News

Calculator.co.uk Launches to Crunch Your Financial Numbers

PRESTON, England, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Finance is very much a numbers game and so to save you from the inevitable headaches that figures often provide, visit http://www.Calculator.co.uk for quick-fire assistance with mortgages, savings, loans and general maths.

The brand new website is a number-crunching hub that not only acts as a calculator, but also compares thousands of mortgage services across the market to find you the best deal.

From start to finish, the mortgage calculator tool keeps things simple. Simply input your deposit, factor in your income and that of your partner if you're moving in together, add in any current credit repayments, state how much you would like to loan and over what term, and then decide whether you're going for the repayment route or interest only.

You'll then be provided with a likely monthly payment figure and you can then compare providers to see who is willing to lend.

In the coming weeks, users will also be able to compare savings and loans from the UK's leading providers.

Sam Allcock is the man behind the new site and believes it's a win-win situation for mortgage providers and property hunters.

"We all know how time-consuming and stressful it can be to get a mortgage so anything that makes the process easier has to be a bonus," he said.

"We work closely with lenders to get the most up-to-date prices and provide these to our site users who can quickly decipher what their best options are based on their financial means.

"And to think some mortgage brokers charge for these calculations!" added Mr. Allcock.

The site is also packed with useful information on mortgages with each type of contract discussed in depth from buy to let mortgages to equity release for over 55s. There are also special guides for first time buyers and information on how to understand mortgage jargon.

And that's not all; a regularly updated financial newswire also keeps visitors up to speed with industry news regarding mortgages, property, savings and loans.

Visit http://www.calculator.co.uk and get the entire market calculated in minutes.

Sam Allcock, Director, sam@custardmedia.co.uk, +44(0)1772-781-830

SOURCE  Calculator.co.uk

Calculator.co.uk

CONTACT: Sam Allcock, Director, +44(0)1772-781-830, sam@custardmedia.co.uk, for Calculator.co.uk

Web Site: http://www.calculator.co.uk

Bridgepoint Education's Ashford University Introduces Bachelor of Arts Degree in Adult Development

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), a provider of post-secondary education services focusing on higher access to higher education, announced today that Ashford University has created a new Bachelor of Arts degree program in Adult Development.  This targeted degree will be the foundation of many careers that support America's growing adult population, applicable to industries such as health care, social services, public administration, legal representation and law enforcement.

According to the United States Administration on Aging, the number of Americans between ages 45 and 64 has increased 38 percent since 1997.  The National Institutes of Health has declared that the over-65 population will double in the next 25 years.  As the adult portion of America's citizenry continues to grow, Ashford University has recognized that segment-specific knowledge and training is necessary to serve the members of that population.

"This new degree mirrors changes in the world around us, as more and more disciplines focus research on adulthood," stated Dr. Alice Vestergaard, Ashford's Health, Human Services and Sciences program director. "Multi-disciplinary perspectives of adulthood incorporate psychology, education, health, social sciences and anthropology.  This new degree reflects the collaborative nature of the emerging research and study of adulthood."

Instead of modifying an existing degree to include adult topics, Ashford University built the Bachelor of Arts in Adult Development from the ground up.  The Adult Development degree can also be specialized for gerontology, training and development, teaching, workforce services or health studies.  Through the program's courses, students will be able to focus on the growing adult-specific demands on the public and private sector, including education, health and human services, counseling, social work, psychology, career services, legal representation, law enforcement, sociology and public administration.

"By incorporating learning theories and instructional design into this innovative degree, graduates are able to work in a variety of adult education settings serving diverse populations across the continuum of adulthood," added Dr. Rebecca Wardlow, program director for the College of Education.

Ashford University's Bachelor of Arts in Adult Development is currently available online.  This degree does not lead to licensure or certification of any kind.

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.

SOURCE  Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

CONTACT: Shari Rodriguez, Associate Vice President of Public Relations of Bridgepoint Education, Inc., +1-858-668-2580, shari.rodriguez@bridgepointeducation.com

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

Planet Calypso Announces The Harbinger Event

They can have my laser when they pry it from my cold, dead hands

GOTEBORG, Sweden, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- GameBlast -- First Planet Company, developer and publisher of the largest real money Massively Multiplayer Online Game, announced today The Harbinger Event.  This major event, which will ultimately allow the players to determine its outcome, will take place from November 9th until early December.

In this limited time event, which will unfold in several stages, Calypso's colonists will face a new and evolved enemy invading the landscape of Calypso. Under direction from the military, colonists will have to recon, hunt and repel a technologically advanced new nemesis.  Is this relentless foe only here to hunt humans, or is it a harbinger for something far worse?

The Harbinger Event will feature new enemies to fight, a gripping storyline complete with new missions, a new environment, and an ending determined by the players.  Colonists will be able to participate and find rare and valuable new items during the event. Those who take up the Harbinger challenge will also receive a special diploma from the Calypso Defense Forces documenting their part in the largest battle for survival ever seen on this planet. Since Planet Calypso is free to download, anyone can simply download the client and get started defending the world.

First Planet Company is the developer and publisher of Planet Calypso, the oldest planet within the Entropia Universe, the largest real economy Massively Multiplayer Online Game in the world. Players have the ability to participate in a unique virtual world where they have no monthly costs. Its innovative real money economy uses a virtual currency which has a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar. This allows players to deposit and withdraw real funds for their adventures on Calypso or in the real world. Planet Calypso uses a state of the art graphics engine to deliver the highest quality visuals in an MMO today.   

Planet Calypso is a free download available at the game's official website, http://www.planetcalypso.com.  Follow Planet Calypso on Facebook here.

About First Planet Company

First Planet Company AB is a subsidiary of the MindArk Group. First Planet Company AB develops and markets Planet Calypso, a Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) based on the Entropia Platform, and is part of the Entropia Universe. Set in a distant future, the planet Calypso is home to an expanding human colony engaged with the natural and economic elements of establishing their new civilization.

For more information on First Planet Company (FPC) and Planet Calypso please contact us at the numbers below or go to our website at http://www.planetcalypso.com.

Copyright © 2010 First Planet Company. All Rights Reserved.

SOURCE  First Planet Company

First Planet Company

CONTACT: Frank Campbell of First Planet Company, +46 31 607 362, fc@mindark.com; or media, David Tractenberg, +1-310-453-2050, ext. 111, david@tractionpr.com, for First Planet Company

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

Millions of MBNA Credit Cards to go 'Contactless'

CHESTER, England, October 29, 2010/PRNewswire/ --

    - With Photo

    MBNA, Europe's largest credit card lender, today begins a two-year
programme to roll out contactless credit cards for its millions of UK
customers.

    MBNA's commitment means that more than five million MBNA-issued credit
cards will have contactless technology1 by the end of 2011. That is in
addition to around ten million contactless enabled credit and debit cards
already in the UK market - a total that could rise to 25 million by 20122.

    MBNA will support the evolution of contactless payments in the UK by
ensuring all new and replacement MBNA credit cards are compliant with the
simple-to-use payment function. To use the card, customers simply touch the
card at payment terminals that display the contactless symbol, without the
need to enter their PIN number.

    Ian O'Doherty, Europe Card executive for Bank of America, which operates
the MBNA brand, said: "With this two-year roll out of new and replacement
contactless enabled cards we are reinforcing our support for the evolution of
contactless technology in the UK.

    "We are committed to offering simplicity, added value and choice in all
of our products and services - enabling our customers to use contactless
payments is a fantastic example of making that commitment a reality."

    An MBNA survey of more than 1,000 credit card users3 reveals that the
public is overwhelmingly positive about contactless technology and the
benefits it gives them - notably speed and ease of use.

    Eighty per cent of those surveyed agreed it would help save time in
queues when paying for items, and 69 per cent believe the emerging technology
will make their lives easier and benefit consumers (63.5 per cent) and
businesses (78 per cent).

    MBNA has added layers of security to their cards. For example,
contactless cards cannot be used until a PIN is entered on first use;
payments are limited to up to GBP15 per transaction; and customers will
occasionally be asked to enter their PIN number to ensure the transactions
are valid. In addition, MBNA customers who are innocent victims of fraud or
theft are fully protected on their credit cards.

    Customers do not need to do anything, as their new or replacement cards
will be automatically converted to contactless when they are re-issued.

    The cards will be compatible with both Mastercard and Visa payment
systems.

    Pick-up among businesses is gathering pace, with Subway, Prêt a Manger
and Caffé Nero, among others, already having the payment terminals installed.
A host of big-name retailers are either trialing the technology or rolling it
out, including the Co-op, Boots, Spar, National Trust gift
shops and Little Chef restaurants. Many more well known retailers are
expected to launch contactless technology soon.

    1 Contactless payments enable customers to use a convenient alternative
to low-value cash for payments of GBP15 or less. It makes paying for goods
and services much quicker because it involves holding a card against a reader
rather than inserting the card in a chip and PIN machine and entering a PIN.

    2 For industry statistics and more information about contactless credit
cards visit http://www.contactless.info/Home.asp.

    3 The research for MBNA was carried out online by Opinion Matters between
04/10/2010 and 08/10/2010 among a panel of 1,000 respondents all of whom are
credit card holders. All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of
Conduct (2010) in the UK and ICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines.

    About MBNA Europe Bank

    MBNA Europe is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation
(NYSE: BAC) and is the recognized leader in affinity marketing.

    For more information, visit the company's website at
http://www.mbna.co.uk or Bank of America's website at
http://www.bankofamerica.com

    Editor and supplementary notes:

    The information contained in MBNA Europe's press releases is intended
solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial
decisions. Any consumer interested in finding out more about any of MBNA
Europe's products should visit http://www.mbna.co.uk for full terms and
conditions.

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

Source: MBNA Europe Bank Ltd

For further information, contact: Gary Jenkins, Vice President - Communications, Bank of America Europe Card Services, Tel: +44(0)1244-574136, Mobile: +44(0)7825-721118, Fax: +44(0)1244-672468, Email: gary.jenkins@mbna.com

Integrate Live Chat Into Your CRM

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, October 29, 2010/PRNewswire/ --     ISL Online (http://www.islonline.com) has recently released
ISL Pronto 2.0. The latest version of enterprise instant messaging software
for online customer service, and web support, now allows integration with
your existing CRM system by using the Live Chat API.

    The whole list of improvements are available at ISL Online website where
you can also download the latest version of ISL Pronto, an efficient internet
communication tool, that is perfect for a helpdesk service.

    ISL Pronto creates a link between a company's personnel, and website
visitors, enabling the company to promptly answer customers' sales inquiries,
and support requests online, or initiate a desktop sharing session. ISL
Pronto can also be used as an enterprise instant messaging tool which allows
real-time communication among employees within the company, making the
communication flow faster, and more efficient than through emails.

    ISL Pronto 2.0 is free for existing ISL Online users.

    http://www.islonline.com

    About ISL Online

    http://www.islonline.com has been supplying easy-to-use, on-demand
business software for remote desktop support and access, web meetings and
instant live chats since 2003 to over 80,000 business users worldwide. The
products are bundled together in an 'All in One' pack to offer anyone - from
small, midsized, and big businesses, to individuals - a new, easier and
secure way to access PCs, for collaboration with clients, partners and
employees in real time.

Source: ISL Online

ISL Online Headquarters, Barbara Viskovic | Marketing&PR, W: http://www.islonline.com, E: press@islonline.com, T: +386-1-244-77-60

SMIC to Invest in Wuhan Xinxin

Writing a New Chapter in Scientific Development

    WUHAN, China, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The Wuhan East Lake Hi-Tech
Development Zone Administrative Committee and Semiconductor Manufacturing
International Corporation ("SMIC," NYSE: SMI, SEHK: 0981.HK) today signed a
cooperation framework agreement in Wuhan's East Lake Hotel in which both
parties agreed to cooperate and jointly invest in the 12-inch wafer production
facilities of Wuhan Xinxin Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (Wuhan
Xinxin) through cash injection.

    The official signing ceremony was attended by the President of the Chinese
Academy of Engineering Zhou Ji; officials from the National Development and
Reform Commission, China Development Bank, and Hubei Province; Wuhan City
Party Secretary Yang Song; Wuhan Mayor Ruan Chengfa; SMIC Chairman Jiang
Shangzhou; SMIC President and C.E.O. David N.K. Wang; and others.

    SMIC began its cooperation with Wuhan City in early 2006 when its
government funded and constructed Wuhan Xinxin and engaged SMIC to manage it.
Wuhan Xinxin commenced production in September 2008, with its fab construction
and operations meeting global industry standards. The signing of this new
agreement strengthens the commitment between SMIC's new management team and
the Wuhan government to move towards greater expansion and development.

    The cooperation framework agreement proposes a possible joint venture
driven by corporate responsibility and profitability, which will focus on
65-40 nanometer integrated circuits with a goal of achieving a production
capacity of 45,000 wafers per month within three years of its establishment.
Capacity planning for this new phase will be consistent with industry
standards for profitable development, with products and technology driven by
market demand.

    This cooperation will benefit both parties and serve as a strategic
component in SMIC's expansion plan over the next five years. It also will
become a key contributor to the Chinese and global semiconductor industries,
as a reliable platform for high-end chip manufacturing.

    Through this agreement, SMIC and Wuhan City will collaborate extensively
in areas such as talent development, chip design, and supply chain improvement,
to promote the economic development of Wuhan's "Optics Valley" and upgrade
Hubei Province's information & technology industry. As East Lake High-tech
Zone is developing its strategy to build the "National Innovation Model Area"
and "China Optical Valley," this cooperation will become an innovation engine
to drive their development.

    About SMIC

    Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation ("SMIC"; NYSE: SMI;
SEHK: 981) is one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world and the
largest and most advanced foundry in Mainland China, providing integrated
circuit (IC) foundry and technology services at 0.35-micron to 45/40-nanometer.
Headquartered in Shanghai, China, SMIC has a 300mm wafer fabrication facility
(fab) and three 200mm wafer fabs in its Shanghai mega-fab, two 300mm wafer
fabs in its Beijing mega-fab, a 200mm wafer fab in Tianjin, a 200mm fab under
construction in Shenzhen, and an in-house assembly and testing facility in
Chengdu. SMIC also has customer service and marketing offices in the U.S.,
Europe, and Japan, and a representative office in Hong Kong.  In addition,
SMIC manages and operates a 300mm wafer fab in Wuhan owned by Wuhan Xinxin
Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation.

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

    Safe Harbor Statements
    (Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995)    This press release contains, in addition to historical information,
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor"
provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the expected
benefits of the cooperation, are based on SMIC's current assumptions,
expectations and projections about future events. SMIC uses words like
"believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project" and similar
expressions to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-
looking statements contain these words. These forward-looking statements are
necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of SMIC's senior management
and involve significant risks, both known and unknown, uncertainties and other
factors that may cause SMIC's actual performance, financial condition or
results of operations to be materially different from those suggested by the
forward-looking statements.

    Investors should consider the information contained in SMIC's filings with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including its annual report
on 20-F filed with the SEC on June 29, 2010, especially in the "Risk Factors"
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations" sections, and such other documents that SMIC may file with the
SEC or The Hong Kong Stock Exchange Limited ("SEHK") from time to time,
including on Form 6-K. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have
material adverse effects on SMIC's future results, performance or achievements.
In light of these risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors, the
forward-looking events discussed in this press release may not occur. You are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which speak only as of the date stated, or if no date is stated, as of the
date of this press release. Except as required by law, SMIC undertakes no
obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statement,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    For more information, please contact:

     Mr. Peter Lin
     Public Relations
     Tel:   +86-21-3861-0000 x12349
     Email: Peter_LHH@smics.com

     Ms Angela Miao
     Public Relations
     Tel:   +86-21-3861-0000 x10088
     Email: Angela_Miao@smics.com
SOURCE  Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation

Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation

CONTACT: Peter Lin, Public Relations, +86-21-3861-0000 x12349, Peter_LHH@smics.com, or Angela Miao, Public Relations, +86-21-3861-0000 x10088, Angela_Miao@smics.com

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

Australia's Favourite Digital Cameras E-Tailer Re-Launches With More Customer-Focused Features

CamerasDirect.com.au, a favourite online retailer of digital cameras, camera lenses, digital camcorders and accessories, has proven its commitment to customers once again with a new set of web features and customer-friendly enhancements.

LABRADOR, Queensland, Australia, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- -- For more than six years, Australian photography and camera enthusiasts have come to know CamerasDirect.com.au as a trusted resource. In appreciation of its loyal customers, the online retailer has re-launched the website with an array of customer-friendly features.

In addition to offering the same enormous variety of digital cameras, camera lenses, digital camcorders, and accessories the company is known for, the website now also offers new features including:

    --  Unbiased user generated ratings and reviews, integrated with Facebook
    --  "How to" videos and resources
    --  One-on-one personal help and advice from in-house photography experts
        and camera enthusiasts
    --  Online Q&A's
    --  Drag and drop online shopping experience
    --  Coremetrics Intelligent Product Offer
    --  Faster, ultra-secure checkout
    --  More high-quality product photos & videos
    --  Product comparisons
    --  Transparent stock status
    --  New onsite search powered by Google
    --  Online wish list creator

The benefits CamerasDirect customers have grown to know and love will only be enhanced by the website updates. Customers can still expect competitive pricing, speedy delivery, no additional charges for credit card transactions, and a local warranty. Most importantly, customers will continue to enjoy an unlimited amount of the CamerasDirect signature brand of personalised, expert advice.

"We only employ photographers -- ensuring that our passion for photography is present in each and every customer interaction. Every call is answered by a human, in Australia, who knows a lot about photography! Our customers quickly realise this is no typical online business!" said David Richardson, CamerasDirect E-Commerce Manager.

The website enhancements all work to achieve the company's ultimate goal -- to help its customers take a better photo -- and to enjoy the process.

About CamerasDirect: CamerasDirect (http://www.camerasdirect.com.au/) CamerasDirect is an online camera retailer owned, operated, and serviced by photographers and camera enthusiasts and experts. The team is passionate about its mission to provide it's customers with outstanding pricing and variety, speedy delivery, a user-friendly online experience, and above all, friendly and knowledgeable service.

SOURCE  CamerasDirect.com.au

CamerasDirect.com.au

CONTACT: David Richardson, +61 7 5537 1991, david@camerasdirect.com.au

Web Site: http://www.camerasdirect.com.au/

According to an article published today on ZDNet, Adobe is under attack again! Here is a little of what the article states as a summary of the issue:

Quote

A critical vulnerability has been identified in Flash Player 10.1.85.3 and earlier versions for Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Solaris; Adobe Flash Player 10.1.95.2 and earlier versions for Android; and the authplay.dll component that ships with Adobe Reader 9.4 and earlier 9.x versions for Windows, Macintosh and UNIX, and Adobe Acrobat 9.4 and earlier 9.x versions for Windows and Macintosh. This vulnerability (CVE-2010-3654) could cause a crash and potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system.

To read the full article, jump over to the ZDNet news flash on this.

DailyCandy Turns 10, Adds DailyCandy Deals to Portfolio

Company to Offer Major Savings from Select Local Merchants, Allowing Readers to Experience City in New Ways thru DailyCandy Lens

NEW YORK, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, DailyCandy, the popular women's lifestyle company celebrating the 10-year mark, announced the introduction of its third business unit, DailyCandy Deals. DailyCandy Deals will offer subscribers savings (40-70 percent), exclusive perks and custom packages on handpicked stores, designers, restaurants, and happenings they love. The service will beta launch in Philadelphia in early November; New York City will launch by the holidays and other cities, such as Los Angeles, will follow in Q1 of 2011. DailyCandy began as an email-only newsletter in 2000 and has grown to a multiplatform content company delivering 3.4 million subscriptions.  Swirl by DailyCandy, the company's apparel and accessories site, launched in November 2009, will reach nearly 500,000 subscribers by year's end. DailyCandy Deals is the company's third business unit, the second to be introduced under Comcast ownership.

"DailyCandy has always uncovered the best new services, boutiques, restaurants, and happenings locally and nationally, and deals have been a key part of that," said Beth Ellard, general manager and SVP of DailyCandy. "Our new Deals business will round out DailyCandy's existing suite of businesses, delivering readers a broad array of content and great savings, served up the way they want."

DailyCandy Deals will partner locally with carefully chosen businesses to create a unique selection in each city. Deals will be delivered twice a week (to start) to existing subscribers in launch cities. By making DailyCandy's discoveries more accessible with great savings and perks, readers will be able to experience their city as never before. Partner merchants, meanwhile, will gain access to a loyal and interested reader base more likely to become regular clients.

"Most deals sites target an extremely large audience, most of whom are looking only to score a discount," said Tricia Han, GM for DailyCandy Deals. "The DailyCandy audience trusts this brand to deliver a cool experience. Deals will allow subscribers the chance to try something they otherwise might not have. We'll deliver an experience they'll love and would go back and pay full price for." 

The introduction of DailyCandy Deals occurs simultaneously with the company's tenth anniversary party, and the inaugural session of DailyCandy Academy: a small-business incubator that pairs winners of the Start Small, Go Big Contest with lifestyle titans including Isaac Mizrahi, Marcus Samuelson, Rebecca Minkoff and Loeffler Randall.

DailyCandy's tenth anniversary party takes place tonight in New York City, and will bring to life the company's first decade of daily discoveries, as well as its expanding future with DailyCandy Deals and Swirl.

About DailyCandy

DailyCandy is dedicated to helping you live the sweet life. The editors scour the corners of the U.S. and London to deliver the very best in style, food, fashion, and fun for free via e-mail, video, mobile, and the Web. Want the latest and greatest? Sign-up for the e-mail. Need help navigating your city? Visit DailyCandy.com, the one-stop reference for what to do, shop, see, eat, and experience in your city and beyond. Looking to score a deal? Swirl by DailyCandy features apparel and accessories at up to 70 percent off from the up-and-comers and established brands we love. Our latest addition, DailyCandy Deals, supplies readers with exclusive savings at our favorite local businesses. It's your life, curated by DailyCandy. DailyCandy distributes 3.4 million subscriptions via 28 editions locally and nationally. DailyCandy is a division of Comcast Interactive Media.

SOURCE  DailyCandy

DailyCandy

CONTACT: Meredith Howard, DailyCandy, +1-917-604-3754, mhoward@dailycandy.com

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

onOne Software Announces Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Aperture

New updates to individual products and introduction of Perfect Layers provide photographers with essential tools to quickly achieve high quality results.

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative, timesaving solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers, today announced Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 for Adobe® Photoshop® and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom®.  Tackling specific problems within a photographer's preferred workflow, the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 offers simple yet powerful solutions for color correction, image resizing, masking, professional photographic effects, and now layers for Photoshop Lightroom and Apple Aperture, in one affordable package.  With support for Photoshop CS5, CS4, CS3 and CS2, the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 includes FocalPoint 2, PhotoTune 3, PhotoFrame 4.6, PhotoTools 2.6, MaskPro 4.1, Perfect Resize 7 (the next generation of Genuine Fractals) and the completely new Perfect Layers. 

With this new version of the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5, photographers now have more options for where they use many of the onOne products. Photographers will now have the ability to create layered files that are fully compatible with Photoshop for later editing from within Lightroom and Aperture with the new Perfect Layers.  In addition, for the first time, FocalPoint 2, PhotoTune 3, PhotoFrame 4.6 and Perfect Resize 7 can now be used directly within Lightroom and Aperture without the need for a separate host application.

Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 continues to include full support for Photoshop CS5, CS4, CS3 and CS2. Mask Pro 4.1 which allows photographers to replace backgrounds and make selections and PhotoTools 2.6, which allows photographers to leverage the power of Photoshop to enhance and stylize their images, continue to function directly within Photoshop and do not run as stand-alone applications.

"We are very excited about the new Perfect Photo Suite 5.5," said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software." Since we first started onOne over 5 years ago, our goal has been to help photographers solve specific problems in their digital editing workflow in the easiest way possible while delivering high quality results. In addition to improving the industry leading Genuine Fractals technology with Perfect Resize, we're helping photographers work how and where they want with the introduction of the new Perfect Layers and the other updates in the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5."

"We talk to thousands of photographers every year at events and our online webinars," said Mike Wong, vice president of marketing at onOne. "They consistently ask us to make our products available in a variety of applications so they can use and adapt our products to their specific workflow. We're extremely pleased to offer this functionality now in Perfect Photo Suite 5.5."

Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 includes full versions of the following onOne Software products:

Perfect Resize 7 - the next generation of Genuine Fractals - Based on the same patented algorithms of Genuine Fractals, the newest version of the industry standard for image resizing introduces new Smoothness and Sharpening controls to achieve the highest quality results when enlarging images. In addition, Perfect Resize adds features that make printing easier and faster including the new Loupe Tool for an instant 1:1 magnified preview. The upgrade also adds the ability to save custom Presets, a new Gallery Wrap preview with Auto Corner Fill, and Image Tiling improvements.  Perfect Resize 7 now enables those who prefer a Lightroom or Aperture only workflow to resize a single or batch of images directly within those applications.

Perfect Layers 1 (New!)  - The newest product in the onOne Software line-up provides a fast and easy way to bring a layered workflow to Photoshop Lightroom and Apple Aperture. For those using a Lightroom or Aperture workflow, but not yet using Photoshop, Perfect Layers introduces the ability to create and edit multi-layered Photoshop files.  With Perfect Layers photographers can combine multiple images into a layered Photoshop compatible file, adjust layer size, position, blending mode and opacity and use the built-in layer masks and masking tools to blend multiple layers together.  Perfect Layers will be made available at no cost to current owners of Plug-in Suite 5 as a free upgrade to Perfect Photo Suite 5.5. 

PhotoTools 2.6 - PhotoTools 2.6 adds a dozen new effects to the highly acclaimed Photoshop plug-in that allows photographers of all skill levels to maximize the full power of Photoshop with its ability to preview and combine Photoshop Actions in a single, intuitive interface. Designed by photographers for photographers, PhotoTools 2.6 now includes the Masking Bug control, based on the Focus Bug control from the award-winning FocalPoint plug-in, to selectively apply effects to images.  PhotoTools 2.6 now has a total library of close to 300 effects that photographers can easily browse, preview and combine to create images that truly stand out. 

PhotoFrame 4.6 - With PhotoFrame 4.6, you can add the perfect finishing touch to your images and layouts with new backgrounds, layouts and adornments.  With over one thousand design elements like film edges, borders, textures, backgrounds and adornments, PhotoFrame 4.6 even has complete layouts where users can simply drop an image in and they are done. It is the easiest and fastest way to add an authentic darkroom touch with a film edge or to create beautiful albums or scrapbook pages. Photographers can now use PhotoFrame 4.6 directly within Lightroom and Aperture.

FocalPoint 2 - Like bringing the camera lens inside Photoshop, FocalPoint 2 gives photographers the best way to add the most realistic depth of field and selective focus control to any image after it is photographed. Photographers now have an incredible amount of flexibility and control over the look of the blur with FocalPoint 2's new blur algorithm, FocusBrush, Lens Presets and multiple FocusBug features.  Photographers can now use FocalPoint 2 directly within Lightroom and Aperture.

PhotoTune 3 - Getting great color doesn't have to be so hard.  PhotoTune 3 uses a patented technology to optimize the dynamic range, color and sharpness of images so that they look more true-to-life. The improved Wizard offers fast color and tone correction in as little as two steps while giving pro users direct access to advanced and innovative controls. SkinTune, which represents two years of research and analysis of thousands of skin tones, now offers one-click color correction of portraits and the option to correct just the skin in an image.  Photographers can now use PhotoTune 3 directly within Lightroom and Aperture.

MaskPro 4.1 - For those times when you need to extract a subject from a photo, Mask Pro 4 uses a color-based method that allows users to easily remove unwanted backgrounds from your photos. Mask Pro's unique Color Decontamination technology allows users to get realistic results by maintaining transparency in hard to mask objects like hair, smoke and glass in a fraction of the time using traditional tools.

Availability

The new Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 will be available in December 2010 to owners of Plug-In Suite 5 as a free upgrade at no additional cost and to new users for $499.95. Purchased separately the products would normally cost $1,460.  Existing owners of Plug-in Suite version 1, 2, 3 or 4 can upgrade to the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 for $199.95. Customers who own one or more of the products in Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 will be able to upgrade as well by visiting http://www.ononesoftware.com/upgrade/.  For more information on the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5, please visit http://www.ononesoftware.com/.

About onOne Software

onOne Software, Inc. a leading developer of innovative software tools for photographers, develops time-saving software solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers. onOne Software solutions have been created to help photographers spend more of their time behind the camera taking pictures instead of the computer workstation. Such solutions include a wide range of easy-to-use applications and plug-in enhancements for Adobe® Photoshop®, Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Lightroom, Apple Aperture and iPhone applications. Founded in 2005, onOne Software is a privately held company located in Portland, Oregon. For additional information, visit http://www.ononesoftware.com/ or call 1-888-968-1468.

    General press inquiries: press@ononesoftware.com
    Online press center: http://www.ononesoftware.com/press/
    onOne Software Blog: http://www.ononesoftware.com/blog
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/onOneSoftware
    Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/onOneSoftware

© 2010 onOne Software. All rights reserved. onOne Software and the onOne Software logo are registered trademarks in the United States, and all are the property of onOne Software. Adobe and Photoshop are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE  onOne Software

onOne Software

CONTACT: Company Contact: Mike Wong, onOne Software, mwong@ononesoftware.com, +1-503-968-1468 x 121; or Press Contact: Addy Roff, onOne Software, aroff@ononesoftware.com, +1-503-968-1468 x 137

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

onOne Software Introduces Perfect Layers for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Apple Aperture

New product provides photographers with streamlined functionality for creating and working with layers, offering new creative possibilities.

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative, timesaving solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers, today introduced Perfect Layers, a new addition to the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5, also announced today.  Perfect Layers gives photographers the ability to easily create and work with layered files in their workflow application of choice and to bring those files directly into Photoshop.  Perfect Layers supports the creation of layered files that can be opened and edited by Adobe® Photoshop® software and can be used directly from within Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® software, Adobe Bridge and Apple Aperture.

"The ability to use layers in Lightroom is one of the most important developments around Lightroom since it first shipped," said Scott Kelby, Editor-in-Chief of Photoshop User magazine. "This takes Lightroom's workflow efficiency to a whole new level. The impact Perfect Layers is going to have on photographers using Lightroom makes it a game changer! This is going to be the must-have plug-in for Lightroom."

"Through our partnership with the National Association of Photoshop Professionals and from invaluable insight gained from Scott Kelby, we're excited to get Perfect Layers into the hands of digital photographers everywhere," said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. "As more and more photographers adopt programs like Lightroom and Aperture, providing the ability to use layered files in their existing workflow confirms our commitment to solving real-world problems for the digital photographer."

Top Features in Perfect Layers:

Create Layered Files: Create, open or merge and work with layered Photoshop files with Perfect Layers.  Using Perfect Layers customers can merge two or more exposures of the same scene into a single image or even create a montage or album page layout.  The files created by Perfect Layers can be opened by Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements for additional editing if desired.

Adjust Layers:  The streamlined interface in Perfect Layers contains all the controls needed to size, align, reorder and rotate layers.  A number of useful blending modes offer the ability to dramatically alter images by changing the brightness, altering the color or even creating special effects.  All the adjustments can be easily modified.

Blend Layers: Control how much of each layer is visible by using the masking tools created originally for PhotoTools 2.6 and FocalPoint 2.  Similar to using a layer mask, the Masking Brush can be used to reveal or hide selected areas of a layer.  Users can quickly create vignettes or graduated filters by using round or square gradients available with the intuitive Masking Bug control. The masking tools are non-destructive and can even be re-edited with Photoshop.

Availability

Perfect Layers will be available as a free public preview by the end of 2010 and will be available in early 2011 as a standalone product for $159.95 and as part of the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5. Owners of Plug-In Suite 5 can upgrade to Perfect Photo Suite 5.5, which will include Perfect Layers, at no additional cost. Owners of Plug-In Suite 1, 2, 3 or 4 can upgrade to the Perfect Photo Suite for $199.95. Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 is available to new customers for $499.95; purchased separately the 7 products would normally cost $1,460.  For more information on upgrade options visit http://www.ononesoftware.com/upgrade.  For more information on the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5, visit http://www.ononesoftware.com.

About onOne Software

onOne Software, Inc. a leading developer of innovative software tools for photographers, develops time-saving software solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers. onOne Software solutions have been created to help photographers spend more of their time behind the camera taking pictures instead of the computer workstation. Such solutions include a wide range of easy-to-use applications and plug-in enhancements for Adobe® Photoshop®, Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Lightroom, Apple Aperture and iPhone applications. Founded in 2005, onOne Software is a privately held company located in Portland, Oregon. For additional information, visit http://www.ononesoftware.com or call 1-888-968-1468.

    General press inquiries: press@ononesoftware.com
    Online press center: http://www.ononesoftware.com/press
    onOne Software Blog: http://www.ononesoftware.com/blog
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/onOneSoftware
    Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/onOneSoftware

© 2010 onOne Software. All rights reserved. onOne Software and the onOne Software logo are registered trademarks in the United States, and all are the property of onOne Software. Adobe and Photoshop are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE  onOne Software

onOne Software

CONTACT: Company Contact: Mike Wong, onOne Software, mwong@ononesoftware.com, +1-503-968-1468 x 121; Press Contact: Addy Roff, onOne Software, aroff@ononesoftware.com, +1-503-968-1468 x 137

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

onOne Software Announces Perfect Resize for Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Lightroom

The next generation of Genuine Fractals includes new features to optimize image enlargement quality and time saving interface enhancements to help photographers quickly create high quality images

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ --onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative, timesaving solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers, today announced Perfect Resize, one component of the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 for Adobe® Photoshop® and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom®, that was also announced today.  The next generation of Genuine Fractals technology, Perfect Resize adds new features for achieving sharp detail when enlarging images, new gallery wrap and tiling options, and interface enhancements for photographers who want to make the highest quality prints.  Perfect Resize supports Photoshop CS5, CS4, CS3 and CS2 and can now be used directly from within Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Apple Aperture without the need for a separate host application.

"We are very pleased to introduce Perfect Resize and the new capabilities that build on Genuine Fractals, the industry standard for image resizing," said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. "For photographers who print for themselves or their clients, continuing to improve image detail in their enlargements and to quickly create popular Gallery Wraps is critical for their business. We are dedicated to continually offering added value and improving on our best in class tools to help photographers achieve outstanding results quickly and easily."

New Features in Perfect Resize, the next generation of Genuine Fractals:

NEW Smoothness Control: Designed for the demanding photographer, the new Smoothness control allows users to adjust the smoothness of curved edges to minimize artifacts. This new feature is very useful when resizing images and is especially valuable when working with lower resolution source files or when an extreme crop is required from a higher resolution source file.

NEW Loupe Tool: With the new Loupe feature, photographers can get an instant 1:1 or 100% magnified preview of enlargement quality while still seeing the entire image with the Loupe function of the Navigator. 

NEW Presets: Photographers can now achieve consistent results in less time by saving commonly used settings with the new Presets feature. Photographers who routinely send images to labs will benefit by creating a preset that allows them to resize the image, apply a specific sharpening amount and apply a gallery wrap all in one step. Stock photographers who need to resize batches of images before submitting them will also benefit from this new feature as well.

NEW Sharpening Methods: Two new sharpening methods allow photographers to sharpen small details without causing halos on larger, distinct edges. The first sharpening method targets out-of-focus images and the second method adapts the sharpening amount automatically to the size of image details.

Work Directly with Lightroom and Aperture: Perfect Resize has improved integration with Photoshop Lightroom and Apple Aperture and no longer requires a host application to get amazing results when enlarging an image.  Of course, it still works within Adobe Photoshop as well.

Improved Gallery Wrap: Photographers can now preview the Perfect Resize gallery wrap results in real time. This allows users to quickly fine tune their settings for the perfect gallery wrap. Additionally, gallery wrap corners are automatically filled in with matching image detail from the surrounding area. While it may not sound like much, the improvements to this feature alone will save photographers hours of time when assembling their gallery wrap.

Improved Tiling: The Tiling feature now automatically saves each tile as new file instead of individual layers in a single file. This makes it much easier to save and print individual tiles especially if you send these tiles out to a print service provider. Additionally, because each tile is its own file, you can easily create canvas diptychs, triptychs or mosaics with and the improved gallery wrap feature.

Batch Processing Enhancements: Easily work with images of mixed size, type and orientation with more batch-processing engine options.  Save time by batch processing images from the Export dialog inside of Lightroom.

Misc Improvements: Additional enhancements include presets for common printer resolutions, improved progress indicators, improved film grain simulation, the ability to arbitrarily rotate the crop box and a faster, smoother image previewing experience.

Availability

Perfect Resize will be available in early December as a standalone product and as a part of the new Perfect Photo Suite 5.5.  Owners of Genuine Fractals 6 or earlier can upgrade to Perfect Resize for $99.95 or to the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 for $349.95.  Owners of Plug-In Suite 5 are eligible for a free upgrade to Perfect Photo Suite 5.5, which includes Perfect Resize 7.

Users who purchase Genuine Fractals 6 on or after September 27, 2010 will receive a free upgrade to Perfect Resize 7 when it ships in early December 2010.

Owners of Plug-In Suite 1, 2, 3 or 4 can upgrade to the Perfect Photo Suite for $199.95. Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 is available to new customers for $499.95; purchased separately the 7 products would normally cost $1460.  For more information on upgrade options visit http://www.ononesoftware.com/upgrade/.  For more information on the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5, visit http://www.ononesoftware.com/.

About onOne Software

onOne Software, Inc. a leading developer of innovative software tools for photographers, develops time-saving software solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers. onOne Software solutions have been created to help photographers spend more of their time behind the camera taking pictures instead of the computer workstation. Such solutions include a wide range of easy-to-use applications and plug-in enhancements for Adobe® Photoshop®, Photoshop Elements, Photoshop Lightroom, Apple Aperture and iPhone applications. Founded in 2005, onOne Software is a privately held company located in Portland, Oregon. For additional information, visit http://www.ononesoftware.com/ or call 1-888-968-1468.

    General press inquiries: press@ononesoftware.com
    Online press center: http://www.ononesoftware.com/press/
    onOne Software Blog: http://www.ononesoftware.com/blog
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/onOneSoftware
    Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/onOneSoftware

© 2010 onOne Software. All rights reserved. onOne Software and the onOne Software logo are registered trademarks in the United States, and all are the property of onOne Software. Adobe and Photoshop are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE  onOne Software

onOne Software

CONTACT: Mike Wong, mwong@ononesoftware.com, +1-503-968-1468 x 121, or Press, Addy Roff, aroff@ononesoftware.com, +1-503-968-1468 x 137, both of onOne Software

Residents of Anna, Illinois to Benefit From Verizon Wireless Network Enhancement

New Cell Site Means Clearer Reception, Fewer Dropped Calls

CARBONDALE, Ill., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ --VerizonWireless, the wireless company with the highest customer loyalty, has activated a new cell site in Anna, which will enable more customers to use their wireless phones and air cards to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

The new cell site improves Verizon Wireless voice and data coverage between Anna and Cobden.

"Network reliability is the No. 1 reason that customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless," said Brendan Fallis, president-Kansas/Missouri Region, Verizon Wireless. "Getting through on the first try and maintaining a connection are important to our customers. We continue to optimize our network so that it remains the most reliable in the nation."

This network improvement is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to expand coverage, improve capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Missouri and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $60 billion since it was formed--$5.7 billion on average every year--to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. Nearly $1.3 billion of this investment has been spent in Illinois since 2000.  In 2009, the company invested more than $166 million in its Illinois network.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, Nasdaq: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Brenda Hill of Verizon Wireless, +1-913-344-2922, Brenda.Hill@verizonwireless.com, Twitter: @BrendaVZW; or Suzanne Sierra, +1-314-725-5645, suzanne@sequel-llc.com, Twitter: @suzierra, for Verizon Wireless

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

BodyMedia FIT(TM) Mobile App Now Available on the App Store and Android Market

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- BodyMedia today announced its BodyMedia FIT Mobile App is now available from the App Store and Android Market. The App lets iPhone® and iPod® touch users as well as Android(TM) smartphone users manage their weight and fitness, allowing consumers to see their physical activity, steps taken and calorie intake right on their device. The BodyMedia system is clinically proven to help people lose three times more weight than those that tried to lose weight on their own.  The system provides consumers with important information about their calorie burn and calories consumed.

First, for current BodyMedia FIT Armband wearers, a free App will allow them to log their food and see a snapshot of their personal Activity Manager throughout the day on their phones and select mobile devices.  The information will be based upon the last sync of their Armband to the online BodyMedia FIT Activity Manager, an innovative software dashboard that collects, analyzes and displays various body measurements.

"We often hear that consumers struggle to understand how to make good food and fitness choices throughout the day," said Christine Robins, CEO, BodyMedia. "Now, with the new BodyMedia FIT Mobile App, consumers will be able to access information to understand their calorie burn, number of steps, and activity level throughout their day. Plus, they will be able to check calorie content of foods before making choices and log their food on the run. By transforming their iPhone, iPod touch or Android device into a powerful tool for making food and exercise choices, consumers will be able to use BodyMedia's clinically proven technology as a constant motivator to better achieve their goals."

In addition to the new App, BodyMedia will soon introduce the new BodyMedia FIT Armband BW, which utilizes Bluetooth® wireless technology and sends information to users' fingertips by communicating directly with their mobile devices.  Through this new generation technology, users can see their up to the minute calorie input vs. output and understand their calorie balance. The integrated Bluetooth App also offers the feature to create a personalized workout based upon users' caloric, activity or step targets.

For BodyMedia FIT Activity Manager users, the BodyMedia FIT Mobile App is available for FREE from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at http://www.itunes.com/appstore/.  Android device users can download the App from the Market.  Consumers can pre-order the BodyMedia FIT Armband BW exclusively at http://www.amazon.com beginning October 31st for shipment November 15th.  BodyMedia FIT BW will also be available at BodyMedia.com on November 15th.   

About BodyMedia, Inc.

When your body talks, BodyMedia listens.  BodyMedia has been unlocking and deciphering the patterns of the body since 1999. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, BodyMedia is the pioneer in developing wearable body monitoring systems designed to help people lose weight, improve performance, and live healthier lives. Our patented multi-sensor technology provides comfortable, convenient, continuous body-monitoring that measures physical activity and calories with greater-than-90% accuracy.

At BodyMedia, we are jazzed by the potential of putting this vital information directly into the hands of individuals, empowering them to take charge and improve their lives.  No wonder BodyMedia measures success not only in financial milestones, but in the way we've changed how over hundreds of thousands of users can take control, stay motivated and reach their health goals. For more information, visit http://www.bodymedia.com.

SOURCE  BodyMedia

BodyMedia

CONTACT: Lauren Berg, lberg@skirtpr.com, or Caryn Schoenbeck, cschoenbeck@skirtpr.com, both of SKIRT Public Relations for BodyMedia, +1-773-661-0700

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

Residents of Southern Illinois and Paducah, Kentucky to Benefit From Verizon Wireless Network Enhancement

New Cell Site Means Clearer Reception, Fewer Dropped Calls

PADUCAH, Ky., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the wireless company with the highest customer loyalty, has activated a new cell site in Metropolis, which will enable more customers to use their wireless phones and air cards to make calls; send and receive email and text, picture and video messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones, while enjoying clearer reception and fewer dropped calls.

The new cell site improves Verizon Wireless voice and data coverage in southern Illinois between Metropolis and Paducah, Kentucky.

"Network reliability is the No. 1 reason that customers choose and stay with Verizon Wireless," said Brendan Fallis, president-Kansas/Missouri Region, Verizon Wireless. "Getting through on the first try and maintaining a connection are important to our customers. We continue to optimize our network so that it remains the most reliable in the nation."

This network improvement is part of Verizon Wireless' continual effort to expand coverage, improve capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network in Missouri and throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $60 billion since it was formed--$5.7 billion on average every year--to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. Nearly $1.3 billion of this investment has been spent in Illinois since 2000.  In 2009, the company invested more than $166 million in its Illinois network.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with  more than 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, Nasdaq: VOD).  For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE  Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Brenda Hill of Verizon Wireless, +1-913-344-2922, Brenda.Hill@verizonwireless.com, Twitter: @VZW; or Suzanne Sierra, +1-314-725-5645, suzanne@sequel-llc.com, Twitter: @suzierra, for Verizon Wireless

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

AT&T Brings Mobile Broadband Network to Berkshire County

Local Western Massachusetts Wireless Network Upgrade Extends Access to Advanced Products, Services and Applications

PITTSFIELD, Mass., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced the availability of its mobile broadband network in Berkshire County, extending access for advanced mobile services, devices and feature-rich audio and video content to customers in Agawam, Becket, Blandford, East Hampton, Granville, Great Barrington, Haydenville, Hinsdale, Holyoke, Huntington, Lee, Lenox, Northampton, Otis, parts of Pittsfield, Russell, Sheffield, Southampton, Southwick, Washington, Westhampton, West Stockbridge, Westfield and the surrounding areas. Additional towns, including the remaining areas of Pittsfield, are scheduled to come online in the next several days. 

AT&T is an industry leader in delivering the benefits of mobile broadband networks, devices and applications. With the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience.

"I'm pleased to see AT&T expanding services and investing in Berkshire County. Access to a 3G network is just one step to eliminating the digital divide in western Massachusetts," said State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield). "I look forward to future investments that help residents of western Mass enjoy their communities and participate fully in the global economy."

"We are thrilled to bring our 3G network to western Mass. We know that demand for wireless bandwidth is growing rapidly, whether it's for sharing video and photos with friends, watching a movie, checking the latest scores, or listening to music on a phone, netbook or other on-the-go devices," said Steve Krom, vice president and general manager, AT&T New England. "With this expansion, our customers can enjoy the nation's best, most advanced mobile broadband experience with emerging devices and tens of thousands of mobile applications."

The expansion of mobile broadband service is one of many ongoing network initiatives planned to enhance coverage and capacity across the country. AT&T recently upgraded 3G cell sites nationwide to High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2. Future plans include another upgrade to HSPA+ technology at the end of this year followed by the initial deployment next year of LTE, the next-generation of wireless technology. These advancements, when combined with an ongoing initiative to increase the number of high-speed backhaul connections to cell sites, are a part of AT&T's strategy to provide customers with an enhanced mobile broadband experience, both today and in the future.

AT&T's mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in 200 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on more than 140 major cruise ships, as well as mobile broadband services in more than 125 countries.

AT&T also owns and operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** with more than 23,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to more than 125,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our U.S. Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly data plans.

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

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

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

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

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE®magazine.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. Find us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at http://www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

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

SOURCE  AT&T Inc.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Kate MacKinnon of AT&T Inc., +1-508-271-8442, kate.mackinnon@att.com

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

Open Enrollment Goes Virtual: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Launches Virtual Open Enrollment Center, Allowing Companies to More Easily Engage Employees

Virtual Center is Fast and Accessible

ATLANTA, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- For medium and large organizations, providing employees with complete, comprehensive and consistent information during open enrollment can be challenging.  To help businesses reach and engage their employees more easily, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) has launched a Virtual Open Enrollment center, an easy to use, easy to understand interactive 3-D environment, which can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/23hkhqg.

"The virtual enrollment center is another way that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is delivering the best value to our customers and the members we serve," said Morgan Kendrick, President, BCBSGA.  "Many businesses tell us they want to improve their systems to more effectively and efficiently communicate important benefit information to their employees.  The BCBSGA virtual open enrollment center, designed with input from businesses, was created to meet this need. Ultimately, we believe this will help individuals make the best benefit choices to fit their unique circumstances."

With the virtual enrollment center, employees can access benefits information at their convenience in a single intuitive and interactive location.  Upon entering the site, a user will see a 3-D design with their company's logo and a video spokesperson delivering personalized messages.  The center has scrolling marquees providing up to date messaging. The user can easily find enrollment information through simple key word searches.  In addition, the virtual enrollment center has a content library, housing enrollment materials, documents that can be downloaded, and web links to additional information such as health plan details, provider lists, prescription information and other available health programs. 

This is also a valuable resource for human resource departments as they can easily maintain and publish content. The virtual enrollment center gives them the ability to efficiently reach all employees, increase visibility within the organization, track the number of visitors and monitor the usage.   

"BCBSGA's virtual open enrollment center has been a great resource for our business and our employees," said Hazel Davis, manager, health and welfare plans for Albemarle Corporation.  "We began using this new system last week and already our employee engagement has increased, and the employee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.  Our employees are able to access the center at their convenience, helping them to more effectively select the best benefits for themselves and their families.  We have been looking for a way to increase employee engagement and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's virtual open enrollment center has been a perfect solution."

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association® . The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is available at http://www.bcbsga.com.

SOURCE  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia

CONTACT: Cheryl Monkhouse, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, +1-404-210-1362, Cheryl.monkhouse@bcbsga.com

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

Southwest Airlines Announces Onboard WiFi Pricing

DALLAS, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, at Southwest Airlines' Media Day 2010, pricing for Southwest Airlines WiFi HOTSPOT was announced. Southwest will offer WiFi onboard its fleet at a special introductory flat rate of $5 per flight for any device or flight length. Southwest is able to offer this price point and tailor the Customer Experience with the satellite-based technology provided by Row 44. To view a video of how WiFi is installed on the Southwest fleet, visit http://www.swamedia.com. Southwest partnered with Row 44 and began testing WiFi on four aircraft in 2009. Today, Southwest has 32 WiFi-enabled planes.

"Southwest tested a number of different pricing points throughout this process and is pleased that we will offer one low fee for this service, making it easy for Customers to know what to expect," said Dave Ridley, Southwest's Vice President Marketing and Revenue Management. "We are excited to have WiFi on our flights. This technology will make our Customers' experience even better."

Customers on a WiFi-enabled aircraft will be greeted with the newly designed WiFi HOTSPOT placard onboard the aircraft. When opening the Southwest Airlines WiFi HOTSPOT browser, Customers will be taken to a home page that houses content free of charge. Free content includes a flight tracker, games, shopping on Skymall and Home Shopping Network, and access to http://www.southwest.com. To read a blog post about WiFi, visit:  http://www.blogsouthwest.com

Customers will receive an e-mail prior to their flight informing them they will be on a WiFi-enabled aircraft.  Southwest plans to have 60 WiFi-enabled aircraft by year end and the entire fleet of 737-700s (346 aircraft) enabled by the end of 2012.  To learn more about Southwest Airlines WiFi HOTSPOT, visit http://www.southwest.com/wifi. 

After nearly 40 years of service, Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other low fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service.  Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Beginning March 13, 2011, Southwest will initiate service in Charleston and Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet.  To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM).  Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide.

http://www.southwest.com

SOURCE  Southwest Airlines

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Southwest Airlines

CONTACT: Southwest Airlines Public Relations, +1-214-792-4847

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

Easynews Launches New Web-based Usenet Search Interface

PHOENIX, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- EASYNEWS.COM, the world's original and one-of-a-kind browser-based Usenet newsgroup provider, today announced the launch of its brand new web-based Usenet search interface.

This new interface is much more than just a shiny new coat of paint: it's a cleaner, faster, more effective search tool. It provides easier searches and displays search results in a familiar and user-friendly thumbnail gallery-style format to easily preview files before downloading. Additional advanced search options allow users to quickly sort through posts on Easynews' 100,000+ newsgroups using a variety of criteria, giving users more flexibility and control over their Usenet experience.  Easynews also has an upgraded zip manager that gives users the ability to setup a zip queue for marking files you want to download later.

Easynews Usenet features include: 650 days of binary retention, secure 256-bit encrypted access via SSL, and a mind blowing unlimited simultaneous connections. Easynews Big Gig plan users will enjoy free Unlimited NNTP while other subscription plans have the option to upgrade to unlimited traditional NNTP access for an additional $9.95 per month.

Additional Easynews service enhancements such as PayPal support, text group filters and support for mobile browsing and zip queue management will continue to be introduced over the coming months to further expand the overall Easynews offerings.

About Easynews.com

Easynews is the most versatile and flexible Usenet provider in the world, offering a unique, simple, easy, user friendly and proprietary browser-based interface that eliminates the need for any third-party newsreader client software installation.  Subscribers are able to search, preview and download files directly from their favorite web browser from any location in the world. With over 15 years of service and expertise, Easynews continues to provide premium and all-inclusive web based Usenet access to users worldwide.

For more information regarding Easynews or the Easynews service, please visit http://www.Easynews.com. Support is also available 24x7 at support@easynews.com

SOURCE  Easynews

Easynews

CONTACT: Jamison Taffel, +1-407-215-2468, email@easynews.com

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

CCH's New eBooks Provide Instant Intelligence to Professionals, at the Office or on the Go

CCH's Most Popular Book Titles for Tax and Accounting Professionals Now Available on Desktop, Laptop, Mobile Devices

RIVERWOODS, Ill., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The most popular CCH books that tax and accounting professionals rely on for answers, guidance and insight are now easier than ever to access and read with CCH's new eBooks. The perfect complement to the same titles in print, CCH eBooks add new levels of convenience, mobility and productivity for professionals - whether at the office, or on the train. CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business, is a global leading provider of tax, accounting and audit information, software and services (CCHGroup.com).

"CCH is an integral part of our customers' workflow, which means we're as mobile as they are," said CCH President and CEO Mike Sabbatis. "Our new eBooks are part of our overall commitment to ensure that however professionals choose to work, CCH resources will be right there at their fingertips."

Enhanced mobility is just one of the new benefits eBooks offer. The digital eBook format also increases productivity and speeds research time, with easy navigation and features enabling users to perform key word searches, bookmark frequently used references and drill deeper into research with embedded links.

"Our eBooks offer a new link to productivity and are designed to make professionals as efficient and effective as possible - wherever they are," said Sabbatis.

Access to Instant Intelligence

Whether it's the 900-page CCH U.S. Master Tax Guide or a multi-volume publication, CCH eBooks are easily downloaded to desktop and laptop computers, as well as mobile devices including the iPhone® and iPad®.

The eBook version offers all of the same authoritative content as the print version, with these additional benefits:

    --  Multiple reading options;
    --  Ability to create bookmarks easily;
    --  Ability to select single or double page, or full-width view;
    --  Keyword search capabilities;
    --  Embedded internal links;
    --  Navigation options; and
    --  Ability to bookmark your favorite locations.

Other eBook benefits include the ability to: Transfer/share your CCH eBooks on up to six computers (Mac or PC) and/or devices that support Adobe® Digital Editions which are licensed to you; and print up to 25 eBook pages each week.

eBooks Offer Comprehensive Coverage

All of CCH's most popular titles are now available as eBooks, including best-selling resources in the areas of:

    --  Federal Tax;
    --  Federal Tax - Business Entities;
    --  International Tax;
    --  Multistate Tax;
    --  Sales and Use Tax;
    --  State Tax;
    --  Textbooks;
    --  Accounting & Audit;
    --  Finance; and
    --  Estate Planning.

For More Information and Availability

For more information on CCH eBook titles, please visit CCHGroup.com/eBooks or contact Customer Service at 800-248-3248.

About CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business

CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business (CCHGroup.com) is the leading global provider of tax, accounting and audit information, software and services. It has served tax, accounting and business professionals since 1913.

Among its market-leading solutions are The ProSystem fx® Suite, CorpSystem®, CCH® IntelliConnect®, Accounting Research Manager® and the U.S. Master Tax Guide®. CCH is based in Riverwoods, Ill. Wolters Kluwer (http://www.wolterskluwer.com) is a market-leading global information services company. Wolters Kluwer is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Its shares are quoted on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices.

SOURCE  CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business

CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business

CONTACT: Leslie Bonacum, +1-847-267-7153, mediahelp@cch.com, or Eric Scott, +1-847-267-2179, eric.scott@wolterskluwer.com, both of CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business

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

Hot Studio Partners With Blurb on Bookify

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Hot Studio, a people-centered experience design company, played a major role in designing Bookify, an online bookmaking tool developed to streamline the creation of beautiful, high-quality photo books. Bookify was created for and in collaboration with Blurb, a creative publishing and marketing platform that makes it easy for everyone to design, publish, market, and sell books.

Bookify is the latest addition to Blurb's complete suite of award-winning bookmaking tools. It offers users a streamlined experience by presenting a selection of Blurb's most popular layouts, themes, and fonts in an online tool that requires no download. Users can import photos from photo-sharing websites or their own computer, and using simple, familiar methods, drag and drop images directly onto a page that can design itself. Bookify's various capabilities cater to people who only have 30 minutes, and to those who want to spend more time creating. "If your goal is to make a knock-em dead photo book, tonight, Bookify is for you," said Eileen Gittins, Blurb's founder and CEO.

Hot Studio helped create this unique Rich Internet Application following an iterative design process with Blurb's staff. Knowing Bookify had to serve a wide audience, user feedback was critical in formulating the best experience possible. Hot Studio was able to leverage its in-house testing capabilities, using prototypes, to get meaningful feedback, which was incorporated into Bookify's design.

"Working with Blurb was a dream," said Maria Giudice, Hot Studio founder and CEO. "Our companies worked together as one team to create Bookify. We love to work with creative companies, like Blurb, that believe in the power of collaboration."

About Hot Studio

Hot Studio, with offices in San Francisco and New York City, has been designing innovative, award-winning experiences since 1997. For more information visit http://www.hotstudio.com.

About Blurb

Blurb is a creative publishing and marketing platform that unleashes the creative genius in everyone. Blurb's platform makes it easy to design, publish, market, and sell professional-quality books. For more information, visit http://www.blurb.com.

SOURCE  Hot Studio

Hot Studio

CONTACT: Rajan Dev of Hot Studio, +1-415-284-7250, rajan@hotstudio.com

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

Really Simple Systems Bring Free CRM to Market

- Really Simple Systems Free Edition provides SMBs with two-user web-based CRM that's free, forever -

LONDON, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Really Simple Systems - http://www.reallysimplesystems.com - the largest UK vendor of Cloud CRM systems, today announces the launch of Really Simple Systems Free Edition; a free CRM version of the vendor's flagship web-based CRM product that gives users the software and hosting for a two-user sales system free of charge, forever. This change in strategy is part of the company's plan to be the largest global Cloud CRM vendor in terms of users in the next three years.

Really Simple Systems Free Edition is a complete Sales Force Automation web-based CRM system, including Account, Contact and Opportunity management, sales forecasting and reporting. Really Simple Systems free CRM supports up to 100 Accounts, 100Mb of document storage and users can add more users and storage from $8 a month. John Paterson, CEO of Really Simple Systems, comments, "If you've ever been put off Cloud CRM systems because of the cost or complexity, then this is the system for you."

Existing customers with one or two users, who could currently be paying up to $90 a month, can downgrade to the Free Edition as soon as their existing subscriptions end. For those who are paying monthly by credit card, this change will be immediate. Once users reach the limit of what can be achieved within the boundaries of the Free and Premium editions, they can upgrade to Really Simple Systems Enterprise Edition for Marketing, Customer Service & Support and the Really Simple Systems API (Application Programme Interface) that was launched in August.

Commenting on what has prompted the company to pursue this new strategy, Paterson says, "Cloud Computing offers customers a radical new way to buy sophisticated applications at a low cost. By making Cloud CRM really easy to use, Really Simple Systems can deliver free CRM without the expense of a high touch sales and support process, passing this saving to the customer."

Paterson concludes, "Really Simple Systems currently has over 2,000 customers, and the prediction is that we will sign around 10,000 new Free Edition users over the next twelve months. Of those 10,000 we only expect about 1,000 to upgrade to a paid-for system. We're going to make life tough not just for conventional CRM vendors, but for Cloud vendors with high prices and high cost bases."

About Really Simple Systems

Really Simple Systems Hosted CRM is aimed at small and medium sized organizations with between 5 and 200 people who want a straightforward web-based CRM sales, marketing and support system. The hosted model is particularly suitable for companies with multiple locations and sales people who work remotely or at home. Really Simple Systems, winner of the Software Satisfaction Award in 2008 and 2010, is the largest United Kingdom provider of hosted CRM systems with offices in the UK, North America and Australia. Users include the Royal Academy of Arts, the British Library, the Red Cross, NHS and the Department of Health as well as many small and medium sized companies.

    For further information, please contact:
    John Paterson
    Really Simple Systems
    Tel +44 (0)1730 823300

    Max Deeley / Krista Le Beau
    itpr
    Tel +44 (0)1932 578 800

SOURCE  Really Simple Systems

Really Simple Systems

CONTACT: John Paterson of Really Simple Systems, +44 (0)1730 823300; or Max Deeley or Krista Le Beau, both of itpr, +44 (0)1932 578 800

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

Microsoft Outlines Opportunity in the Cloud and on Devices at Professional Developers Conference 2010

Highlights Pixar Animation Studios' adoption of Windows Azure, and customer momentum for Windows 7, Internet Explorer 9 and Windows Phone 7.

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference (PDC), Microsoft Corp. showcased how developers can build applications in the cloud to power rich, immersive device experiences. In addition to the developers in attendance at the company's corporate campus in Redmond, Wash., the event was broadcast live over the Web, and reached more than 20,000 developers at over 200 PDC events held around the world.

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During the keynote address, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Server and Tools Business President Bob Muglia showed how the company is advancing the Microsoft platform, spanning the PC, phone and cloud. Microsoft specifically highlighted the momentum of Windows Azure, Windows 7, Internet Explorer 9 and Windows Phone 7 and the opportunity for developers today and in the future.

"Microsoft is combining the power and reach of the cloud with both Web and local device experiences," Ballmer said. "There has never been a better time for developers to bet on Microsoft."

Customer Momentum

Since the commercial availability of Windows Azure was announced earlier this year, Microsoft has seen strong growth with close to 20,000 applications to date. Demonstrating its RenderMan application during the keynote address, Pixar Animation Studios showed how it intends to use Windows Azure to more efficiently manage compute cycles by scaling as needed, helping improve project performance and eliminate costly back-end infrastructure.

NVoicePay, a key technology partner of Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP), is using Windows Azure and SQL Azure to provide medium-sized companies with the ability to pay invoices electronically and via a desktop PC or a mobile device.

"Building a mission-critical B2B payment network would have been nearly impossible without the low-cost, pay-as-you-go access of the Windows Azure platform," said Karla Friede, chief executive officer of NVoicePay. "We could not have built our network at this speed and cost without it."

Microsoft also highlighted that over 70 partners -- including Twitter, Facebook, and Amazon.com -- representing more than two-thirds of active Web traffic are building on the capabilities in Internet Explorer 9 and HTML5. Since the launch of Internet Explorer 9 beta in September, there have been more than 10 million downloads, making it the fastest-adopted version of an Internet Explorer beta ever. The company also highlighted a growing list of companies that are betting on Windows Phone 7, including PopCap Games Inc., Intuit Inc., Amazon.com and Facebook. Further, Microsoft announced that the Windows Phone Marketplace will launch with more than 1,000 quality games and applications that extend the unique user interface and functionality of Windows Phone 7. The Windows Phone Marketplace will be open for application submission on Nov. 3.

The Most Comprehensive Operating System for Platform as a Service: Windows Azure

With the capabilities in Windows Azure, Muglia showed how developers can apply their existing skills to build new types of business applications, consumer Web applications and commercial ISV offerings.

"Only Windows Azure delivers general-purpose PaaS, which gives developers the breadth of services needed to allow them to focus on their applications and not the underlying infrastructure or virtualizing machines," Muglia said. "Imagine having all of the IT infrastructure, hardware, OS and tools you need to support an app just a few mouse clicks away--it opens up so many possibilities for developers worldwide. We are looking forward to seeing the amazing things our customers will build on our PaaS offering."

The On-Ramp to PaaS: Moving Applications to the Cloud

For existing applications, one option for customers is to move workloads to the cloud, using virtual machines to help lower traditional cost and management burdens. Today Muglia announced two new Microsoft capabilities for Windows Azure to enable customers to get on the path to platform as a service (PaaS): Windows Azure Virtual Machine Role and Server Application Virtualization. Windows Azure Virtual Machine Role gives customers the ability to run an instance of Windows Server 2008 R2 running in Microsoft's cloud, making it easier for developers to move applications to the cloud. Server Application Virtualization gives developers the ability to transfer application images to Windows Azure, harnessing the underlying management capabilities of the platform.

Enhancing and Transforming Applications in the Cloud

Microsoft announced a number of Windows Azure services that also help developers create rich cloud applications that open up new business opportunities. To enable this, Microsoft introduced the Windows Azure AppFabric Composition Model to speed the process of assembling services by providing critical application deployment and management capabilities. To better connect developers to customers, Microsoft announced the Windows Azure Marketplace including the new DataMarket (formerly "Project Dallas"), offering premium and public demographic, financial, mapping, and entertainment data and other content. Commercially available today, the marketplace features more than 35 providers currently offering data subscriptions.

Windows Azure scales to projects and businesses both large and small, including mobile applications that require an easier and lower-cost means to experiment and build prototypes. As part of Windows Azure enhancements unveiled today, Microsoft made available the Extra Small Windows Azure Instance that eases the process of development, testing and trial. Priced at $0.05 per compute hour, this new offering lowers the barrier to entry for developers who want to run smaller applications on Windows Azure.

Complete information about the Windows Azure roadmap announced at PDC, including new features and capabilities, can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/cloud/docs/MSPDCFS.docx.

Delivering Cloud Connected Device Experiences With Windows 7, Internet Explorer 9 and Windows Phone 7

Ultimately, a primary role of the cloud is to deliver the best end-user experiences that span multiple devices, form factors and screens, regardless of whether people are at work, at home or at play. Microsoft gives developers the ability to treat both cloud and client applications as first-class citizens and deliver great device experiences that love the cloud. The rapid adoption of Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 9 creates new opportunities for Windows developers, especially considering that Web browsing is the No. 1 activity people do on Windows 7. The opportunity for developers to build applications for Windows has never been greater. Windows 7 topped 240 million licenses in its first year, and developers will drive a wave of new Windows applications that span different platforms through HTML and JavaScript, and run on cloud platforms such as Windows Azure.

At the PDC, Microsoft underscored its continued commitment to HTML5 and showed how developers can fuse the full hardware acceleration and site-centric design in Internet Explorer 9 to tap into the power of PC hardware, transforming their websites to feel more like native Windows applications. As part of the ongoing commitment to standards and "same mark-up" on Internet Explorer 9, the company also announced the availability of Windows Internet Explorer 9 Platform Preview 6, available for download today at http://www.IETestDrive.com.

The increasing power and accessibility of rich devices, combined with the ease of application development on Windows Phone 7, has driven more than half a million downloads of the free Windows Phone Developer Tools to date. Many of the same skills, languages and tools used to develop cloud applications on Windows Azure have come to Windows Phone for apps and games.

Extending the PDC Globally

Developers tuning into the PDC online and at PDC events around the world will have access to over 100 hours of live and on-demand technical sessions and Channel 9 interviews, covering Microsoft technologies such as Windows Azure, Windows Phone 7, SharePoint, Internet Explorer 9 and Visual Studio as well as industry languages and technologies such as PHP and HTML5. PDC keynote addresses and technical sessions can be accessed at http://www.microsoftpdc.com.

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

SOURCE  Microsoft Corp.

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Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Rapid Response Team of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, +1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com, for Microsoft

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

American Airlines, Through BlackAtlas.com, to Host Exclusive Music, Food and Wine Tasting Event at Marcus Samuelsson's New Restaurant, Red Rooster Harlem

Registered Users of American's BlackAtlas.com Website Can Win Tickets to Meet Celebrity Chef and Sample Food and Wine at Pre-Opening Party on Nov. 15

Grand Prize Includes Trip for Two to New York City with Airfare, Hotel, $200 Gift Card and Tickets to Event

NEW YORK, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines, through BlackAtlas.com, the first online travel community for people interested in Black culture, will host a private music, food and wine tasting for some of its lucky members next month. Registered users of BlackAtlas.com will have the opportunity to join Travel Expert-at-Large Nelson George and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson on Nov. 15 for a preview of his eagerly-anticipated restaurant, Red Rooster Harlem.

Award-winning chef and cookbook author Samuelsson is the youngest chef ever to receive two three-star reviews from The New York Times, the first in 1995 after just three months as Executive Chef and co-owner of Aquavit, and the second in 2001, also for Aquavit. He has received consecutive four-star ratings in Forbes' annual All-Star Eateries feature, was named one of the "40 Under 40" by Crain's, and has been hailed as one of The Great Chefs of America by the Culinary Institute of America. Recently, Chef Samuelsson won out over 21 fellow chefs on the second season of the television competition "Top Chef Masters" on Bravo, and received $115,000 for the UNICEF Tap Project. A video of Chef Samuelsson exploring Harlem, the location of his new restaurant Red Rooster Harlem, can be found on BlackAtlas.com.

American Airlines and Chef Samuelsson will host a pre-opening dinner party at Red Rooster Harlem. The restaurant will celebrate the roots of American cuisine in one of New York City's liveliest and most culturally-rich neighborhoods. The event will consist of a four-course meal, prepared specially by Chef Samuelsson. Each course will be paired with a South African wine, provided by Heritage Link Brands, the preeminent importer and distributor of wine produced by people of African descent throughout the world. A musical performance by American R&B and soul singer-songwriter Chrisette Michele will conclude the evening's activities.

"These unique BlackAtlas.com events in New York allow those of us at American Airlines to share and support our customers' interests and build a closer relationship with them," said Art Torno, American's Vice President for New York. "It also allows us to show our support for such beloved New Yorkers as Chef Marcus Samuelsson, a 'global citizen' whose new restaurant, Red Rooster Harlem, will represent the diverse tastes of American cuisine."

Currently registered members of BlackAtlas.com, and those who register between Oct. 27 and Nov. 4, will be entered to win a grand prize of one pair of tickets to the exclusive event, which will include round-trip Economy Class airfare for two to New York City on American from anywhere in the 48 contiguous united States, two-night hotel accommodations for two and a $200 gift card. The grand prize winner will be announced on or around Nov. 5. In addition, 15 users of BlackAtlas.com who live in New York and New Jersey, who are currently registered or who register between Oct. 27 and Nov. 9, will also be entered for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the event. Local winners will be announced on or around Nov. 10. See http://www.blackatlas.com for full terms and conditions.

"BlackAtlas.com, has taken social networking to new heights for Black travelers," said Monte Ford, American's Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. "The online community has become the resource for those looking to explore their passions and interests in Black history and culture worldwide. BlackAtlas.com has given Black travelers everywhere the opportunity to better plan their next trip and share their stories when they return."

BlackAtlas.com is the first-of-its-kind social networking site combining the best features of a travel site with the power of an online social network for travelers to share experiences unique to the Black community. Through video, commentary, photos, and blogs, BlackAtlas.com users can share content across social networks, create profiles, rate content, save content to Favorites, create downloadable travel guides and link to promotional fares on AA.com. Content is categorized into destination/city-specific information and category-specific information, such as travel tips, restaurants, nightlife, culture, arts and museums, historic sites, beauty and barber shops, and places of worship. The Red Rooster Harlem Music, Food and Wine Pairing event is part of a series of events that American Airlines has been presenting exclusively for members of BlackAtlas.com in New York.

For more information on Black culture, the Red Rooster Harlem Music, Food and Wine Pairing and the BlackAtlas social network, please visit BlackAtlas.com.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

AmericanAirlines® We know why you fly®

Current AMR Corp. releases can be accessed on the Internet.

The address is http://www.aa.com

SOURCE  American Airlines

American Airlines

CONTACT: Mary Sanderson, Corporate Communications of American Airlines, +1-817-967-1577, mediarelations@aa.com

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

Consumers Ready for Wave of Internet TV Freedom

'The Wave' Connects Your TV To The Internet, With No Restrictions And No Monthly Fees

SOLANA BEACH, Calif., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The ability of consumers to watch TV, videos, sports, or movies whenever or wherever is constantly growing.  Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube first brought our favorite movies, TV shows and video clips right to our fingertips on our computers. Today, these features, plus Video-on-Demand, can be accessed on your TV through your DVD/BluRay player, cable box and even your gaming console (ie. Xbox, PS3, Wii, etc).  For even more options, Apple and Google have recently jumped into the Internet TV foray by offering systems that will allow you to access similar content plus additional Internet content through your TV.  No more catching up on missed TV shows or instantly watching a video from your favorite website on a computer screen right?  Wrong.  All of the Internet TV options mentioned have a glaring problem:  All come with some type of restrictions in the form of not being able to go beyond the preset features of the system, controls, monthly service fees, or the inability to show video from all websites (for example: unable to work with Adobe Flash).  So here are some questions for you:

What if there was a product that connects your TV to the Internet that is simple and "just works," there are no restrictions, and there are no monthly fees ?

What if there was something that was better than Google TV and Apple TV, both which have restrictions?

What if your TV was also a computer and became a large digital picture frame when you are not using it?

Dolphin Consumer Systems has announced "The Wave," a simple solution to what consumers want: the freedom to be able to watch videos, TV, sports, and movies how you want to watch them.  We refer to it as "bringing a wave of freedom to the TV."  With no monthly fees, a small box easily installed by or behind a TV in minutes, and open access to the Internet, you will be able to catch up on those shows you missed, view the incredible content many networks and sports broadcasters now offer online only, and even play your favorite casual games on the "big screen" (for all you Farmers or Mafiosos).  When not using the system, your TV will change into a giant digital picture frame with your favorite photos.  Having complete control of your entertainment has never been so easy!

About Dolphin Consumer Systems

Dolphin Consumer Systems is dedicated to "Making Internet TV Simpler". They will consider licensing any company that wants to sell or build a version of The Wave.  For more information on The Wave and Internet TV, visit http://www.CatchTheWaveTV.com or e-mail info@CatchTheWaveTV.com .

SOURCE  Dolphin Consumer Systems

Dolphin Consumer Systems

CONTACT: Mike Smith of Dolphin Consumer Systems, +1-858-350-9157, Info@dcsys.org

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

Baynote Adaptive Web Suite Delivers Innovative New Products for Digital Marketers to Improve Customer Acquisition, Conversions

- Baynote Search Insights suggests proven-to-perform keywords that increase new visitor acquisition in paid-search and other channels

- Baynote Adaptive Landing Pages dynamically generates new landing pages using most relevant content to enhance engagements and conversions

CHICAGO, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- FORRESTER'S CONSUMER FORUM -- Baynote, a leader in personalization and digital marketing optimization, has announced two new products as part of its Adaptive Web Suite(TM), which launched earlier today: Baynote Search Insights (TM) and Baynote Adaptive Landing Pages(TM). Powered by Baynote's UseRank® technology, Search Insights and Adaptive Landing Pages enable digital marketers to acquire new visitors to their websites, and increase user engagement and conversions once there. With this announcement, the company significantly expands on its existing search capabilities and position as a pioneer in social search.

Search Insights and Adaptive Landing Pages are the only products on the market that use the collective experiences and engagement patterns of like-minded individuals to automatically uncover new keywords and target on-site content that has been shown to drive engagements among users who displayed similar intent. This approach eliminates the need for marketers to manually fine-tune their search programs and landing pages all the while drawing high-quality visitors to their sites, and ultimately leading to increased engagements and conversions.

According to an independent research report(1), "Today, even many of the smartest search marketers focus just on the top of the funnel: optimizing bids for placement or customer acquisition. But potential customers can't convert if their post-click experience isn't relevant." The report recommends that search marketers, "understand searcher intent, not just keyword use," and "collaborate with site masters to create on-site experiences that match customer intent. Searchers want landing pages that answer their questions."

The details for these two new offerings are as follows:

Baynote Search Insights

Search Insights is an optional add-on module to the Baynote Optimization Center that suggests onsite, organic and original search terms that have been used by the community and are proven to increase onsite engagements and conversions. Marketers use Search Insights to augment their paid-search and social campaigns, as well as SEO content to improve acquisition of new visitors via organic search as well as online marketing campaigns while increasing return on ad spend (ROAS). Features and benefits include:

    --  Comprehensive Keyword Suggestions - Goes beyond suggesting new keywords
        based on search popularity by proposing terms the community used in
        onsite, organic and original search queries that led to strong site
        engagements and conversions. This allows marketers to uncover and
        capitalize on long-tail keywords that other solutions may overlook
        entirely;
    --  Integration with PPC Management Vendors - Includes numerous data export
        options that allow digital marketers to feed Baynote's keyword
        suggestions and extensive keyword performance data into their existing
        solutions or on to their digital agencies;
    --  Reduced Operational Costs and Time to Value - Helps marketers acquire
        new visitors for a fraction of the cost of competing solutions thanks to
        a lightweight SaaS implementation and intuitive management console;
    --  Adaptive Web Suite Integration - Allows marketers to seamlessly expand
        their conversion optimization efforts through easy integration with the
        rest of the Adaptive Web Suite.

Baynote Adaptive Landing Pages

Adaptive Landing Pages dynamically generates new website landing pages using the most relevant products, content and videos. By offering highly relevant landing page content that effectively matches visitors' current intent, marketers see dramatic increases in time on site, engagement rates and conversions, as well as minimized bounce rates. Features and benefits include:

    --  Real-time, Automatic Page Optimization - Generates dynamic landing pages
        automatically, avoiding labor-intensive data reporting/analysis and
        manual updates to landing page content;
    --  Rich Set of Adaptive Components - Provides the ability to deploy a
        variety of  components across existing landing pages, including
        keyword-driven recommendations, community search terms, page headers,
        and further-reading suggestions;
    --  Universal Recommendations - Enables marketers to recommend products,
        articles, video and more on all landing pages as well as on other
        website pages;
    --  Adaptive Web Suite Integration - Like Search Insights, allows marketers
        to cost-effectively expand their optimization efforts with additional
        Adaptive Web Suite applications.

Company, Customer and Partner Comments on Search Insights and Adaptive Landing Pages

"Digital marketing has historically focused too much on tracking clicks and conversions, unable to measure and capitalize on content engagements," said Carlos Carvajal, VP of Marketing at Baynote. "With these two new offerings, we aim to help marketers better respond to the real-time intent of unique visitors, and uncover effective keywords that are currently missing from paid search, SEO and other marketing initiatives."

"Our business is highly seasonal, which means we have a small window of time to move products. It's imperative that we immediately capitalize buying trends and consumer interests," said Scott Blair, director of eCommerce at Sun & Ski Sports. "We are looking forward to working with Baynote in our search marketing efforts to both uncover timely keywords that drive visitors to our site as well as dynamically adapt our landing pages to convert more of that traffic."

"As the largest and fastest growing channel for online acquisition, paid search has become increasingly competitive and advertisers need to maintain a high degree of relevance to maximize conversions," said Matt Lawson, VP of marketing for Marin Software. "Baynote's Search Insights will help our joint clients uncover long-tail keywords that can drive more website engagement and also be leveraged in search marketing efforts."

For More Information

Both offerings are available now. To learn more about the adaptive web, you can read today's Adaptive Web Suite press release or visit our Vision page. To schedule a demo, call 408-973-1889, ext 4.

About Baynote

Baynote provides personalization and digital marketing optimization solutions that power the adaptive web, an emerging standard in customer experience that is always personal, relevant and convenient. By observing engagement patterns among like-minded individuals to understand user intent, the Baynote Adaptive Web Suite(TM) automatically optimizes and adapts the online experience, leading to increased conversions, revenue and loyalty. Baynote's customers include: AT&T, CA, Dell, Expedia, Intuit, Fox, Urban Outfitters and VEVO. The company is based in San Jose, Calif. with additional offices in the U.K. and Germany. For more information, please visit http://www.baynote.com.

(1) The Future of Search Marketing, Forrester Research, Inc., August 11, 2010

SOURCE  Baynote

Baynote

CONTACT: Kathleen Wiersch, Corporate Communications of Baynote, +1-408-213-9653, kathleen@baynote.com; or Amy Ziari of Bateman Group, +1-415-297-1142, aziari@bateman-group.com, for Baynote

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

Introducing the Baynote Adaptive Web Suite

Company's new solution automatically adapts to real-time customer needs; delivers relevant, personal and convenient experience across digital touch points

CHICAGO, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- FORRESTER'S CONSUMER FORUM -- Baynote, a leader in personalization and digital marketing optimization, today launched the Baynote Adaptive Web Suite(TM), an integrated set of applications that automatically adapts the customer experience across digital touch points, including web, mobile and email, in real-time. The adaptive web is a higher standard in customer experience that helps companies increase revenue, boost conversions and strengthen loyalty by ensuring that every digital experience is relevant, personal and convenient.

According to a recent Accenture study, the majority of senior marketers surveyed believe their future success will depend on their ability to understand and act on changing customer expectations. (1) However, current tools require constant expert involvement and manual effort, lacking the ability to instantly and automatically adapt to evolving customer needs with the most useful content and offers. By leveraging the company's patented UseRank® technology to observe engagement patterns among like-minded individuals, the Adaptive Web Suite allows businesses to optimize their online presence and respond to customer intent in real-time.

"Marketers are struggling right now to adapt to shifting customer expectations and deliver consistently engaging digital experiences," said Mike Backlund, president and CEO of Baynote. "The Baynote Adaptive Web Suite is our response to this situation and it's central to our vision in which all of a business's digital touch points will instantly and automatically adapt to customer needs. Today's launch marks a significant milestone for Baynote in delivering on this vision and we look forward to introducing new capabilities in the future that span additional touch points and solution areas, such as navigation, offers and promotions, targeted ads and more."

The Baynote Adaptive Web Suite

The Adaptive Web Suite unifies multiple real-time applications on a common platform that improves business agility by allowing companies to deliver self-optimizing customer experiences across onsite search and recommendations, landing pages, email and mobile campaigns. Baynote's new Optimization Center offers comprehensive personalization, merchandising and editorial control, previewing, testing and reporting capabilities. The unified management console also features Search Insights(TM), an add-on module that suggests onsite, organic and original search terms that have been proven by the community to drive strong product and content engagements (see press release).

The suite's applications include:

    --  Adaptive Recommendations automatically delivers relevant product and
        content recommendations in real-time, boosting customer engagement and
        conversion rates across all digital touch points;
    --  Adaptive Onsite Search delivers fast, relevant search results that
        website visitors expect, regardless of the keywords they type, boosting
        website visitor engagement and conversion rates;
    --  Adaptive Email automatically delivers relevant product, content and
        video recommendations in real-time via email, boosting click-through and
        conversion rates;
    --  Adaptive Landing Pages dynamically delivers the most relevant products,
        articles and videos in website landing pages to acquire, engage and
        convert visitors via organic search or marketing campaigns.

Customer, Analyst and Partner Comments on the Adaptive Web

"Over 180,000 people visit Anthropologie.com every day for the latest trends in clothing, accessories and home furnishings, so it's imperative we provide an online experience that matches their current intent," said Max Perry, eCommerce web development director, Anthropologie. "Baynote's dynamic merchandising capabilities have helped us personalize the experience by marketing the products that are resonating most with like-minded customers. In addition to a 35 percent increase in average order value for products sold to users viewing Baynote recommendations, we have been able to save countless hours of manual work."

"Being one of the largest information services, publishing and software providers means hundreds of thousands of professionals rely on our websites to manage their businesses more effectively. Central to our success is delivering a highly personalized experience to our customers every time," said Andres Sadler, senior vice president of Corporate Strategy, Wolters Kluwer. "Baynote is helping us adapt the online experience by understanding precisely what customers need and promoting content that like-minded users find useful and engaging."

"Businesses have long focused on using data and analysis to better understand customer behavior in online channels. Unfortunately it's not enough to simply understand your customers, you need to take an active role in influencing behaviors," says Eric T. Peterson, founder and senior partner at the consulting firm Web Analytics Demystified. "Increasingly we see the use of algorithmically driven technologies like Baynote used in tandem with more traditional web optimization platforms to power more engaging digital experiences."

"An effective customer experience takes into account that relevance depends on context," said Chris Davey, global head of Commerce and Innovation, SapientNitro. "Customer expectations are heading towards a state where to thrive all companies will have a digital presence that adapts in real-time. To rely on yesterday's data and yesterday's behavior to drive today's online campaign is an inefficient use of marketing budgets."

For More Information

The Adaptive Web Suite is available now. To learn more visit http://www.baynote.com.

About Baynote

Baynote provides personalization and digital marketing optimization solutions that power the adaptive web, an emerging standard in customer experience that is always personal, relevant and convenient. By observing engagement patterns among like-minded individuals to understand user intent, the Baynote Adaptive Web Suite(TM) automatically optimizes and adapts the online experience, leading to increased conversions, revenue and loyalty. Baynote's customers include: AT&T, CA, Dell, Expedia, Intuit, Fox, Urban Outfitters and VEVO. The company is based in San Jose, Calif. with additional offices in the U.K. and Germany. For more information, please visit http://www.baynote.com.

(1) "Onward and Up: How Marketers Are Refocusing the Front Office for Growth," Accenture. Aug. 2010

SOURCE  Baynote

Baynote

CONTACT: Kathleen Wiersch of Baynote Corporate Communications, +1-408-213-9653, kathleen@baynote.com; or Amy Ziari of Bateman Group, +1-415-297-1142, aziari@bateman-group.com, for Baynote

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

ParkVu Announces Music WithMe App for Android

Music WithMe Provides a Simple and Dependable Way to Access Your Music on Your Smartphone

NEW YORK, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- ParkVu, innovators in making music mobile, today announced Music WithMe for Android smartphones. Music WithMe wirelessly syncs users' iTunes playlists with their Android smartphone via Wi-Fi or cellular connection, providing a seamless and dependable music listening experience for consumers who want their music on their smartphone anytime, anywhere.

"Android users love their phones and we're happy to provide them with the ability to access all their favorite iTunes tracks on their Android smartphone," said Terry Goertz, Co-CEO of ParkVu. "Eliminating the need to carry a dedicated music player makes their Android smartphone even more valuable to them."

Music WithMe allows Android users to wirelessly download their iTunes playlists direct to their smartphone whenever and wherever they have a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Once tracks are downloaded to the Android device, no wireless connection is required, saving money and battery power. Users can listen to their favorite tracks on the subway; while flying, and anywhere else a wireless connection is unavailable.

Music WithMe comes with two simple components - the desktop client and smartphone application. Any changes made to users' iTunes playlists on the desktop are automatically reflected on the Music WithMe application. From within the application, users select which iTunes playlist they want on their Android smartphone and Music WithMe wirelessly downloads those tracks to the device for playback on the native media player.

Availability

Music WithMe is available at the Android Market for a limited time offer of $14.99 after a free 30-day trial.

About Music WithMe

Music WithMe provides a dependable and cost-effective way to get your iTunes library on your smartphone. Music WithMe is also available for BlackBerry smartphones at BlackBerry App World.

About ParkVu

ParkVu's WithMe family of software delivers on the promise of true mobility and social discovery. ParkVu's Music WithMe for smartphones allows users to wirelessly download their music files direct to their device anytime/anywhere. Music WithMe on Facebook enables music discovery and interaction on the world's largest social networking site. ParkVu's ongoing development of innovative products and services continue to meet the consumer's demand for instant access to their music files while leveraging the power of social media to share and discover. For more information, please visit http://music.withme.com

* System Requirements: Android OS 1.6 and above. Music WithMe is currently compatible with iTunes (v7.1 and above) on Windows XP/Vista/7.

ParkVu and Music WithMe are registered trademarks of ParkVu. All other registered or unregistered trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact:
    Roseann Hernandez
    FortyThree, Inc.
    831.332.9744
    roseann@43pr.com

SOURCE  ParkVu

ParkVu

CONTACT: Roseann Hernandez of FortyThree, Inc., +1-831-332-9744, roseann@43pr.com, for ParkVu

Web Site: http://music.withme.com

AT&T Unveils Free VoterHub Mobile App

Provides one-stop resource for voter registration, polling location, candidate information

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* announced today a new mobile application that provides free, on-the-go access to zip code specific voter registration and candidate information. It was designed to break down one of the most frequently cited barriers to voting - lack of readily accessible information.

Offered in both English and Spanish, VoterHub is a non-partisan, one-of-a-kind aggregator of nationwide voting instructions and information. It was developed by AT&T and Politics-360.

"Just in time for the November elections, VoterHub is a one-stop resource that puts voting information literally in the palm of your hand," said Adam Grzybicki, president of AT&T Oregon. "There are more than 285 million wireless customers nationwide. If we can put more voting information in their hands, we can increase voter participation in Oregon and across the nation."

"VoterHub combines technology and politics in a way that has never been done before. The app makes voting more convenient and easier by removing some of the confusion that inhibits some Americans from voting," said Grzybicki.

"We have to do a better job of engaging our young people," said Secretary of State Kate Brown. "One of my chief goals is to reduce any barriers that may prevent people from participating in the democratic process."

The app is available through the iTunes Store. Additionally, consumers with any mobile device with Internet functionality can use a web-based version of the app by visiting http://voterhub.us. Voting data was compiled from a number of sources, including secretaries of state, Raise Your Vote and VoteSmart.

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

About Politics-360

Politics-360 brings business strategy, technology platforms and audience development capabilities to work for organizations and companies serving the public interest. The company has developed social networks and mobile applications for a range of public and private sector clients. Please visit http://www.politics-360.com for more information.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE  AT&T Inc.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Kerry Hibbs of AT&T Inc., Office, +1-512-870-2005, or Mobile, +1-512-934-0713, khibbs@att.com

Web Site: http://www.voterhub.us

AT&T Spreads Good Cheer This Holiday Shopping Season With New Red & White Blackberry Torch 9800 Options

Other Items on Customers' Holiday Hot Lists include Windows Phones, Wireless Accessories, Netbooks, and U-verse TV

DALLAS, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ --

Key Facts

    --  BlackBerry® Torch(TM) 9800 available in red and white on Nov. 7.
    --  New Windows Phone 7 devices from HTC and Samsung will be available in
        AT&T company-owned retail stores nationwide and online for $199.99 on
        Nov. 8 with the LG Quantum arriving in the following days.
    --  Lineup of netbooks and notebooks available now with AT&T's pay-as-you-go
        data service.
    --  Beginning Nov. 7, customers can purchase any two accessories and receive
        a third one free.
    --  Customers that purchase a qualifying U-verse bundle at AT&T stores can,
        with an agreement to a two-year term, receive an instant $250 in-store
        credit to use toward a new smartphone, other AT&T wireless device or
        accessory(s) - starting in select cities Nov. 7.

Smartphones

AT&T* today announced the exclusive availability of new red and white versions of the BlackBerry® Torch(TM) 9800 smartphone - just in time for the holiday shopping season. With the arrival of three Windows Phone 7 devices in November, hot accessories, and special deals and holiday apps for AT&T U-verse® TV, AT&T is sure to have something for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Adding to the appeal of the best BlackBerry® ever, AT&T will offer two new red and white color variants for the BlackBerry® Torch(TM) 9800, both exclusive to AT&T customers and in stores beginning November 7.

In addition, new Windows Phones from HTC, LG and Samsung, based on Windows Phone 7, will be available in AT&T company-owned retail stores nationwide and online for $199.99. The Samsung Focus(TM) and HTC Surround will be available on November 8 and the LG Quantum will be available in the following days.

Netbooks and Notebooks

Holiday shoppers can also check out AT&T's full lineup of netbooks and notebooks available online through AT&T's new Mobile Broadband Center. The latest devices include the Acer Aspire AS1830 Notebook and the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 HD netbook which are also available at AT&T's more than 2,200 company-owned retail stores. As an added value, AT&T offers the AT&T DataConnect Pass - the pay-as-you-need it data service that does not require a long-term contract to access the nation's fastest mobile broadband network.

Accessories

Shoppers who are nervous about making mobile phone purchasing decisions for others can pick up the perfect stocking stuffers and maybe even earn a holiday treat for themselves. Beginning Nov. 7 through the end of the holiday shopping season, customers can purchase any two accessories and receive a third one of equal or lesser value for free. From new options like an iHome Mini Stereo Speaker System to limited edition holiday skins on cases from ZAGG, AT&T accessories are sure to be a featured item in stockings everywhere.

AT&T U-verse

This holiday season, U-verse TV families can visit the North Pole and follow Santa around the globe with the return of the popular Santa Tracker app on channel 98. U-verse TV customers can play holiday games, vote in the "Naughty or Nice" poll, play sing-a-longs and read-a-longs for popular holiday music and stories, listen to holiday songs on "Reindeer Radio," and on Christmas Eve, they can watch real-time reports from the Santa News Network to see if Santa has left the North Pole and can track his sleigh as he travels around the globe. The app will be available at no extra cost to all AT&T U-verse TV customers with an AT&T U-verse High Speed Internet account.

Beginning Nov. 7, customers that purchase a qualifying U-verse bundle in company-owned retail locations can, with an agreement to a two-year term, receive an instant $250 in-store credit to use toward a new smartphone, other AT&T wireless device or accessory(s). The offer will be available initially in Houston, Chicago, Hartford, Los Angeles, San Diego and Miami, and expanded to all U-verse markets in time for the holidays.

With U-verse Choice bundles, new U-verse TV customers benefit from significant monthly savings for one year. AT&T U-verse Choice bundles let customers, with a one year term commitment, choose U-verse TV, U-verse High Speed Internet, and either U-verse Voice or AT&T wireless -- with DVR service and premium features included and a one-year price guarantee.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit the AT&T website. To locate the closest AT&T store, customers can visit our store locator. Additional information on the customer experience and service support is available online at About AT&T.

(1) Prices listed above require a 2-year service agreement and smartphone data plan.

(2) Mobile Broadband/3G coverage not available in all areas.

(3) Limited-time offer. Other conditions & restrictions apply. See contract & rate plan brochure for details. Subscriber must live & have a mailing addr. within AT&T's owned wireless network coverage area. Up to $36 activ. fee applies. Equipment price & avail may vary by mrk & may not be available from independent retailers. Early Termination Fee: None if cancelled in the first 30 days, but up to $35 restocking fee may apply to equipment returns; thereafter up to $325. Some agents impose add'l fees. Smartphone Data Plan Requirement: Smartphones require a DataPlus (200MB) or DataPro (2GB) plan. If you exceed your initial data allowance, you will automatically be charged an additional $10 for each additional 1GB provided on DataPro or an additional $15 for each additional 200MB provided on DataPlus. All data allowances, including overages, must be used in the billing period in which the allowance is provided or they will be forfeited. For more details on Data Plans, go to att.com/dataplans Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.

(4) The free item will be of equal or lesser value of either of the two purchased accessories. Apple products, such as Mobile Me and Apple Care, do not qualify as the free item but do count as qualifying purchased items. This promotion is not combinable with any other offer, discount, or bundle.

(5) Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse services. Call or go to http://www.att.com/u-verse to see if you qualify.

(6) The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

(7) AT&T U-verse $250 In Store Credit Offer: Offer ends 1/8/11. Available only for new residential U-verse customers who are also existing or new AT&T Mobility customers. Requires minimum purchase of U-family or U100 TV, U-verse Internet Pro, and either new or existing 2 year wireless voice agreement ($39.99 or higher) or U-verse Voice. Two (2) year U-verse term commitment required for same day only in store credit of up to $250. U-verse terms of offer must be accepted online within 60 days of installation. Customer's failure to accept U-verse terms of offer will result in prior credited charges being added to customer's wireless bill. A prorated early termination fee of up to $240 may apply if all U-verse services are terminated within 24 months of installation. Current monthly charges for U-verse services will apply and these rates are further subject to generally applicable rate increases. U-verse TV programming subject to change.

(8) Choice Bundle Offers: Offer ends 3/19/11. For new residential U-verse customers. Includes U-family TV or higher, U-verse Internet Pro and U-verse Voice 250 or new or renewed Nation 450 or FamilyTalk additional line wireless plan. One year term required for bundled U-verse services. An early termination fee of up to $180 may apply if U-verse services are terminated. After 12 months, standard rates apply for U-verse service(s).

(9) Limited-time offer. Other conditions & restrictions apply. See contract, rate plan brochure and rebate form at store for details. Subscriber must live & have a mailing address within AT&T's owned wireless network coverage area. Up to $36 activation fee applies. Equipment price & availability may vary by market & may not be available from independent retailers. Early Termination Fee: None if cancelled in the first 30 days, but up to $35 restocking fee may apply to equipment returns; thereafter up to $325. Some agents impose add'l fees. Offnet Usage: If your mins of data use on other carrier's networks ("offnet usage") during any month exceeds your offnet usage allowance, AT&T may at its option terminate your svc, deny your contd use of other carriers' coverage, or change your plan to one imposing usage charges for offnet usage. Your data offnet usage allowance is the lesser of 24 MB or 20% of the KB incl'd with your plan). DataConnect Plan is not unlimited and substantial charges may be incurred if included allowance is exceeded. Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.

(10) AT&T DataConnect Pass. Can only be used on AT&T's wireless network and cannot be used on another domestic carrier's network. Requires laptop or netbook with aircard/connect card capable of working on AT&T's wireless network; internet access to sign-up; and a new SIM card. AT&T DataConnect Pass supports data usage only, and does not support SMS, MMS, or voice calls. Actual speed and coverage may vary. Time begins expiring immediately upon purchase/activation , whether or not you are using the service. Once your time expires or you consume the allotted data, whichever occurs first, your data access will cease. DataConnect Pass session fees are non-refundable. For complete terms and conditions see Session Based Wireless Data Services Agreement at att.com/TermsofService.

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

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE®magazine.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at http://www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

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

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE  AT&T Inc.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Warner May of AT&T Inc., +1-404-986-1807, wmay@attnews.us

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