News

PointRight Sponsors Executive Roundtable in Conjunction with 2011 AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing; Provider Magazine To Moderate

LEXINGTON, Mass., July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PointRight Inc. (http://www.pointright.com) announces that it will sponsor the American Health Care Association (AHCA) Provider magazine's Executive Roundtable, titled "Changing the Conversation: How to Validate and Measure Care During Healthcare Reform."  The event will be held at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, DC on July 13, 2011. The session is scheduled from 9-Noon. Provider magazine will host the session and Joanne Erickson, Editor In Chief, and Meg LaPorte, Managing Editor will serve as co-moderators.

The panel will feature 11 executives representing the post-acute care industry who will discuss topics that include:

    --  Being measurably successful: How today's operators are preparing for
        success with future challenges
    --  It's all about perception: How SNFs compete in the care continuum
    --  Reducing undesired hospitalizations
    --  The road ahead in healthcare reform

The Executive Roundtable will precede the 2011 AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing, which will be held July 13-14, also at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel and on Capitol Hill. "AHCA and Provider are delighted to host this timely and important discussion, especially at a time when data and analytics is more crucial to operator success than ever before," said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. "Providers are challenged to keep pace in a field where the care demands and competition are escalating in unprecedented ways. The Roundtable experts will provide insights, best practices and sound advice that the industry will benefit from early on."

"The Executive Roundtable  is a perfect venue to engage in dialogue with leading providers and experts about how they're navigating current market challenges and opportunities, especially as the industry progresses toward 2014 mandates and Accountable Care model," said Steven Littlehale, senior vice president and chief clinical officer of PointRight. "Forging discussions that will help providers understand how data analytics and predictive modeling can help them through today's challenges is not only enlightening, but also part of our strategic mission. We're proud to bring this forum to Washington, DC in conjunction with the Congressional Briefing."

About PointRight

PointRight Inc. is the industry leader in providing data-driven analytics and Web-based tools that measure risk, quality of care, compliance and reimbursement accuracy of the healthcare and insurance industries. Using some of the largest and best databases in the industry, our nationally recognized clinical staff, researchers, and technologists expertly translate disparate data into usable information and insight. For more information, visit http://www.pointright.com.

SOURCE  PointRight Inc.

PointRight Inc.

CONTACT: Pam Selker Rak, +1-412-221-4550, pam.rak@pointright.com

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

Girl Scout Dropout Project Launches

Irreverent Widow Creator introduces niche web community for alternative-thinking, like-minded women

PORTLAND, Maine, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandi Amorello, creator of the Irreverent Widow Project, a combined art exhibit, website and blog that supports women suffering through a variety of life's perils, recently developed a similar forum for alternative-thinking women of all ages entitled, Girl Scout Dropout at http://www.girlscoutdropout.com. This newly launched online community will serve as a safety zone for women who embrace their rebellious spirits and celebrate the fact that their personal "rules" do not coincide with the guidelines that have been laid out by society.

Girl Scout Dropout will allow women to join a club that celebrates their alternative views of the world while also finding a resource for support during any variety of life's challenges, including, in Sandi's case, the death of her young husband that propelled her into widowhood..

"My husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly after his 40th birthday," said Sandi, "and my world turned upside down in a way I'd only read about in novels, or seen on a tear-jerker Hallmark made-for-TV-movie. He died the morning after Christmas, and his funeral was on New Year's Eve. Our children were 4, 7 and 9; I was 41--enough said."

With the knowledge that "life doesn't always go quite as we plan," Sandi, the self-proclaimed Irreverent Widow and original Girl Scout Dropout, chose to develop these forms of support for women after her life changed dramatically. Girl Scout Dropout will not only support women through trying times, but also honor individualism, creativity, non-conformity and most importantly humor.

Women of all ages can join online for a lifetime membership for only $44.95 and receive the Official "I'm a Dropout Now" membership kit, which includes an elegantly designed wine glass with the GSD logo, three Badges of Honor (the "More Support Than an Underwire Bra" Badge, the "I'll Drink to This & That" Badge and the very chic "Nuh-Uh" Badge); the official "Dropouts Don't Sew" Badge Pin and a "For Dropouts Only" pocket-sized Credo.

Here is one of the 10 GSD Credos--

    --  A Girl Scout Dropout's Honor is to be trusted- When you promise to go
        out for a martini with your best friend whose husband has just announced
        that he is running off with the Swedish nanny...you must keep your word!

The Credo includes nine more GSD beliefs so please visit http://www.girlscoutdropout.com to learn more about the GSD credo.  Men can also join the group as part of the Men's Auxiliary, standing in spiritual solidarity with the Dropouts.

A portion of the proceeds from the Girl Scout Dropout project will go toward Sandi's Irreverent Widow efforts. "You shouldn't have to pay to grieve," said Sandi, " No one should have to supply a credit card number to climb up out of the depths of hell."

Come share in Sandi's approach to life using humor, while understanding it is okay to admit that "life doesn't always go quite as we plan, now does it?"  For more information about Sandi and her Girl Scout Dropout community, please visit http://www.girlscoutdropout.com and join us on Facebook for the GSD conversation sure to inspire.

SOURCE  Girl Scout Dropout

Girl Scout Dropout

CONTACT: Angie Helton, Northeast Media Associates, +1-207-653-0365, nema@maine.rr.com

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

TD Bank Launches a New Tool To Help First-Time Buyers Realize Their Homeownership Dreams

With its Comprehensive, Hassle-Free Guide to Home Purchase and Competitive Mortgage Products, TD Bank is the First Stop for First-Time Homebuyers

CHERRY HILL, N.J. and PORTLAND, Maine, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®, is looking to make the first-time homebuying process a little less cumbersome. To complement the bank's hassle-free and easy to understand mortgage products, TD Bank has developed a comprehensive First Time Homebuyer Kit to educate first-time homebuyers and guide them through every step on the path to making a house a home.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081031/NEF005LOGO-a )

"With interest rates remaining favorable and home values stabilizing, this combination offers a great opportunity for home ownership. However, consumers, especially first-time homebuying customers, need to make sure they are well informed and educated on the homebuying process," said Michael Copley, Retail Lending, Executive Vice President, TD Bank. "With research they will find that TD Bank offers great low rates, no hidden fees and the guarantee of TD Bank's legendary service. Since TD Bank also does not sell its mortgage loans, we foster strong relationships with our customers and they don't have to worry about unexpected surprises."

The bank is also utilizing social media to educate consumers on its mortgage program by launching live weekly Twitterviews (Q&A). Every Monday in July, Mike Copley, TD Bank's Executive Vice President of Retail Lending will be available for live #mortgagemondays on twitter @TDBank_US to answer questions and share tips and advice.

TD Bank developed the First Time Homebuyer Kit to create a rewarding homebuying experience. Available on the TD Bank website (http://www.tdbank.com/firsthome) as well as in stores, the kit is designed to take the customer through the process of purchasing a home, providing advice and information needed to choose the house and mortgage to best suit individual needs.

Some things to consider when buying your first home are:

    --  Determine how much you can afford: By looking at your income and current
        monthly debts you can determine what you can afford.
    --  Buying a home isn't for everyone:  Know the benefits of owning vs.
        renting before making any decisions. Also stop to think about what type
        of home you can afford and which style suits your lifestyle such as
        single-family homes, town houses or fixer-uppers.
    --  Narrow the focus of your search: Many factors impact the ideal type of
        house for each buyer, including desired features and benefits, life
        stage and how many improvements you are willing to make before moving
        in.
    --  Make the mortgage process as hassle-free as possible: From fixed-rate to
        adjustable-rate, there are several options to fit your needs.

TD Bank is committed to providing a transparent mortgage procedure, providing consumers with what they need to know to turn a house into a home. TD's hassle-free mortgage application with no hidden fees makes purchasing a home as smooth and worry free as possible. Additionally, TD offers competitive rates on FHA loans and a $500 service commitment on both same-day loan decisions and on-time mortgage closings, plus additional discounts to qualified low-to-moderate income borrowers. Same-day loan decisions are conditional upon receiving income and asset verification.

About TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®

TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 7.4 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,250 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized wealth management services through TD Wealth, and insurance products and services through TD Insurance, Inc. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., and Portland, Maine. To learn more, follow TD Bank on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TDBank_US or visit http://www.tdbank.com.

TD Bank is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America and one of the few banks in the world rated Aaa by Moody's. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol "TD." To learn more, visit http://www.td.com.

SOURCE  TD Bank

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081031/NEF005LOGO-a
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
TD Bank

CONTACT: Rebecca Acevedo, TD Bank, +1-856-470-3201, Rebecca.Acevedo@yesbank.com, or Ashley Dodd, Coburn Communication, +1-212-536-9835, Ashley.Dodd@coburnww.com

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

Gigamon Extends Technology Leadership with Expanded Portfolio

Enabling Intelligent Network Visibility in the most sensitive and demanding data environments with GigaSECURE(TM) and GigaSMART(TM).

SILICON VALLEY, Calif., July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gigamon®, the leading global provider of data access solutions, responds to customer demand by expanding its product offerings with the addition of the GigaSECURE line, and the expansion of its award winning GigaSMART line. These additions further extend Gigamon's market leadership by delivering Intelligent Visibility and Control to the most sensitive and demanding communication environments.

The GigaBPS(TM) intelligent bypass switch represents the first product in the GigaSECURE family. This first to market module provides intelligent visibility to for both Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).In doing so the module enables a broader reach of information security, extends monitoring and allows organizations to further centralize their network management, saving time and expense.

"With the GigaBPS intelligent bypass switch, Gigamon is the first to introduce a completely centralized monitoring access layer," said Doug Hurd, Director, Technical Alliances for Sourcefire, a world leader in intelligent cybersecurity solutions. "A single appliance can now be populated to handle inline security devices and receive port only devices, eliminating the need to have multiple TAPs and bypass units from different vendors. This simplifies network management and reduces the time to get network protection implemented."

The GigaBPS intelligent bypass enables Managed Hosting Providers to implementing more advanced and scalable security practices when delivering 'Cloud' services, where IPS connections feed virtual environments in both traditional and high-density data centers. The GigaBPS also enables improved cybersecurity protection for Telco, Enterprise, Financial and Government environments where IPS is used to combat a broad range of information 'attacks' that are common today including malware, denial of service (DDoS), and advanced persistent threats (APT), all of which can cost organizations millions of dollars in fraud, lost business and tarnished brand reputation.

In addition to the launch of the new GigaSECURE line, Gigamon has expanded its award winning GigaSMART product, providing organizations with new tools to control, manage and secure their data. The GigaSMART Advanced Packet Modification Technology helps organizations improve data visibility, while both reducing network costs and improving productivity - a CIO's top priorities.

The expanded functionality in the GigaSMART product includes IP tunneling, which allows centralized secure monitoring of remote locations, de-duplication, which eliminates duplicate data traffic in complex asymmetrical network environments, and Header Stripping, which provides improved network monitoring of VLAN and MPLS traffic. When combined with the existing GigaSMART features of Time Stamping, Data Masking, Port Labeling and Packet Slicing, the new GigaSMART module is the most powerful and versatile packet modification tool in the Data Access industry. 

"OPNET and our customers are very familiar with where Gigamon sits in the rack, as OPNET's AppResponse Xpert uniquely delivers multiple capabilities in a single appliance, including end-user experience monitoring, network performance monitoring, web transaction analysis, VoIP troubleshooting and more," said Todd Kaloudis, Senior Vice President at OPNET Technologies, Inc., a leader in application and network performance management. "Solutions like this from Gigamon are effective in complex environments with high capacities or many traffic feeds because they perform intelligent traffic conditioning, including grooming, splitting and filtering of traffic sources," according to Kaloudis. "The capabilities that Gigamon offers can play an important role in deployment strategies for performance monitoring appliances in the data center."

For more information about the GigaBPS intelligent bypass switch, the GigaSECURE product line or the GigaSMART packet modification blade, please visit the Gigamon website at http://www.gigamon.com, or call (408) 263-2022.

About Gigamon

Gigamon® provides purpose-built appliances to enable visibility and deliver critical packet-flow information across data networking infrastructures. As creator and leader of the Intelligent Data Access Networking® architecture, Gigamon's patented technology provides secure access and enhanced visibility for traditional and cloud-based data networks. The GigaVUE® line of intelligent data access switches eliminate SPAN port contentions, extend legacy tool utilization within 10Gbps environments, and enhance the effectiveness and productivity of network monitoring and security tools - all while running at full line rate speeds. This provides seamless and controlled delivery of the right data, at the right time, to the right tools; benefiting customers with greater uptime, reduced vulnerability to threats, and improved regulatory compliance. Founded in 2004, Gigamon has sold thousands of units to customers in more than 40 countries around the globe. For more information about Gigamon, visit http://www.gigamon.com.

SOURCE  Gigamon

Gigamon

CONTACT: Jim Berkman, +1-408-263-2022, ext. 312, jim.berkman@gigamon.com, Gigamon, LLC

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

Gigamon® Updates Industry Leading GigaVUE® Platform with v8.0 Software Release

Unrivaled ease of network management provided by new best-in-class graphical interface and powerful command line interface.

SILICON VALLEY, Calif., July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gigamon, the leading global provider of data access networking solutions, has announced a major update to its GigaVUE G Series operating system software - version 8.0. This latest release expands support for a number of key features including extended hashing options, allowing up to seven user selectable algorithms to provide optimal load balancing in trunking configurations. Additional expanded features include SNMPv3 security protocols and cross-box mapping capabilities. 

Along with the additional features in the operating system, the Gigamon Citrus(TM) graphical user interface (GUI) has also been updated. The latest release delivers unmatched simplicity and power to manage visibility across a complete network, and does so by combining a new best-in-class graphical interface design with a powerful command line interface. Delivering valuable flexibility to our customers, both interfaces are fully integrated allowing for control to be switched between GUI and CLI while performing configuration and management tasks.

This operating system release is applicable to all models in the GigaVUE G Series, (the GigaVUE-212, GigaVUE-420, and GigaVUE-2404). The G Series are recognized as the industry standard for intelligent data access switching. 

"When starting on the v8.0 software update, one of the key steps was to look at what our customers wanted in terms of how to control, manage and configure network visibility," said Mike Valladao, Senior Product Manager at Gigamon. "By adding a range of viewing options, and expanded features, customers will find the perfect balance between simplicity and power."

For more information about GigaVUE v8.0 software or the Citrus GUI, please visit the Gigamon website at http://www.gigamon.com, or call (408) 263-2022.

About Gigamon

Gigamon® provides purpose-built appliances to enable visibility and deliver critical packet-flow information across data networking infrastructures. As creator and leader of the Intelligent Data Access Networking® architecture, Gigamon's patented technology provides secure access and enhanced visibility for traditional and cloud-based data networks. The GigaVUE® line of intelligent data access switches eliminate SPAN port contentions, extend legacy tool utilization within 10Gbps environments, and enhance the effectiveness and productivity of network monitoring and security tools - all while running at full line rate speeds. This provides seamless and controlled delivery of the right data, at the right time, to the right tools; benefiting customers with greater uptime, reduced vulnerability to threats, and improved regulatory compliance. Founded in 2004, Gigamon has sold thousands of units to customers in more than 40 countries around the globe. For more information about Gigamon, visit http://www.gigamon.com.

SOURCE  Gigamon

Gigamon

CONTACT: Jim Berkman, +1-408-263-2022, ext. 312, jim.berkman@gigamon.com, Gigamon, LLC

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

NBC News' TheGrio.com Partners With Interactive One's NewsOne.com to Create The Premier African-American Digital News Alliance With the Widest Audience Reach

Unprecedented partnership leverages complementary assets from TheGrio and NewsOne to create an expanded platform for African-American journalism

NEW YORK, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NBC News and Interactive One announced a partnership this week that will form the premier African-American digital news alliance with the widest audience reach in the industry. This unprecedented partnership leverages complementary assets from NBC News' TheGrio.com and Interactive One's NewsOne.com to create an expanded platform for African-American journalism. Based on comScore measurement, the combined net audience of NewsOne and TheGrio was 2.1 million in May 2011, up from 661,500 in May 2010. As the online usage of Black Americans continues to grow, this digital alliance between TheGrio and NewsOne presents a new opportunity to better connect, inform and engage the African-American audience.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110711/PH32788LOGO )

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091130/PH18189LOGO )

Under the partnership that went into effect July 1st, 2011, TheGrio.com and NewsOne.com will coordinate and share editorial content for both websites, and Interactive One will provide sales representation and oversee advertising sales operations for both entities. The relationship also opens up the potential for co-marketing and promotional opportunities in a shared portfolio that includes Interactive One's various digital assets, Radio One's 52 radio stations, TV One and Reach Media, and the many platforms of NBC News.

"With the African-American audience representing one of the fastest growing consumer segments online, this partnership is a huge growth opportunity for both TheGrio and NewsOne," said NBC News President Steve Capus. "This is a smart play for both sides as we combine the best of these two platforms to enhance African-American journalism."

"With a focus on connecting Black America, Interactive One's relationship with its user communities makes it an invaluable partner for TheGrio as we look to expand the reach of our trusted news content," said David Wilson, managing editor of TheGrio.com. "We'll be able to connect with audiences and customers that we've never been able to reach before."

"This relationship provides an unprecedented offering and opportunity in the digital news space," said Tom Newman, President of Interactive One.  "Bringing NBC News' high quality journalism together with Interactive One's deep focus on the African-American audience allows us to better cover the issues and stories that matter to them."

"Our access to the most engaged African-American audience online, combined with NBC News' high quality journalism expertise is a recipe for not only exceptional content for a broader audience, but also more compelling product offerings for advertisers," said Keith Bowen, Chief Revenue Officer of Interactive One. "This partnership will create marketing opportunities that are yet unseen in the African-American digital space."

About TheGrio.com

TheGrio.com, a division of NBC News, is a daily online news and opinion platform devoted to delivering stories and perspectives that reflect and affect African-American audiences. The video-centric interactive community is populated with both aggregated and original content on topics ranging from breaking news and politics to health, business, and entertainment.

About Interactive One

Interactive One has more than 15 million members and reaches millions of Black Americans each month. With approximately 3 billion annual page views on its suite of sites, the company has become the definitive social network for Black America through BlackPlanet, as well as a number of leading content sites.  These sites include: NewsOne (http://www.NewsOne.com), which provides up to the minute, comprehensive coverage of newsworthy events relevant to Black Americans across the country and the world; TheUrbanDaily (http://www.TheUrbanDaily.com), the eyes and ears for Black Americans looking for what's hot online, on the airwaves, in theaters, and on the street; HelloBeautiful (http://www.HelloBeautiful.com), the definitive lifestyle resource for today's Black woman; and Elev8 (http://www.Elev8.com) a site devoted to elevating the mind, body and spirit.

Interactive One was launched by Radio One in 2008 to complement Radio One's existing portfolio of media companies targeting the African American community. Since its launch, Interactive One has quickly become the #1 online platform for the African American community.  Interactive One is powered by the mission to create an online community that engages and positively impacts the lives of African Americans.

SOURCE  Interactive One

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091130/PH18189LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110711/PH32788LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Interactive One

CONTACT: Kristen Tate Communications, +1-646-452-8747, kristen@kristentate.com

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

Notify Technology Announces New Version of NotifySync(TM) for BlackBerry(TM) Targeted for Microsoft Office 365

New NotifySync version supports Office 365 - Microsoft Exchange On-Line and Integrates with Notify's New Mobile Device Management Solution - NotifyMDM

SAN JOSE, Calif., July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Notify Technology Corporation today announced the availability of NotifySync(TM) 4.9.1 for BlackBerry(TM) which supports Microsoft's Exchange On-Line component of Office 365. This new version of NotifySync provides several new features, bug fixes and integration with Notify's new mobile device management product, NotifyMDM.

Notify will be displaying its NotifySync and NotifyMDM products this week at Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference at the Los Angeles Conference Center.

"NotifySync provides organizations the missing BlackBerry support they need when considering moving to Microsoft's Office 365 Exchange On-Line email solution," said Paul DePond, President and Founder of Notify Technology. "With this new release of NotifySync, organizations and enterprises using Office 365 Exchange On-Line will be able to secure, manage, and monitor all of their BlackBerry, iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile devices from the "cloud" with our NotifyMDM. On Demand"

NotifySync supports Microsoft's Version 2.5, 12.0 and 12.1 Exchange ActiveSync protocol. In February Notify introduced its NotifyMDM solution to the market as providing organizations and enterprises of any size with unprecedented simplicity in centralized management and control of an array of wireless device platforms, such as iPhone/iPad, Android, webOS, and Windows Mobile, Windows Phone 7 and select Nokia S60 Symbian v3 wireless devices. NotifyMDM is offered as an On-Premise solution or an On-Demand "cloud" based service.

The NotifySync product is targeted at providing BlackBerry users a simple direct connect solution that provides wireless direct push email, calendar, contacts and task synchronization to those email platforms who offer the ActiveSync technology as their primary mobility interface. The NotifySync for BlackBerry solution is a downloadable client application which provides BlackBerry users with a new email box while interfacing to the native BlackBerry calendar, address book and task applications.  NotifySync is simple to provision as it requires the same information as any mobile device supporting ActiveSync would require today. The NotifySync for BlackBerry solution directly communicates with the email platform's ActiveSync interface and supports all commercial cellular data networks as well as all 802.11x Wi-Fi networks. The new version of NotifySync supports all new BlackBerrys using the latest RIM 6.x operating system.

NotifySync Supported Email Platforms

The NotifySync for BlackBerry is ideal for organizations or businesses that require ActiveSync for their mobility solution such as the Microsoft Exchange Server 2003, 2007, 2010, BPOS, Office 365, LIVE@EDU, Hotmail, Novell GroupWise (DataSync Mobility Connector), the Kerio Connect, the Zimbra Collaboration Suite, the CommuniGate Pro Server, the Axigen Mail Server, Zarafa, Google Premier Apps, iPswitch, IceWarp, Bynari, SmarterMail, and Open-Xchange.  NotifySync for BlackBerry provides full wireless push email and PIM synchronization, support for global address lookup, and many other features that can be found in the NotifySync End User Guide. In addition, the NotifySync product supports SSL connectivity and a number of security options for password and device control.

Availability and More Information

The NotifySync 4.9.1 version is now available.  For more information about the NotifySync for BlackBerry please contact Notify directly at (408) 777-7930 or send an email to sales@notifycorp.com or visit our website to purchase NotifySync at http://www.notifycorp.com.

About Notify Technology Corporation
Founded in 1994, Notify Technology Corporation is an independent software vendor (ISV) who has specialized in wireless mobility solutions and services for the past 10 years. Notify's products including NotifyLink, NotifySync and NotifyMDM support all major smartphone and tablet platforms independent of wireless carrier or network.  Notify sells its mobility products directly and through authorized resellers internationally. Notify is an official Apple iPhone Enterprise Development Partner, Android Development Partner, BlackBerry Development Partner, Windows Mobile Development Partner, Symbian Alliance Member, and HP/Palm Select Partner. The Company is headquartered in San Jose, California with product development and technical support based in Canfield, Ohio.

Media Contacts:
Edward Toro
Notify Technology Corporation
Tel: 408-777-7929
etoro@notifycorp.com

SOURCE  Notify Technology Corporation

Notify Technology Corporation

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

Aiseesoft Updated iPad Converter Suite for Mac Supports iPad 2 and iOS 4.3

BEIJING, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Aiseesoft iPad Converter Suite for Mac is a professional iPad assistant software presented by Aiseesoft. This Mac iPad Converter Suite is packed with iPad Video Converter for Mac, DVD to iPad Converter for Mac, and iPad Manager for Mac. Now, we have updated the built-in iPad Manager for Mac to be highly compatible with iPad 2 and the latest iOS 4.3. After the update, this iPad Transfer for Mac can help users transfer movie, music and photo files from iPad (iPad 2) to Mac for backup, and add local files to your iPad (iPad 2).

Moreover, this iPad Converter Suite for Mac can assist users to convert DVD and video files to iPad compatible MPEG-4, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, MOV, M4V, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, and M4A video and audio formats with super high converting speed. This Mac iPad Converter Suite can bring users outstanding output video quality. After the conversion, you can transfer the output file to iPad (iPad 2) with the help of iPad Transfer for Mac. Then, you can conveniently enjoy them with your iPad on the road.

Also, the Mac iPad Converter Suite possesses powerful video editing features to help you customize output video effect. For instance, you can convert a specified video segment by cutting it off, cropping video frame, watermarking video, modifying video effect, and joining different source videos together.

To sum it up, Aiseesoft Mac iPad Converter Suite is a multi-functional iPad assistant tool to help iPad users convert DVD/video to iPad and transfer video/audio/image files between iPad and Mac. For more information, please visit: http://www.aiseesoft.com/ipad-converter-suite-for-mac.html.

System Requirements

OS Supported: Mac OS X v10.4 or above

Hardware Requirements: 512MB RAM, Super VGA (800×600) resolution, 16-bit graphics card or higher.

About Aiseesoft Studio

As a professional multimedia software provider, Aiseesoft Studio is dedicated to developing the best multimedia desktop applications to help the Windows and Mac users smoothly convert, edit and transfer various video/audio files. In order to meet users' various requirements, Aiseesoft Studio constantly brings in new ideas, technologies, etc. To Aiseesoft Studio, users' satisfaction is a consistent pursuit. For more information, please visit: http://www.aiseesoft.com.

SOURCE  Harbour Software

Harbour Software

CONTACT: Press Contact: Alva Jones, Tel: +86-13466759823, pr@aiseesoft.com, http://www.aiseesoft.com

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

Sybase Enterprise Mobility Solutions Complement Cisco Cius Debut in Enterprise Tablet Market

Sybase Unwired Platform and Afaria Bring Unmatched Mobile Device Management, Security, App Development and Deployment Capabilities to Latest Android Tablet from Cisco

LAS VEGAS, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at Cisco® Live, Cisco's annual IT and communications conference, Sybase, Inc., an SAP® company (NYSE: SAP) and industry leader in enterprise and mobile software, announced its mobile device security and application management software support Cisco Cius(TM) - an innovative, highly secure business tablet created for the enterprise. The combination of Sybase's market leading management and security from Afaria® with the power of the Sybase® Unwired Platform provides application developers a fast, efficient and secure way to build and deploy mobile enterprise applications on the industry's leading devices. Today's announcement extends Sybase's device agnostic approach to support a growing list that includes Android (smartphones and tablets), iOS (iPhone and iPad), Windows Mobile, Symbian and BlackBerry.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101203/MM12180LOGO)

With the exponential growth of personally owned and corporate-liable tablets entering the enterprise, businesses are seeking a comprehensive platform to simplify and centralize the development, deployment, management and security of their mobile application landscapes across a widening array of device types. The Cisco Cius business tablet brings innovative new voice, video, collaboration and virtualization capabilities to enterprise users. By combining Cisco Cius and Sybase's leading enterprise mobility solutions, organizations can now deliver an optimized tablet containing enterprise-grade management, security and a suite of collaboration applications.

"Our ability to rapidly support the latest devices on our mobile enterprise application platform and ensure they are enterprise-ready is unmatched in the industry," said Terry Stepien, president, Sybase iAnywhere. "We highly value Cisco as a strategic partner with a common goal of driving enterprise mobility innovation. The Cisco Cius running on Sybase Unwired Platform will offer customers a new class of highly collaborative and secure productivity apps, which will continue advancing tablet adoption in the enterprise."

Built on proven technology, the Sybase Unwired Platform and Sybase Afaria are designed to improve customer efficiency, responsiveness and satisfaction through development and management of user-friendly, highly productive native and web-based applications. These applications are designed to mobilize business processes and workflow, and provide real-time access to back-office systems across the enterprise on one of the most secure mobile platforms in the industry. Sybase's Support for Cisco Cius brings leading functionality to mobile application developers and IT managers, including:

Device and Application Management:

    --  Over-the-Air (OTA) deployment, enabling IT managers to quickly configure
        hundreds or thousands of devices at a time and deliver applications
    --  Asset tracking and reporting

Device Security:

    --  Ability to restrict access to corporate assets from compliant devices
        only
    --  Protection from data loss by providing password control and remote
        device wipe capability

Application Development:

    --  The Unwired Workspace Eclipse development tool allows developers to
        quickly and easily extend enterprise backend systems to a variety of
        mobile use cases
    --  The Hybrid Web container allows developers to quickly mobilize simple
        business processes and lightweight applications, using web standards
        (HTML5/Javascript/CSS)

Availability

Sybase Afaria support for Cisco Cius is immediately available with Sybase Unwired Platform support and additional application development deployment functionality to come in Q3. Sybase will be demonstrating three enterprise workflow applications built on the Sybase Unwired Platform and running on Cisco Cius at Cisco Live, which is being held in Las Vegas, NV, July 10-14, 2011.

About Sybase

Sybase, an SAP company, is an industry leader in delivering enterprise and mobile software to manage, analyze and mobilize information. We are recognized globally as a performance leader, proven in the most data-intensive industries and across all major systems, networks and devices. Our information management, analytics and enterprise mobility solutions have powered the world's most mission-critical systems in financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing and government. For more information, visit http://www.sybase.com. Read Sybase blogs: http://blogs.sybase.com.

Sybase and Afaria are registered trademarks of Sybase, Inc. All other company and product names mentioned may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

Forward-looking Statement

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 are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.

SOURCE  Sybase

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101203/MM12180LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Sybase

CONTACT: Scott Malinowski, Sybase Public Relations, +1-978-287-1793, scott.malinowski@sybase.com, or Ryan Wallace, Bite Communications for Sybase, +1-212-857-9375, ryan.wallace@bitecommunications.com

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

LG Electronics' U Series Network Monitors Deliver Virtualization Powered by Windows MultiPoint Server 2011

U Series Creates Multiple Virtual PCs with Maintenance Costs of Single Host PC

LOS ANGELES, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA today unveils its next-generation U Series Network Monitors at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC). Announced in fall 2010, the U Series is the world's first built-in multi-computing desktop monitor system featuring Windows MultiPoint Server 2011.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110203/CG42292LOGO-d)

"Many simple applications like internet surfing or word processing don't require the full power of a single, dedicated PC," said Y.K. Cho, senior vice president, Commercial Displays, LG Electronics USA. "By connecting the LG U Series Network Monitor system to a single host PC, the host's processing power is virtualized on each monitor, creating an efficient networking solution with less hardware and lower maintenance costs."

The host PC is easily connected to the LG U Series monitors via USB cables, which combined with a software installation allows for redistributed computing capabilities across all connected monitors. The individual U Series monitors don't require additional software installation and are operational out of the box. LG's linking technology allows multiple monitor connections through USB cables resulting in simple and clean installations. Depending on the capacity of the host PC, the U Series Network Monitors system can support up to 15 monitors.

"LG's support of Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 and continued advancements in its integrated Network Monitors helps provide educational institutions with efficient and cost-effective computing capabilities," said Steve Guggenheimer, corporate vice president of the Original Equipment Manufacturer Division at Microsoft Corp. "By connecting multiple monitors through a single PC powered by Windows MultiPoint Server 2011, the U Series Network Monitors solution enables easy set-up and maintenance while reducing technology expenses."

LG Network Monitors deliver a cost advantage in terms of hardware acquisition, operation, power consumption and maintenance. Windows MultiPoint Server 2011 helps educational institutions to provide more workstations to students and teachers with individualized Windows experiences at a lower total cost of ownership. In addition, the U Series solution is designed to be simple enough for someone with very little technical skills to set-up and manage a multiple monitor environment.

The U Series utilizes 19-inch class LED widescreen monitors (18.5 inches measured diagonally), that provide a bright, clear computing experience for productivity and multimedia applications. The monitors have earned an IEEE 1680 Gold rating, the most stringent and prestigious of three levels of compliance for environmental requirements for consumer electronics. For multilingual needs, each monitor is capable of independent optimization in different languages.

The LG U Series Network Monitors solution will be available in the U.S. in October 2011. Technical specifications and details of the U Series system can be found on LG's Website at http://www.LGsolutions.com.

About LG Electronics USA

The LG Electronics USA Commercial Displays serves customers in the lodging and hospitality, digital signage, systems integration, healthcare, education, government and industrial markets. Based in Lincolnshire, Ill., with its dedicated engineering and customer support team, LG Electronics USA Commercial Displays delivers business-to-business technology solutions tailored to the particular needs of business environments. LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications. For more information, please visit http://www.LGSolutions.com.

For internet surfing, internet connection required and sold separately. Additional software licenses for specific applications may be required for additional users and are sold separately. 

Designs, features and specifications subject to change without notice.

LG LED monitors are LCD monitors with LED backlighting.

SOURCE  LG Electronics USA

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110203/CG42292LOGO-d
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
LG Electronics USA

CONTACT: John Taylor, +1-847-941-8181, john.taylor@lge.com, or Ralph Jodice, +1-312-397-6064, ralph.jodice@lg-one.com, both of LG Electronics USA

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

Reynolds Launches Managed Network Solution for the POWER DMS

The Reynolds Private Managed Network Prioritizes DMS Traffic to Help Keep Business Applications Running at Peak Performance in the Dealership

DAYTON, Ohio, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Reynolds and Reynolds Company today announced the availability of the Reynolds Private Managed (RPM) Network for dealerships using the Reynolds POWER dealership management system (DMS). The RPM Network is a fully managed, private Wide Area Network (WAN) developed specifically for automotive retailers.

"In today's highly digital environment, so much of a dealer's business depends on the ability to seamlessly communicate over the Internet, between dealership stores, and with the OEM," said Jon Strawsburg, vice president of Product Planning for Reynolds. "In response, we've developed the RPM Network to meet the specific and complex networking needs of automotive retailers. The RPM Network delivers the reliability, performance, security, and flexibility dealers need to run their business efficiently and effectively."

The RPM Network helps automotive retailers:

    --  Keep business applications running at peak performance through a network
        designed to prioritize DMS traffic.
    --  Reduce risk with a centralized firewall and layered security.
    --  Eliminate network bottlenecks by monitoring traffic with an advanced
        reporting tool.
    --  Increase employee productivity by monitoring employee Internet usage.

The RPM Network is scalable to meet the needs of all dealers -- from a single point store to large dealer groups with stores spread nationwide.

Strawsburg concluded: "This proven network solution has been delivering results for our ERA® DMS customers for a number of years. We are pleased to now extend these networking capabilities to our POWER DMS customers."

The RPM Network is available for both POWER in-house and POWER ASP (hosted DMS server) customers.

About Reynolds

Reynolds and Reynolds is the automotive industry's leading provider of automobile dealership software, services, and forms to help dealerships improve business results.  The company is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, with major operations in Houston and College Station, Texas, and Celina, Ohio.  (http://www.reyrey.com)

SOURCE  The Reynolds and Reynolds Company

The Reynolds and Reynolds Company

CONTACT: Thomas Schwartz, +1-937-485-8109 (office), +1-937-269-9569 (mobile), Thomas_Schwartz@reyrey.com

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

Awkward Family Photos Makes Its Board Game Debut

Creator of Ground Breaking Game Loaded Questions Adds Two New Games and Web Site

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Eric Poses, the innovative entrepreneur behind the popular board game Loaded Questions (more than one million copies sold), has fired up his creative juices again with two new games from his company All Things Equal. Awkward Family Photos, based upon the hit Web site, and The Greatest Day Ever Game arrive today with the launch of FamilyAndPartyGames.com, the new online home for All Things Equal's portfolio of family and party games. 

In this down economy, more Americans are turning to board games as a source of entertainment and connectivity.  According to a survey by the NPD Group, an organization tracking the toy industry, the overall toy segment was down three percent, yet board games were up six percent in 2010. "I'm proud to contribute to America's appreciation for traditional game play with fun, creative games that promote laughter and discussion," says Eric Poses, President of All Things Equal. "Games like Awkward Family Photos are the perfect way to bring people together and celebrate the gloriously odd side of family. We've all cringed at embarrassing moments caught on film. Awkward Family Photos is an opportunity to embrace those moments and realize we're not alone."

From bad hair to forced poses to matching outfits, the Awkward Family Photos board game will have people of all ages laughing as they answer clever, open-ended questions matched up with the Website's library of classic and never-before-seen photos. As part of the game's debut, the grandparents (and now YouTube stars) of Awkward Family Photos' co-founder Mike Bender share their peculiar perspective on the game in this video -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiwSb7SlNlk.  Awkward Family Photos is available for $24.99 at FamilyAndPartyGames.com, Barnes & Noble and hundreds of specialty stores and online retailers.

Also joining All Things Equal's library of family and party games is The Greatest Day Ever Game, an exciting and completely original matching game that replicates what would be 'the greatest day ever' for kids of all ages. Boasting colorful graphics and creative components, including a huge game board, an oversized die and a glossy book, The Greatest Day Ever Game is available for $19.99 at FamilyAndPartyGames.com, Amazon and select Barnes & Noble stores.

A slideshow of game play and high-resolution images can be found at https://public.me.com/jpschuerman.

ABOUT ALL THINGS EQUAL:

Founded in 1997, All Things Equal is the brainchild of entrepreneur Eric Poses, starting with the hit game Loaded Questions.  With a small loan from his parents, Poses created the game and embarked upon a 16-week tour of the United States selling Loaded Questions from the trunk of his car.  In a short period of time the first 5,000 games sold, attracting the attention of major retailers like Target and Amazon.  Today, Loaded Questions has sold more than one million copies and boasts seven different versions.  Also within the All Things Equal portfolio is The New Yorker Cartoon Caption Game, The Greatest Day Ever Game and Awkward Family Photos, based on the hit Web phenomenon.  All Things Equal products are made in America and can be found at Target, Toys R Us, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and at hundreds of specialty stores and Web sites.  To date, the company has generated more than $25 million in retail sales and is based in Miami Beach, FL. For more information, please visit FamilyAndPartyGames.com.

SOURCE  All Things Equal

All Things Equal

CONTACT: JP Schuerman, Enso Communications, +1-310-279-6989, jp@ensocomm.com

Web Site: http://familyandpartygames.com

Streetline Launches Smart Parking Program for New Brunswick, New Jersey

Real-time Guided Parking Live in Plum Street Garage; Rate Information Available for 12 Area Garages

SAN FRANCISCO and NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Streetline, Inc. today announced that the New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA), New Jersey has deployed Streetline's sensor-enabled mobile and web-based smart parking system within the Plum Street Garage located in downtown New Brunswick. In addition, rate information for 12 NBPA-owned area garages and lots is now available on Streetline's real-time guided parking app "Parker(TM)" for Android and iPhone.   

The new system will leverage "Parker", Streetline's hands-free, real-time smart parking application which provides commuters, residents and visitors with improved parking guidance and reduced traffic congestion.

At the core of the program is Streetline's patented smart parking platform which detects the presence of a car through a network of ultra-low power wireless sensors located in each parking space. The entire system is designed to increase operational performance and improve customer service through a suite of web and mobile applications.

The program represents Streetline's most significant move thus far beyond on-street parking and into the smart connected garage realm. By doing so, they're not only providing consumers with more access to real-time information in more places than ever before, but also working with cities to transform how garages are operated, monitored and controlled.

"We are excited to partner with New Brunswick Parking Authority to deploy Streetline's innovative smart parking technology," said Zia Yusuf, CEO of Streetline. "Sensor-enabled smart parking systems are a critical component to transforming large parking facilities such as the Plum Street Garage located in the heart of one of New Jersey's major transit hubs. We look forward to working with NBPA on other innovative parking programs throughout the area."

"As a major transit hub for New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania cities, we are constantly looking for ways to make life easier for visitors, commuters and residents while lessening our carbon footprint," said Mitchell Karon, Executive Director of NBPA. "With Streetline's smart parking platform, we achieve both of these goals and more."

Streetline applications include: a policy tool that analyzes garage parking demand and turnover, giving facility managers a faster and more accurate way to assess parking needs; and a dashboard application that tracks garage space use in real time. The sensor network also delivers parking data to mobile devices including iPhone and Android phones.

About Streetline, Inc.

Streetline's mission is to make smart cities a reality through the use of sensor-enabled mobile and web applications. As the leading global provider of smart parking solutions for cities, airports, universities, private garages and consumers, Streetline's pioneering technology connects citizens with critical information to improve the way they live and work, while making cities more efficient and lessening their environmental impact.

Streetline is a privately held company headquartered in San Francisco, Calif. with smart-parking deployments in California, Maryland, New York, Texas, Utah, North Carolina, Washington D.C. and New Jersey. The company was recently named one of Fast Company's 10 Most Innovative Companies in Transportation, as well as IBM Global Entrepreneur of the Year.

SOURCE  Streetline, Inc.

Streetline, Inc.

CONTACT: Annika Jensen-Lamka, +1-415-516-3530, streetline@sparkpr.com, for Streetline, Inc.

"Infiniti Personal Assistant" Offers 24-Hour Concierge Service as Part of the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience®

- Every New Infiniti Now Comes With Unlimited, 4-Year Complimentary Access to "Anything, Anytime, Anywhere" Task Assistance Agents -

FRANKLIN, Tenn., July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Infiniti today announced the national launch of its complimentary Infiniti Personal Assistant benefit, which provides new Infiniti owners with unlimited 24-hour access to a live team of professional assistants.  Accessible primarily through the owner's mobile phone, either synched in-vehicle through the Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System voice command or away from the vehicle, callers can ask for answers or assistance on a range of topics and tasks, including:

    --  Directory Assistance and Driving Directions
    --  City Guides
    --  Weather Forecasts
    --  Dining Suggestions and Reservations
    --  Movie Times and Reviews
    --  Travel Arrangements
    --  Emergency Assistance
    --  Schedule Reminders
    --  Stock Market Information
    --  Sports Scores and Stats, General Trivia Answers
    --  Consumer Product Reviews and Price Comparisons

"The new Infiniti Personal Assistant benefit is a great addition to the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience®, providing true 'anything, anytime, anywhere' concierge service with the personal touch of talking to real people, not some computer data site," said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore.  "There's seemingly no limit what Infiniti Personal Assistant can do for you - adding to the pleasure of driving and owning an Infiniti vehicle."

Infiniti is the first luxury automobile brand to offer this type of service nationally in the United States.  Infiniti purchasers are registered with the service before taking delivery of their new Infiniti M, G, QX, FX or EX, and can begin utilizing the service immediately.  Along with owners' cell phones, assistance is also available via e-mails, text messaging and online portals.

The Infiniti Personal Assistant benefit is offered at no cost for the first four years of Infiniti ownership.  In addition, 4-year companion accounts (providing access from an additional phone number) are also available at a minimal cost, as are 4-year Certified Pre-Owned and 1-year Infiniti pre-owned vehicle accounts.

"Whether making dining reservations at your favorite restaurant, making an online purchase, or just catching up with the latest sports scores, there are just so many benefits to using the Infiniti Personal Assistant that you'll wonder how you got along without it before," adds Poore.

The rollout of Infiniti Personal Assistant begins today, after a highly successful nine-month test period in four major cities, and will be available in all markets within the next 90 days.  Top user topics to date have included directory assistance, dining suggestions and driving directions.  Infiniti Personal Assistant is supported by MyStar, Dallas, TX.

The Infiniti Total Ownership Experience® begins with the commitment to deliver personalized service and professionalism at every stage.  It is about responding to individual needs and providing comprehensive programs such as roadside assistance, service loan cars and trip interruption to make each particular ownership experience easy, comfortable and more pleasurable.

About Infiniti

Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV.  More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at http://www.InfinitiUSA.com.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080506/INFINITIBADGELOGO )

SOURCE  Infiniti

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080506/INFINITIBADGELOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Infiniti

CONTACT: Kyle Bazemore, Infiniti Product Communications, +1-615-725-3210, kyle.bazemore@infiniti.com

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

Level 3 Delivers SIP Trunking with Nomadic E-911 Solution for Microsoft Lync

Uses Level 3's SIP Trunking and E-911 Network with Microsoft Lync Unified Communications (UC) Platform to Provide Location Specific 911 Solution

BROOMFIELD, Colo., July 11, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) today announced that it is working with Microsoft Corp. to provide SIP (session initiated protocol) Trunking with nomadic E-911 (enhanced 911) designed to integrate with Microsoft Lync.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110523/LA06722LOGO)

Nomadic users in the enterprise space are those who migrate workspace locations, taking advantage of voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services that allow phone calls to be made anywhere Internet access is available. Due to the nature of VoIP, it has traditionally been very difficult to offer E-911 solutions, which identify the physical location of the caller to the appropriate emergency response centers.

"Enterprises expect their 911 voice services to connect them with the appropriate emergency contacts," said Warren Barkley, general manager, Microsoft Lync. "Microsoft Lync is able to offer enterprises the benefits of a unified communications deployment with an easy-to-manage, dynamic and reliable 911 routing solution through Level 3, even as workers change locations."

SIP trunking allows enterprises to converge voice and data on a single network, creating tangible network and operation expense savings while laying a foundation for next-generation communication and collaboration tools. The solution takes advantage of Level 3's SIP Trunking and E-911 networks, enabling Microsoft Lync users to move throughout the workplace while still providing location-specific 911 information to the correct emergency responders. 

While the inherent mobility of VoIP solutions can increase productivity and reduce costs for UC users, it also introduces 911 risk and management overhead since users can change locations frequently. Level 3's solution allows a user's location to be provided at the time of the emergency call, enabling routing to the appropriate first responders, compared to alternative nomadic 911 solutions which can only provide pre-registered locations. This allows enterprises to garner the productivity and cost advantages of VoIP and UC while efficiently managing emergency services' calling needs.

"Leveraging Level 3's SIP and 911 networks with Microsoft Lync, which was designed for next generation SIP networks, enables enterprises to enjoy the full benefits of unified communications without unanticipated management headaches," said Sara Baack, senior vice president of Voice Services for Level 3. "Effective emergency services are the cornerstone of ensuring a safe work environment, and Level 3 is dedicated to continually improving the network capabilities that these services rely on every day."

Using the Microsoft Lync platform, the new solution enables emergency services to receive current information on a user's location, offering workers a safe work environment, gaining compliance with strict safety codes and simplifying enterprise IT management. Level 3 offers this nomadic capability for Microsoft Lync as part of its enterprise SIP trunking offering in the United States, allowing customers to benefit from the functionality built natively into the Microsoft platform and helping avoid the need to purchase additional hardware or services.

For more information on Level 3's SIP Trunking capabilities, visit http://www.level3.com/Products-and-Services/Voice/Local/SIP-Trunking.aspx. 

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) is a leading international provider of fiber-based communications services. Enterprise, content, wholesale and government customers rely on Level 3 to deliver services with an industry-leading combination of scalability and value over an end-to-end fiber network. Level 3 offers a portfolio of metro and long-haul services, including transport, data, Internet, content delivery and voice. For more information, visit http://www.Level3.com.

© Level 3 Communications, LLC.  All Rights Reserved.  Level 3, Level 3 Communications and the Level 3 Communications Logo  are either registered service marks or service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or one of its Affiliates in the United States and/or other countries.  Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc.  Any other service names, product names, company names or logos included herein are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statement

Some of the statements made in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3's control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to:  the current uncertainty in the global financial markets and the global economy; a discontinuation of the development and expansion of the Internet as a communications medium and marketplace for the distribution and consumption of data and video; and disruptions in the financial markets that could affect Level 3's ability to obtain additional financing.  Additional factors include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to:  increase and maintain the volume of traffic on its network; develop effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; adapt to rapid technological changes that lead to further competition; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; successfully integrate acquisitions; and meet all of the terms and conditions of debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact Information

    Media:                                    Investors:
    Jon Paul McLeary                          Mark Stoutenberg
    Level 3 Communications                    Level 3 Communications
    720-888-3244                              720-888-2518

SOURCE  Level 3 Communications, Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110523/LA06722LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Level 3 Communications, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.Level3.com

Planetlan's Ucardo Reshuffles the Cards - Use QR Codes to Improve Your Business Card's Visibility

Ucardo offers the possibility to create your own microsite with the help of a simple WYSIWYG editor, which is intuitive to operate. Add your contact details and even links to the profiles of social networks

BOCHUM, Germany, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ucardo is the new generation of the business card. After scanning a QR-Code the scanning user will be directed to a smartphone optimized microsite. With one click the contact is storable in the local phone book and can be added to social networks. Printed on a business card, the Ucardo QR-Code bridges the gap between century-old tradition and modern web-based life.

At a time when the majority of communication occurs electronically, the printed business card seems to be a relic from olden times. On the other hand it is an indispensable part of business life, rooted in time honored tradition. That is why Ucardo offers a connection between the traditional business card and the digital world. With the help of a simple editor, the user creates via a drag & drop system that is the online equivalent (microsite) to his conventional business card. Inside his own layout he can add, as well as typical contact data, links to profiles on social networks or, for example, Messenger. After submission, a QR-Code is generated. While the user can update the content of his or her microsite at any time, the QR-Code remains unchanged.

After scanning the code the digital business card and all other additions appear immediately. All contact information is instantly storable in the local phone book. Furthermore the viewer is able to add the contact to social networks, if this addition was set - it works without typing one letter. What's more is that almost every person has daily access to the necessary hardware - the smartphone.

For more information, visit ucardo.com.

(Release related Downloads)

Website: http://ucardo.com

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com.  For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE  Planetlan GmbH

Planetlan GmbH

CONTACT: Marco Goetze of Planetlan GmbH, +49.2327-831140, mg@planetlan-gmbh.de

Web Site: http://ucardo.com

TripAdvisor Acquires Where I've Been

NEWTON, Mass., July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced it has acquired Where I've Been, LLC, a leading travel website and social platform with a detailed interactive world map that lets users share where they've been, lived, and want to go. Where I've Been is based in Chicago, Illinois and was founded by Michael Dalesandro and Craig Ulliott.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080902/TRIPADVISORLOGO )

Where I've Been® allows users to share their world map on social networks and interact with like-minded users. Its Facebook application has allowed 10 million people to create color coded travel maps, "pinning off" close to half a billion places. Members can also upload stories and photos, source the community for answers to travel questions, and browse the "Travel Guide" which displays socially relevant information first. This acquisition underscores TripAdvisor's continued focus and growth in social travel. 

The entire product team at Where I've Been will join TripAdvisor.

Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

For more information, visit http://www.WhereIveBeen.com.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features (including Flights search, TripAdvisor Mobile and Instant Personalization) with seamless links to booking tools.

TripAdvisor® Media Group, operated by TripAdvisor LLC, attracts more than 50 million unique monthly visitors* across 18 popular travel brands**. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 40 million unique monthly visitors***, 20 million members, and over 45 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide****, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also operates TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor's millions of monthly visitors. The division includes Business Listings, which allows hoteliers to connect directly to millions of researching travelers, and Vacation Rentals, which helps property managers and individual home owners list their properties and showcase hotel alternatives.

TripAdvisor Media Group websites have been recognized as top travel resources in 2010 by Conde Nast Traveller, Good Housekeeping, TIME magazine and Travel + Leisure.

TripAdvisor Media Group generated $486 million in revenue in 2010. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Group are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE).

TripAdvisor and the TripAdvisor logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Where I've Been is a trademark or registered trademark of Where I've Been, LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

©2011 TripAdvisor LLC. All rights reserved.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Media Group Sites, Worldwide, May 2011

** In addition to TripAdvisor, The TripAdvisor Media Group of websites includes: http://www.airfarewatchdog.com, http://www.bookingbuddy.com, http://www.cruisecritic.com, http://www.everytrail.com, http://www.familyvacationcritic.com, http://www.flipkey.com, http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk, http://www.holidaywatchdog.com, http://www.independenttraveler.com, http://www.onetime.com, http://www.seatguru.com, http://www.sniqueaway.com, http://www.smartertravel.com, http://www.travel-library.com, http://www.travelpod.com, http://www.virtualtourist.com and http://www.kuxun.cn.

***Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, Worldwide, May 2011

**** TripAdvisor sites operate in 30 countries worldwide: http://www.tripadvisor.com, http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk, http://www.tripadvisor.ca, http://www.tripadvisor.it, http://www.tripadvisor.es, http://www.tripadvisor.de, http://www.tripadvisor.fr, http://www.tripadvisor.jp, http://www.daodao.com, http://www.tripadvisor.in, http://www.tripadvisor.se, http://www.tripadvisor.nl, http://www.tripadvisor.com.br, http://www.tripadvisor.com.tr, http://www.tripadvisor.dk, http://www.tripadvisor.com.mx, http://www.tripadvisor.ie, http://www.tripadvisor.com.au, http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg, http://www.tripadvisor.co.kr, no.tripadvisor.com, pl.tripadvisor.com, th.tripadvisor.com, http://www.tripadvisor.ru, http://www.tripadvisor.com.gr, http://www.tripadvisor.co.id, http://www.tripadvisor.com.ar, http://www.tripadvisor.tw and http://www.tripadvisor.com.my, and http://www.tripadvisor.com.eg.

SOURCE  TripAdvisor

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080902/TRIPADVISORLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
TripAdvisor

CONTACT: Karen Drake, TripAdvisor, +1-617-795-7528, kdrake@tripadvisor.com

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

High Performance Shared Research Cloud on JANET(R) to Cut Computing Costs of University Research Into Fractions

SLOUGH, England, July 11, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

    UK University Research Community and UK Economy to Benefit from Sharing
Logicalis HPC Cloud Environment

    International solutions provider, Logicalis UK
[http://www.uk.logicalis.com ], today unveiled its JANET- Connected Shared
Research Cloud platform. A shared high performance computing resource,
directly connected to the JANET network, the platform enables Universities to
access more real-time research processing than they can afford individually,
releasing more budget for academic research and making them more competitive
in the world marketplace.

    The service, located in the UK, and built on the IBM POWER7 platform,
enables communities of researchers to pool their funding to buy a shared
slice of high performance computer (HPC) processing. The Cloud will then
dynamically allocate the HPC pool in real-time, with each institution able
to use 100% of the pool if available. Design of the POWER7 platform means
that even during busy periods, shared users will have a high probability of
gaining access to nearly all available shared resources, dramatically
cutting their costs of accessing massive processing capability when owning
and operating their own environments

    "University budgets are under severe pressure," comments Tom Kelly,
Managing Director of Logicalis UK, "and for those where research is a
primary source of income, balancing the need for high performance computing
power with diminishing budgets puts their global competitive edge at stake.
Sharing a large slice of high performance computing, across a network they
trust, offers a major opportunity for academics running research projects to
access the computing resources they need at a fraction of the cost of
building it themselves. At a time when researchers in UK Universities have
to compete for work in the global market, Logicalis' investment in this
shared research HPC platform will give the UK economy a valuable asset to
protect and grow what is now seen as a critical macro-economic stimulant.
This innovation between the IT and HE sectors will benefit the UK research
sector and the UK economy as a whole."

    Logicalis Shared Research Cloud is one of a new range of services
offered by Logicalis to the education community through its connection to
the JANET network. Logicalis recently announced availability of its Intel
Cloud platform, and plans to launch a Research Collaboration service in the
autumn of 2011. This will enable researchers to work more collaboratively on
projects both internally and within the wider research ecosystem. Logicalis
believes that by combining HPC platforms and cloud based collaboration, the
UK HE research community will be able to better compete with the growing
competition from emerging research focussed nations.

    Tim Marshall, CEO at JANET(UK), notes, "UK Research is a key driver in
the knowledge economy, and when funding is constrained finding new models to
exploit opportunities such as high performance computing is critical. In
this offering Logicalis have created one such important opportunity."

    Simon Daykin, CTO at Logicalis UK, comments, "The UK has a unique asset
in JANET, one that is undervalued and underestimated outside of the sector,
and with the launch of the Shared Research Cloud, we hope to be able to
demonstrate the UK is the place where private sector companies around the
world should bring their research projects. The technology behind this
platform is well understood and used in high computational environments, and
in being able to share this resource across the research community, we are
changing the cost model and competitiveness of an already strong sector.

    "Our HPC platform can support UNIX and LINUX HPC workloads and its
unique workload sharing and optimisation technology maintains a high
probability that even when a slice of processing is shared amongst three,
four or more projects, each one will access near 100% of the shared pool.
Cloud computing has a reputation of being a slightly nebulous concept, but
if the industry needs a concrete example of how sharing resources can create
massive efficiencies, then the Logicalis Shared Research Cloud is it."

    The Shared Research Cloud is available immediately.

   
    For further information please contact:

    Logicalis UK
    Andrew Parker/Jennifer Manning
    Cohesive Communications
    T: +44(0)1291-626200
    E: Logicalis@cohesive.uk.com

    JANET(UK)
    Aileen Caskie
    Head of Marketing
    T: +44(0)1235-822257
    E: aileen.caskie@ja.net

Source: Logicalis UK

.

Nova Pushing the Limits of 3D Profile Metrology With New Optical CD System

Introducing the All-New Nova T600(R) With Multi-Channel Reflectometry

REHOVOT, Israel, July 11, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

   
    - Innovative and unique optical configuration enables the move
      to vertical devices in next-generation memory and microprocessor chips
    - Built to Nova industry-leading stability and reliability
      standards
    - Extends range of Nova's market leading high productivity Optical
      CD solutions

    Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. (NASDAQ: NVMI) provider of leading edge
stand-alone metrology and the market leader of integrated metrology
solutions to the semiconductor process control market, today announced the
introduction of an innovative product for process control of complex
vertical structures for the 22nm technology node and beyond. The powerful
new Nova T600 Optical Critical Dimension (Optical CD) metrology system,
developed in collaboration with leading device makers, has shown
breakthrough metrology performance on critical device parameters. During
evaluations with leading memory and foundry customers significant
improvements were demonstrated, including up to 4 times increase in
measurement sensitivity on critical profile parameters of advanced 3D
applications.

    As chipmakers strive to follow Moore's Law and continue to shrink device
area, process architecture is driven to increasingly more complex 3D
structures, such as FinFET, Stacked NAND, and Buried-Gate DRAM. Optical CD
is the only known method to non-destructively measure and control these
vertical processes. The newly introduced Nova T600 is the first Optical CD
system to feature oblique incidence spectroscopic reflectometry. Combined
with a normal-incidence reflectometer, this multi-channel reflectometry
configuration is optimized for best sensitivity on small features, including
at the bottom of high-aspect-ratio structures.

    The exceptionally high signal-to-noise extracted by the Nova T600
provides superior performance on the full range of profile metrology
applications. Measurement precision and accuracy are further enhanced by
innovative new algorithms included in the next version of the NovaMARS
application development software, soon to be announced. The concurrent
optimization of information from multiple sources, a concept introduced by
Nova as the Holistic Metrology Approach, is now fully supported by the
combination of Nova T600 and NovaMARS.

    Nova T600 is designed to meet the challenging cost of ownership
requirements of semiconductor customers. This was achieved through a
combination of high TPT, Modular Metrology[TM], and the flexibility to
optimize optical configuration and tool type to best serve application
needs. Nova T600 metrology units fit into the full frame low vibration
T-platform, designed with a Modular Metrology concept that provides
unrivaled cost effectiveness. T-platform can be configured to support
multiple load ports and multiple measurement units - any combination of Nova
T600 and Nova T500.

    Eitan Oppenhaim, Executive Vice President of Global Business, said: "We
see critical importance in bringing to the market at this time a system that
enables production of 3D devices. This major transition of the industry
after 50 years of planar transistors is truly a revolution, and the Nova
T600 allows us to actively participate in this revolution. We are excited to
introduce this latest metrology innovation from Nova, extending our product
portfolio going forward in order to address the challenging demands of
advanced nodes and complex structures below 22nm."

    About Nova: Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. develops, produces and
markets advanced integrated and stand alone metrology solutions for the
semiconductor manufacturing industry. Nova is traded on the NASDAQ & TASE
under the symbol NVMI. The Company's website is http://www.nova.co.il.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 relating to future events or our future performance, such
as statements regarding trends, demand for our products, expected
deliveries, transaction, expected revenues, operating results, earnings and
profitability. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of
activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any
future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or
implied in those forward looking statements. These risks and other factors
include but are not limited to: our dependency on two product lines; the
highly cyclical nature of the markets we target; our inability to reduce
spending during a slowdown in the semiconductor industry; our ability to
respond effectively on a timely basis to rapid technological changes; our
dependency on OEM suppliers; our ability to retain our competitive position
despite the ongoing consolidation in our industry; risks associated with our
dependence on a single manufacturing facility; our ability to expand our
manufacturing capacity or marketing efforts to support our future growth;
our dependency on a small number of large customers and small number of
suppliers; our dependency on our key employees; risks related to changes in
our order backlog; risks related to the financial, political and
environmental instabilities that may affect our sales in Asia; risks related
to our intellectual property; changes in customer demands for our products;
new product offerings from our competitors; changes in or an inability to
execute our business strategy; unanticipated manufacturing or supply
problems; changes in tax requirements; changes in customer demand for our
products; risks related to currency fluctuations; and risks related to our
operations in Israel. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of
activity, performance or achievements. The matters discussed in this press
release also involve risks and uncertainties summarized under the heading
"Risk Factors" in Nova's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended
December 31,2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March
30, 2011. These factors are updated from time to time through the filing of
reports and registration statements with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd. does not assume any obligation
to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

   
    Company Contact:
    Dror David, Chief Financial Officer
    Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd.
    Tel: +1-972-8-938-7505
    E-mail: info@nova.co.il
    http://www.nova.co.il

    Investor Relations Contacts:
    Ehud Helft / Kenny Green
    CCG Investor Relations
    Tel: +1-646-201-9246
    E-mail: nova@ccgisrael.com

Source: Nova Measuring Instruments Ltd

.

eD' system to Distribute WinSoft International

GRENOBLE, France, July 11, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

    Leading Software Publisher WinSoft International Has Teamed Up With eD'
system to Make Its Range of Products Available to the Czech Market

    The agreement signed between WinSoft International and eD' system will
combine WinSoft International's software localization expertise with the
reach of eD' system's local distribution network.

    Mahmoud El Mourabit, Channel Sales Manager at WinSoft International,
said: "WinSoft International's main aim for this year is to become one of
the top providers of DTP Software in the Czech and Slovakian markets. The
partnership with eD' system is in line with this vision and our commitment
to covering a wider portfolio for the end-users worldwide and in the Central
European region."

    The companies will be reaching out to consumers looking for
high-quality, affordable design and publishing software. eD' system will
begin by distributing WinSoft International's Czech version of award winning
desktop publishing program PagePlus X5 by Serif.

    Petr Tomis of eD' system said, "We are happy to announce our new
cooperation with WinSoft International and excited to work with their Serif
products." He continued, "Serif will extend eD's portfolio of software
products. As they offer all the functions users want, the prices are
interesting and the products are being localised into Czech, we believe that
there will be a good level of sales."

    Other Serif products localized by WinSoft International soon to be
available for Czech users include WebPlus, a powerful website design
program, and PhotoPlus, an easy-to-use photo-editing system.

    About eD' system Czech

    eD' system Czech is the largest distributor of information technology in
the Czech Republic, operating in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland.
The range of the offered products includes virtually all IT assortments,
allowing information and digital technology professionals to buy everything
they need "under one roof". eD' system Czech is part of the eD' system
Group, which offers a range of services including logistics, B2B and B2C.

    About WinSoft International

    WinSoft International is a global provider of software solutions,
helping software publishers such as Serif, FileMaker and Adobe Systems
introduce or expand their business worldwide.

    WinSoft International has more than twenty-five years' experience in
business development, providing a full-range of services from software
engineering and localization to in-country marketing and distribution.

    Headquartered in France, WinSoft International has offices in Tunis and
Dubai.

   
    WinSoft International:
    Kelly Rigotti
    contactpresse@winsoft-international.com
    24 rue Louis Gagnière  38950 Saint Martin-le-Vinoux  France
    Tel +33-4-38-02-22-00
    http://www.winsoft-international.pl

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WinSoftIntl

Source: Winsoft International

.

Modding Guru Pairs Xbox 360 and CD Disc Changer to Create the Ultimate "Lazy Man's" Gaming Tool in element14's "The Ben Heck Show"

Show commemorates element14's two-year birthday and gives viewers the opportunity to win and mod Ben's latest project

CHICAGO, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- element14, the first collaborative community and electronics store for design engineers and electronics enthusiasts, and modding guru Benjamin J. Heckendorn, a.k.a. Ben Heck, create the ultimate "lazy man's" gaming tool on the latest episode of "The Ben Heck Show." The newest modding feat - an automatic video game disc changer - gives gaming junkies access to multiple discs at one time, resulting in uninterrupted game play.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110711/CG32549)

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110216/CG49295LOGO)

"Let's face it - everyone calls us video gamers lazy. Not true, of course. I'm sure it's just a 'coincidence' that this particular build has been one of the more popular requests we've gotten for the show," said Ben. "Couch potatoes unite!"

The episode follows Ben's mechanically and electronically intricate build process, focusing on replacing the DVD drive in the Xbox 360(TM) with the changer's CD player and disc carousel and configuring the casing and components to ensure discs load properly into the player. Ben also spends a significant amount of time on programming, replacing the existing electronics to streamline the switches that control the CD cycle, as well as sensors that allow for the disc changer control.

"Modders and gaming enthusiasts alike will enjoy this episode, as it displays Ben's signature mix of ingenuity and practicality," said Kevin Yapp, chief marketing officer, Premier Farnell. "This episode also commemorates element14's second birthday, and I'd like to thank the viewers and fans of 'The Ben Heck Show' for helping to make the element14 community such a successful collaborative resource."

Another unique aspect of this episode is that Ben leaves the project unfinished, allowing viewers to enter for a chance to win the automatic video game changer to "mod Ben's mod" and finish the project to their own liking.

In honor of element14's two-year anniversary, 214 prizes will be awarded to new and existing community members during July. Show fans are invited to learn how they can win a Fluke Multimeter and other great giveaways.

About "The Ben Heck Show"

"The Ben Heck Show" is a bi-weekly online television series aired in English that's dedicated to the science and art of system and hardware modding with a global audience of design engineers, students and electronic enthusiasts. Sponsored exclusively by element14, each episode spotlights Ben's mods of popular electronic devices while educating viewers on the underlying technology powering each project. 

About element14

Launched in June 2009, element14 is the first information portal, collaborative community and electronics store specifically built for electronic design engineers. The community recently unveiled its element14 knode, a unique automated platform that enables engineers to quickly research, design, develop and prototype in a single, intelligent environment. element14 is an innovative offering from Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl), FTSE 250, a leader in multi-channel electronics distribution trading throughout Europe (Farnell), the Americas (Newark) and Asia Pacific (element14). The company had group sales of 990.8m pounds Sterling and underlying profits of 93.3m pounds last year.

SOURCE  element14

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110216/CG49295LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110711/CG32549
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
element14

CONTACT: US Media Contacts, Becki Gervin of Walt & Company, +1-408-369-7200, ext. 1070, bgervin@walt.com; or Janice Fleisher of element14, +1-773-907-5941, jfleisher@newark.com

Web Site: http://www.element14.com

Level 3 Launches New Ultra-High-Speed Trading Route Between London and Frankfurt

Route Provides Traders with New Low-Latency Fibre-Optic Connectivity between Europe's Two Main Financial Centres, Other Key Financial Centres in Europe and U.S.

LONDON, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) today announced the launch of a new ultra-low-latency fibre-optic route to increase trading speeds between London and Frankfurt. The new route will also allow banks, hedge funds, brokers and other financial services institutions to execute trades with lower latency between additional exchanges connected to the Level 3 network including Zurich, Milan, New York and Chicago. 

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110523/LA06722LOGO)

"Frankfurt-London is one of the top 10 highest-bandwidth routes for international Internet traffic," says TeleGeography Senior Analyst Erik Kreifeldt. "Ultra-low latency affords a distinct differentiation on one of the most critical routes for global bandwidth, particularly for the financial services industry."

Level 3 has a proven track record when providing support for the financial services industry. The company currently supports nine of the top 10 investment banks in North America, as well as nine of the top 10 banks and four out of the five top financial exchanges in the world.

"Having access to fast network speeds can be a significant competitive advantage for the financial services industry, but it's an even bigger advantage to have access to a fast network that keeps getting faster," said James Heard, president of European Markets at Level 3. "We consistently upgrade our routes to better serve our global customer base. This latest route upgrade further underlines our commitment to anticipating our financial services customers' evolving needs, especially for rapid transactions, and demonstrates our network's unrivalled scale and continuously increasing quality of service."

Level 3 has worked closely with its customers in the financial services industry to develop a diverse portfolio of solutions, including ultra-low-latency routes into Milan, Zurich, as well as the main financial sectors of New York, Chicago, London and Frankfurt. Level 3 provides traders on these routes with a broad range of high-speed connectivity options, allowing for a variety of design options for low latency solutions.  The London-to-Frankfurt route is offered with a stringent latency service level agreement as well as end-to-end management, giving customers increased peace of mind and security.

The Level 3 network today spans more than 20 countries and reaches approximately 190 markets in Europe and North America. Level 3 manages 57,000 intercity fibre miles and 27,000 metro fibre miles, providing a size and depth of connectivity on a broad scale. To learn more about Level 3's European capabilities, please click here.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: LVLT) is a leading international provider of fiber-based communications services. Enterprise, content, wholesale and government customers rely on Level 3 to deliver services with an industry-leading combination of scalability and value over an end-to-end fiber network. Level 3 offers a portfolio of metro and long-haul services, including transport, data, Internet, content delivery and voice. Level 3 services are provided by wholly-owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc.  For more information, visit http://www.Level3.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Some of the statements made in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3's control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to:  the current uncertainty in the global financial markets and the global economy; a discontinuation of the development and expansion of the Internet as a communications medium and marketplace for the distribution and consumption of data and video; and disruptions in the financial markets that could affect Level 3's ability to obtain additional financing.  Additional factors include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to:  increase and maintain the volume of traffic on its network; develop effective business support systems; manage system and network failures or disruptions; develop new services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; adapt to rapid technological changes that lead to further competition; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; successfully integrate acquisitions; and meet all of the terms and conditions of debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contact Information

    Media:                             Investors:
    Monica Martinez                    Mark Stoutenberg
    720-888-3991                       720-888-2518
    Monica.Martinez@Level3.com         Mark.Stoutenberg@Level3.com

SOURCE  Level 3 Communications, Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110523/LA06722LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Level 3 Communications, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.Level3.com

Yell Acquires Znode

Provider of eCommerce Software for Web and Mobile Stores

READING, England, July 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Yell Group plc (LSE: YELL).  In advance of presenting its new strategy this Thursday, Yell today announced the agreed acquisition of Znode, a privately-owned, fast-growing pioneer and industry leader in multi-store ecommerce.  Znode's technology will serve as Yell's ecommerce platform, an important element of Yell's new strategy to connect small businesses with consumers on a local level.  Znode will be incorporated into Yell Group as part of its new consumer division, Yell Connect.

Znode was founded in 2007 in Columbus, Ohio, and will continue operations there, serving as the development base for Yell's ecommerce capabilities. Znode founders Vish Vishwanathan and David Chu will serve as Executive Vice President & General Manager - Yell Connect, and Senior Vice President of Technology - Yell Connect.

Mike Pocock, Chief Executive Officer of Yell Group said: "The Znode team and their innovative technology provide Yell with a platform for our digital business and enable us to provide ecommerce solutions to small businesses, connecting them more efficiently with their local consumers.  Their talented workforce and technological capabilities are a great addition to Yell as we move forward into new digital marketplace opportunities."

Znode's platform enables businesses to significantly expand their online footprint using innovative multi-store and online franchising strategies. Znode supports customers across a broad range of industries from technology hardware manufacturing to online payment processing.

The capabilities Znode provides customers today include:

    --  Extensible solutions for multi-format storefronts (eg, online, mobile,
        social including Facebook ecommerce sites).
    --  Single and multi-store ecommerce with easy self-serve interfaces for
        merchants.
    --  Flexible structure for a broad range of merchant types and customer
        experiences.
    --  Flexible architecture for third party developers.
    --  A scalable platform that can easily manage very large volumes of
        customers and traffic.
    --  Mobile technology that enables storefronts to be "pushed" to mobile
        phones and tablets in real-time.
    --  Turnkey mobile applications that work across multiple platforms
        including iPhone, iPad, Android based phones and mobile browsers.

Yell will offer these digital services to its current base of 1.3 million small and medium enterprise customers globally, using its 6,400 strong sales force, as well as to new customers looking for scalable cloud-based online stores.  The flexible nature of Znode's technology will allow rapid deployment and customisation of a small business' digital presence - online, mobile, and social.

The Znode ecommerce platform will also help Yell standardise and automate its own transaction system so that performance can be tracked and measured, thereby increasing efficiency and improving customer experience.

Vish Vishwanathan, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Znode commented: "Joining Yell brings Znode an expanded customer base and additional development talent that will enable us to deploy our technology more broadly." "Additionally, Yell's infrastructure, extensive sales force and investment support makes the Znode ecommerce solution scalable for businesses of all sizes."

About Znode

Znode® is a pioneer and industry leader in Multi-Store ecommerce. With its innovative solutions, businesses can significantly expand their online footprint using Multi-Store and Online Franchising strategies.

Its flagship product Multifront® is the industry leading .NET ecommerce software that enables retailers to quickly launch multiple web and mobile stores using a single integrated system. Marketplace(TM) enables your distributors, affiliates, vendors and business partners to quickly set-up turnkey stores across web, mobile and other devices. Znode's software products include rich customer experience features and enterprise class scalability. Znode's extremely flexible, standards based .NET architecture enables developers to quickly build complex custom-tailored solutions for the most demanding business requirements.

About Yell

Yell Group is a leading provider of print and digital services within the emerging local eMarketplace for consumers and SMEs across its operations in the UK, US, Spain and some countries in Latin America.

Building on its strong presence in the local market through its current digital and print portfolio, Yell is developing a broad range of digital services tailored to the converging needs of SMEs and consumers.

These address both the SME need to grow, transact and be efficient in the digital world, and the consumers' need to connect locally to the goods and services they want, in a way which saves them time and money, and moves their lives forward.

In the year ended 31 March 2011, Yell Group had 1.3 million SME advertisers.

http://www.yellgroup.com

SOURCE  Yell Group plc

Yell Group plc

CONTACT: Investors, Rob Hall, +44 (0)118 358 2838, Mobile, +44 (0)7793 957848, for Yell; Citigate Dewe Rogerson, Anthony Carlisle, +44 (0)20 7638 9571, Mobile, +44 (0)7973 611888, Media, Jon Salmon,  +44 (0)118 358 2656, Mobile, +44 (0)7801 977340, for Yell

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

Titan Poker Drops the Rake at its Cash Tables

LONDON, July 10, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

    - Players Will Reap the Benefit of Bigger Pots Each Time They Win a Hand
at the Tables of the Leading Poker Room in Europe

    Titanpoker.com [http://www.titanpoker.com ], the leading online poker
room in Europe, has decreased the rake it collects from winning players' pots
at many of its cash game tables.

    As part of its poker Rake Break
[http://www.titanpoker.com/promotions/rake-break.html ] promotion, Titan
Poker has decreased the maximum rake cap by 50% at fixed limit tables on all
games throughout the day. This reduction has also gone into effect all day
long for No Limit Hold'em games with blinds up to $0.05/$0.10.

    In addition, no rake is being collected for cash games with stakes of
$25/$50 and above. Instead, there will be a fixed fee of $0.10 charged per
hand, with the standard consideration of "no flop no drop."

    Players will continue to earn Titan Poker Points at the cash tables
during the Rake Break promotion at the usual rate. Points are used to redeem
Titan Poker's First Deposit Bonus, which continues to be offered at 200% up
to $2,000. Players who have made already deposited can reload their accounts
for a 100% up to $5,000 Reloader Bonus until July 17th.

    No matter what their poker preferences may be, new players will be eager
to start the free poker download [http://www.titanpoker.com/download.html ]
and experience the exciting poker action this summer at Titan Poker.

    About Titanpoker.com:

    Titanpoker.com is the number one online poker room in Europe and part of
the iPoker Network. Titan Poker's software is developed and maintained by
Playtech, a public company and leading gaming software developer. With tens
of thousands of online players at peak hours, Titan Poker guarantees
millions of dollars in monthly prizes, offers an easily redeemed first
deposit bonus [http://www.titanpoker.com/promotions/first-deposit-bonus.html
, features special sit 'n' go tournaments with progressive jackpots as high
as $300,000, and awards players with entries to major worldwide poker
tournaments [http://www.titanpoker.com/tournaments ]. The Titan Poker brand
is promoted exclusively by Euro Partners [http://www.europartners.com ].

Source: Titanpoker.com

For more information, please contact: Euro Partners, Robin Becker, Public Relations, robecker @ europartners.com , +972-3-764-6200 ext. 2637

Good Products & Good Prices in Wholesale & Retail

SHENZHEN, China, July 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Shenzhen Wuzhou Changlian International Trading, Co., a trading company that manufactures iPhone 4 cases, Blackberry cases and cases for various phone models and phone accessories, is pleased to announce its wholesale website now can also support retail products. Wholesale services are not only restricted to a certain product, combination of various products are also available, with no quantity limits.

Being the leader of the latest fashion trends and a large wholesale company, Wuzhou Changlian has devoted themselves to innovative and durable phone accessories for more than 5 years. After a complete investigation about market trends and customers' responses, Wuzhou Changlian decided to promote their wholesale products with similar retail price, including iPhone 3G/3GS covers, cell phone USB cables, earphones, and repairing phone tools. Each phone case comes with various color choices, bright or dark ones, transparent or translucent. To customize customers' needs, they also offer a great variety of designs through the unique characteristic of the material, like durable silicone, hard plastic, bling crystal, shiny rhinestone and high class diamonds. Besides large quantities of cell phone cases, Wuzhou Changlian also supplies phone accessories from earphones, USB cables, charge cables, speakers, memory cards, etc. Customers can purchase more than 3 phone accessories, including cases, screen protectors, USB cables, charge cables to even phone repairing kits during a promotional period, which saves cost and the hassle of purchasing them separately.

Moreover, the company expands the service domain from phone accessories to MP3 player skins, and tablet cases of popular brands. Each order will be tested twice before shipping to guarantee its safe delivery. Tracking no. will be updated also for each customer.

Various electronic accessories can be easily purchased on http://www.callphonecase.com.

SOURCE  Shenzhen Wuzhou Changlian International Trading Co., LTD

Shenzhen Wuzhou Changlian International Trading Co., LTD

CONTACT: Jenny Zhong, 86-013265737060, service@callphonecase.com

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

CTIA-The Wireless Association® Statement After Testifying Before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response & Communications

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After testifying before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Response and Communications Hearing on "Communicating with the Public During Emergencies: An Update on Federal Alert and Warning Efforts," CTIA-The Wireless Association® Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Guttman-McCabe released the following statement:

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

"The U.S. wireless industry remains strongly committed to deploying the Commercial Mobile Alert Service, enacted as part of the Warning, Alert and Response Network, or 'WARN Act.' CTIA and our members worked with more than 40 public and private organizations to develop geo-targeted wireless emergency alerts that will cover more than 97 percent of American wireless subscribers.

"While the U.S. wireless industry has developed and is currently deploying the elements within carriers' networks, other areas must be addressed if a seamless national deployment is to occur and be operational next year. First, FEMA must stand-up its CMAS gateway and be capable of receiving and distributing alerts to participating wireless carriers. Through our cooperative coordination with FEMA, we believe that is on track to occur in a timely manner. Second, alerting authorities at the state, county and local levels must be properly trained about when and how these warnings should be originated while ensuring consumers receive only the most important notices in a timely manner. 

"The wireless industry is committed to begin rolling out wireless alerting capability in New York City later this year and the rest of the country early next year, and will continue to work with FEMA and the FCC to make it a reality."

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

SOURCE  CTIA-The Wireless Association

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

CONTACT: Amy Storey of CTIA-The Wireless Association, +1-202-736-3207

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

Bridgepoint Education Introduces New iPad App for the Ashford Classroom: Constellation for Ashford University

Proprietary new app is a product of Bridgepoint's in-house software development teams

SAN DIEGO, July 8, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Bridgepoint Education (NYSE: BPI) has introduced an innovative new iPad app for students of Ashford University: Constellation for Ashford University. The app provides Ashford's iPad users with complete access to Constellation, the university's online learning software, and works in concert with Ashford Mobile, the university's course discussion app.

Constellation is Bridgepoint Education's web-based learning software platform. It was created for the students of Ashford University, an academic institution owned by Bridgepoint, and was specifically mentioned as a "Technology to Watch" in the New Media Consortium's 2011 Horizon Report (nmc.org). Constellation was also a 2011 CODiE Award finalist.

"We're very pleased to introduce our Constellation app for the iPad. It was designed to provide Ashford University students with complete connectivity to Constellation using the iPad's intuitive interface," stated Andrew Clark, president and chief executive officer of Bridgepoint Education. "Constellation for Ashford University is a comprehensive new way for our students to engage Ashford's online curriculum."

The Constellation concept is an innate match for the tactile functionality of the iPad, which enabled Bridgepoint's development teams to combine the logical interactivity of the iPad with the scholastic merits of Constellation. iPad-equipped students can now access class discussions and course material with one device, using the native functionality of fully supported apps.

The Constellation for Ashford University app has been approved by Apple® and is now available at the Apple® store.

About Bridgepoint Education

Bridgepoint Education's postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in such disciplines as business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences. Bridgepoint Education's regionally accredited academic institutions - Ashford University and University of the Rockies - deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit http://www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (http://www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit http://www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

Contact: Shari Rodriguez, Associate Vice President of Public Relations
858.668.2580  shari.rodriguez@bridgepointeducation.com

SOURCE  Bridgepoint Education Inc.

Bridgepoint Education Inc.

Web Site: http://www.ashford.edu

New Hampshire-Based Sporting Goods Retailer Announces New Web Site

CLAREMONT, N.H., July 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- New Hampshire-based retailer of sporting goods, DHP Ventures LLC, has announced the launch of a new Web site: http://www.DPsporting.com.

Founder and President of DHP Ventures LLC, Dorlon Picard, said, "We have a lot of great products available, many of which are necessities for athletes. We're very excited to be able to share them now through e-commerce!"

DPsporting.com was designed with all types of athletes in mind. The site offers a wide range of products and equipment for playing basketball, football, baseball, tennis, baseball, soccer and more.

DPsporting.com has grouped all products into various categories to enhance the trouble-free online shopping experience. Visitors of the site can browse numerous products by sports category in order to find exactly what they are looking for.

Picard, who is a retired athlete himself, added, "We really wanted to provide our customers with the latest sports products, at affordable prices. Playing a sport can get very expensive, especially when you are a parent supporting your children, so we have taken our time to make sure all of our products are of exceptional quality and great prices!"

New and competitively priced products and sale items are added to the site routinely and the company can be followed on social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook. DPsporting.com is committed to fast shipping transactions and products can be shipped anywhere within the United States. In addition to online sales, a customer service team is available during normal business hours for customer support.

For more information on http://www.DPsporting.com, visit their Web site, or call 1-603-542-2265.

SOURCE  DHP Ventures LLC

DHP Ventures LLC

CONTACT: Michelle Boyd, +1-813-382-8810

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

Sony Online Entertainment Returns to Massive Warfare; Announces Next-Gen Sequel to Its Landmark First Person Shooter MMO With PlanetSide® 2

Massive Warfare, Explosive Graphics and Thousand-Player Battles Raise the Bar for Online Team-Based Combat

SAN DIEGO, July 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced PlanetSide 2, the reimagining of the ever-popular massively multiplayer online first person shooter (MMOFPS) game, PlanetSide. PlanetSide 2 takes all the groundbreaking features from the original game - massive multiplayer battles, distinctive empires to rally around, and enormous continents to support intense ground and air combat - and adds features that modern gamers have come to expect out of the FPS and MMO genres.

Across the continents of Auraxis, thousands of players will come together in enormous battles to win control of territory and resources for their empire. With an extensive skill tree and a free-form class-based system, players will be able to customize their soldier, weapons and vehicles to match their play-style, or the needs of their squad, outfit or empire. Battles can last for days or weeks, so players will need to build real alliances and combat outfits to take on long-term strategic and tactical initiatives. With air, ground and seaborne combat, the battles are more intense than ever.

"For years we've talked about creating another PlanetSide game, and we're thrilled that technology has caught up with our vision," said John Smedley, President of SOE. "I'm incredibly impressed by what our team has done with PlanetSide2. They've made everything as big, bold and brutal as possible. PlanetSide 2 is truly representative of what a next generation MMOFPS will look and feel like."

"With huge war zones populated by thousands of fighters at once, the size and intensity of PlanetSide 2 are simply unequaled. Both longtime players of the series and FPS fans are going to be blown away by the massive scale of PlanetSide battles," said Matt Higby, creative director of PlanetSide 2 at Sony Online Entertainment. "The immense scope, powerful vehicles and wealth of character customization options means players must think tactically and act as a team to conquer the battlegrounds."

Various character, vehicle and artillery customization features will be available to players constructing the perfect fighter for their favorite of the three empires: The Terran Republic (the conservative, authoritative nation aiming to reunite the clashing factions), The New Conglomerate (a liberated faction fighting to remaining free) or The Vanu Sovereignty (technophiles seeking to develop and exploit alien technology). Also, an in-depth and adaptive class system - with ranks, unlockable traits and skill sets - will give players complete control over their online warrior.

PlanetSide 2 will harness the power of SOE's next-generation Forgelight(TM) MMO engine; a true technological feat, as it is specifically created to bring all of the best in class features from the single player arena to next-gen MMOs. Forgelight equips SOE developers with the power they need to create the massive, vibrant worlds, intense combat and immersive experience emblematic of the future of online gaming.

SOE has also partnered with NVIDIA® to provide the game's physics engine, utilizing its PhysX® technology to allow art and design environments in PlanetSide 2 to become truly interactive. NVIDIA PhysX technology is considered the world's most comprehensive physics solution for designing real-time, real-world effects into interactive entertainment titles.

This technology along with SOE's Forgelight MMO engine create a development platform for ensuring that players experience the ultimate online MMO experience saturated with stunning visual effects that make game environments seem as realistic as possible.

PlanetSide 2 is currently in development and will be available on PC systems via digital download and retailers worldwide.

Media assets are available here: http://bhimpact.gamespress.com/product_page.asp?i=1215

KEY FEATURES:

    --  MASSIVE WARFARE: Battles will take place not between dozens of troops,
        but hundreds, with air and ground vehicles slugging it out alongside
        squads of troops.  Whether in open fields, tightly-packed urban centers
        or enormous structures, winning requires strategic teamwork and a quick
        trigger finger in the massive battles.
    --  Three Empires: Players will have their choice to join three different
        empires, including Terran Republic, New Conglomerate and Vanu
        Sovereignty
    --  BATTLE FOR TERRITORIES & RESOURCES: The core gameplay of PlanetSide 2 is
        about holding key territories and controlling valuable resources. Each
        battleground holds valuable resources and key positions, and the empire
        that can conquer (and manage to hold) these territories will be rewarded
        with fuel bonuses, ammo bonuses, tech bonuses, and more.
    --  Persistence: In PlanetSide 2 battles will last longer than a match
        timer.  Battles will last for days or weeks, and finally taking control
        of the base means it's yours until someone can take it back. Working
        strategically as a team to capture key tactical positions such as power
        plants and ammo depots will have long-lasting effects that can shift the
        tide of battle.
    --  ENORMOUS MAPS: PlanetSide 2 will launch with several continent maps;
        every inch of which will be contestable space. With the new territorial
        control meta-game, landmass will have intrinsic value even without
        notable installations or major features.
    --  FREE-FORM CLASS-BASED SYSTEM: Players will be able to unlock diverse
        combat roles by advancing through the skill tree, including several
        classic roles from PlanetSide. As players unlock new roles, they can
        switch between them at will.
    --  MISSION SYSTEM: Both SOE and players will be able to drive content,
        easing new players into the game and allowing veterans to feed content
        to players.
    --  SKILL TREES: Players will be able to build their soldier to match their
        play-style, or to match the needs of their squad, outfit or empire.
        Each combat role, vehicle and weapon will have extensive skill trees,
        these cert trees will allow players to grow characters laterally,
        unlocking weapons, attachments, equipment, specialized skills, and more.
    --  OUTFITS: Outfits (guilds) will also be able to customize themselves -
        allowing outfits to have their own identity, reputation and role in the
        ongoing war.
    --  WEAPONS: Players will be able to access more than 20 basic weapons,
        which can be customized to players' preference or purpose.
    --  VEHICLES: A total of 15 vehicles, with two unique vehicles per empire.
        Players will be able to customize each vehicle, unlocking new skills and
        features
    --  Vivox Integration: Players will be able to communicate with their squads
        both through keyboard and voice chat.

PlanetSide 2 is not yet rated and may contain content inappropriate for children. Visit http://www.esrb.org for rating information.

About SOE

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games.  Best known for its blockbuster hits and franchises, including EverQuest®, EverQuest®II, Champions of Norrath®, PlanetSide®, Free Realms®, Clone Wars Adventures(TM), and DC Universe Online(TM), SOE creates, develops and provides compelling online entertainment for a variety of platforms.  SOE is building on its proven legacy and pioneering the future of online worlds through creative development and inspired gameplay design for audiences of all ages.  To learn more, visit http://www.soe.com.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest, Champions of Norrath, PlanetSide, and Free Realms are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. NVIDIA® and PhysX® are trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation and are used under license. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

SOURCE  Sony Online Entertainment LLC

Sony Online Entertainment LLC

CONTACT: Taina Rodriguez, Sony Online Entertainment LLC, +1-858-577-3033, trodriguez@soe.sony.com; or Stacy Miles, Bender/Helper Impact, +1-415-847-4400, stacy_miles@bhimpact.com

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

Consumer Tips from the Service Contract Industry Council for Buying Extended Warranties

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., July 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --  Legislation signed into law by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon on July 7, 2011 includes important consumer protection language drafted by the Service Contract Industry Council (SCIC) in conjunction with the Missouri Attorney General and impacts consumers nationwide.  The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2012.

The SCIC believes consumers should know that the great majority of service contract (extended warranty) providers are licensed and regulated in the state(s) in which they do business.  In addition, the SCIC wants consumers to know their rights during and after the purchase.

WHERE TO PURCHASE A SERVICE CONTRACT (Extended Warranty):

    --  Most service contracts are sold by retailers at the point of sale,
        automotive dealerships, or through a realtor.  Service contracts also
        can be obtained after product or vehicle purchase (new or used vehicles)
        from independent service contract providers or in some cases by
        returning to the point of purchase.  Homeowners may purchase a home
        service contract at any time, regardless of the age of the home or years
        of occupancy.
    --  The vast majority of service contracts are sold and/or administered by
        reputable, licensed companies that abide by current regulations, adhere
        to high principles of customer service, and are protected by financial
        reserves and/or insurance.
    --  A list of service contract providers who are members of the Service
        Contract Industry Council, a non-profit trade association representing
        the service contract industry, is available at
        http://www.go-scic.com/insidepages/membership.cfm.

BEFORE PURCHASING A SERVICE CONTRACT (Extended Warranty):

    --  Ask for a copy of the contract and read the provisions carefully to be
        sure the terms and benefits fit your needs.
    --  Only buy from a provider willing to supply a copy of the contract terms
        and conditions for your review prior to purchase.
    --  Research the provider and/or contract administrator with the local
        Better Business Bureau and/or state insurance commissioner.  As with any
        vendor, consumers are urged to research the companies with whom they do
        business.
    --  Be alert to providers who use unsolicited mass marketing techniques,
        such as direct mail and telemarketing (e.g., "robo-calls"), or who
        misrepresent themselves.  Avoid purchasing a service contract if you
        feel overly pressured by sales personnel.

ONCE PURCHASED:

    --  Read the provisions carefully to become familiar with all coverage,
        exclusions, and terms and conditions.
    --  Most service contracts (extended warranties) come with a 30-day
        free-look period that gives consumers time to review the details of the
        contract and receive a complete refund upon cancellation.
    --  Carefully fulfill all contract obligations, such as regular fluid and
        filter changes, milestone maintenance, and other
        manufacturer-recommended service.
    --  Maintain a dedicated file for contract paperwork, receipts, and
        maintenance records.
    --  Use the benefits of the service contract as often as needed and
        applicable to enhance the life of the covered purchase and maximize its
        value.
    --  Determine if the service contract can be transferred with the sale of
        the covered purchase.  This mostly applies to home and autos and can
        make the sale more appealing to a potential buyer.

The Service Contract Industry Council (http://www.go-SCIC.com) works with state legislatures nationwide to increase protections and rights of consumers purchasing service contracts (sometimes known as extended warranties), regulate the licensing of service contract providers, and implement stringent financial safeguards.

The SCIC's website (http://www.go-scic.com) offers additional consumer tips for the following:

Consumer Electronics and Appliances: http://www.go-scic.com/insidepages/consumer.cfm

Home, covers main operating systems and built-in appliances: http://www.go-scic.com/insidepages/home.cfm

Motor Vehicle, new and used:  http://www.go-scic.com/insidepages/auto.cfm

SOURCE  Service Contract Industry Council

Service Contract Industry Council

CONTACT: Media: Jane Meehan Lanzillo, +1-617-244-0448, or +1-617-417-0078 (cell), jmlanzillo@rcn.com; or Phyllis Laorenza Linnehan, +1-781-275-7226, or +1-339-970-1326 (cell), phyllisll@verizon.net

Web Site: http://www.go-scic.com