News

Honda MPE Deploys Nimsoft Monitor for Real-Time Network and User Experience Monitoring

Visibility Into Performance of Cloud-Based Applications Enables Honda Australia MPE to Improve Service Delivery While Lowering Costs

CAMPBELL, Calif., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nimsoft today announced that Honda Motorcycle and Power Equipment (MPE), Australia's leading manufacturer and importer of Honda products, has deployed Nimsoft Monitor across its infrastructure to enhance its customer experience.

Click to tweet: Honda MPE Deploys Nimsoft Monitor to Improve Service Delivery While Lowering Costs http://bit.ly/vwd4bO

Nimsoft Monitor combines powerful monitoring and reporting features with browser-based, configurable dashboards and client portals to increase Honda MPE's visibility into the performance of its applications, network devices and virtual hosts and servers.

"Nimsoft Monitor not only delivers 24/7 visibility, it was extremely easy to deploy--within just a few days, we had the ability to proactively address network issues before they cause disruption," said Craig Bassett, Senior IT Manager of Honda Australia Motorcycle and Power Equipment.

Honda MPE will also deploy Nimsoft Real User Monitoring (RUM), a passive, non-intrusive, and cost-effective monitoring appliance to provide insight into how customers experience the company's website. Together, Nimsoft Monitor and Nimsoft RUM will help enable Honda MPE to improve user response times, troubleshoot network issues more effectively, and be proactive in addressing potential problems before they impact users.

Nimsoft Monitor is cloud-ready and easy to integrate with Honda MPE's existing environments.  The solution's flexible, extensible architecture allows for the rapid addition of new monitoring capabilities to meet evolving business needs. Its comprehensive set of APIs allows for easy integration with various layers of cloud or IT infrastructure management."If our customers become frustrated, they'll go elsewhere--most likely to a competitor," said Bassett. "Nimsoft RUM will give us insight into the end-user experience from our operations center, so we can fine-tune the website to better serve visitors and deliver a satisfying online experience that keeps customers coming back."

Nimsoft Monitor is a component of Nimsoft Unified Manager, a multi-tenant IT Management-as-a-Service solution that combines industry-leading infrastructure monitoring and ready-to-use ITIL(®)-based service management.

"It is essential for companies like Honda MPE to achieve and maintain a superb user experience, even during high-volume seasonal peaks in utilization," said Chris O'Malley, Nimsoft CEO. "Nimsoft Monitor helps Honda MPE ensure that its cloud environment is delivering this kind of experience, so it can keep its customers happy and its cloud vendors accountable."

About Honda Australia Motorcycle and Power Equipment

It is estimated that approximately 1 million Honda products are used throughout Australia every day, which includes the use of motorcycles, power equipment, engines, outboards and motor vehicles. Honda MPE's sales for the 2010-2011 financial year exceeded $300 million which represented approximately 200,000 units. Products are manufactured and imported from Honda's many factories around the world including USA, Japan, Thailand, Italy, Belgium and China. Approximately 40,000 products are manufactured in Australia annually for both the local market and for export to New Zealand, South Africa, South Pacific, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Spain. Products are sold through a network of over 600 Australia wide dealers and original equipment manufacturers.

(Logo:   <font size="2" face="Arial">http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101005/NY72964LOGO</font> )

About Nimsoft

Nimsoft provides integrated, IT management as service solutions for businesses and service provider customers globally, including 1&1, CDW, SoftLayer, SunGard Availability Services, Sur La Table, TriNet, and Virgin America. The company's Nimsoft Unified Manager is an industry-leading solution that helps organizations easily monitor and manage IT services in increasingly complex business environments. Nimsoft solutions integrate with existing resources from the data center to the cloud, and are available on a pay-as-you-go basis. For more information, visit http://www.nimsoft.com.

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Copyright © 2011 CA. All Rights Reserved. One CA Plaza, Islandia, N.Y. 11749. Nimsoft is a trademark of Nimsoft Inc. All other trademarks, trade names, service marks and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies. ITIL® is a Registered Trade Mark of the Office of Government Commerce in the United Kingdom and other countries.

Press Contact:Larry SmalheiserTrainer Communications925-271-8211nimsoft@trainercomm.com

SOURCE  Nimsoft

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101005/NY72964LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Nimsoft

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

Industry Leaders Achieve Significant Power and Performance Gains With Synopsys' Low Power Solution

Advanced Solution Now in Mainstream Usage with More Than 125 Successful Tapeouts

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS), a world leader in software and IP used in the design, verification and manufacture of electronic components and systems, today announced that industry leaders worldwide have broadly deployed and successfully taped out more than 125 advanced multi-voltage designs using the Galaxy(TM) Implementation Platform low power solution and IEEE-1801 Unified Power Format (UPF) resulting in significant productivity, power and chip performance gains. Among these companies are Aquantia, Chongqing Chongyou Information Technology Co., Ltd. (CYIT), Emulex, HiSilicon Technologies, Lantiq, Microchip Technology, Movidius, Oticon, Progate Group Corporation, Samsung, Sunplus Technology, TSMC, VeriSilicon, Vimicro and others, targeting a broad spectrum of application markets including consumer electronics, wireless, DSP, mobile, microprocessor, networking, storage and portable medical devices.

Design for power is not limited to mobile applications - it affects a broad spectrum of market applications in which lowering power consumption has become a key requirement. With ever-increasing market demands for functional consolidation into a single chip, power consumption has become a primary constraint in design, along with performance and area. Implementation of advanced low power design techniques such as power management cell insertion and shutdown for multi-voltage designs is now required to handle the stringent power budget requirements of today's complex designs.

Using UPF specification of the design power intent, the Synopsys advanced low power solution enables automatic implementation of these advanced techniques. The Galaxy Implementation Platform meets low power challenges throughout the synthesis, physical design and sign-off phases of the design process. It consistently delivers the lowest power consumption, highest design performance and best quality of results while providing significant productivity through its complete low power portfolio.

"Meeting power budgets is a key requirement for most applications today," said Bijan Kiani, vice president of product marketing, design and manufacturing products, at Synopsys. "To remain competitive in their markets, our customers require the lowest power and highest performance for their designs. With more than 125 tapeouts to date, the Synopsys advanced low power solution is now in mainstream usage and enables our customers to bring more competitive products to market faster."

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS) is a world leader in electronic design automation (EDA), supplying the global electronics market with the software, intellectual property (IP) and services used in semiconductor design, verification and manufacturing. Synopsys' comprehensive, integrated portfolio of implementation, verification, IP, manufacturing and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) solutions helps address the key challenges designers and manufacturers face today, such as power and yield management, system-to-silicon verification and time-to-results. These technology-leading solutions help give Synopsys customers a competitive edge in bringing the best products to market quickly while reducing costs and schedule risk. Synopsys is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and has approximately 70 offices located throughout North America, Europe, Japan, Asia and India. Visit Synopsys online at http://www.synopsys.com/.

Synopsys and Galaxy are registered trademarks or trademarks of Synopsys, Inc. Any other trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned in this release are the intellectual property of their respective owners.

Editorial Contacts:
Sheryl Gulizia   
Synopsys, Inc.
650-584-8635
sgulizia@synopsys.com

Lisa Gillette-Martin
MCA, Inc.
650-968-8900 ext. 115
lgmartin@mcapr.com

SOURCE  Synopsys, Inc.

Synopsys, Inc.

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

Elsevier Launches New Procedures Consult App for iPad, iPhone & iPod Touch

PHILADELPHIA, December 5, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

   
          Optimized for quick, on-demand resource - including instructional videos -
                                for medical professionals

    Elsevier, a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information
products and services, announced today that its new Procedures Consult App
[http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/procedures-consult-internal/id327352189?mt=8 ] for iPad,
iPhone and iPod Touch is now available on the App Store. The app allows for procedure
videos, illustrations and text to be stored on a user's iOS device with customized user
interfaces. Doctors can now work more confidently with whenever, wherever access to the
critical and reliable content of Procedures Consult
[http://www.proceduresconsult.com/medical-procedures ], including at the bedside.

    The Procedures Consult App delivers a single resource of high quality videos for all
procedures required by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), and conforms to the
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). It enables physicians,
residents and medical students to more confidently perform these procedures, such as a
subclavian line insertion or lumbar puncture, improving patient safety and helping to
achieve the best patient outcomes.

    "The Procedures Consults App is unmatched in its breadth of coverage and the quality
of the videos it delivers, providing incredible value to physicians at the point of care,"
said Randy Charles, Managing Director, Global Clinical Reference, Elsevier. "In addition
to offering anytime and anywhere access to content, the Procedures Consult App also saves
valuable time due to its mobile-friendly, easy-to-learn navigation, enabling better
decision-making and ultimately moving critical content to the point of care."

    Unique features of the Procedures Consult App include:

   
    - High-quality illustrations and multi-media for each procedure;
    - Ability to browse and search for quick and easy access to any procedure;
    - Offline access to procedure videos, illustrations and text;
    - Joint Commission and OSHA safety guidelines;
    - Time-effective, self-directed procedures training and testing-with trackable
      results.

    The Procedures Consult App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone or
iPod Touch or at http://www.iTunes.com/appstore.

    About Elsevier

    Elsevier is a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information
products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health
communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet
[http://www.thelancet.com ] and Cell [http://www.cell.com ], and close to 20,000 book
titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier's online
solutions include SciVerse ScienceDirect [http://www.sciencedirect.com ], SciVerse Scopus
[http://www.scopus.com ], Reaxys [http://www.reaxys.com ], MD Consult
[http://www.mdconsult.com ] and Nursing Consult [http://www.nursingconsult.com ], which
enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite
[http://www.scival.com ] and MEDai's Pinpoint Review [http://www.medai.com ], which help
research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.

    A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier [http://www.elsevier.com ]
employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC
[http://www.reedelsevier.com ], a world-leading publisher and information provider, which
is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN
(Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).

   
    Media contact
    Tom Reller
    Vice President Global Corporate Relations, Elsevier
    +1-215-239-3508
    t.reller@elsevier.com

Source: Elsevier

.

Verizon Wireless and WellPoint Collaborate to Make Healthcare Management Simpler via Mobile Technology

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless and WellPoint, Inc., today announced a digital initiative that utilizes high-quality, secure video conferencing through Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network to help consumers take steps to live healthier.  The collaboration represents the innovative approach both companies have undertaken to advance healthcare-related services by enabling seamless, virtual dialogue between consumers who are members of a WellPoint-affiliated health plan and their nurse care managers, all from the convenience of a 4G LTE mobile device.

By leveraging Verizon Wireless' high-speed and reliable 4G LTE network, nurse care managers can now communicate face-to-face with health-plan members via video consults on their mobile devices, offering timely healthcare guidance and making follow-up easier than before.  The goal is the ease and convenience of mobile heath consultations will help consumers take a more active role in their healthcare. 

"Healthcare has exponentially advanced in the last few years in medical treatments and the way business is done.  As a result, it is important for all of those offering healthcare-related services to adopt the latest technologies in mobile health," said Michael Tighe, executive director, mHealth solutions, Verizon Wireless.  "By leveraging video, we hope to enhance engagement in healthcare management, improve the quality of services provided and help consumers stay on track with their programs.  Our collaboration with WellPoint is an ideal approach that is user-friendly, low-cost and effective." 

"Working with Verizon Wireless demonstrates our commitment to put customers first by offering innovative, convenient options that help to meet their specific healthcare needs," said Anthony Nguyen, M.D., senior vice president of care management, WellPoint.  "We continually look for new ways to improve the lives of the people we serve, in this case by enabling face-to-face, healthcare-related consultations via smartphones.  This is just another example of how we are developing solutions that make healthcare more meaningful for consumers."

For more information about Verizon Wireless healthcare products and services, please visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/healthcare.  For more information about WellPoint, visit http://www.wellpoint.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Paul Macchia, Verizon Wireless, +1-201-230-6948 (mobile), Paul.Macchia@verizonwireless.com

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

Verizon Wireless' Digital Healthcare Suite Advances Mobile Care Management, Virtual Care and Clinician Workflow

WASHINGTON and BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthcare is experiencing a myriad of changes in the administrative, legislative and technology pillars, with each contributing to the dynamic as we know it.  Verizon Wireless recognizes the need for innovative technologies to address these pillars and is building solutions that address the largest healthcare challenges.  The goal is to improve access to quality healthcare and efficiency while driving lower costs.

Verizon Wireless is focused on developing solutions to address the enormous economic and human cost of chronic disease as well as the prevalent challenge to accessing healthcare for prevention, treatment and follow-up maintenance.  Each year, more than 200,000 Americans die due to preventable, treatable chronic diseases.  The broad challenges across our nation for accessing healthcare for routine care are often rooted in geographic, equipment or medical professional availability.  On average, it takes about 20 days to schedule and complete a visit with a primary care physician.  This problem will only be exacerbated by the growing shortage of healthcare professionals over the next several years.

Verizon Wireless is working to address critical areas in healthcare by developing a suite of digital healthcare solutions encompassing chronic care management, clinician productivity and virtual care.  The company is developing a new digital care management solution focused on chronic care management that will leverage a cloud-based platform and connected medical devices from partners such as Entra Health.  The market differentiator for Verizon Wireless' solution will be the ability to integrate biometric devices from best-of-breed providers and deliver personalized care plans to people on their mobile devices.

Verizon Wireless' virtual care solution will leverage advances in 4G LTE technology by utilizing smartphones, tablets and cutting-edge video technology to provide a tool that virtualizes a healthcare visit, eliminating the need to physically visit a doctor's office for many routine consults.

For people in rural settings and homebound or busy professionals, the ability to engage in a virtual visit greatly improves access to healthcare, saves time and money, and can reduce costly visits to the emergency room. 

Healthcare professionals are rarely at their desks; they are visiting patients at homes, clinics, hospitals and physician offices.  They are truly mobile and need instant access to patient health records and images and clinical reference information.  Verizon Wireless' mobile clinician solution leverages high-speed mobile networks, smartphones and tablets, combined with partner solutions from providers, such as IQ-Max, Calgary Scientific and Zipnosis, to give clinicians the tools they need to be more productive and to provide care more efficiently.

"Verizon Wireless is committed to the healthcare vertical, and we feel that medical practitioners need the best network to accomplish their goals and run efficient practices," said Michael Tighe, executive director, mHealth solutions, Verizon Wireless.  "Our depth of knowledge stems from team members who have strong backgrounds in the healthcare industry.  We have engaged in conversations with healthcare professionals of all levels and worked together from the ground up to deliver the right solutions from a technology standpoint."

Verizon Wireless will be showcasing its Digital Healthcare Solutions suite at the 2011 mHealth Summit in Washington, D.C., from Dec. 5-7 (Booth #303).  On Dec. 6, at 9:30 a.m., John Stratton, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Verizon Wireless, will provide a keynote address on Verizon Wireless' approach to mHealth.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services for healthcare, please visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/healthcare. 

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 107.7 million total wireless connections, including 90.7 million retail customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with nearly 83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: CONTACT: Paul Macchia, Verizon Wireless, +1-201-230-6948 (mobile), Paul.Macchia@verizonwireless.com

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

IO OS Enables Intelligent Control of both Modular and Traditional Data Center Infrastructures

PHOENIX, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- IO, the leading provider of next-generation modular data center technology and services, announced today that it is offering IO OS(®), the first ever data center operating system, as a stand-alone software product. Initially introduced in IO's modular data center technology platform, IO Anywhere(®), IO OS now provides IT and data center teams with intelligent control of both traditional and modular data center infrastructures.

(Photo:  <font size="2" face="Arial">http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111205/LA16733</font>)

"Deploying advanced DCIM software, such as IO OS, can provide a large upside to both IT and facilities organizations," says Katherine Broderick, Senior Research Analyst of IDC. "IO OS uses logic within the system to trigger actions based on critical set points which is otherwise known as 'control.' The autonomic data center is starting to happen today."

"Partnering with our customers to solve problems through innovation and advanced technology is a core value at IO," states George Slessman, CEO of IO. "By extending IO OS to traditional data centers, IO empowers our customers to understand and optimize their legacy data centers and enables their enterprises to seamlessly transition to Data Center 2.0 technology and cloud computing."

IO developed the industry's first integrated and secure data center operating system, which provides intelligent control by discretely automating the entire energy system supporting enterprise Information Technology. Accessible on personal computers, and various mobile and tablet devices, IO OS allows customers to optimize their data center infrastructure - anywhere, anytime.

IO OS deployed in modular and traditional data center infrastructures can provide:

Real-Time Data. IO OS presents real-time data to accurately reflect the current mechanical, power, cooling and electrical usage to fully optimize the data center infrastructure on a global scale.

Centralized Monitoring. IO OS monitors, tracks and maintains a record of all critical systems and provides a continuous feedback mechanism to key IO and customer staff when pre-defined thresholds have been met. ITIL-compatible, IO OS provides real-time incident recording and analysis with the ability to integrate current ticketing systems and audit trail processes.

Intuitive Interface. Customers can quickly navigate through alerts, review environmental levels, create simulations and review other detailed analytics through a single interface.

Physical, Logical and Infrastructure Views. Organize critical infrastructure by its location and access hundreds of devices from one view: Power Delivery Network (PDN), Energy Recovery Network (ERN), Environmental Network (ENV), and Information Technology Network (ITN). In addition to seeing what is in the data center, IO OS provides views into generators, switchgear, paralleling systems, chillers and any other supporting systems.

True Optimization. Control efficiency, utilization and operating costs based on IO OS controls, optimization routines and real-time remote control; set quality of service (QoS) level, and monitor current redundancy level (N, N+1, 2N) at any point in time.

Intelligent Control. IO OS can detect, report, and fix an internal problem before it becomes a critical issue. Key IO and customer staff are better equipped to make well-informed decisions in response to potential disruptions.

Service Level Management. IO OS enables continuous monitoring, control and ITIL-based managed services integration for the data center providing complete management of the data center from a "single pane of glass."

Information on IO OS is available at <font size="2" face="Arial">http://www.io.com/intelligentcontrol</font> and at 480-513-8500.

ABOUT IO

IO designs, engineers and delivers data center infrastructure for the world's largest enterprises, governments and service providers. IO owns and operates data centers for hundreds of customers, and has leveraged this experience to build a next-generation Data Center 2.0 technology platform. IO Anywhere modular data centers provide enterprise-class infrastructure that can be delivered as Data Center as a Service and rapidly deployed as a product to customer sites anywhere in the world. IO developed the first data center infrastructure operating system, IO OS, to provide the intelligent control needed to maximize utilization, resiliency and energy efficiency. IO is a privately held company headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz. For more information on IO, please visit us on the web at io.com.

IO and the IO logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of IO. ©( )2011.

Contacts:

Elizabeth Kubycheck
SVP, Marketing & Communications
630.823.6665
ekk@io.com

Kathy Kim
Media Relations
480.513.8570
kk@io.com

SOURCE  IO

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111205/LA16733
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
IO

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

Lenovo Tablets Will Include News Republic App

Top-Rated News App from Mobiles Republic to be Preloaded on Four New Android Models

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobiles Republic, a leading developer of mobile applications for smartphones and tablet devices, today announces a global partnership with Lenovo Group, the world's second-largest PC manufacturer, to preload the company's flagship News Republic app on future Lenovo Tablets.

News Republic is a free smartphone and tablet application that aggregates news and video content from numerous top-tier news sources and delivers it to users based on their own topical preferences.  The app is powered by Mobiles Republic's proprietary TagNav© solution, which allows users to hop from topic-to-topic and source-to-source and view all articles and videos from the same screen.

"Lenovo is setting the standard for consumer and business ready tablets," says Gilles Raymond, CEO, Mobiles Republic. "Including News Republic on future tablets helps us to further establish our global leadership in the news delivery space."

News Republic is available in seven editions including US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, International (English) and International (Spanish).

About Mobiles Republic

Founded in 2008, Mobiles Republic quickly established a reputation for innovation and excellence in developing successful apps for the smartphone market as well as award winning apps for feature phones including the prestigious Sony Ericsson Content Award. Mobiles Republic has developed TagNav©, a semantic search and semantic targeting solution that powers its News Republic, APPY Geek, Biz Report and Glam Life applications. The company has expanded rapidly and has established strong relationships with leading publishers, global media brands and handset manufacturers as well as extensive partnerships with mobile network operators.  Mobiles Republic applications are preloaded on Samsung Mobile, LG, Motorola and Sony Ericsson handsets in several regions. You can follow News Republic on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE  Mobiles Republic

Mobiles Republic

CONTACT: CONTACT:  Mark Prindle, Fusion PR for Mobiles Republic, +1-212-651-4223, mark.prindle@fusionpr.com

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

DRFortress Selects Nirvanix to Deploy Hawaii's First Enterprise Cloud Storage Service

New Hybrid Cloud Storage Deployment Leads Shift to Consumption-based Data Backup and Archival across the Pacific Rim

SAN DIEGO and HONOLULU, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nirvanix today announced that DRFortress, Hawaii's premier managed colocation services provider, will deploy a Nirvanix Hybrid Cloud Storage solution and offer consumption-based data backup and archival services across the Pacific Rim. This pact expands Nirvanix's addressable market and positions DRFortress at the forefront of cloud storage service delivery not only in Hawaii but also across the entire Pacific Rim region. DRFortress represents the ninth datacenter now part of the global Nirvanix Cloud Storage Network(TM).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090113/LA58239LOGO)

With a Hybrid Cloud Storage node based in Honolulu, DRFortress can address the significant market demand from companies across the Pacific Rim to store critical business data both locally in Hawaii and on the U.S. mainland, Asia Pacific or Europe to facilitate enhanced business continuity and global data collaboration strategies.

"As the first provider of enterprise-grade object storage-based cloud services in Hawaii and the broader Pacific Rim region, DRFortress has a significant competitive advantage as it enters this market," said Scott Genereux, President and CEO of Nirvanix. "Nirvanix's proven cloud storage and DRFortress' state-of-the-art datacenter and connectivity capabilities place DRFortress in a highly strategic position to post material market share gains in the coming year."

"While many vendors are talking about hybrid clouds, Nirvanix is busy delivering them to customers," said Steve Duplessie, Founder and Senior Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group. "With recent customer wins at Cerner, USC and IBM, this hybrid cloud deployment at DRFortress is another indicator that Nirvanix continues to execute with its highly differentiated cloud storage services."

With Nirvanix's battle-hardened, second generation technology, DRFortress will be able to offer its clients enterprise-grade cloud storage designed from the ground up for five nines of data availability and capable of supporting millions of users, billions of objects and exabytes of data. Nirvanix Hybrid Cloud Storage is a private, local instantiation of a cloud storage node on DRFortress' carrier-class datacenter premises that also enables instantaneous cloud bursting--the ability to access and replicate to the eight other nodes that comprise the Nirvanix Cloud Storage Network--for additional capacity, bandwidth and enhanced availability. The Hybrid node will be fully managed as a service by Nirvanix and clients of DRFortress will only pay for storage that they actually consume, in a true pay-as-you-go usage model.

"We believe that there is a billion dollar market opportunity for enterprise-grade cloud storage services in the Pacific Rim region by 2015 as customers look to reduce capital expenditures and move off of antiquated storage systems to modernize their backup and archival needs," said Fred Rodi, President of DRFortress. "With the new DRFortress Cloud Storage Services, powered by Nirvanix, we are expanding our managed services portfolio with the recognized industry-leading solution, as recently validated by the world's largest IT services company.  We also look forward to collaborating with Nirvanix's partners such as CommVault and Symantec to provide our customers with 'one click to the cloud' access to our managed services."

Using DRFortress' services, customers can now maintain multiple live replicas of their data in multiple locations of their choice to satisfy both in-country and out-of-region data retention and compliance requirements. In addition, Nirvanix's secure, highly granular multi-tenancy software enables DRFortress customers to create a subaccount for each branch office, equip each office with its own username and password, and provide clear direction on where in the Cloud Storage Network the data is to reside.

About DRFortress

Based in Honolulu, DRFortress is Hawaii's premier managed colocation services provider offering network neutral datacenter and managed services to companies with mission-critical systems and business continuity plans as well as content creators and distributors, system integrators, carriers, wireless service providers, cable companies and ISPs. The company's state-of-the-art datacenter houses the densest concentration of IP carriers in Hawaii, including AT&T, Clearwire, Hawaiian Telecom, Oceanic Time Warner Cable, CenturyLink, tw telecom and Wavecom Solutions.

About Nirvanix

Nirvanix is the leading provider of enterprise-class cloud storage services designed specifically for customers with expectations of extreme security, reliability and redundancy. Under its CloudComplete(TM) portfolio, Nirvanix is the only company that offers public, hybrid and private cloud storage services. The company's battle-hardened, proven second generation technology is utilized by leading IT OEMs and is fully integrated with third-party backup and archiving software products and appliances, enabling One Click to the Cloud(TM). Nirvanix has over 1,200 global customers accessing its Cloud Storage Network(TM), from SMBs to Fortune 500 companies.

For more information visit http://www.nirvanix.com and follow Nirvanix on Twitter.

Nirvanix, Cloud Storage Network, CloudComplete, and One Click to the Cloud are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nirvanix, Inc. Other marks are the property of the companies with which they are associated.

<font size="2" face="Arial">Contact:  Michael Schoolnik, Michael@storypr.com, 415.420.2391</font>

SOURCE  Nirvanix

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090113/LA58239LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Nirvanix

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

XConnect Helps Resolve Complexity of Cross-Network Video Calling

Federation Interconnection and ENUM Registry Services Promote More Rapid Adoption of Video Communications

LONDON, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With VoIP now a mature, dependable service capability for users and service providers around the world, one of the next big milestones on the global communications horizon is widespread adoption of IP-based video communications.

(Logo:  <font size="2" face="Arial">http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090827/XCONNECTLOGO</font>)

But unlike attaining the delivery of consistently high-quality voice services worldwide - which service providers, equipment manufacturers and exchanges reached fairly quickly by agreeing on SIP - achieving broad, global interconnectivity of video calling of acceptable quality for conducting business anywhere in the world at any time is exponentially more complicated.

XConnect helps service providers, and ultimately their users, see their way through bewildering choices by enabling secure and multi-protocol interconnection and interworking between disparate video communities, networks and devices. The company's services make video calling as simple and ubiquitous as traditional voice calling - regardless of network, video service or device - and remove the need for any prerequisite knowledge on the part of call participants.

The XConnect Video Interconnection Exchange (VIE) provides the world's first neutral clearinghouse for exchanging video traffic between network and video service providers. A single connection to VIE offers video-enabled operators immediate multilateral interconnection to each other, with full configurability, control and policy. Five service providers and operators have partnered with XConnect for these interconnection services.

Video service providers and exchanges also may use XConnect's ENUM-based registry - the largest directory of its kind - separately from VIE to route video traffic. This streamlines the routing of video sessions between video endpoints reached by any network. The registry can be used to determine whether an endpoint can support video calls; the type of device; and other technical information, such as type of codec used, frame rates and size of screen, to ensure optimal quality.

"With voice, we have shown that a federation approach holds many benefits for service providers and users," said XConnect CEO Eli Katz. "Now we're applying the same concept to raise video calling to the next level. Users get the ability to conduct business-quality video calls more quickly, while service providers save on their investments in facilities. Clearly, the federation and ENUM registry solutions provide a win-win scenario for all concerned."

Primarily focused on enabling cross-network service provider video calling, XConnect's VIE is designed to dramatically accelerate worldwide adoption of video calling and conferencing by service providers, enterprises and consumers.

In one example, BCS Global, a managed videoconferencing, telepresence and visual collaboration service provider, has interconnected its Public Switched Video Network (PSVN) with VIE. PSVN enables videoconferencing service providers and carriers to seamlessly interconnect their B2B video exchanges.

The two companies view their interconnection arrangement as a significant step toward further resolving B2B video interoperability, directory and interconnection challenges. The relationship provides scalable, secure and policy-based video interconnections.

"Partnering with XConnect will expand the number of reachable video endpoints to BCS Global's user community, and also provide XConnect's service provider customer base with easy access to BCS Global's B2B video exchange and VNOC services," said BCS CTO Dan Tanel.

About XConnect
The global leader in network peering, XConnect is trusted by IP-based service providers in 20 countries to offer a suite of Interconnect 2.0 services, including carrier ENUM-registry and next-generation multimedia interconnection hub solutions for voice and video. London-based XConnect offers the most comprehensive and reliable solutions to help service providers deliver rich multimedia IP communications across networks while reducing costs and improving service quality. Backed by Tier 1 venture capital firms, XConnect operates the largest worldwide ENUM-based IP-peering federation, the Global Alliance, and the world's first national VoIP/NGN interconnection federations, in the Netherlands, Korea and South Africa. For more information, please visit http://www.xconnect.net.

SOURCE  XConnect

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090827/XCONNECTLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
XConnect

CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Abbott, for XConnect, +1-203-869-8217, laura.abbott@comunicano.com

Web Site: http://www.xconnect.net

DDR Launches ValuText, a First-of-Its-Kind, Location-Based Mobile Marketing Program

BEACHWOOD, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DDR Corp. (NYSE: DDR) today announced the launch of ValuText, a location-based, mobile marketing service specifically designed to drive sales and productivity at the company's prime assets. ValuText is a unique program that couples physical retail assets with state-of-the-art, location-based mobile marketing. The program allows shoppers to connect with desired retailers as they enter the shopping center to avail themselves of real-time sales and promotions.

(Logo: <font size="2" face="Arial">http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111205/CL16574LOGO </font>)

ValuText will send immediate offers from retailers within a designated shopping center via text message to opted-in shoppers once they enter a "geo-fence," a pre-defined, virtual space established around DDR's prime assets. Since geo-fence technology is compatible with 92% of U.S. mobile phones, this initiative will allow all DDR tenants to reach the broadest possible audience.

"DDR is committed to ensuring that our retailers have every tool they need to succeed," said John S. Kokinchak, senior executive vice president and chief administrative officer of DDR. "ValuText helps our tenants by giving potential customers access to real-time, location-based offers, thereby driving traffic to their stores. In addition, the program creates value for shoppers by providing timely information at the exact point of purchase - the shopping center."

In contrast to existing value-oriented mobile or social media programs, ValuText simplifies usability for both shoppers and retailers. It works on nearly all phone types, and merchandise values are delivered via text message without the burden of downloading or activating a smartphone app, repeatedly checking into a virtual location or printing an actual coupon. Shoppers simply opt-in once.

To create ValuText, DDR has partnered with a pioneer of geo-fence mobile marketing, Placecast. Geo-fence technology has been used today by over six million opted-in consumers through different programs from carriers like AT&T in the U.S. and Telefonica in Europe, as well as over 75 major consumer and retail brands.

Previous Placecast efforts in retail environments have driven impressive consumer feedback, including:

    --  For nearly 50% of shoppers, the retail visit prompted by the text was
        unplanned; for 19% of those surveyed, the alert served as a reminder
    --  22% of shoppers in similar programs reported making purchases at
        participating retailers based on receiving a location-based alert
    --  53% of participants reported visiting a specific retailer after
        receiving a location-based alert
    --  74% of participants like the fact that their location is used to deliver
        messages
"It is gratifying to know my landlord is interested in more than collecting a check," said Laurel Mueller, owner of Bead it!, an independent custom jewelry shop at Centennial Promenade in Denver, Colorado. "DDR is investing in the success of my small business with a unique program I believe will distinguish this shopping center from the nearby competition."

Moreover, industry experts have begun to recognize the vast potential of location-based marketing which further leverages the unique and dynamic pre-existing relationship between landlord, tenant and consumer.

"Retail shopping centers are primed for location-based mobile offers," said Kathryn Koegel of Primary Impact Research, a leading mobile marketing and technology research firm located in New York City. "They already have retailer relationships and locations with millions of shoppers making regular purchases. They are well-positioned to optimize existing foot-traffic and connect consumers with relevant and timely deals."

ValuText reflects DDR's continued commitment to creatively market its prime assets and use the power of technology to assist all tenants, national, regional and local, in enhancing store performance.

About DDR

DDR is an owner and manager of 538 value-oriented shopping centers representing 134 million square feet in 41 states, Puerto Rico and Brazil. The company's assets are concentrated in high barrier-to-entry markets with stable populations and high growth potential and its portfolio is actively managed to create long-term shareholder value. DDR is a self-administered and self-managed REIT operating as a fully integrated real estate company, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DDR. Additional information about the company is available at http://www.ddr.com.

SOURCE  DDR Corp.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111205/CL16574LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
DDR Corp.

CONTACT: Marty Richmond, Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications, +1-216-755-5500

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

Camtek Launches Phoenix: Its Next Generation AOI system for the PCB and IC Substrates Industry

MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel, December 5, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

    Camtek Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE: CAMT) ("Camtek"), a leading provider of automated
solutions, dedicated for enhancing production processes and yield for the semiconductor
manufacturing and packaging, and the PCB and IC substrate industries, today announced the
launch of the Phoenix product family: The next generation of Automatic Optical Inspection
(AOI) systems for the PCB and IC Substrates industry.

    The Phoenix product family is designed to support a broad range of the most demanding
PCB and IC substrate applications, while keeping in pace with the PCB market's dynamic
technology changes.

    "The Phoenix product family was designed to increase our customer's AOI room total
yield," commented Roy Porat, Camtek's CEO. "The Phoenix offers exceptional performance in
all AOI aspects. These include detection, minimum false calls, as well as quick and easy
setup and high throughput. This new system's higher-end positioning, compared with our
previous models, provides our customers with even better price-performance, thus making it
an attractive choice to meet all their inspection needs."

    The Phoenix product family is enhanced with Spark - Camtek's unique and powerful
detection engine providing high detection capabilities, while minimizing false calls.
Spark's open architecture software enables easy adaptation to new applications and
technology, and supports critical dimensions detection.

    ABOUT CAMTEK LTD.

    Camtek Ltd provides automated and technologically advanced solutions dedicated to
enhancing production processes and increasing yields, enabling and supporting customers'
latest technologies in the Semiconductor and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) & IC Substrates
industries.

    Camtek addresses the specific needs of these interconnected industries with dedicated
solutions based on a wide and advanced platform of technologies including intelligent
imaging, image processing, ion milling and digital material deposition. Ranging from
micro-to-nano, Camtek provides a complete solution for the whole production cycle of all
electronic devices including smartphones, tablets and other cutting edge consumer products
and applications.

    This press release is available at http://www.camtek.co.il.

   
    CAMTEK LTD.
    Moshe Eisenberg, CFO
    Tel: +972-4-604-8308
    Mobile: +972-54- 9007100
    moshee@camtek.co.il

    INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR RELATIONS
    CCG Investor Relations
    Ehud Helft / Kenny Green
    Tel: (US) +1-646-201-9246
    camtek@ccgisrael.com

Source: Camtek Ltd

.

AutoNation Announces Launch of Redesigned Corporate Web Site for Investor Relations

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN), America's largest automotive retailer, today launched its redesigned corporate web site for investor relations at http://investors.autonation.com. The redesigned site offers enhanced functionality and new features:

    --  Interactive timeline offering the viewer a look back at the key
        milestones, people and values that defined and shaped America's largest
        automotive retailer since the very beginning
    --  Showcase of AutoNation's 32 brands, its leading-edge products, and its
        impressive store renovation projects
    --  Streamlined site navigation, facilitating more intuitive access to the
        company's SEC filings, press releases and corporate governance documents
    --  Videos featuring recent  interviews of AutoNation's CEO Mike Jackson,
        the company's product and service innovations and extensive community
        outreach
(Logo: <font size="2" face="Arial">http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20001017/AUTONATIONLOGO) </font>

About AutoNation

AutoNation is transforming the automotive retail industry through bold leadership.  We deliver a superior automotive retail experience through our customer-focused sales and service processes.   Owning and operating 257 new vehicle franchises, which sell 32 brands across 15 states, AutoNation is America's largest automotive retailer, with state-of-the-art operations and the ability to leverage economies of scale that benefit the customer.  As an indication of our leadership position in our industry, AutoNation is a component of the S&P 500 Index.  AutoNation is driven to be the best-run, most profitable automotive retailer. Follow us at http://www.facebook.com/autonation and http://www.twitter.com/autonation.

<font size="2" face="Arial">For additional information about AutoNation, please visit http://investors.autonation.com or http://www.autonation.com.  </font>

SOURCE  AutoNation, Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20001017/AUTONATIONLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AutoNation, Inc.

CONTACT: Marc Cannon, +1-954-769-3146, cannonm@autonation.com, Investor contacts: Cheryl Scully, +1-954-769-7734, scullyc@autonation.com, Kate Keyser-Pearlman, +1-954-769-7342, keyserk1@autonation.com

Web Site: http://corp.autonation.com

Verizon is First Identity Provider to Achieve 'Level 3' Federal Certification for Issuing Digital Credentials to Address Growing Online Security Concerns

Prestigious Certification Is First Step in Creating Trusted Framework for Internet Ecosystem to Safeguard Identities

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon is at the forefront of addressing the nation's growing concerns about safeguarding online identities by becoming the first provider to earn a critical federal certification, permitting the company to issue strong digital identity credentials to government agencies and businesses in accordance with a set of predefined standards.

Verizon has earned the Identity, Credential and Access Management (ICAM) certification.  ICAM, which was established by a subcommittee co-chaired by the General Services Administration and the Department of Defense, is responsible for aligning the government's identity management activities to help safeguard online identities.  Many industry observers see ICAM as a key first step in the development of the larger identity ecosystem envisioned by the White House for the protection of digital identities.   

Verizon is the first identity provider to earn a level 3 certification (on a scale of one to four, with four as the highest level of identity assurance). Currently, no other identity providers are certified above level 1. 

Earlier this year, the White House launched an identity-management initiative to make online transactions more trustworthy.  This effort - known as the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) - is aimed at creating an Internet-identity ecosystem that uses interoperable technology standards and policies to authenticate not only consumers, but also organizations and IT infrastructure. 

"As the first ICAM-certified identity provider at level 3, Verizon is leading an identity-management revolution with a simple premise: to let in the right people and keep out the wrong people," said Peter Tippett, vice president, Verizon.  "As the foundation of a new identity ecosystem, we intend to better safeguard Americans and protect sensitive organizational data.  By doing so, we are taking an important step in addressing the nation's identity issues."

Verizon is a long-standing expert in investigating the causes and ramifications of stolen identities.  Its 2011 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, issued earlier this year, revealed that stolen passwords and credentials were responsible for the second-highest most comprised type of data.

"With this step, Verizon is demonstrating great leadership in the identity space," said Deborah Gallagher, acting director, identity assurance and trusted access division, General Services Administration.  "We are encouraged to see the U.S. government's vision take shape through the private sector, as we advance our strategy to develop a trusted Internet framework that would better protect users through strong identity programs."

ICAM Certification Also Significant for Health Care Sector

The scope of ICAM's relevance is sweeping.  For example, health care organizations can improve security when following ICAM guidelines.  Working with an approved ICAM level 3 certified identity provider removes the burden on organizations of creating and managing their own credentialing infrastructure.

Verizon Earns ICAM Level 3 Certification: The Highest Level Achieved To Date

The level 3 designation means Verizon is using multifactor authentication where multiple credentials (such as a user ID and a phone) are required to gain access to government and corporate networks. This enables more rigorous identity-vetting aimed at lowering risk.   

Verizon's credentials were verified by leading identity Trust Framework Provider Kantara Initiatives against the Identity Assurance Framework, which enables a party to trust the identity and security assurances from an identity provider.  (See related Kantara press release.)

Verizon Enterprise Identity Services Aimed at Protecting Users

Delivered via the cloud, Verizon Enterprise Identity Services are aimed at helping reduce the costs and complexity traditionally associated with identity rollouts. With this solution, users do not need to purchase additional hardware or software.  If users lose a device, they can easily leverage a mechanism they already have -- such as a mobile or home phone -- or add an additional mechanism to retrieve their dynamic code for authentication. 

Verizon through its Terremark subsidiary offers managed security services; governance, risk and compliance management solutions; data loss and prevention solutions; and identity management solutions, all delivered by the company's more than 1,200 security professionals around the globe. More information is available by visiting Verizon Security Solutions.  The company also provides ongoing security insight and analysis via the Verizon Security Blog.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 107 million total connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company with $106.6 billion in 2010 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 195,000.  For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com. 

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

SOURCE  Verizon

Verizon

CONTACT: Brianna Carroll Boyle, +1-703-859-4215, brianna.boyle@verizon.com

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

Big Blue Audio(TM) Launches Two Powerhouse Wireless Speakers

Bluetooth Audio on Trend and Hot this Holiday

MERRIMACK, N.H., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Blue Audio(TM), the louder division of Brookstone, introduced the Big Blue and Big Blue Live Wireless Speakers with their signature Power. Pair. Play.(TM) interface today. These stylish, yet powerful speakers use Bluetooth® technology to fill any room with crystal-clear sound wirelessly from any Bluetooth®-enabled device -- smartphone, MP3, laptop or tablet device, including iPhone and Android devices.

"Listening to music and movies via Bluetooth is an emerging trend. Big Blue Audio was created specifically to bring innovation and quality to this new category," says Ron Boire, Brookstone CEO. "Most people think of Bluetooth technology for talking safely while driving, but the future is streaming music to a wireless bluetooth speaker - be it from Internet radio or your own library," adds Boire. 

IMS Research predicts that by 2015, 44 percent of consumer electronics devices will include some form of Bluetooth technology.* With nearly two billion devices shipped annually**, Big Blue Audio develops and designs products to leverage this hands-free technology. Big Blue and Big Blue Live (portable version) deliver full-range wireless sound via advanced technology that includes dual stereo speakers, open-air down-firing sub-woofer and rear-firing passive radiator for bass. Progressive high frequency extension adds clarity and intelligibly to music and has superior off-axis performance. Its bass and treble controls allow music to be custom tuned, an important feature to suit certain genres or enhance a gaming experience.

Big Blue Tabletop Speaker

Strategically-built Big Blue Tabletop Speaker includes 2 full-range speaker drivers (for stereo highs and mids), a down-firing subwoofer, a passive radiator for bass, and an Aux in/Aux out. Signature Power. Pair. Play.(TM) interface and backlit sphere indicates power and pairing modes. It streams content from Bluetooth-enabled devices dock-free while offering the ability to simultaneously browse the Web, blog, or email. The Big Blue Wireless Speaker's design looks great at home or in the office, and measures 9 1/2" w x 5" h x 5 2/3" d. Available in black or white; retails for $149.99.  Available at Brookstone stores and at Brookstone.com.

Big Blue Live

Measuring just 5" w x 2 1/2" d x 2 1/3" l, the Big Blue Live Portable Wireless Speaker is ideal for on-the-go or travel. Simply Power. Pair. Play.(TM) Big Blue Live delivers full-range wireless sound with dual stereo speakers and a passive radiator for bass. No docks, no cords, and features up to six hours of play time. Available in black or white; retails $99.99. Available at Brookstone stores and on Brookstone.com.

Big Blue Audio(TM) products are available at Brookstone.com and in retail stores. Visit a Brookstone to hear the quality of the sound and experience Bluetooth listening with your music of choice.

Brookstone, Inc., is an innovative product development company and specialty retailer of unique gifts. Brookstone operates 300 stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico. Typically located in high-traffic regional shopping malls and airports, the stores feature unique and innovative consumer products. The Company also operates a Direct Marketing business that includes the Brookstone catalog and an e-commerce Website at Brookstone.com. Fans of the Company are encouraged to Like Brookstone on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Product prices and availability subject to change without notice.

Big Blue Audio and Power. Pair. Play. are trademarks of Big Blue Audio LLC.  Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

* Source: IMS Research

**Source: Bluetooth SIG

<font size="2" face="Arial">CONTACT: Kristina Lynch, +1-305-864-3434 x153, Kristina@taraink.com</font>

SOURCE  Brookstone, Inc.

Brookstone, Inc.

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

Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) Expands Support to Help Large Organizations Turbo-Boost Their In-House e-learning Capabilities

MUMBAI, India, December 5, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

    ...Imperial College London accelerates content, design and timeliness of learning...

    Tata Interactive Systems [http://www.tatainteractive.com/index.html ] (TIS), a pioneer
and global leader in customized learning solutions, today announced that it is increasing
its support to in-house e-learning development teams as a result of demand for online
learning. TIS also reveals three steps organizations can take to "turbo-boost" the
capacity and capabilities of their in-house e-learning development teams.

    According to TIS, the UK e-learning market has matured to become a mainstream activity
and for many larger organizations this has meant a sudden growth of in-sourced e-learning
development teams. These departments have been agile in meeting their organizational needs
however the workload for many in-house teams has increased exponentially as they are being
asked to deliver more learning content with fewer resources.

    Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for
excellence in teaching and research that attracts 14,000 students and 6,000 staff. Ashish
Hemani, eLearning Project Manager at the Faculty Education Office, Imperial College London
explains, "E-learning delivers huge benefits to our medical undergraduates, ensuring they
receive consistent learning while on rotation at hospitals around the UK. However, the
success of our e-learning program meant our in-house project team became overwhelmed with
further development requests. Partnering with TIS means we can draw upon additional
development skilled resources without the costs of recruiting in-house or completely
outsourcing development. We are able to share ideas with TIS's experts, benefit from their
experience in novel areas such as 3-D animation and serious games and dramatically reduce
the turnaround time for e-learning development while still delivering high-quality
learning interventions."

    Will Chadwick, Vice President of Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) explains, "Over the
past two years, partnering with in-house training and development teams has become an
integral part of TIS's proposition. We work closely with several customers on this basis,
providing them with much needed resources to strategically help meet deadlines, or to help
deliver training projects that perhaps their in-house team have little past experience
with - such as games, story based or mobile learning. Our highly skilled developers can
sit in-house or work remotely in order to develop full e-learning programmes or innovative
learning objects like serious games and 3-D animations to supplement basic e-learning.
Flexibility is key- our TIS developers are highly proficient in using preferred authoring
packages, so the in-house team can manage and update the e-learning when our consultant
finishes working on the project. What's more this blended method of delivering learning
will ensure that learning content remains fresh, innovative and delivers meaningful
results to the business or organization."

    To help HR and L&D departments continue to innovative and deliver high quality
learning content Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) suggests a three step review:

   
    1) In-house HR departments and L&D teams first should to review and update
      their instructional design processes on a regular basis. Identify where the gaps are
      and query if the content can be delivered in a more innovative way to improve
      information retention. Limiting e-learning content delivery to "that's how we've
      always done things" can have a negative outcome.
    2) Assess whether existing authoring tools can be enhanced with the addition of
      learning objects such as 3D animations, Serious Games, business simulations or
      Flash-based content to 'nail' vital learning objectives located within courses.
    3) Organisations should consider bringing either onsite or offshore professional
      resources onto specific projects if their e-learning needs exceed the development
      team's ability to deliver innovative training in a high-quality and timely way.
      External support should not be seen as a threat but a way of enhancing or turbo
      boosting existing training capabilities.

    (c) 2011 Tata Interactive Systems

    Notes for editors

    To subscribe to TIS news: http://www.tatainteractive.com/rss/rssfeed.xml

    Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) is the world's leading developer of learning solutions.
TIS' learning solutions are designed to enable organizational initiatives across industry
verticals including Education; Government and Defense; Telecommunications and ICT;
Pharmaceuticals and Health Care; Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance; Airlines,
Transportation, Logistics, and Hospitality; Consumer Package Goods; and Manufacturing,
Energy, and Construction.

    With a team of over 600 multi-disciplinary specialists, TIS creates 3000+ hours of
learning content across 220+ concurrent projects every year. TIS' solutions have proven
their effectiveness at more than 60 Fortune 500 companies, leading educational
institutions, and government departments.

    TIS is the only learning solutions organization in the world to be assessed at Level 5
in both the SEI-CMM and P-CMM frameworks. Its solutions have won prestigious awards
including Brandon Hall, APEX, BETT, and BIMA.

    Areas of Business

    TIS caters to three segments - Corporate, Education, and Government. It offers clients
learning solutions that include:

   
    - Educational Multimedia & Blended Learning
    - Web-based Training & Courseware
    - Simulations
    - Software Solutions
    - Game-based Learning

    The scope of TIS' learning solutions encompasses on-boarding, sales training, process
training, product training, curriculum design, assessments, soft skills training, and
technical training.

    Location

    TIS has development centers in Germany, Switzerland, and India. Its sales and
marketing operations span the US, Canada, the UK, mainland Europe, Australia, New Zealand,
the Middle East, and India.

    For more information log onto http://www.tatainteractive.com

    About Imperial College London

    Consistently rated amongst the world's best universities, Imperial College London is a
science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that
attracts 14,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality. Innovative
research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and
business, delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment
- underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.

    Since its foundation in 1907, Imperial's contributions to society have included the
discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fiber
optics. This commitment to the application of research for the benefit of all continues
today, with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to improve global
health, tackle climate change, develop sustainable sources of energy and address security
challenges.

    In 2007, Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust formed the
UK's first Academic Health Science Centre. This unique partnership aims to improve the
quality of life of patients and populations by taking new discoveries and translating them
into new therapies as quickly as possible. For further information visit
http://www.imperial.ac.uk

   
    Further information from:
    Rajesh R. Jumani
    EVP & Chief Marketing Officer
    Tata Interactive Systems
    +91-22-6643-8000
    rajeshj@tatainteractive.com

Source: Tata Interactive Systems

.

Volunia Launches New Search Engine

PADUA, Italy, December 5, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

    Volunia is a new search engine developed by Massimo Marchiori, one of the most popular
personalities of the Web, author of several web standards and TR100 award winning (top one
hundred young innovators in the world).

    Search engines haven't changed much in the last years: time has arrived for a radical
change. Volunia brings a completely new perspective, bringing forward a vision on the
search engine of the future.

    The worldwide launch includes versions in 12 languages. Before the public launch,
Volunia will start as an invite-only service. Go to http://www.volunia.com and
register to be among the first ones to try Volunia. People who are selected will have
exclusive access to Volunia, a direct feedback channel to the TR100 award winning team,
exclusive information on Volunia next steps and bonus passes for selected friends.

    Follow us on Twitter: @Volunia [http://api.twitter.com/#!/Volunia ]

    Facebook: Volunia [https://www.facebook.com/Volunia ]

Source: Volunia.com

Contact: Mariano Pireddu, CEO, mariano.pireddu@malloru.it, Tel: +39-0783-763040, Mob: +39-348-5162667

New Christmas Book Reveals Long-Lost History of Santa Claus

A Story-Within-A-Story You Have to Read to Believe

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A young boy and his scientist father made an incredible discovery at the North Pole--an ancient book embedded deep within an ice core.  Even more incredible is the story the book tells: the long-lost history of Santa Claus you never knew...and will never forget. 

<font size="2" face="Arial">(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110920/CL71272</font> )

Such is the premise of The Man in the Cinder Clouds, a Christmas book by debut author Rick Daley.  This origins-of-Santa story is a great holiday read for the whole family.  Its mix of action, humor, and Christmas spirit keeps younger readers turning the pages, but The Man in the Cinder Clouds is not just a kids' book. 

As one Amazon.com reviewer puts it, "THE MAN IN THE CINDER CLOUDS is one of those middle grade books that the grown-ups get sucked into along with their kids. You think you bought if for your young reader but after you browse chapter one you just sort of... can't stop."

This story-within-a-story reveals the origins of our most familiar Christmas traditions: from Christmas trees, stockings, and lumps of coal to jingle bells, the North Pole, and flying reindeer.  Highly original and thoroughly entertaining, The Man in the Cinder Clouds will show you how Kris Kringle came to be known as Santa Claus.  It wasn't easy.

A must-read for anyone who has ever believed in Santa Claus, regardless of age, The Man in the Cinder Clouds e-book is an excellent Christmas gift idea to accompany a new Kindle or Nook this year.  The Man in the Cinder Clouds is also available in print through Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and other online retailers. 

For more information, please visit http://www.cinderclouds.com.

IBSN-13: 978-1461091684
E-Book ISBN: 978-1-4392-9543-4

SOURCE  Rick Daley

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110920/CL71272
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Rick Daley

CONTACT: Media, Rick Daley, +1-740-879-3325, rjdaley101071@gmail.com

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

Altai Technologies Completes Successful Commercial Trials of Super WiFi Solution in Rural Towns with National Fiber Optics & WiMAX Operators in North America

Projected Over US$100 Million Project Investment in Wireless Broadband Infrastructure

HONG KONG, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Altai Technologies, a carrier-grade Super WiFi equipment supplier has successfully completed trials of its end-to-end WISP solution with Fiber Optics and WiMAX operators in North America following its successful deployment of an island-wide wireless broadband network in Jamaica last year (a single Super WiFi network covering over 2 million people). People in rural towns can now enjoy fast broadband internet surfing with their Apple iPhone, iPad or Android mobile terminals just like or even faster than the users in major cities in North America with 3G/4G wireless services.

The Altai WISP Solution is a turnkey wireless broadband solution including both RF (AP and bridging) and backend (service control, billing & prepaid card system and network monitoring system) equipment. This end-to-end solution enables service operators to build up large scale network in days and generate an immediate revenue stream using a pre-paid card system.

Being the core component of the Altai WISP Solution, the Altai A8 series base station can be co-located with the mobile operators' existing cellular or WiMAX sites, thereby saving most of the site acquisition costs, wired backhaul costs and radio planning works and most importantly allowing rapid network deployment. 

"The Altai WISP Solution is widely adopted by mobile operators and service providers. Our solution has delivered the reliability and scalability that are critical to service operators," said Chi-hung Lin, President & CEO of Altai Technologies. "The initial trials in rural towns of northern Canada, and mid-west U.S. with Fiber Optics and WiMAX operators have been a great success and the nation-wide wireless broadband services are expected to be roll-out by mid 2012." The estimated total project investment in wireless broadband infrastructure is over US$100 million.

Altai is featuring its Super WiFi products as well as its complete end-to-end WISP solution at its booth#11-29, Hall 11 in the Telecom India (Dec 7-9, 2011) in New Delhi of India.

The Altai Super WiFi Solutions are being trialled and deployed by more than 20 tier one operators around the world.

About Altai Technologies

Altai Technologies is a high technology company focused on the design, development and marketing of carrier-grade, innovative wireless broadband solutions. Altai has developed its patented long range WiFi technology that can dramatically improve the WiFi signal coverage while minimizing interference from other signals broadcasting within the 2.4GHz unlicensed frequency spectrum. Altai's products are currently deployed worldwide in every major industry including logistic, education, municipal government, network operator, hospitality, manufacturing etc. The Altai Super WiFi Solution is offering a total wireless solution comprising of base station (A8/A8-Ei/A8i), access point (A2/A2e), CPE (C1/U1), access controller and wireless management software (AWMS).

Altai's flagship product, the A8 Super WiFi base station, is being deployed with various WiMAX, 3G, CDMA and GSM mobile systems globally for 3G data offloading and city-wide WiFi networks. The Altai Super WiFi Solution has been proven in both urban and remote application in over 60 countries and regions.

For more information, please visit http://www.altaitechnologies.com

For media enquiries, please contact

Altai Technologies Limited
Annie Loi
Tel: +852-3758-6000
Email: annieloi@altaitechnologies.com

SOURCE  Altai Technologies Limited

Altai Technologies Limited

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

Nova is Selected by Leading Asian Foundry to be the Tool of Record for its Most Advanced Technology Node

Source: Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd

.

MBNA Makes Money Management Mobile

CHESTER, England, December 5, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

                                         - With Photo

         Credit card lender transforms website for Smartphone devices in response to

                                          demand

         New mobile functionality allows customers to manage their money in the palm

                                      of their hand

    MBNA has launched a range of new services enabling UK customers to manage their money
through their mobile phones and Smartphones.

    The new Smartphone and text services - including a new Mobile Card Services website
and new text services allowing customers to make payments on their accounts or activate
their cards - are aimed at supporting the rising number of UK customers accessing MBNA's
services and their accounts "on the go".

    Ian O'Doherty, Europe Card executive for MBNA, said: "Our customers - and consumers
more broadly - are driving these improvements. We have seen an enormous rise in mobile
traffic to our website and we are seeing increasing customer demand for more mobile
friendly ways to engage with us.

    "We have listened and we have responded by investing in a range of new simple-to-use
mobile phone services that allow our customers to manage their accounts whenever they
want, wherever they want."

    Mobile card services

    New functionality built into http://www.mbna.co.uk recognises when an MBNA
customer uses a Smartphone to access its web pages and presents the key elements of the
site in a mobile-friendly format.

    By simply accessing the website on a Smartphone with a mobile Internet connection,
customers will be redirected automatically to the new, specially adapted Mobile Card
Services website, enabling them to view their account information, make a payment, view
their transactions, request a balance or money transfer and view their PIN.

    The move establishes http://www.mbna.co.uk as one of the UK finance sector's most
mobile-friendly websites and has been developed in direct response to customer feedback
and demand.

    Mobile text services

    Providing MBNA has a mobile number recorded for a customer's account, customers can
also text one of the following terms to 83838 (or, if overseas, +44 (0)7860 010 010):

   
    - BAL - gives customers their balance, available credit and credit limit.
    - TRANS - lists a customer's most recent transactions.
    - BILL - enables customers to know how much their next payment is and when it is
      due.
    - REWARDS - allows customers with rewards on their account find out their
      Rewards Points balance.

    Payments by text

    New functionality now allows customers to pay their monthly credit card bill by text
message from a previously stored debit card - subject to additional security checks.

    Activating a credit card by text

    Customers can also now send a simple text message to activate their new MBNA credit
card when they receive it.

    To learn more about the new MBNA services, UK customers can visit
http://www.mbna.co.uk and click on "Mobile Card Services".

    Picture Caption

    The new look MBNA Mobile Card Services website.

    About MBNA Europe Bank

    MBNA Europe is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC).
For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.mbna.co.uk or Bank of
America's website at http://www.bankofamerica.com.

    Note to Editors:

    A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA Photowire. It can be
downloaded from http://www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or viewed at
http://www.mediapoint.press.net or http://www.prnewswire.co.uk.

Source: MBNA Europe Bank Ltd

For further information, contact: Gary Jenkins, Corporate Communications, Bank of America Europe Card Services, Tel: +44(0)1244-574136, Email: gary.jenkins@mbna.com

The Holidays are Here and the Angry Birds are Celebrating!

LONDON, December 5, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

    Rovio and Samsung Team up to Give Fans Special Holiday Treats

    SQUAWK! Those loveable Angry Birds and the pesky pigs are celebrating the season with
fantastic new levels for Chrome! Angry Birds fans can enjoy 25 levels of Winter Wonderland
fun, as well as a special advent challenge on December 5th, courtesy of Samsung and Rovio.

    Upon playing the December 5th level of the Chrome holiday game, fans will be invited
into a new microsite experience. They can check out the Angry Birds advent challenge,
participate in a competition to win Samsung Galaxy mobile devices, watch a funny new
video, and send Angry Birds themed holiday e-cards.

    "The holiday season is all about giving back and giving thanks, and this year we
wanted to thank our millions of fans by giving them some great Angry Birds experiences,"
said Peter Vesterbacka, CMO and Mighty Eagle of Rovio. "Not only are they receiving 25 new
levels in our Advent game, but they're also getting a chance to win the best Samsung
products around and participate in a fun advent challenge."

    "It's so good to team up with Rovio again. Samsung has had a brilliant year and our
Galaxy devices are popular all over the world, so to be able to launch a holiday
experience inside the most popular mobile game in the world, is awesome!" said YH Lee, SVP
of Global Marketing at Samsung Mobile Communications Business. "To all those Angry Birds
fans out there: enjoy yourselves and check out the Galaxy Note for an even better mobile
gaming experience!"

    About Samsung:

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication,
digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of
US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68
countries, the company consists of nine independently operated business units: Visual
Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT
Solutions, Digital Imaging, and Digital Solutions. Recognized as one of the fastest
growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs,
semiconductor chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit
http://www.samsung.com.

    About Rovio:

    Rovio is an entertainment media company, and the creator of the globally successful
Angry Birds franchise. Rovio was founded in 2003 as a mobile game development studio, and
the company has developed several award-winning titles for various mobile platforms.

    In 2009, Rovio released Angry Birds, a casual puzzle game for touchscreen smartphones
that became a worldwide phenomenon from 2010 onwards. The Angry Birds games have enjoyed
continuing worldwide chart success, and the franchise has since expanded to a variety of
new business areas. Rovio is rapidly expanding its activities in broadcast media,
merchandising, publishing and services. Rovio's headquarters are located in Finland.

   
    Press contact:
    Jayne Stala at Komodo PR
    Jayne.stala@komodopr.com
    +44(0)207-680-5520

    Mark Casey
    mark@enrichmobile.com
    +44-7880-821987

Source: Enrich Mobile

.

Volunia Launches New Search Engine

PADUA, Italy, December 5, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

    Volunia is a new search engine developed by Massimo Marchiori, one of the most popular
personalities of the Web, author of several web standards and TR100 award winning (top one
hundred young innovators in the world).

    Search engines haven't changed much in the last years: time has arrived for a radical
change. Volunia brings a completely new perspective, bringing forward a vision on the
search engine of the future.

    The worldwide launch includes versions in 12 languages. Before the public launch,
Volunia will start as an invite-only service. Go to http://www.volunia.com and
register to be among the first ones to try Volunia. People who are selected will have
exclusive access to Volunia, a direct feedback channel to the TR100 award winning team,
exclusive information on Volunia next steps and bonus passes for selected friends.

    Follow us on Twitter: @Volunia [http://api.twitter.com/#!/Volunia ]

    Facebook: Volunia [https://www.facebook.com/Volunia ]

Source: Volunia.com

Contact: Mariano Pireddu, CEO, mariano.pireddu@malloru.it, Tel: +39-0783-763040, Mob: +39-348-5162667

Sourcebooks EDU Offers Solutions for Student Debt Crisis

Financial Fit Transforms the College Search Process by Addressing Affordability First

CHICAGO, Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Student debt has surpassed credit card debt for the first time in U.S. history, and the amount of outstanding student loans is expected to exceed $1 trillion in 2011. College seniors graduated with an average of $25,250 in student loans in 2010, up 5 percent from the previous year, according to The Project on Student Debt.

The issue has prompted U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan to call on higher education officials to work with greater urgency and creativity in reducing college costs, and spurred the Occupy Wall Street movement to set up a campaign focused on student debt.

Sourcebooks, a leading provider in college-bound resources for students and educators, recognizes the need for sound financial advice and guidance when it comes to the college search process. The publisher recently formed a new education division, Sourcebooks EDU, which made its first acquisition on Friday of managingcollegecost.com and myfinancialfit.com. The online financial aid resources were founded by veteran admissions and guidance counselor Frank Palmasani, to help families conquer college costs.

"The economic impact of the student debt crisis is one of the big unknowns that we are facing today in this country," Palmasani said. "The Financial Fit College Search Program is intended to engage students, parents, and high school counselors in a unified quest of finding affordable college options. The ultimate goal is to help families manage their college costs without excessive debt."

Every year, thousands of college-bound students and parents face the complexity and anxiety associated with filing for and receiving their college financial aid packages, as well as making decisions that will affect them financially for years to come. In a process fraught with myths and misinformation, families often find out at the last minute that the colleges of their choice come with unexpectedly high financial burdens.

"Frank starts with the college search process and provides tools to support families all the way through choosing and paying for college," Sourcebooks CEO Dominique Raccah said. "Guidance counselors are telling us they cannot act as financial advisors and have no resources available to direct families to as they begin the college process. We're finally going to be able to provide help."

Managingcollegecost.com is a free, subscriber-based website that utilizes Palmasani's vast and varied 25 years of experience to create a valuable resource for students, parents, and college admissions counselors. As users navigate the site, they will see features and links, along with 33 videos dealing with a wide range of issues pertaining to the financial aid process. Palmasani's blog keeps parents up-to-date on the financial aid timeline while teaching them how they can help their student select the best AND most affordable option.

Building on this vision, Palmasani also created myfinancialfit.com, a subscription-based website designed to help families match their affordability threshold with the net price of colleges. Myfinancialfit.com offers a 10-item confidential and anonymous questionnaire that evaluates tax credits, cash flow, available savings, and reasonable borrowing, and then provides families with a college affordability range.

Sourcebooks EDU plans to make these tools more widely available, as well as enhance these resources with additional video, content, webinars, seminars, books, interactive ebooks, and software tools.

About Frank Palmasani
<font size="2" face="Arial">Frank Palmasani, founder of managingcollegecost.com and myfinancialfit.com, began learning about the financial aid process in 1976, his first year as a high school counselor. In 1981, he moved to the college level eventually becoming a director of admissions. After a twelve-year stint, he returned to the high school arena to a position that he continues to enjoy today, serving as a guidance counselor. Palmasani also has also delivered seminars on the college financial aid and planning process to an estimated 100,000+ people since 1985.</font>

About Sourcebooks
Sourcebooks is an independent publishing house dedicated to sharing our passion for books in a wide variety of genres.  We publish over 300 new titles each year, and are honored to have 28 New York Times bestsellers. Sourcebooks is one of the largest woman-owned book publishers in the country. Visit http://www.sourcebooks.com for more information.

SOURCE  Sourcebooks

Sourcebooks

CONTACT: Liz Kelsch of Sourcebooks, +1-630-536-0595, liz.kelsch@sourcebooks.com

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

The Future of TV Begins Now on Xbox 360

Kinect for Xbox 360 brings voice control to living room entertainment with update that launches Dec. 6.

REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A revolution is happening in the living room. Xbox 360 is transforming how you enjoy TV entertainment and is giving you the power to control it with your voice. The next generation of TV entertainment begins with the announcement by Microsoft Corp. of the launch of an all-new Xbox 360 experience including the first group of new, custom applications from world leading TV and entertainment content providers on Xbox LIVE.

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

"A new era in entertainment begins where all your entertainment is together in one place -- your games, movies, TV shows, music and sports," said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "With this update, Xbox 360 system owners will experience Kinect voice control integrated with Bing search, making your TV and entertainment experiences more social and personal than ever."

"Microsoft has just built and delivered it: A single box that ties together all the content you want, made easily accessible through a universal, natural, voice-directed search. This is now the benchmark against which all other living room initiatives should be compared," said James McQuivey of Forrester Research in "Engaged TV: Xbox 360 Leads The Way To A New Video Product Experience,"* Sunday, Dec. 4. "...with more than 57 million people worldwide already sitting on a box that's about to be upgraded for free, Microsoft has not only built the right experience, it has ensured that it will spread quickly and with devastating effect."

You Say It, Xbox Finds It

How long does it take you to search and find your favorite movie or TV show? Do you find yourself searching hundreds of channels and multiple services and TV inputs? What if the entertainment you craved was simple, discoverable and exactly what you wanted at that particular moment?

Now, finding your favorite entertainment is easier than ever. Last year, Kinect for Xbox 360 revolutionized controller-free entertainment by letting you use your body and voice to play your favorite games and entertainment, turning you into the controller. The power of Kinect combined with the intelligence of Bing search is turning your voice into the ultimate remote control. With Bing on Xbox, you can use your voice to effortlessly find the games, movies, TV shows and music you want and discover the best offerings on Xbox LIVE, by simply saying what you're searching for. You say it, Xbox finds it. Beginning tomorrow and over the coming weeks, Bing on Xbox voice search will initially be available in English in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. for Zune video, Xbox LIVE Marketplace and select content partners. For those who do not have a Kinect for Xbox 360, text search will be available in Xbox LIVE markets.

All Your Entertainment, All in One Box

This holiday, in addition to offering the best blockbuster and Kinect games, Xbox 360 consoles are set to deliver live and on-demand TV shows, movies, videos, sports, music and news, becoming the best device to experience all your entertainment. TV and movie fans can instantly stream their favorite episodes of current television shows all season long, as well as past favorites and new-release movies.

Xbox 360 is building on its expansive catalog of movies, sports, television and music available through Hulu Plus, Last.fm, Netflix, Zune music and video and ESPN®, as well as on its existing lineup of great TV providers, such as AT&T U-verse® TV in the U.S., TELUS in Canada, BSkyB in the U.K., CANAL+ in France, Vodafone Portugal, VimpelCom in Russia and FOXTEL in Australia, by also now rolling out the following new entertainment partners and apps**:

Dec. 6:

    --  EPIX. United States
    --  ESPN on Xbox LIVE (ESPN). United States
    --  Hulu. Japan
    --  Hulu Plus. United States
    --  LOVEFiLM. United Kingdom
    --  Netflix. Canada, United States
    --  Premium Play by (MediaSet). Italy
    --  Sky Go (SkyDE). Austria, Germany
    --  Telefonica Espana - Movistar Imagenio. Spain
    --  TODAY (MSNBC). United States

Later in December:

    --  4 on Demand (C4). United Kingdom
    --  ABC iView (Australian Broadcasting Corp.). Australia
    --  AlloCine. France (AlloCine), Germany (Filmstarts), Spain (Sensacine),
        United Kingdom (Screenrush)
    --  Astral Media's Disney XD (Astral Media). Canada
    --  blinkbox (Blinkbox). United Kingdom
    --  Crackle (Sony Pictures). Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United
        States
    --  Dailymotion. Available in 32 countries globally
    --  Demand 5 (Five). United Kingdom
    --  DIGI+ (CANAL+). Spain
    --  GolTV (Mediapro). Spain
    --  iHeartRadio (Clear Channel). United States
    --  Mediathek/ZDF (ZDF). Germany
    --  MSN. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom
    --  MSNBC.com. United States
    --  MUZU.TV. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands,
        Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
    --  ninemsn. Australia
    --  Real Sports (Maple Leaf Sports). Canada
    --  Rogers On Demand Online (Rogers Media). Canada
    --  SBS ON DEMAND. Australia
    --  TMZ (Warner Bros.). Canada, United States
    --  TVE (RTVE.es). Spain
    --  UFC on Xbox LIVE (UFC). Canada, United States
    --  Verizon FiOS TV. United States
    --  VEVO. Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States
    --  Vudu (Wal-Mart). United States
    --  YouTube. Available in 24 countries globally

Early 2012:

    --  Antena 3 (Antena 3 de Television). Spain
    --  BBC (BBC). United Kingdom
    --  CinemaNow (Best Buy). United States
    --  HBO GO (HBO). United States
    --  MLB.TV (MLB Advanced Media). Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia,
        Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea,
        Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Spain,
        Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States
    --  Telenovelas/Sports (Televisa). Brazil, Chile, Colombia, France, Italy,
        Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom
    --  Xfinity On Demand (Comcast). United States

In October, nearly 40 leading TV and entertainment providers around the world announced they would bring customized, voice-controlled experiences to Xbox 360 systems. Today, MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM), the interactive media and Internet company of Major League Baseball, and VUDU became the latest leading entertainment providers to announce they are bringing their experiences to Xbox 360 consoles. MLB.TV subscribers will be able to access every regular season game, live and on-demand, in HD picture quality with an array of interactive functionalities. VUDU offers more than 45,000 blockbusters, Hollywood classics, independent films and TV shows, including the largest library of HD content available anywhere, with the highest quality streaming and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound. With VUDU, movies are available the same day they are released on DVD and Blu-ray. More information is available at http://www.VUDU.com.

The Best Entertainment Platform Offers Choice

Whether choosing the movie you want to watch or the service you want to watch it from, the best entertainment platform gives you a variety of options. Not only is Microsoft bringing all your entertainment and entertainment services to Xbox 360 consoles, it is giving you multiple choices in how you interact with that content, including your voice, your controller and now your Windows Phone. Starting Dec. 6, the free Xbox Companion app for Windows Phone will let you find, learn more about and control content from popular entertainment services on Xbox LIVE.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. Thanks to the addition of Kinect, Xbox 360 has transformed social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play -- no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as one of the world's largest on-demand libraries of music, standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with a leading social entertainment network of more than 35 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment service for your Xbox 360, connecting you to an ever-expanding world of games, movies, TV, music, sports and social entertainment. Xbox LIVE lets you play the best games, enjoy one of the world's largest on-demand libraries on any console, listen to millions of songs and share the fun with friends around the world. Xbox LIVE is also the exclusive home of controller-free online entertainment through Kinect, making your Xbox 360 more intuitive and interactive than ever before. With an active community of more than 35 million people across 35 countries, Xbox LIVE, together with Xbox 360, provides you with instant access to the entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, wherever you are. More information about Xbox LIVE can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/live.

About Microsoft

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

* "Engaged TV: Xbox 360 Leads The Way To A New Video Product Experience," Sunday, Dec. 4, Forrester Research, http://blogs.forrester.com/james_mcquivey/11-12-04-introducing_engaged_tv_xbox_360_leads_the_way_to_a_new_video_product_experience

** Schedule subject to change. Available features and content subject to change. Xbox LIVE Gold membership and/or additional subscriptions/fees may be required. Kinect functionality available with select Xbox LIVE content and varies by feature and country. For additional details and availability, see http://www.xbox.com/live.

SOURCE  Microsoft Corp.

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

CONTACT: Tina Yu, Edelman, +1-206-268-2248, tina.yu@edelman.com, or Jessie DiMariano, Edelman, +1-206-268-2211, jessie.dimariano@edelman.com ; For assets, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/xbox.

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

Amazon's LOVEFiLM Now on Xbox Live

LONDON, December 5, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

    LOVEFiLM, an Amazon company and Europe's largest subscription service - streaming
movies and TV episodes over the Internet and sending DVDs by post - launches on Xbox LIVE
tomorrow, giving millions more film fans instant access to the movies they want to watch,
when they want to watch them.

    Xbox LIVE members will be able to instantly watch thousands of movies via LOVEFiLM
Instant - the movie streaming service - including exclusive content such as the
award-winning drama Gran Torino and teen phenomenon The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, with
forthcoming titles The Dark Knight, breakout comedy The Hangover and dark romance Blue
Valentine becoming available in time for Christmas.

    Kinect for Xbox 360 will transform the way people use LOVEFiLM Instant to search and
watch movies. For the first time thanks to Kinect, LOVEFiLM can be effortlessly controlled
using voice commands or gestures, enhancing the ease of the movie-viewing experience.

    LOVEFiLM Instant is available on packages from just GBP4.99 via a huge range of
devices including PCs, iPad(R), Internet-connected TV sets, Blu-ray players, tablets and
games consoles. Becoming an Xbox LIVE integrated film service provider is another
milestone in LOVEFiLM's ambition to bring the service to as many homes as possible.

    Simon Calver, CEO of Amazon's LOVEFiLM, said:

    "It is an exciting day for LOVEFiLM customers and an auspicious day for the TV
entertainment industry as a whole. Launching LOVEFiLM Instant on Xbox 360 and Kinect means
bringing the service to a million more living rooms - a huge achievement.

    LOVEFiLM members in the UK can access our content in another exciting, innovative way
and all for one straightforward price. The simplicity of our pricing and the ease with
which customers can use LOVEFiLM Instant should make us the first choice for those
customers who want fantastic entertainment at great value for money, anytime, anywhere."

    Stephen McGill, Director of Xbox & Entertainment for Microsoft UK said:

    "It's very exciting to see the launch of Amazon's LOVEFiLM on Xbox LIVE. Xbox owners
will be eager to get started, using their Kinect-enabled consoles to interact with
LOVEFiLM's extensive catalogue of movies in ways that will only be available on Xbox 360."

    Links to editors

    LOVEFiLM NOW ON XBOX 360:

    http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/xbox/

    LOVEFiLM Instant:

    http://www.lovefilm.com/browse/film/watch-online

    LOVEFiLM:

    http://www.lovefilm.com

    http://www.facebook.com/LOVEFILM

    http://twitter.com/LOVEFiLM

Source: LOVEFiLM

LOVEFiLM Corporate PR Enquiries: Ben Simons or Eleanor Williamson, M:Communications, Tel. +44(0)20-7920-2340, simons@mcomgroup.com/ williamson@mcomgroup.com; LOVEFiLM Consumer & Trade PR Enquiries: Mischief, Tel. +44(0)20-3128-6600, lovefilm@mischiefpr.com

Official Opening of Jenoptik's New Representative Office in China

JENA, Germany and SHANGHAI, December 5, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

    Nearly all areas of the Group now have a local presence with state-of-the-art
infrastructure

    The Jenoptik Group has pooled all its activities on the Chinese market and combined
them within a 100 percent owned subsidiary. The official opening of the new business
premises was celebrated today together with customers and attended by the Jenoptik
Executive Board and the entire Jenoptik Group Management.

    Due to the pooling and expansion of the Chinese activities Jenoptik now has a strong
local organization. This will create benefits both on the market and for the customers.
Since he took up his post in 2007 Michael Mertin, Chairman of the JENOPTIK AG Executive
Board, has pushed the integrated expansion of and a direct presence for the Jenoptik Group
in the key markets in Asia and North America. "We are expanding internationally and by
having our own structures we are better placed to meet the requirements of our customers
worldwide," he said Thursday, Dec. 1, at the official opening attended by approx. 100
guests, among them numerous Jenoptik customers like Volkswagen, Bosch and Yanfeng Visteon.

    Today, Jenoptik employs more than 60 personnel in China, the majority of these at the
Shanghai location in the Pudong Industrial Zone. Now a 100 percent-owned subsidiary, the
company will be called Jenoptik (Shanghai) Precision Instruments and Equipment Co. Ltd.
with immediate effect. Jenoptik's other locations in China are in Beijing, Chongqing and
Wuhan and are therefore primarily based at centers of the Chinese automotive manufacturing
and supplier industries.

    At the official opening, Jenoptik Chairman Michael Mertin emphasized that: "We will
only be able to achieve our corporate objectives with the help of proportionately higher
growth abroad. We must operate in these markets, especially China, with the same
reliability as we do in the home market. To achieve this we must have a local presence and
break down barriers, including those in people's minds. In future a company's success will
depend more than ever before on its ability to adapt quickly and flexibly to customer
needs on the international level."

    Teams from the Industrial Metrology, Lasers & Material Processing and Optical Systems
divisions now have a local presence. In addition to being close to the market and
customers, having our own presence also creates advantages in the internal processes along
the entire value-added chain. "Our aim is to also increasingly shift added value to the
dynamic growth center. We need impetuses from this region not just on the sales side but
also for our innovations and value added. We are now taking the first steps to turn us
from a global seller to a global player," said Michael Mertin. The Shared Service Center
Asia was established locally in September this year and in future will combine support
processes in Asia, particularly in the purchasing area. At the headquarters in Shanghai
Jenoptik now has a state-of-the-art location covering more than 3,000 square meters over
two floors.

    The Industrial Metrology division is already utilizing a modern Application Center in
which customers are able to test their systems and machines. It is intended to open a
similar center for the Lasers & Material Processing division in 2012. In addition to the
Application Centers, Jenoptik also has local production facilities for assembling
electronic components and entire customer-specific systems, primarily for the Industrial
Metrology division. An integrated Chinese Internet site for the Jenoptik Group went online
at the end of November (http://www.jenoptik-china.com). The Jenoptik Industrial
Metrology division has had a sales presence in Asia since the 1980s. Together with its
Korean partner Telstar Hommel Corp., it established a joint venture in China in 2006 in
which Jenoptik has been the sole shareholder since November this year.

    Alongside North America and Europe, Asia is the Jenoptik Group's core region.

    Over the last two years Jenoptik has been pressing strongly ahead with the expansion
of its own presence in Asia. Capital expenditure from 2009 to 2011, including
acquisitions, totaled approx. 8 million euros. The highlights include the formation of
Jenoptik Korea in July 2009, the opening of the Laser Application Center in South Korea in
spring 2010 and the formation of Jenoptik Japan in November 2010. Jenoptik also set up a
joint venture in India in June 2008. In Asia Jenoptik employs a total of 101 personnel as
at September 30, 2011.

    In the first nine months of the current fiscal year sales in Asia totaled 38.3 million
euros, approx. 10 percent of group sales. This share is expected to continue rising
significantly over the coming years. In 2011 Asia has been the strongest growth region for
the Jenoptik Group. Nine-month sales increased by nearly 40 percent compared with 2010.
"Our aim is to continue achieving a higher level of growth in Asia, primarily in China. To
this end we will continue to expand our local organization in 2012 and the subsequent
years" said Jenoptik Chairman Michael Mertin. There are plans to expand the sales and
service network in China, particularly in the inland areas. In addition, the Chinese
Shared Service Center is expected to become the central support point for all Asian
companies. The aim is to primarily expand the support structures in the area of human
resources, logistics and procurement.

    About the Jenoptik Group

    As an integrated optoelectronics group, Jenoptik operates in five divisions: Lasers &
Material Processing, Optical Systems, Industrial Metrology, Traffic Solutions and Defense
& Civil Systems. Its customers around the world primarily include companies in the
semiconductor and semiconductor equipment industries, the automotive and automotive
supplier industries, the medical technology, security and defense technology industries as
well as the aviation industry.

    The Group was created out of the former Kombinat VEB Carl Zeiss Jena in 1991, as a
result of the German reunification. The Jenoptik Group headquarters are in Jena
(Thuringia). In addition to several major sites in Germany Jenoptik is represented in
nearly 70 countries. JENOPTIK AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and included in
the TecDax index. Jenoptik has more than 3,000 employees and generated sales of approx.
510 million euros in 2010.

    The history of Jenoptik in China

    The Industrial Metrology division has been represented in the Chinese market since the
mid 1980s - initially through a local authorized agent. In 1998 a Representative Office
was opened in China's capital Peking, this was followed by offices in Shanghai and
Chongqing in 1999 and 2005. In 2006, in conjunction with a local partner and the
longstanding partner in Korea, Jenoptik formed Hommel-Telstar Co. Ltd. which started its
business operation at that time with 18 employees. At the beginning of 2009 Jenoptik
acquired AES Auto Equipment Co. Ltd., expanding its know-how in the project business,
including the assembly capacities and sourcing know-how for electronic and mechanical
parts and which has since been available to the Group's other divisions. These activities
had already been pooled during the course of 2009.

    More information can be found on http://www.jenoptik.com and
http://www.jenoptik-china.com.

   
    Contact:

    JENOPTIK AG
    Public Relations
    Katrin Lauterbach
    Phone: +49-3641-652255
    Mail: katrin.lauterbach@jenoptik.com

    JENOPTIK Shanghai
    Daniel Böhme
    Phone: +86-21-38252380-204
    Mobile: +86-138-0165-0374
    Mail: daniel.boehme@jenoptik.com

Source: JENOPTIK AG

.

SAP to Accelerate Cloud Strategy with Acquisition of SuccessFactors

Creates Global Cloud Leader with World-Class Applications, Technology and Expertise; Gains Immediate Scale and Momentum in Fast-Growing Cloud-based Human Capital Management Segment

WALLDORF, Germany and SAN MATEO, Calif., Dec. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) and SuccessFactors, Inc. (NYSE: SFSF) today announced that SAP's subsidiary, SAP America, Inc., has entered into a definitive merger agreement with SuccessFactors, the market-leading provider of cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions, pursuant to which a subsidiary of SAP would offer to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of SuccessFactors for $40.00/per share in cash, representing an enterprise value of approximately $3.4 billion. The acquisition will add SuccessFactors' widely respected team and technology to SAP's powerful cloud assets, significantly accelerating SAP's momentum as a provider of cloud applications, platforms and infrastructure.  The combination of SAP and SuccessFactors will establish an advanced end-to-end offering of cloud and on-premise solutions for managing all relevant business processes. The SuccessFactors board of directors has unanimously approved the transaction. The per share purchase price represents a 52% premium both over the December 2nd closing price and the one month volume weighted average price per share. The transaction will be funded from SAP's cash on hand and a euro 1 billion term loan facility.  The closing of the tender offer is conditioned on SuccessFactors stockholders tendering at least a majority of the outstanding shares of SuccessFactors common stock (on a fully diluted basis) and clearances by relevant regulatory authorities. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2012 and be slightly dilutive to SAP's Non-IFRS earnings per share in 2012 and accretive in subsequent years. The acquisition marks another stride in SAP's strategy of delivering solutions on premise, in the cloud and on mobile devices.  It builds on a series of strategic moves in SAP's targeted growth areas to drive innovation in its core applications and analytics; introduce breakthrough in memory technology; establish leadership in enterprise mobility; and grow its cloud portfolio. SuccessFactors' solutions are highly complementary to SAP's core HCM offerings as well as SAP's strong cloud assets: SAP Business ByDesign for the suite cloud market and SAP's line of business cloud offerings for large enterprises such as SAP Sales on Demand. "The cloud is a core of SAP's future growth, and the combination of SuccessFactors' leadership team and technology with SAP will create a cloud powerhouse. The acquisition will help us address the top priority for CEOs globally - managing people and talent," said Bill McDermott, Co-CEO, SAP.  "Together, SAP and SuccessFactors will create tremendous business value for customers, with potent synergies to accelerate our growth in the cloud." "The depth and experience that SAP brings to customers via our cloud and on-premise portfolio fit elegantly with SuccessFactors' world-class expertise in providing high-performing, low-cost, native cloud applications that customers are passionate about," said Jim Hagemann Snabe, Co-CEO, SAP.  "Together, we will lead the industry in providing end-to-end solutions consistently to meet any deployment preference, whether on premise, in the cloud or on device." "This is a revolutionary combination of proven capabilities that will allow SuccessFactors to accelerate our roadmap by 10 years, and bring the world's leading application knowledge and intellectual property to our customers through the cloud, and the largest applications customer base instantly," said Lars Dalgaard, Founder and CEO, SuccessFactors. "Expanding relationships with SAP's 176,000 customers with our speed to value, friendly user interface, on mobile devices and the web, and seamlessly delivering more SAP solutions in the cloud will be legendary, as organizations adopt the cloud to improve their business. SuccessFactors has proven we have the technology and people to deliver the world's biggest cloud deployments in terms of users and countries per customer, and also the most applications per customer from the same flexible scalable cloud platform. The business world is ready for enterprise-class cloud applications and together, we can deliver incredible new innovation for global businesses." SuccessFactors is believed to operate the largest scale of paying cloud users with 15 million subscription seats. With more than 3,500 customers in 168 countries, SuccessFactors is growing rapidly, recording 77 percent revenue growth year-over-year in the third quarter 2011 and 59 percent revenue growth year-over-year in the first nine months of 2011.   SuccessFactors' scalable cloud application platform supports organizations of all sizes from dozens to millions of users.  With proven deployments in SAP environments at companies in diverse industries, the combination of SuccessFactors and SAP holds significant growth potential considering the more than 500 million employees of SAP customers and its 15,000 HCM deployments. With headquarters in San Mateo, California, and more than 1,450 employees, the SuccessFactors team is widely regarded for creating innovative technology, generating more than 80 percent of new sales from applications that did not exist five years ago, and as one of the fastest growing leaders in cloud applications.  Upon completion of the transaction, the CEO of SuccessFactors, Lars Dalgaard, will lead the cloud business of SAP in addition to his responsibility as CEO of SuccessFactors. SuccessFactors will remain independent and be named "SuccessFactors, an SAP company". The chairman of SAP's supervisory board, Hasso Plattner, recommended that Lars Dalgaard be appointed to the executive board of SAP AG. SAP and SuccessFactors Customers to Benefit from Combined Application and Technology Footprint

    --  SuccessFactors' focus on enabling business insight and execution fits
        well with SAP's business analytics platform, promising new levels of
        real time decision making across the enterprise.
    --  SuccessFactors' mobile applications combined with the mobile expertise
        of SAP and Sybase will offer customers a powerful business-to-employee
        mobility portfolio.
    --  SuccessFactors' cloud expertise and know how, rapid cloud innovation and
        proven success running large scale cloud deployments will help SAP
        customers more rapidly adopt cloud applications.
    --  SuccessFactors' applications are designed for businesses of all sizes,
        and offer easily adopted solutions for customers of SAP Business Suite,
        SAP Business ByDesign, SAP Business All-in-One, and SAP Business One.
    --  SuccessFactors' complementary solutions will be an attractive option for
        more than 500 million employees of SAP customers.
    --  The combination of SuccessFactors and SAP will create a comprehensive
        HCM solution, marrying strength in enterprise applications with
        people-focused cloud applications.
SAP and SuccessFactors will host two conference calls for financial analysts and media to discuss the transaction:

On Saturday, December 3rd, at 7:00 pm CET / 1:00 pm Eastern (Dial-in numbers: Germany: +49 69 5899 90797, UK: +44 20 7190 1595, US: +1 480 629 9771; Replay numbers: UK +44 207 154 2833, US +1 303 590 3030, Germany +49 69 58 99 90 568, Access Code: 4493863#)

On Monday, December 5th, at 3:00 pm CET / 9:00 am Eastern (Dial-in numbers: Germany: +49 69 5899 90797, UK: +44 20 7190 1595, US: +1-480 629 9722, Conference ID: 4493869; Replay Numbers: UK +44 207 154 2833, US +1 303 590 3030, Germany +49 69 58 99 90 568, Access Code: 4493869#)

About SAP

As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device - SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 176,000 customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit http://www.sap.com.

Additional information

This announcement is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities.  The tender offer for the outstanding shares of SuccessFactors common stock described in this announcement has not commenced.  At the time the offers are commenced SAP America, Inc. and Saturn Expansion Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of SAP AG, will file a Schedule TO Tender Offer Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and SuccessFactors, Inc. will file a Schedule 14D-9 Solicitation/Recommendation Statement with respect to the offer.  The Tender Offer Statement (including an offer to purchase, a related letter of transmittal and other offer documents) and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement will contain important information that should be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Tender Offer.  Those materials and other documents filed by SAP AG, SAP America, Inc., Saturn Expansion Corporation or SuccessFactors with the SEC will be available at no charge on the Securities and Exchange Commission's web site at http://www.sec.gov.  The Schedule TO Tender Offer Statement and related materials may be obtained for free by directing such requests to SAP AG, Attention: Stefan Gruber, Dietmar-Hopp-Allee 16, 69190 Walldorf, Germany, Telephone:  +49 6227 744872.  The Schedule 14D-9 Solicitation/Recommendation Statement and such other documents may be obtained for free by directing such requests to SuccessFactors Global Headquarters, Attention: Hillary Smith, 1500 Fashion Island Blvd. Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94404, USA, Telephone +1 (650) 645-2000.

Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "intend", "may", "plan", "project", "predict", "should" and "'will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP or SuccessFactors are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties concerning the parties' ability to close the transaction and the expected closing date of the transaction, the anticipated benefits and synergies of the proposed transaction, anticipated future combined operations, products and services, and the anticipated role of SuccessFactors, its key executives and its employees within SAP following the closing of the transaction. Actual events or results may differ materially from those described in this release due to a number of risks and uncertainties. These potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the outcome of regulatory reviews of the proposed transaction, the ability of the parties to complete the transaction, the failure to retain key SuccessFactors employees, customer and partner uncertainty regarding the anticipated benefits of the transaction, the failure of SAP and SuccessFactors to achieve the anticipated synergies of the proposed transaction and other risks detailed in SAP's and SuccessFactors' SEC filings, including those discussed in SAP's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010 and SuccessFactors' quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, each of which is on file with the SEC and available at the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Neither SAP nor SuccessFactors is obligated to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.

© 2011 SAP AG. All rights reserved.

SAP, R/3, SAP NetWeaver, Duet, PartnerEdge, ByDesign, SAP BusinessObjects Explorer, StreamWork, and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and other countries. Business Objects and the Business Objects logo, BusinessObjects, Crystal Reports, Crystal Decisions, Web Intelligence, Xcelsius, and other Business Objects products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects Software Ltd. Business Objects is an SAP company.Sybase and Adaptive Server, iAnywhere, Sybase 365, SQL Anywhere, and other Sybase products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sybase, Inc. Sybase is an SAP company. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Data contained in this document serves informational purposes only. National product specifications may vary. These materials are subject to change without notice. These materials are provided by SAP AG and its affiliated companies ("SAP Group") for informational purposes only, without representation or warranty of any kind, and SAP Group shall not be liable for errors or omissions with respect to the materials. The only warranties for SAP Group products and services are those that are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services, if any. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.

Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.

For customers interested in learning more about SAP products:

Global Customer Center: +49 180 534-34-24United States Only: 1 (800) 872-1SAP (1-800-872-1727)

For more information, press only:

Christoph Liedtke, +49 6227 7-50383, christoph.liedtke@sap.com; CET

Jim Dever, +1 (610) 661-2161, james.dever@sap.com; EDT

Andrea Meyer, SuccessFactors, +1 (650) 581-6659, ameyer@successfactors.com; PST

SAP Press Office, +49 (6227) 7-46315, CET; +1 (610) 661-3200, EDT; press@sap.com

For more information, financial community only:

Stefan Gruber, +49 6227 7-44872, investor@sap.com; CET

Financial Analyst and Media Conference Call

SOURCE  SAP AG

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110126/AQ34470LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
SAP AG

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

New Hess Toy Truck Racing App Offers Enhanced Gaming and Social Media Features

2011 Hess Racer Game App Debuts Free on Android Today; Also Available on iPhone/iPad and Facebook

NEW YORK, Dec. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hess Corporation today announced the release of its second edition Hess Toy Truck game app, the Hess Racer Game, on Android. Based on the 2011 Hess Toy Truck and Race Car, the game app extends the company's 47-year old Hess Toy Truck holiday tradition online and builds on last year's successful debut of the Hess Jet Game, which ranked within the top 10 racing category on iPad and iTunes. The Hess Racer Game debuted free on iPhone/iPad and Facebook on Nov. 18 and had 1.7 million visits through Nov. 29 and a 4 out of 5-star rating.

The Hess Racer Game app takes gaming to a new level, providing fans with a highly engaging and easy-to-play online experience that features the best elements of gaming today. It includes the ability to play quick and short games and earn more rewards, and provides an enhanced social media and sharing experience.

Players can choose from two vehicles in the Hess Racer Game: the Hess Race Truck, which offers brute strength and great handling, and the Hess Race Car, which offers speed and agility. Players have the choice of three courses - city, mountains or interstate - and can earn coins to unlock additional features for their vehicles. In addition, players can collect and give trading cards to one another that serve as an invite to play the game. An enhanced multiplayer function on Facebook allows friends to challenge other friends to beat their high score. Players can also play the Hess Toy Truck Game directly on the Hess Express Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/HessExpress).

The Hess Toy Truck has been a holiday tradition since 1964, and is one of the longest running toy brands on the market. The 2011 Hess Toy Truck carries a race car modeled after an American stock car that sports a pull-back racing motor and Hess Express logo. For the first time in the collection's 47-year history, the two vehicles in the set are both packed with sounds and lights for twice the fun. As in past years, the truck is sold exclusively at Hess retail stores in 16 East Coast states, while supplies last. For a complete list of Hess Toy Trucks through the years or to find the nearest Hess location, please visit: http://www.hesstoytruck.com.

Hess Corporation, with headquarters in New York, is a global integrated energy company engaged in the exploration, development, production, purchase, transportation and sale of crude oil and natural gas. The corporation also manufactures, purchases, trades and markets refined petroleum and other energy products. Hess is one of the leading independent gasoline-convenience retailers on the East Coast with more than 1,350 stations and convenience stores in 16 states from Massachusetts to Florida.

    Category:      Games
    Version:                                          1.0
    27.82 MB
                    Designed for latest Android Operating
                    System, Gingerbread (2.3). Also
                    compatible with Froyo Operating
                    System on hardware that has ARMv6 or
                    ARMv7 processors. Compatible with
                    iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
    Requirements:   Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

SOURCE  Hess Corporation

Hess Corporation

CONTACT: Regine Labossiere or Jenny Brod, both of Goodman Media International, +1-212-576-2700

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

McGraw-Hill Education Brings History to Life with Launch of First-ever Interactive Social Studies Program

Launched at NCSS, Networks(TM) print and digital solution meets growing demand for fully customizable digital content by offering an interactive approach to learning

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NCSS CONFERENCE (BOOTH #517) -- Harry Potter struggled to stay awake in his Hogwarts history class because he was unable to connect with the subject matter. If only poor Harry had access to McGraw-Hill Education's Networks(TM), a groundbreaking multimedia social studies learning system that brings history to life for middle and high school students. The system will be demonstrated at this year's National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Annual Conference. Available through a subscription model and fulfilling market demand for more innovative solutions, Networks combines engaging print and digital resources to help students discover and learn essential social studies content in world history, U.S. history and civics. Introduced this year in Florida, the system will be available nationwide starting in January 2012, offering a flexible solution that can be implemented across an entire district, regardless of the digital capabilities of individual schools or classrooms.

"Teachers are often challenged with finding ways to make history engaging to students," said Stephen Mico, senior vice president of McGraw-Hill School Education Group's Literacy and Humanities learning center. "With the comprehensive digital and multimedia components found in Networks, social studies content transports students to another time and place, increasing their engagement and achievement in the process. Networks expands students' perspectives of the world and facilitates connections - linking teachers with students and students with the people, places and events that have shaped modern-day society and who we are as citizens - while using technology to navigate the path."

With a library of engaging online resources, the program transforms social studies instruction and learning into an exciting and interactive experience for teachers and students. Students can watch videos of inspiring speeches made by historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. They can upload audio of key moments in time such as man's first steps on the moon, or draw inspiration from a collection of images from the Revolutionary War to the pyramids of Egypt, all while taking notes in their virtual notebooks and sharing and submitting assignments online. Instruction is easily personalized, allowing teachers to modify the reading level of specific text for each student to support differentiated instruction. Teachers can use the "Ready-To-Go" lesson plans found in Networks, as well as customize lessons by adding their own materials. With Networks, the ability to tailor assessments, worksheets, assignments, presentations and lesson plans is as easy as a click of the mouse.

At the NCSS Annual Conference, the industry's premier social studies professional development event, McGraw-Hill Education will feature demonstrations of Networks and the company's social studies programs at booth #517. They will offer special giveaways for booth visitors throughout the conference, including drawings to win an iPad. Additionally, the company recently launched three new social studies iPad apps, eFlashcard, Step into Time & Place and U.S. History Timeline, which will be free for download at the iTunes store during the conference. McGraw-Hill Education will tweet live from the conference with activity updates under the hashtag #NCSS11. McGraw-Hill Education's Twitter account (@MHEducation) can be found at (http://twitter.com/MHEducation).

For more information about Networks, visit: http://www.mcgrawhillnetworks.com/.

About McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education is a content, software and services-based education company that draws on its more than 100 years of educational expertise to offer solutions, which improve learning outcomes around the world. McGraw-Hill is the adaptive education technology leader with the vision for creating a highly personalized learning experience that prepares students of all ages for the world that awaits. The company has offices across North America, India, China, Europe, the Middle East and South America, and makes its learning solutions available in more than 65 languages. For additional information, visit http://www.mheducation.com/.

Contact:
Tom Stanton
McGraw-Hill Education
(212) 904-3214
tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com

SOURCE  McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education

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

Zendesk Helps RightNow Customers Move Into the 21st Century With New Migration Program

New Offering Delivers Fast and Easy Way to Move to Zendesk from the RightNow Customer Experience Suite

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zendesk, the proven cloud-based help desk software provider, today introduced its Fast Track Migration Program, a new offering that provides a quick and easy way to migrate to its help desk solution from the RightNow Customer Experience Suite. Through the end of 2011, special discounted pricing is available on Zendesk software. The introduction of this program follows Oracle Corporation's recent announcement of its intent to acquire RightNow Technologies.

"RightNow customers realize that they have been trapped in an expensive, outdated solution," said Mikkel Svane, Zendesk's CEO. "In this day and age it is surprising to see software that is limited to only the Windows platform with no availability through native mobile applications. Modern businesses require 21st Century tools to deliver superior customer service. That's why they're moving from RightNow to Zendesk."

"At Box, customer service is our top priority. Previously, we found ourselves hampered by a legacy tool that was not integrated with other key business systems, was too difficult to customize and maintain, and was, frankly, just too expensive," said Jon Herstein, Box's Vice President of Customer Success. "With Zendesk, we now have a solution that is flexible, cost-effective, and is loved by our customers and support team."

More than 10,000 Zendesk customers, including Adobe, MSNBC, Sony, OpenTable and Groupon, already trust Zendesk with their most valuable assets: their customers, partners, and employees. The Fast Track Migration Program brings together migration best practices and tools, professional services, and free training to make the desired move to Zendesk fast, easy, and painless.

The Zendesk Fast Track Migration Program for RightNow includes:

    --  Free Zendesk 101 Bootcamp - New customers will receive a free seat in
        this introductory Zendesk course that includes information on key
        features and best practices from the experts.
    --  Innovative Migration Methodology - The Zendesk Migration Team has
        developed a migration tools and methodologies system to help accelerate
        and automate the transition to Zendesk.
    --  Free Help Desk Health Check - Zendesk's support experts will analyze the
        health of your current help desk based on the company's Top 10 Metrics
        methodology.
Learn more at http://www.zendesk.com/migration.

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 10,000 Zendesk customers, including Adobe, MSNBC, 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.

Zendesk is a registered trademark of Zendesk, Inc. RightNow is a registered trademark of RightNow Technologies, Inc.

SOURCE  Zendesk

Zendesk

CONTACT: Megan Parker of SS|PR, +1-847-415-9326, mparker@sspr.com, for Zendesk

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