UITs income, revenues from
repurchase of shares); this is by 10.4% more than the same indicator for 2010 (RUB17.105
billion).
The sum of Eurobonds' coupon and maturity payments for 2011 amounted to:
- Ruble payments: RUB3.914 billion
- Euro payments: EUR54.143 million
- US dollar payments: US$548 million
- British pound payments: GBP3,700
Being Russia's National numbering agency, NSD assigns ISIN and CFI codes to Russian
financial instruments, submits information about assigned codes to the international
database and updates the international database with regard to Russian ISIN and CFI codes.
For 2011, NSD assigned international ISIN and CFI codes to 995 Russian financial
instruments and withdrew ISIN codes from 409 Russian securities.
In 2008 the Federal Financial Markets Service's Provision for Foreign Financial
Instruments as Securities approved by FFMS Order #07-105/pz-n of Oct. 23, 2007, came into
effect. According to this document NSD, acting as a member of Association of National
Numbering Agencies (ANNA), provides services related to qualification of foreign financial
instruments as securities to stock market participants.
For all the time of contributing to qualification of foreign financial instruments,
NSD received and processed 55,504 requests on ISIN and CFI codes of foreign financial
instruments (including requests on the same instrument sent by different clients). By the
end of 4Q 2011 information about 20,737 instruments was provided to the market
participants; out of them 17,396 instruments conform to the FFMS qualification
requirements.
Note
Value of securities held in NSD accounts is an operational indicator which does not
include the market value of other assets held in issuers' accounts. The value of shares
and units of Unit Investment Trusts is based on market value, and the value of bonds is
based on nominal value.
About NSD
National Settlement Depository (NSD) is the largest settlement depository in Russia, a
part of the MICEX-RTS Group, servicing on-exchange and OTC transactions with all types of
debt and equity securities of Russian issuers and providing settlement services to
participants in financial markets of the Russian Federation.
NSD provides storage of global certificates and depository accounting for 99% of
corporate bond issues, sub-federal and municipal bond issues. It services 100% of
transactions conducted in the federal bond and the Bank of Russia bond markets, more than
99% of transactions conducted in the corporate and regional bond markets, the majority of
transactions with equities and also services UIT units and securities of foreign issuers.
In accordance with agreements concluded between NSD and the Bank of Russia, NSD acts
as a settlement center for the organized securities market.
NSD is Russia's national numbering agency and the substitute numbering agency for the
CIS, authorized to assign the international ISIN and CFI codes.
For further information about NSD: http://www.nsd.ru, or NSD Public Affairs
Division: +7-495-232-0910, pr@ndc.ru
National Instruments Announces Test Solution for 802.11ac WLAN
News Highlights
-- The NI test platform now supports testing of 802.11ac Tx and Rx wireless local area network (WLAN) chipsets and devices, up to 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM
-- NI will be demonstrating its latest mobile device test solution at the Mobile World Congress trade show
-- The new NI 802.11ac test solution integrates with NI LabVIEW system design software to increase test throughput while decreasing system cost
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- National Instruments (NASDAQ: NATI) today announced early access support for testing next-generation 802.11ac WLAN chipsets and devices. This announcement exemplifies how NI's modular, software-defined wireless test platform continually expands to address the latest cellular and wireless connectivity standards including 802.11ac.
NI's 802.11ac WLAN test solution provides flexibility in testing 802.11ac devices in addition to testing 802.11a/b/g/n devices. It works with a wide range of signal bandwidths including 20, 40, 80 and 80+80 160 MHz for both Tx and Rx for up to 4x4 MIMO configurations.
Quote
"By supporting the latest WLAN standard, 802.11ac, we are demonstrating the power of NI's software-defined, modular test systems," said Dr. James Truchard, president, CEO and cofounder of National Instruments. "Our modular test platform delivers faster test times and lower total cost of ownership, and by combining it with LabVIEW, we help engineers address the latest emerging wireless standards."
802.11ac Solution Features
-- Modulation formats up to 256 QAM
-- 4x4 MIMO for both Tx and Rx
-- Signal bandwidths including 20, 40, 80 and advanced 80+80 160 MHz
-- Optional MAC features such as LDPC, STBC and AMPDU
-- Automated test system development using NI LabVIEW, C or Microsoft
Visual Studio
NI is working with several early access partners, including silicon suppliers, OEMs and electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers, to test the latest 802.11ac devices.
NI will be exhibiting the new 802.11ac test solution at Mobile World Congress (hall 2.0, booth 2B93) in Barcelona, Spain, from Feb. 27 through March 3.
Click to Tweet: The @NIGlobal test platform now supports testing of 802.11ac #WLAN standard http://bit.ly/wsMTAa
The IEEE 802.11ac WLAN standard promises more than 3X faster transfer speeds, more reliable coverage and up to 6X more power efficiency than equivalent 802.11n solutions. These benefits have increased the demand on today's wireless test systems to provide better software flexibility, wider Tx and Rx bandwidth and higher performance signal processing.
About National Instruments
Since 1976, National Instruments (http://www.ni.com) has equipped engineers and scientists with tools that accelerate productivity, innovation and discovery. NI's graphical system design approach to engineering provides an integrated software and hardware platform that speeds the development of any system needing measurement and control. The company's long-term vision and focus on improving society through its technology supports the success of its customers, employees, suppliers and shareholders.
LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI and ni.com are trademarks of National Instruments. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
Editor Contact: Trisha McDonell, (512) 683-6215
SOURCE National Instruments
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National Instruments
Teleplan to Provide Acer With After-Market Services in North America
AMSTERDAM, January 25, 2012/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Teleplan International N.V. (Prime Standard, ISIN: NL0000229458), the leading global
provider of high-tech after-market services for the Computer, Communications and Consumer
Electronics industries was selected by Acer America, a division of the world's number two*
notebook manufacturer, for its remanufacturing business in North America. The services
will be facilitated from Teleplan Reynosa in Mexico. The service solution encompasses
cleaning, screening and repair of Acer's notebook product portfolio.
"We are delighted to receive this accreditation and to add Acer to our customer list,"
commented Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Patrick Ring one of the most recent business
wins further expanding Teleplan's global integrated End-to-End after-market services.
*source: Gartner Q3/2011 survey
Teleplan International N.V. Teleplan International N.V. is one of the top suppliers of
high-tech after-market services and provides total lifecycle care solutions for the world
of Computers, Communications and Consumer Electronics ("3Cs"). The lifecycle care concept
ranges from simple repairs to the most sophisticated technological and electronic
solutions. Headquartered in Amsterdam/Schiphol, the Netherlands, Teleplan currently
operates from 24 sites in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia with approximately
5,300 employees.
For Further Information:
Teleplan International N.V.
Monika Collee
Corporate Director Communications & Investor Relations
Tel.: +31-85-273-3681
Email: monika.collee@teleplan.com
Smile Releases PDFpen for iPad, Making PDFpen the First Complete Solution For Full-featured PDF Editing on iPad and Mac
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Smile, a developer of productivity applications for Mac and iOS, has released PDFpen for iPad, a mobile version of its popular Mac PDF editor.
With PDFpen for iPad, users can add text, images, and signatures to PDFs, make corrections, resize and delete images, and fill out forms. PDFs can be annotated with comments, highlighting and drawing tools. The sleek and responsive iOS interface makes it easy to skim within a document via the thumbnail view sidebar. Documents can also be copied, combined, and renamed.
PDFpen for iPad allows users to store documents in iCloud, making it possible to seamlessly edit and store a PDF in conjunction with PDFpen for Mac OS X. It also can retrieve and save PDFs directly with Dropbox, Evernote and Google Docs. Files can be shared with a computer via Wi-Fi, and transferred using iTunes, FTP, WebDAV, and iDisk.
"Business use of iPads is surging," said Smile founder Philip Goward. "With PDFpen for iPad and iCloud, users can be as productive on the road as they are at the office."
PDFpen for iPad retails for an introductory price of $9.99 on the App Store. It requires an iPad running iOS 5.
PDFpen for iPad features:
-- Read and edit PDF documents on your iPad
-- Store documents in iCloud for sharing between devices
-- Add text, images and signatures to PDFs
-- Correct text in original PDF with editable text blocks
-- Move, resize, copy and delete images in original PDF
-- Import images from iPad Photo Library
-- Save frequently-used images, signatures, objects and text for reuse
-- Fill out PDF forms
-- Add notes, comments, and freehand scribbles
-- Draw lines, arrows, rectangles, ellipses and polygons
-- Mark up documents with highlighting, underscoring and strikethrough;
proofreading symbol collection included
-- Copy, combine, rename and delete files
-- Thumbnail view sidebar for easy skimming
-- Email PDF files
-- Retrieve and save PDFs directly with Dropbox, Evernote and Google Docs;
share PDFs with a computer via Wi-Fi; transfer files using iTunes, FTP,
WebDAV, and iDisk.
Requirements:
-- an iPad running iOS 5 is required for PDFpen for iPad
Pricing:$9.99 (special introductory price)Available on the iTunes App Store
For more information about PDFpen for iPad, please visit:http://www.smilesoftware.com/PDFpen/iOS
ABOUT SMILESmile makes productivity software for Mac OS X and iOS devices, including PDFpen, the Mac PDF editor that won an Editors' Choice Award from Macworld and The Mac Observer; PDFpen for iPad, the mobile PDF editor; TextExpander, the Mac typing shortcut tool that also won a Macworld Eddy award; TextExpander touch for the iPhone and iPad; and DiscLabel, the Macworld Eddy award-winning CD label design program.
Onstream Media Announces Golf Industry 365 Signs MarketPlace365® Services Agreement to Create The Golf Buying Show
POMPANO BEACH, Fla., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Onstream Media Corporation (NASDAQ: ONSM), a leading online service provider of live and on-demand corporate audio and web communications, virtual event technology, and social media marketing, today announced that Links Marketing Group Inc., a leading golf magazine publisher, and TTG Media Inc., a golf industry marketing company that creates over 500,000 golf course guides annually, have formed a joint partnership (Golf Industry 365) and signed a MarketPlace365® services agreement to develop The Golf Buying Show. Links Marketing and TTG Media expect to bring together thousands of members, business partners and golf enthusiasts into a new, multimedia online environment that is 100% accessible to interested parties all over the world.
The Links Marketing Group Inc. has been actively involved in the golf industry for more than 25 years and was instrumental in creating and developing a variety of golf magazines, including Pro Shop Magazine, Canadian Golfer Magazine and the website GolfIndustryNetwork.ca. In addition, Links Marketing has formed the Gold Club Network to assist in communications and promotions for their members and customers via custom programming and digital signage on the clubs' closed-circuit television monitors.
TTG Media Inc. publishes and distributes over 500,000 copies of its golf course guides per year, and has national marketing partnerships with recognizable major corporate brands such as Mazda, Manulife, Bacardi, Cialis, Bayer, Sirius Radio, Capital One, Sandals Resorts, Glenlivet, Nike Golf, Bud Light, Black and Decker and Marriott.
"With the golf industry seeing a decline in attendance at major golf shows, the opportunity to provide a virtual meeting spot for golf enthusiasts and merchandisers presents a real boost for our combined marketing efforts," says Randy McDonald, President of Links Marketing. "The overall costs can be greatly reduced through the use of such innovative technology, which really brings the game into the modern era in a user-friendly, online environment that will be extremely appealing to golfers, manufacturers and advertisers alike."
"For an industry like golf, and sports in general, this is the perfect marriage of technology and marketing. The downturn in attendance at physical trade shows all over the world can be instantly moved in the other direction, with the ability of manufacturers, customers, avid golfers and related marketing partners to all meet in one spot, with no associated travel fees or the inconvenience of flying to another part of the country," added Randy Selman, President and CEO of Onstream Media. "We are very enthusiastic about the opportunity provided with this cross-pollination of so many diverse customers and industries, including food & beverage, hospitality, manufacturers and associated advertising and marketing."
The Golf Buying Show will feature a media library with educational videos, archived information materials, and contact databases, a virtual auditorium where professional golfers and industry leaders can provide live and on-demand webinars with Q&A, and an exhibition hall where merchandisers can show off their latest gear, showcase their products and services, conduct sales and cultivate new relationships via online brochures and catalogs. Interaction will also be readily available in the Lounge, where attendees can chat, blog, and share popular social media networks.
MarketPlace365 is a comprehensive, online lead-generation and communications virtual conference and trade show platform that enables publishers, associations and tradeshow organizers to quickly, easily and affordably self-deploy and manage their own online multimedia "marketplace," while creating a compelling social-media experience for the attendee. MarketPlace365 brings communities with common interests together online for commerce and information exchange. MarketPlace365 features include: social networking, search engine optimization, advanced analytics, videos, webinars, presentations and a full suite of marketing and communications tools. For more information, visit http://www.MarketPlace365.com.
About Links Marketing Group:
The Links Marketing Group Inc. was launched in 1995 by Randy McDonald who has been actively involved in the Canadian golf industry for more than 25 years and was instrumental in creating and developing a variety of golf magazines, including Pro Shop Magazine, Canadian Golfer Magazine and the website GolfIndustryNetwork.ca. In addition, Links Marketing has formed the Gold Club Network, to assist in communications and promotions for their members and customers via custom programming and digital signage on the clubs' television monitors.
About TTG Media:
Formed in 2009, TTG Media Inc.'s premier product is the Course Guide program, which provides courses with the ability to meet customer acquisition goals, loyalty and retention goals through customized marketing solutions. Solid industry relationships have place the company in a unique position to not only greatly enhance their customers' marketing positions, but have seen TTG Media grow at a rate of 200% per year. TTG Media, whose output includes 500,000 Course Guides per year, has national marketing partnerships with major corporations such as Mazda, Manulife, Bacardi, Cialis, Bayer, Sirius Radio, Capital One, Sandals Resorts, Glenlivet, Nike Golf, Bud Light, Black and Decker and Marriott.
About Onstream Media:
Onstream Media Corporation (NASDAQ: ONSM), is a leading online service provider of live and on-demand corporate audio and web communications, virtual event technology, and social media marketing. Onstream Media's innovative Digital Media Services Platform (DMSP) provides customers with cost effective tools for encoding, managing, indexing, and publishing content via the Internet. The company's MarketPlace365® solution enables publishers, associations, tradeshow promoters and entrepreneurs to rapidly and cost effectively self deploy their own online virtual marketplaces. In addition, Onstream Media provides live and on-demand webcasting, webinars, web and audio conferencing services. To date, almost half of the Fortune 1000 companies and 78% of the Fortune 100 CEOs and CFOs have used Onstream Media's services. Select Onstream Media customers include AAA, Dell, Disney, Georgetown University, National Press Club, PR Newswire, Shareholder.com (NASDAQ), Sony Pictures, and the U.S. Government. Onstream Media's strategic relationships include Akamai, BT Conferencing, Qwest, and Trade Show News Network (TSNN). For more information, visit Onstream Media at http://www.onstreammedia.com or call 954-917-6655.
Media Relations:
Chris Faust
Fastlane Communications, LLC
973-226-4379
cfaust@fast-lane.net
Investor Relations:
Jeff Ramson
Proactive Capital Resources Group, LLC.
212-792-4294
jramson@proactivecrg.com
New York City Guide Launches on The Purple Passport
Free online guide features the city's hippest and chicest spots as a resource for both locals and travelers
NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Purple Passport, a web-based collection of chic, one-stop-shop guides to experiencing the world's cities in style, has launched its New York City Guide. Featuring over 450 of the choicest hotels, restaurants, spas, nightlife spots, shops, and activities, the guide will point locals to nearby hotspots and help travelers plan distinctive city experiences.
Drawing on The Purple Passport team members' expertise as New York City dwellers, recommendations run the gamut from classic hotels to futuristic lounges, neighborhood pizzerias to elegant bistros, and iconic architecture to idyllic parks. The handpicked venues will appeal to stylish, discriminating individuals.
Users can also take advantage of the site's unique functionality features, including a mapping tool to find recommended venues near their primary destinations. Those who open free Purple Passport accounts can create customized "Passports" of their favorite venues to share with friends via email.
The site's user-friendly, taste-making approach is a reflection of what its founders, best friends Jennifer Garcia-Alonso and Emily C. Brands, look for when they travel. "We've been traveling together for over a decade -- with matching purple-colored passport covers in tow," said Garcia-Alonso. The pair began blogging about their journeys on The Diary of The Purple Passport in 2008 and launched the beta version of The Purple Passport in 2010 with city guides to London, Los Angeles, and Beijing, adding Palm Beach and Paris in 2011. A guide to Washington, DC is forthcoming.
About The Purple Passport
The Purple Passport (http://www.thepurplepassport.com) is a web-based collection of chic, one-stop-shop guides to experiencing the world's cities in style. The site provides the full range of urban travel planning needs, from researching a trip start to finish, to reserving hotels, to creating an itinerary to be shared with travel companions. The Purple Passport team personally visits every spot that it reviews and never accepts compensation for featuring a venue on the site. First-person accounts of the team's travel experiences can be found on the companion blog, The Diary of The Purple Passport (http://diary.thepurplepassport.com).
Contact:
Jennifer Garcia-Alonso
Co-Founder
The Purple Passport, LLC
245 Park Avenue, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10167
jenn.garcia-alonso@thepurplepassport.com
SOURCE The Purple Passport
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101018/NY83385LOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/
The Purple Passport
JewelMint Premieres 'Shop The Look' Facebook App With Second JewelMint Fashion Film Featuring Kate Bosworth
JewelMint launched a new Facebook app shopping feature on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 for customers to shop Kate's looks in her newly released JewelMint fashion film, 'Morocco'
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today JewelMint launched a new Facebook shopping feature for customers to shop Kate Bosworth's looks from 'Morocco', the second in a new series of JewelMint's online fashion films featuring Bosworth in her exclusive JewelMint collection. Shot on location in Morocco by acclaimed filmmaker Michael Polish (Twin Falls Idaho, For Lovers Only, Big Sur) and set to Broken Social Scene's 'Ungrateful Little Father', this fashion film follows Kate as she wanders through a Moroccan street market.
At the beginning of each upcoming month, each fashion film will premiere on JewelMint.com and will feature that month's exclusive jewelry collection. JewelMint's Facebook application [http://apps.facebook.com/shopkateslook/], now enables customers and fans to shop Kate's looks from each of the fashion films, including 'Morocco'.
Bosworth commented, "I'm excited about this app because it allows the Facebook community to enjoy these fashion films in a cinematic way while also being able to view and shop the jewelry without having to leave Facebook."
JewelMint launched the fashion film series with 'The Look' on January 12th during an LA Breakfast at Soho House, where Bosworth screened the first three fashion films and a teaser for the fourth in the series.
The JewelMint fashion films will be distributed to various media outlets and will also be available on JewelMint.com, JewelMint's YouTube Channel (youtube.com/jewelmint) and JewelMint's Facebook page (facebook.com/JewelMint). 'Morocco' can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayAtnmc0sZI.
About BeachMint:
BeachMint is a venture backed social commerce company for designer-curated direct to consumer sites, founded by serial tech entrepreneurs, Josh Berman (Co-Founder MySpace) and Diego Berdakin. BeachMint launched their first brand, JewelMint.com, with Kate Bosworth and celebrity stylist, Cher Coulter, in October 2010, StyleMint.com with Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen in July 2011, BeautyMint.com with Jessica Simpson and celebrity skincare expert, Nerida Joy, in October 2011, and ShoeMint.com with Rachel Bilson and celebrity stylist, Nicole Chavez, in collaboration with Steve Madden.
About JewelMint:
JewelMint is an exclusive jewelry line designed by fashion icon, Kate Bosworth, and celebrity stylist, Cher Coulter, in partnership with BeachMint. JewelMint's monthly collections offer unique jewelry designs personalized to match each member's style. Each member receives style tips, trend reports and videos to show how to wear and pair pieces.
Introducing Clearstream: Auditing and Evaluation for Online Video Venues
Standards Company Provides Trust and Transparency to Major Advertisers Seeking Increased Reach and Targeting for Their Video Advertising Campaigns
CHICAGO, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Internet is the broadest, most targeted, immediate and pervasive media channel ever created. It's also the most unorganized. Since anyone can create and host a Web site, major advertisers face a daunting problem: how to achieve the broadest reach possible for their commercial videos while avoiding video streams with low quality, unsuitable content or poor placement.
Clearstream, a new company founded by experienced executives within the advertising and online industries, is solving the challenge. Based in Chicago, Clearstream is taming the "Wild West" of online video advertising by instituting a strong, trustworthy standard for measuring the quality and content of video. Finally, agencies and brands can achieve their reach and targeting goals through appropriate, verifiable online placement.
"After CBS, NBC, ABC and Hulu, online video inventory quickly turns into one big blind spot for marketers," said Brian Mandelbaum, co-founder of Clearstream and a veteran of Razorfish, Saatchi & Saatchi, Cramer Krasselt and AdoTube. "Online display advertising already has trusted audit and analytics in place. But there is a strong need for rating standards among sites suitable for paid video content. Clearstream has assembled the technology, financial support and business credibility to make it happen."
Many Web sites today, based on superficial or second-hand information, seem suitable for video-based advertising when in fact they are irrelevant, low quality, poorly positioned for video streaming, or carry content unsuitable or objectionable for a particular brand. Some incentivize video viewing or place them in banners, within social gaming, or in other situations that compromise the advertiser's intent.
To provide transparency and even education to the market, Mandelbaum and the Clearstream team are establishing the standard Clearstream Score--a "seal of approval" for online site inventory. The score is comprised of two components: a Video Quality Rating and a Content Index. Expressed as two numbers ("900/110", for example), the Clearstream Score provides verifiable assessment of publishers' quantitative and qualitative power, as well as how well the content matches advertisers' specifications.
Clearstream has quickly found support from media executives and brand managers through the advertising industry. According to Mandelbaum, the ability to bring online video closer to the TV buying experience is a primary reason. "For the Procter & Gambles of the world to get comfortable with online video, they have to have the same level of confidence as with a television buy," he noted. "That's something we can provide."
Clearstream certifies at the request of brands, online publishers and video networks who wish to have third-party evaluation. Once certified by Clearstream, video streams are classified and accountable as trusted venues for sponsorship and other paid video content. Clearstream provides post-buy analysis and reports to agencies and their clients that accurately measure the campaign's success against its stated goals.
Clearstream's audits extend to premium in-stream, in-banner, in-game, auto-play, high definition, device targeting and below-fold placements. It factors in over 150 active data points in scoring.
"Ultimately there needs to be a standard in video advertising. Something that helps decision makers evaluate video as well as provide comfort to the brands that invest in the space," said Daniel Pineda, Media supervisor at Cramer-Krasselt/Chicago. "Accountability and transparency into real value are increasingly important."
To learn more about Clearstream, including its methodologies and range of subscription services, log on to http://www.clearstream.tv.
About Clearstream:
Chicago-based Clearstream offers the most comprehensive and verifiable standard of quality for online video advertising site inventory. The company takes the risk out of online video placement for major advertisers and their representatives by auditing sites for content quality, domain trust, viewership, delivery quality and other key success factors. Its Clearstream Score is quickly becoming the critical benchmark in the online video segment. Visit http://www.clearstream.tv for more information.
SOURCE Clearstream
Clearstream
CONTACT: Steve Simon of S&S Public Relations, Inc., +1-847-955-0700 ext. 9347, ssimon@sspr.com, for Clearstream
Redesigned BedandBreakfast.com Website Offers New Features to Highlight Personality, Experiences of B&Bs
BedandBreakfast.com Also Announces New General Manager
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BedandBreakfast.com today announced it has enhanced its website with expanded features to showcase the special characteristics of B&Bs and inns and help travelers find new and undiscovered travel experiences found only at B&Bs.
With a new look and design, BedandBreakfast.com(TM) showcases the comfortable, personable and pampered travel experience provided by B&Bs and inns. There are also more photos and prominent placement of important booking information for inns on their property pages, including rates, rooms, location, availability and distinctive characteristics.
The site now offers improved performance, making it easier and faster for travelers to navigate and find the perfect B&B. Travelers will also enjoy improved search enabling them to find properties based on rates, number of reviews, review ratings, Diamond Collection(TM) properties, type of property, special deals and packages, and B&Bs accepting BedandBreakfast.com gift cards.
In addition to the enhanced site, Gregory Sion has been named BedandBreakfast.com's new general manager. The former general manager of Abritel HomeAway®, the leading vacation rental marketplace in France, Sion has been instrumental in the design and development of the new site and will oversee the company's operations and management.
"When it comes to bed and breakfast travel, our guests, who are primarily couples, are looking for new and undiscovered experiences and inns with extraordinary characteristics that make their travel experience really special," says Sion. "The enhancements to BedandBreakfast.com showcase the personality of inns more prominently, so travelers can find those undiscovered gems."
While about two-thirds of travelers believe the majority of B&Bs are historic properties, only 20 percent of the inns listed on BedandBreakfast.com are listed as historic. Of the more than 12,000 B&Bs on BedandBreakfast.com, there is a wide range of inn types, the diversity of which are featured more prominently on the new site.
In a recent online survey* conducted by BedandBreakfast.com, the following amenities ranked highest among B&B travelers when deciding where to stay: flexible check-in, free breakfast, free onsite parking, free in-room Internet access, free cable or satellite television, and pool or hot tub. The new site more prominently features these and other modern amenities offered at member inns.
"Our data found that travelers have misperceptions about today's B&Bs so we re-designed it to highlight their distinctive offerings and amenities," Sion says. "Frequent B&B guests will tell you they feel more pampered and comfortable when they stay in an inn, and they appreciate the value that comes from all the extras."
About BedandBreakfast.com
BedandBreakfast.com, based in Austin, Texas, is the most comprehensive global site for finding bed and breakfast properties, with more than 12,000 properties worldwide. It is owned by HomeAway, Inc., which operates the world's leading online marketplace of vacation rentals. BedandBreakfast.com helps travelers find and book the ideal B&B or small inn through informative descriptions, photos, and more than 160,000 consumer reviews. BedandBreakfast.com offers convenient gift cards welcomed at more than 4,000 B&Bs in the United States and Canada, with no restrictions or blackout dates.
*BedandBreakfast.com online survey of 1,148 B&B travelers conducted in September 2011
SparkFun Electronics' Third Annual Free Day Event Draws More Than 32,000 Unique Website Visitors!
$200,000 in Store Credit Given Away During Website Free-For-All
BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 11, 2012, Boulder-based SparkFun Electronics (http://www.sparkfun.com), a provider of parts, knowledge and passion for electronics creation, opened up its website for "Free Day," an annual promotional event where SparkFun gave away $200,000 worth of credit for lucky recipients to use on its online retail website.
This year marked the third time SparkFun has held Free Day. SparkFun invited any individual to visit the SparkFun website and enter a reCaptcha image to see if they were one of 2,000 recipients of a $100 SparkFun credit.
The response for this year's Free Day was exceptional with approximately 6.5 million correct reCaptcha's entered during the one-day event. There was a total of 32,137 unique visitors to the website accounting for 704,617 page views. By the end of the day, 473 of the 2,000 promotional codes given away already had been used to place an order.
"This year, we had the goal of giving everyone an equal chance of winning by spreading out the odds throughout the day," said SparkFun Director of Marketing AnnDrea Boe. "We really felt we achieved that. It's exciting to know that there are a couple thousand people out there with $100 to help make their project ideas turn into reality."
To ensure complete randomness of the giveaway, the SparkFun IT department used a Geiger counter set-up to measure background radiation. Every time a radioactive particle was detected, a prize was released. If a user happened to submit a correct reCaptcha at that moment, they were awarded a credit.
For the first time ever, SparkFun also sent three teams across the country to capture video footage of customers participating in Free Day, which will be released later as a Free Day documentary.
Founded in 2003, SparkFun shares its passion by providing parts, knowledge, and innovation for those looking to explore the world of embedded electronics. It helps anyone discover their inner inventor and enables individuals to create their own electronics projects.
SparkFun currently offers more than 1,800 products, ranging from simple components, like capacitors and resistors, to GPS units and Bluetooth modules. The company employs 130 people and is based in Boulder, Colorado.
Texas Instruments' solutions help developers create the next generation of breakthrough products for the Smart Grid market
Metering ICs, connectivity, reference designs and software ease development for energy management applications
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A leading innovator in energy management, communication and control for the Smart Grid, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today announced it has expanded its portfolio in utility metering, home and building automation and Smart Grid infrastructure with technology and tools that help developers create secure, economical and future-proof solutions for the Smart Grid.
The world's most accurate, flexible and robust energy metering ICs
Demonstrating its commitment to advancing the efficiency of utility metering, TI recently introduced 24 new energy meter integrated circuits (ICs) that deliver industry-leading accuracy, flexibility, robustness and system cost savings for 1-phase, 2-phase and 3-phase electricity meter solutions. The new MSP430F673x/F672x family of energy meter ICs combines the lowest power, most advanced metrology and clocking functionalities for high precision and robust electricity measurements design. The new energy meter ICs offer developers more flexibility in electricity metering and energy monitoring applications. For more information, visit http://www.ti.com/dtech-pr-msp430.
TI demonstrates most integrated ZigBee® Smart Energy system-on-chip
An active leader in the development of the ZigBee Smart Energy(TM) standard, TI's CC2538 system-on-chip (SoC) is the most powerful ZigBee SoC designed to support developers creating both current and next generation Smart Energy devices, without the added cost of a microcontroller or external memory. This cost-effective radio frequency (RF) solution for Smart Grid communication eases development of control applications for electricity, gas or water smart meters and in-home displays. Also being introduced is TI's high performance CC1200 RF transceiver, an evolution of the CC1120 sub-1 GHz RF performance line, that supports the full bandwidth of the 802.15.4g standard for wireless smart utility networks in the sub-1 GHz bands. For more information, visit http://www.ti.com/dtech-pr-cc2538.
Smart Grid infrastructure platform saves time and moneyFulfilling the need for solutions to support the Smart Grid Infrastructure (SGI), TI offers the new PLC data concentrator reference demo on the SGI evaluation platform that helps developers reduce time-to-market. TI's new data concentrator give developers the option to add PLC communication supporting different protocol standards in one design, rather than change hardware as previously required. The SGI board supports various PLC standards, including PRIME, G3, FlexOFDM libraries and more, all on the same hardware. For more information, please visit http://www.ti.com/dtech-pr-sgi.
Smart Grid solutions support new G3-PLC standard
Demonstrating its commitment to provide reliable power line communication (PLC) solutions, TI announced its support of the new power line communication (PLC) protocol, G3-PLC, as board of director of the G3 alliance. TI's G3 software package supports its PLC product offerings such as the PLC development kits and PLC data concentrator, enabling application compatibility with a variety of international requirements. With unique modular hardware architecture and flexible software framework, TI's PLC solutions are the industry's only PLC-based technology capable of supporting multiple protocol standards and modulation schemes with a single platform. For more information, visit http://www.ti.com/dtech-pr-g3.
Visit TI @ DistribuTECH 2012
Stop by booth 4735 to see TI's Smart Grid demonstrations and solutions at DistribuTech 2012. Be sure to also follow @TXInstruments on Twitter for exclusive show updates and giveaways!
TI's Smart Grid solutions
With millions of energy meter ICs shipped over the past decade, Texas Instruments is the global systems provider for innovative, secure, economical and future-proof solutions for the worldwide smart grid. TI offers the industry's broadest smart grid portfolio of metrology expertise, application processors, communication systems, wireless connectivity and analog components in readily available silicon, with advanced software, tools and support for compliant solutions in grid infrastructure, utility metering and home or building automation. Learn more at http://www.ti.com/smartgrid.
Texas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 80,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be - smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun. Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do - from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities. This is just the beginning of our story. Learn more at http://www.ti.com.
Trademarks
All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.
CONTACT: Mark Welsh of GolinHarris, +1-972-341-2513, mwelsh@golinharris.com; or Patty Arellano of Texas Instruments, +1-214-567-7828, parellano@ti.com (Please do not publish these numbers or email addresses.)
eDoorways Experiences Overwhelming Positive Response to Snap Trends Technology Demonstration
YouTube Features Demo as Initial Demonstration Garners Strong Praise, Enthusiasm and Support
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- eDoorways International Corporation (pk: EDWY) announced today that the Company received a strong initial response to its recently licensed Snap Trends technology.
"Over 500 people have viewed our demonstration and have provided an immense amount of positive feedback," stated Gary Kimmons, CEO of eDoorways, "The video, which was produced by Brandon Burris of Paddington Media, is quite compelling. The power of the technology and its far-reaching implications often surprise people. The fact that YouTube decided to feature the video is an indication of the dramatic impact the video and Snap Trends technology can have."
Snap Trends technology is poised to replace traditional marketing efforts by bringing contextual, hyper-targeted results through interactions with social media platforms. The new software allows for real-time interaction with an unlimited amount of individuals in any location, easing the ability of marketing an event or promoting a sale.
Marketing professionals and experts have been raving about all that Snap Trends has to offer. "Instead of business owners' trying to be everywhere, Snap Trends takes you to where your customers are at the exact moment they're hungry to buy," stated Bill Hibbler, Online marketing consultant and top-selling author. "Instead of drowning in data, we'll be able to filter out the noise and focus on our target market. With SO many applications beyond just marketing, I predict Snap Trends will be the killer app of 2012."
"In today's increasingly competitive marketplace, social network marketing is essential for all business types," stated Todd Avenarius, Marketing and Business Development professional. "However, it is getting to be a very crowded space, making it ever more challenging to reach your target audience. To meet that challenge, utilizing 'geomarketing' is what will separate you from your competition. It's apparent to me, that Snap Trends is on the advent of being the most innovative leader when it comes to GeoMarketing."
"The initial response has been strong. Many individuals have reported that they could not attend our initial demonstration and are asking for another opportunity. Therefore, we will continue to make the link available for the near-term. Please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSaSgDO2e8M&feature=youtu.be to participate. We ask all interested parties to send us feedback about their experience to support@edoorways.com," concluded Kimmons.
For more information on eDoorways International Corporation and/or the "eDoorways 2.0 platform," please visit our website at http://www.eDoorways.com or e-mail a package request to Jeffrey@HeritageCorporateServices.com. You can also make comments via the corporate blog (http://www.eDoorways.wordpress.com), or follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/edoorways).
Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements:
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, product price volatility, product demand, market competition, risk inherent in the company's domestic and international operations, imprecision in estimating product reserves and the company's ability to replace and expand its holdings.
Contact:
Heritage Corporate Services, Inc.
Jeffrey Staller, President
(561) 210-5675
Jeffrey@HeritageCorporateServices.com
Frontline Commits to Inmarsat XpressLink for More Than 100 Vessels
LONDON, January 25, 2012/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communication
services, today announced that Frontline, the world leader in the international seaborne
transportation of crude oil, has committed to Inmarsat XpressLink for more than 100
vessels from its existing fleet and its planned new builds.
"We evaluated the providers and made a purely commercial decision about XpressLink
from Inmarsat," said Kjell S. Langva of Frontline Management AS. "The choice was made
after a year of positive experience with VSAT from Ship Equip."
"The cost-benefit profile and the unmatched failover capability, which offers
unlimited usage on Inmarsat FleetBroadband, was key to the decision. Also Inmarsat's
ability to deliver made up the additional element in making the choice," he said.
"With XpressLink's internet and voice services, communications onboard the vessel will
be greatly enhanced, supporting operations and improving overall efficiency. It also
allows the crew to stay in touch with family and friends, and handle their personal
affairs, at a very low cost, which has been an important issue for Frontline," said Mr
Langva.
"We are delighted that Frontline has selected Inmarsat XpressLink against competition
with other major communications providers," said Frank Coles, President, Inmarsat
Maritime. "The contract with Frontline is a landmark agreement for XpressLink. This is a
significant endorsement by the world leader in crude oil shipping. It confirms that we
have a highly-competitive product, offering excellent value for money, and with the right
focus on delivering reliable high-speed broadband through a combination of L-band and VSAT
services."
Inmarsat XpressLink meets the increasing need for high-speed global communications
today, while building a bridge to better and faster communications in the future. For a
fixed low cost, XpressLink provides vessels around the globe with access to both Ku-band
VSAT and L-band FleetBroadband services in a bundled package - with a guaranteed free
upgrade to the 50Mbps capability of Inmarsat's Ka-band Global Xpress(TM) when the service
becomes operational in 2013.
The installation of XpressLink on Frontline's vessels will commence immediately and
continue throughout 2012.
About Inmarsat
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications
services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data
communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of
services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,500
staff in more than 40 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and
centres of commerce on every continent.For the year ended 31st December 2010, Inmarsat plc
had total revenue of US$1,171.6 million (2009: US$1,038.1 million) and an EBITDA of
US$696.1 million (2009: US$594.2 million). Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange
(LSE:ISAT.L). For more information, please visit http://www.inmarsat.com.
Source: Inmarsat Ltd
Media Contact: John Warehand, PR Manager, Inmarsat, Tel: +44-20-7728-1579, Mob: +44-7739-778128, Email: john.warehand@inmarsat.com
Amazon Kindle Fire Gets Its Own 'Personal Cloud Desktop' with AlwaysOnPC App Launch
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Xform Computing, Inc. announces its AlwaysOnPC mobile app for Android is available in the Amazon Apps Store, with editions for Kindle Fire and other Android Tablets.
Xform Computing's AlwaysOnPC App has raised the bar for Cloud-powered mobile apps, and is well aligned with Amazon's Cloud Computing strategy. Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet already includes the Silk "cloud-assisted" Web Browser, and it offers cloud storage of movies, music and books purchased on Amazon. Now with the launch of the AlwaysOnPC App, Kindle Fire and other Android tablet users get access to a unique "personal cloud desktop" with powerful, desktop computer-class applications and file storage.
The AlwaysOnPC Virtual Desktop offers the productivity apps and features such as editing office docs, PowerPoint presentations or spreadsheets; viewing and editing PDFs - including annotations and forms; retouching photos and images; creating and editing graphics and drawings; browsing/using productivity or game websites that require PC-class browser technology like Java; and more. This Personal Cloud Desktop enables many mobile users to leave their laptop behind and still do real work - right on their Kindle Fire or other Android tablet or phone!
AlwaysOnPC features include:
-- Chrome and Firefox browsers with Extensions like Evernote Web Clipper,
toolbars, themes, add-ons, synchronized bookmarks, tabs, and passwords
(optional)
-- Support for "desktop-class" web browser technology such as Java-applets,
needed for sites like Zoho, BNSF emulator, Runescape, QuickBooks Online,
PartyPoker, and others that don't run on most mobile web browsers
-- A full mobile Open Office suite for editing Word, Excel and PowerPoint
documents -- with copy/paste between any app, and one-click conversion
to PDF
-- Dropbox integration
-- 2Gb of cloud storage
-- Full access to the personal cloud desktop from any PC or Mac, where you
can upload personal data such as documents, photos or files to your
AlwaysOnPC virtual desktop
-- All connections are encrypted for maximum security
Users can even host a Web Conference and share their screen (and show presentations or documents to participants) using the Zoho Meeting feature from their AlwaysOnPC virtual Desktop. These powerful features are available today, in the Amazon Apps store:
AlwaysOnPC for Android tablets in Amazon Apps (http://amzn.to/x08wgb) (e.g. for Samsung Galaxy Tab, Asus Transformer, Motorola Xoom, Toshiba Thrive and other Android devices)
About Xform Computing, Inc.:
Xform Computing's "Personal Cloud Desktop" architecture can deliver the power of cloud computing apps directly to end users on mobile devices. It provides a "single target" for developers to deliver HTML5, Flash, Java, Silverlight, Linux, and other applications to iOS and Android smart devices and tablets. Learn more at http://www.alwaysonpc.com
(Note: The system does not yet support audio or full-rate video, but these features are expected to be released soon.)