Vodone Group Announces the Acquisition of Two Companies to Expand Mobile Internet Product Chain
BEIJING, Sept. 8 -- Vodone Group has announced today that it will set up a joint venture with its partners, in which Vodone will hold 70% of its shares with the remaining 30% being controlled by its partners. As a holding company, the new JV company will acquire all of the respective assets of the two companies -- "Shenzhen Tastech" and "Bright Way Technology" -- sold by the JV partners. These two companies are principally engaged in developing, designing and providing maintenance services for mobile communication products. The total consideration of the acquisition is RMB78.4 million, which will be settled by Vodone with RMB20 million in cash and by issuing 28,694,372 Consideration Shares with 2.31 HKD as the issue price.
Vodone Group believes that the acquisition will strengthen and enhance its mobile communications distribution channels; help form the technology synergies which enables Vodone to accelerate its development and application of new mobile handset chips and operating systems; through the cooperation with mobile handset design houses, Vodone will strengthen its existing, extensive mobile Internet products for its end-users by providing one-stop service experiences.
In the future, Vodone will jointly promote the company's brand name and its branded products, such as mobile handsets, hardware, software and software services as a desirable combination to fully enhance Vodone's competitiveness and profitability.
Vodone Group has always been committed to the development of mobile Internet business. After a long period of development, the product line has achieved its preliminary framework by owning "Caishijie" mobile lottery, "KKFUN" mobile games applications, "Linxun" mobile Internet social community and mobile micro-video product line. Vodone is one of the companies who has developed most rapidly in the mobile Internet business industry in China. It will further integrate its upstream resources (mobile handset design houses and mobile handset manufactures), and strengthen its business development layout of the mobile Internet business and the process of its standardized products.
Source: Vodone
CONTACT: Matt Miao of Vodone, +86-10-6268-2323 x8291, or fax, +86-10-
6268-2727, or miaoqing@corp.vodone.com
Celebrate You With the Fall 'Readers' Issue' of VIVmag
September/October Edition of All-Digital Luxury Women's Magazine Highlights Lessons Learned by Empowered Women in Overcoming Life Challenges, Including Multi-Faceted Coverage of Breast-Cancer Awareness
NEW YORK, Sept. 8 -- What better time to celebrate the inherent beauty, power and grace of the modern woman than the most colorful and beautiful time of year? Launched today, the September/October 2010 issue of VIVmag, the original all-digital women's luxury magazine, features the inspirational stories of real readers who have overcome some of life's most difficult challenges to emerge as empowered and confident role models for their peers. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, the latest issue also features engaging coverage of breast cancer issues from a mind, body and spiritual perspective.
"In this issue, we are celebrating the spirit and tenacity of VIVmag readers to demonstrate that no matter what your challenge, you're not alone," said Anne M. Russell, editor in chief, VIVmag. "From the inspiring stories of breast-cancer survivors to stress-busting exercise tips from our readers, we're covering virtually every facet of life to help guide women in achieving a more holistic, balanced and rewarding life."
Brimming with VIVmag's exclusive interactive digital content, the September/October 2010 issue entices readers with a fully animated cover featuring Fiona McCuaig, one of the few female crew members onboard the Bob Barker featured on Animal Planet's Emmy-nominated reality show Whale Wars. A profile on McCuaig showcases her lifelong commitment to protecting endangered species around the world.
Featuring complete breast-cancer awareness coverage, the September/October issue includes:
-- a decision-making guide to help newly diagnosed women navigate
important treatment and reconstruction options in an informed manner,
rather than rush to judgment in the heat of the moment;
-- new ways to support breast-cancer awareness through entertainment
choices, including movie clips of some of the latest options;
-- an excerpt from When My World Was Very Small, a memoir by author Ruth
Rakoff recounting her anxiety over her breast-cancer journey and where
she turned for answers;
-- nutritional choices to beat breast cancer based on new research that
demonstrates how making simple lifestyle changes can help prevent the
disease.
In the Style Section, readers get an inside look at world-class entertaining expert and VIVmag home style columnist Colin Cowie's perspective on his work, life and some of his favorite people and events. In other celebrity news, the issue also runs down Hollywood stars' must-click websites, including online picks for shopping, entertainment and more.
With nearly 400,000 readers, VIVmag is one of the largest-subscription, all-digital women's lifestyle magazines and the only one available on multiple digital platforms, including iPad, iPhone and desktop computers. Powered by Zinio's multimedia, universal reading platform, VIVmag delivers the most interactive, rich media features and advertising content in the industry to engage readers and enhance retention.
To preview the upcoming September/October 2010 Readers' Issue of VIVmag, visit http://www.vivmag.com.
About VIVmag
VIVmag is a first: It's an exclusively digital, 100% interactive magazine that delivers reliable, accurate service journalism in fitness, wellness, fashion, beauty, awareness and nutrition. Its audience of savvy women is genuinely committed to leading healthy, balanced lives. VIVmag's interactive content entertains and informs, helping readers achieve the confidence that comes from engaging life at a higher level. From interactive exercise demonstrations to point-and-click purchasing power right from its pages, VIVmag has attracted a circulation of over 500,000 influential readers committed to discovering and embracing the future of magazines. To learn more about VIVmag, please visit http://www.VIVmag.com.
About Zinio
Zinio is the world's largest newsstand and bookstore. With its many digital products and services, Zinio creates better ways for people to discover published content, get more of it and do more with it. Now, readers can purchase content once to be read on any screen. Zinio provides the ability to shop for, search inside, read, share and save digital content in 23 local newsstands in any country in the world. Through the Zinio UNITY(TM) reading platform, readers can move seamlessly within each publication page between text, interactive graphics, animated illustrations, videos and much more. Offering hundreds of thousands of the best digital issues, Zinio's e-stores and applications are revolutionizing reading. Founded in 2001 and privately held, Zinio is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in New York, London, Paris, Barcelona and Taipei.
Source: VIVmag
CONTACT: Belinda Banks of SS|PR, +1-609-750-9110, belinda@sspr.com, for
VIVmag
New Association Aims for Stronger, More Collaborative, Global Digital Community
RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 8 -- The International Association of Internet Professionals (IAIP) announced today that its website, http://www.internetprofessionals.org, has moved beyond the beta testing stage and is now ready to become the leading global digital resource for networking, collaboration, career development and trends in web, mobile and emerging technologies.
"This site is the culmination of years of work and a place we hope will become the central hub of the digital community," says Jonathan Sackett, chairman and founder of the organization. "It provides the forum for professionals across the world to shake hands, collaborate, and create positive change in the industry."
The goal of the IAIP is to provide an international online community that connects internet professionals across the globe, breaking down the barriers of borders and translation. The site will foster the sharing of best practices, allow members to contribute content, and strive to lead the industry through the digital age using an open source model.
"The IAIP is more than a new website," continues Sackett. "We believe that all digital initiatives -- web, mobile apps, experiential, social, etc. -- are moving in similar directions - but, independently. These initiatives need to work differently. They can and should work in concert with one another. Imagine having access to thousands of digital professionals across the globe. Not only can members network with each other, they can glean knowledge and share experiences in real-time."
During the beta phase of the site launch, the IAIP received registrations from people in more than seventy different countries. Membership is free and open to all digital professionals and others who have an interest in the industry.
While the website will continuously evolve over time, the initial launch will grant members access to a community forum that allows them to network and to explore new ideas in marketing, advertising and technology. Soon, the site will evolve to include real-time translation capabilities, a comprehensive industry event calendar and an international job board.
The IAIP is currently looking for content contributors, association partners and sponsors. If interested, please contact info@internetprofessionals.org.
About the IAIP:
The International Association of Internet Professionals (IAIP) is a nonprofit association organized to provide professional networking and a forum for the common interests of individuals in the digital community. It will benefit businesses, organizations and institutions involved in the development of marketing and advertising initiatives, software, hardware and other tools required to improve the usefulness of the internet around the globe.
IAIP is the brainchild of Jonathan Sackett and Azher Ahmed, who created the organization and directed the production of the site. Sackett and Ahmed currently serve as Executive Vice President/Chief Digital Officer and Senior Vice President/Director of Technology at The Martin Agency, headquartered in Richmond, VA.
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Merial and DogTime Partner to Drive Over 3 Million Virtual Pet Fosters
Partnership with Save a Dog Facebook Application Generates Over $50,000 in Donations
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 8 -- DogTime Media, the largest online vertical media community focused exclusively on pet owners, today announced that their popular Save a Dog application, in partnership with Merial, the makers of FRONTLINE®, has generated a record level of exposure for shelter dogs across Facebook® in just six months.
Since the partnership with FRONTLINE -- the vets No. 1 choice for flea and tick protection*, the Save a Dog application's online users have virtually fostered more than 3,147,000 real shelter animals, providing them with valuable exposure that greatly improves their chances for adoption and draws much needed attention to the plight of homeless pets. There are over 70,000 more animals available to be virtually fostered or adopted via the Save a Dog and Save a Cat applications.
The FRONTLINE partnership with Save a Dog encourages pet enthusiasts across Facebook to join the cause and get involved by virtually fostering, donating, or participating in unique promotions such as the Doggie Makeover Sweepstakes which will award a lucky Save a Dog user with a one year supply of FRONTLINE®, a $200 Muttropolis gift certificate, a $100 cash prize, and a $500 cash donation to the shelter or rescue of their choice.
"Save a Dog has truly connected with the passionate pet community across Facebook in ways that we never expected," said Trevor Wright, CEO of DogTime Media. "And it is collaborative programs like the one we have with Frontline that allow brands to engage with this community around a unified mission of getting animals out of shelters and into loving homes."
The Save a Dog and Save a Cat applications by DogTime allow users to browse and "virtually" foster real animals in their neighborhood or anywhere in the country. Points are awarded to users for "petting" and "walking" their fosters, and for inviting other Facebook users to co-foster an animal or to participate in a "play date". Users can also upload photos of their own dogs and cats, and vote to choose the Dog of the Week and Cat of the Week on Facebook.
"In a perfect world there would be a home for every pet, but unfortunately that's not the case," said Mike Hutton, Senior Director at Merial, Ltd. "That is why it's important to raise awareness of the dire need for pet adoptions and encourage potential pet owners to take action. We are very pleased that our efforts with Save a Dog are making a difference in the lives of pets and pet owners."
Merial is also awarding an additional 50 points to any Save a Dog user who watches a brief FRONTLINE branded informational video or downloads a coupon built into the application.
For every 2,500 points each user scores, DogTime donates the financial equivalent of a cup of food to RescueGroups.org, a non-profit organization that provides free and low-cost technology services to animal shelters and rescue groups across the country.
For more information about DogTime Media and its Save a Dog and Save a Cat applications please visit http://www.dogtimemedia.com/.
About DogTime Media:
DogTime Media is the largest vertical media community focused exclusively on pet owners and the 47.7 billion dollar annual pet market. DogTime Media reaches 29.5 million monthly users via its community of 500 leading pet-focused websites, 460 pet bloggers and more than 3,000 rescue groups, anchored by its own DogTime.com, the premier destination for pet owners.
DogTime Media actively supports the efforts of rescue groups and shelters nationwide to significantly reduce the number of homeless and neglected pets in the country by providing authoritative advice to both novice and experienced pet guardians. Founded in 2007, DogTime Media is a privately held company based in San Francisco, CA.
About Merial:
Merial, the maker of FRONTLINE brand products, is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,700 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2009 sales were $2.6 billion. Merial is the Animal Health subsidiary of sanofi-aventis.
Verizon Wireless Expands 3G Network Coverage in the North Country
- Improves coverage and capacity in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties - Provides access to 3G wireless broadband service - Meet one of Upstate New York's local Test Men, Jack Brandes
WATERTOWN, N.Y., Sept. 8 -- Verizon Wireless is investing in the North Country by expanding its local coverage with new cell sites in St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties.
St. Lawrence County
The new site in Gouverneur improves coverage and capacity in portions of Natural Dam and Elmdale, including State Road 58.
Jefferson County
The new site in Dexter improves coverage and capacity in the town of Dexter; including portions of CR 54 and Routes 180, 3, 12E and 12F.
This network expansion is part of the company's aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless' voice and data services. The company has invested more than $60 billion nationwide since it was formed - $5.7 billion on average every year - and invested more than $100 million in Upstate New York in 2009.
"We've always believed even the most advanced device is only as good as the network it runs on. We continue to aggressively invest in our Upstate New York network to increase coverage and capacity for our customers, add new services, and maintain our 3G network leadership," said Gene Fassett, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region.
Verizon Wireless recently earned recognition from J.D. Power and Associates for "Highest Call Quality Performance among Wireless Cell Phone Users in the Northeast."
Services include wireless data services such as picture messaging, text messaging, V CAST and V CAST Music with Rhapsody, and MobileBroadband, the company's high-speed wireless broadband network geared toward mobile professionals and business customers. It provides average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second, and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps.
Strong demand for Verizon Wireless' services continued during the second quarter of 2010 as the company added 1.4 million net new customers.
The company's "nation's most reliable wireless network" reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and women throughout the country. These engineers drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles more than 1 million miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 3 million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers. Check out our new video of Western New York Test Man, Jack Brandes.
For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to http://www.verizonwireless.com.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 92 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ)(NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (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
CONTACT: John O'Malley , +1-585-321-7264, or +1-585-261-5899,
john.omalley@verizonwireless.com, or http://twitter.com/johnnyverizon; or
Meredith Dropkin, +1-315-413-4293, mdropkin@mower.com
Fishhound.com 'Fishing Intelligence Network' Goes Live with 30-Day Free Trial
Fishhound.com merges leading online technology with live on-the-water reports to save anglers time and help them catch more fish
SHERMAN OAKS, Calif., Sept. 8 -- Fishhound's on-line "Fishing Intelligence Network" goes live today, supplying anglers with answers to the biggest questions they face: where to fish, when to fish and what flies will catch fish.
Fishhound uses information and intelligence gleaned from the country's top fly-fishing shops, guides and lodges to pinpoint the best fishing spots on any water, on any day. Saving time and increasing the odds of fishing success, a Fishhound subscription provides interactive maps, hatch information, updated water conditions and other personalized data to anglers' desktops or mobile devices.
Proving the effectiveness and value of the Fishhound approach, Fishhound's Fishing Intelligence Network launches with a free 30-day trial for anglers. For a free trial membership, simply log on to http://www.fishhound.com and click on "Sign Up." It's 100 percent free and no credit card is required.
"We have created the most comprehensive network of fishing reports ever," said Richard Marks, CEO of Fishhound. "Anglers can log in and get all the important information they need on where and when to fish, what flies to use and even get weather and water conditions. And they customize it to the specific waters and spots they're interested in."
Advised by an influential, and expanding, roster of more than 150 professional anglers, Fishhound's "Fishing Intelligence(TM) Reports" include personalized angler home pages with 7-Day Fishing Forecasts, quick links to favorite waters and hatches, My Hatch Tracker with up-to-date hatch tracking on any river in the U.S., fly suggestions driven by the most extensive entomology database on the internet, and technique and tactical advice from the best. Fishhound reports are updated frequently, meaning subscribers get the freshest, most insightful reports available anywhere.
The current roster of Fishhound pros includes Lees Ferry Anglers in Arizona, Bowman Blue Water Guides in California, Blue Quill Angler in Colorado, The Bozeman Angler in Montana, Long Island On The Fly in New York, Smokey Mountain Troutfitters in Tennessee and Deschutes River Anglers in Oregon. A complete list of the current FishhoundPros can be found at http://www.fishhound.com/fish-pros
About Fishhound
Fishhound.com is an online community providing accurate and actionable Fishing Intelligence(TM) to anglers across the country to give them exactly what they want - the perfect fishing day. The game-changing Fishing Intelligence Network is an association of trusted guides, fly shop owners and lodges dedicated to collecting the information that defines Fishing Intelligence(TM): water conditions, hatches and catches. For more information please visit http://www.fishhound.com.
Source: Fishhound
CONTACT: Matt Crawford for Fishhound, +1-802-583-6069,
matt_crawford@madriver.com
Eurotech and Wind River Announce Collaboration to Speed Embedded Application Development
Companies Bring Out-of-the-Box PC Experience to Embedded Market
COLUMBIA, Md. and ALAMEDA, Calif., Sept. 8 -- Eurotech and Wind River today announced a strategic collaboration to support joint sales, marketing and distribution of Embedded Development Kits, which enable embedded developers to begin application development in less than one hour versus what traditionally takes more than days or weeks. As part of the Wind River On-Board Program, Eurotech will offer Embedded Development Kits with validated board support packages of Wind River's embedded Linux operating system with Eurotech's Intel® Atom(TM) processor-based hardware to help equipment manufacturers save time and money on application integration for faster, more efficient time-to-market.
Each Embedded Development Kit includes a bootable USB flash drive that immediately turns any host computer into a fully integrated development environment with no installation required. The 30-day trial software from Wind River is optimized for developing, running, debugging and prototyping embedded software directly onto a Eurotech processor board using Wind River Workbench. Each Eurotech board comes preconfigured to boot Wind River Linux out of the box and the option of Wind River Tilcon Graphics Suite. Each Embedded Development Kit is customized with a startup guide and a set of comprehensive, step-by-step tutorials that walk developers through applicable use cases and workflows intended to make them more productive in a matter of hours using the included self-directed documentation and play-by-play videos. Since each Embedded Development Kit processor board is optimized for Wind River's embedded software and development tools, customers obtain a more tightly integrated hardware and software solution with easier access to board-specific components.
Eurotech is one of the inaugural ecosystem members of the Wind River On-Board Program, validating multiple embedded computing boards and platforms from Eurotech's product line, including the Catalyst LP computer-on-module and Helios edge controller platform, for a total of 6 Eurotech products available to order now. The first Embedded Development Kits run Intel processors, including Series Z5xx and higher-speed N450 single-core and D510 dual-core processors.
"We have been working closely with Wind River, and today's announcement formalizes our tight collaboration. We've recently completed development efforts to ensure our Intel Atom processor-based product line can not only run a standard Wind River Linux BSP but that each OS available on our products has been optimized to our individual platforms," said Arlen Nipper, chief technology officer of Eurotech in North America. "Now we can offer Wind River Linux 3.0x kernels on many of our Intel Atom-based platforms as fully validated implementations of Wind River Linux with a prelicensed kernel run-time, which will mitigate risks associated with software integration and rapidly increase time-to-market."
"Wind River and Eurotech have worked diligently to formalize an out-of-the-box hardware and software solution that provides the foundation for rapid innovation," said Jens Wiegand, vice president of industry solutions at Wind River. "By using preintegrated hardware components, OEMs can spend more time developing differentiated products than integrating third-party technologies and reduce overall project risk to ultimately get their products to market faster."
See Wind River and Eurotech products on display in booth 101 at the Intel Developer Forum event in San Francisco's Moscone Center West, Sept. 13-15, 2010. More information about the Wind River On-Board Program is available at http://www.windriver.com/announces/embedded-development-kits/
ABOUT EUROTECH
Eurotech is a listed global company (ETH.MI) that integrates hardware, software, services and expertise to deliver embedded computing platforms and subsystems to leading OEMs, system integrators and enterprise customers for successful and efficient deployment of their products and services. Drawing on concepts of minimalist computing, Eurotech lowers power draw, minimizes physical size and reduces coding complexity to bring sensors, embedded platforms, subsystems, ready-to-use devices and high-performance computers to market, specializing in health care, security, defense, transportation, industrial and energy segments. By combining domain expertise in wireless connectivity as well as communications protocols, Eurotech architects integrated solutions that simplify data capture, processing and transfer over unified communications networks. Our customers rely on us to simplify their access to state-of-the-art embedded technologies so they can focus on their core competencies. Learn more about Eurotech at http://www.eurotech.com.
ABOUT WIND RIVER
Wind River, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), is a world leader in embedded and mobile software. Wind River has been pioneering computing inside embedded devices since 1981, and its technology is found in more than 500 million products. Wind River is headquartered in Alameda, Calif., with offices in more than 15 countries. To learn more, visit Wind River at http://www.windriver.com or blogs.windriver.com.
Socialists Aim to Win Elections; Stor Networks' PageSocializer Makes It Easy
SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 8 -- This election cycle it's OK to run a socialist campaign--no matter your political persuasion. Stor Networks announces the availability of PageSocializer, an instant socialization service designed to change the way webpages are viewed and shared. PageSocializer is useful for business, non-profits and individual webpages alike, but in this political season, it is particularly useful for viral messaging and fundraising by political candidates.
Stor Networks is offering its innovative socializing service free of charge to political candidates for the 2010 election cycle. The service will give the webpages of candidates fully measurable social media results and viral marketing potential. PageSocializer instantly enhances pages with socialization features that allow the site to reach ever-wider audiences. This transformation is achieved with zero coding and no website modification.
"This is not intended as an endorsement of or contribution to any one candidate," company founder Reza Jalili said. "Rather it's an opportunity for all campaigns, regardless of their size, to have equal access to the social media juggernaut and to take advantage of key social marketing potential."
In today's competitive online marketing landscape, social campaigns provide the ultimate ROI. Every visitor to a socialized page becomes a potential promoter of that page through sharing avenues that include email and today's most successful social networks, Faceboook and Twitter. Visitors also supply community feedback by rating and commenting on socialized pages.
PageSocializer significantly expands access to socialization by providing a simple, low-cost, highly effective service for webpages of all descriptions. Campaigners can promote a socialized view of a webpage by emailing out or advertising a socialized link. Campaigners benefit from real-time performance analytics with graphical data visualization.
Socializing a link is easy to do also. Just tack on "pageSocializer.com/" to the front of the web address, e.g. http://pagesocializer.com/www.example.com. Go to a socialized link and the PageSocializer toolbar appears atop the page.
"PageSocializer will do for social marketing what EBay did for commerce," said Jalili. "It levels the playing field and makes social marketing available to everyone with a webpage and an internet connection."
Political campaigns interested in using the new service--including performance analytics--free of charge, can go to PageSocializer.com/go:AboutPageSocializer or contact Donna Sparks Williams at media@pagesocializer.com or 864.373.4817.
Source: Stor Networks
CONTACT: Donna Sparks Williams of Stor Networks, +1-864-373-4817,
media@pagesocializer.com
8000inc (EIGH.pk) begins launch of sporting centres of excellence with Barbados Cricket Legend Desmond Haynes
8000inc sponsors The Carlton Club working as the first sports initiative led by 8000inc Global Ambassador Desmond Haynes
MANASSAS, VA, Sept. 8 -- 8000inc with Desmond Haynes, is pleased to announce its commitment to fund the development of future sporting skills and talent of the youth in the Barbados. The Carlton club, established over 50 years ago, is the first of these initiatives. The sponsorship includes but is not limited to, funding for stadium improvements, funding for improved coaching, but also the team's kits. This is the first of many announcements for this programme. 8000inc is enthusiastic and proud to support this project.
Desmond Haynes said, "To be able to provide sporting development and opportunity to the talented and the community in general is something that I have planned and wished for, the facilities and opportunity will be there for years to come for the youth of today."
With the combined alliance 8000inc has with Desmond Haynes, and his sporting influence, achievements, knowledge and coaching skills, spanning the world, 8000inc has agreed that 10% of the revenue generated from the Desmond Haynes exclusive range at the Limegrove life centre to ensure that the sporting fund will have a lasting, self-funded legacy for continual development of the unrealised potential of athletes and sports men and women of Barbados.
Thomas Kelly, CEO 8000inc, stated, "We want to support the community to create success for the youth and future generations by giving the talent of Barbados a "sporting" chance. The Carlton Club will now have the means to grow and build, working with the Youth and the community to enhance sporting ability and personal skills which may otherwise go unseen and undeveloped. Our strategy delivers a sustainable future for sports and community development and this is something we are proud of. Desmond Haynes as Ambassador will be working with us and the Carlton Club, and the 8000inc Desmond Haynes Academy, to enable the sporting talent that Barbados has to offer."
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected on the basis of such forward-looking statements. The words "estimate," "project," "intends," "expects," "believes," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to the "safe-harbour" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For a more complete description of these and other risk factors that may affect the future performance of 8000 Inc. see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made and the Company undertakes no obligation to disclose any revision to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
DediPower Adds Enhanced Capabilities to its Customer Portal
READING, England, September 8, 2010--
- DediPower's Customer Portal Further Underpins Delivery of its
"Support With Passion" Through Enhanced Customer Communication and Improved
Infrastructure Management
DediPower, a leading provider of managed and cloud hosting solutions,
today announced new enhancements to its customer portal including the
introduction of a DediPower Community website, the addition of a content
delivery network, and the ability for customers to integrate their own
systems and monitoring with DediPower managed and colocation servers.
The customer portal, used by the vast majority of DediPower's domestic
and international customers, currently offers the ability to check billing
and invoices, view server status and monitor system performance and
correspond with DediPower's technical support. The culmination of five years
of continual development, it plays a central role in the delivery of
DediPower's "Support with Passion" philosophy, which is a key service
differentiator for many of the company's loyal customer base which includes
the likes of Sony, Virgin, Eidos, NHS, BluHalo and Lovemoney.com.
The latest portal enhancements include:
- Content delivery network - users can track, improve and tune website
performance by delivering content to a locally homed server with
DediPower's global data centre network.
- Remote API - users can now view and monitor their servers, bandwidth
and deliver support tickets remotely by integrating their own systems
with DediPower's
- DediPower Community - users can join DediPower technology programmes
and test new software, hardware and applications; give feedback and
join in closed discussion forums.
"The DediPower customer portal is a critical investment in our customer
communication and support." says Craig Martin, CEO, DediPower. "It provides
our clients' teams with timely information regarding their IT infrastructure
as well as giving us direct customer feedback on our product and service
offerings. We are continually adding new features, often spurred on by
suggestions and input from our rapidly expanding customer base. These new
enhancements are designed to boost functionality and bring us even closer to
our customers; to further reinforce our ability to deliver world class Cloud
hosting services."
About DediPower
DediPower, based on its philosophy of "support with passion", has
established itself as a leading provider of IT hosting and cloud
infrastructure solutions. With data centres in the UK, North America and
Asia, Dedipower supports thousands of customers including Sony, Virgin,
Eidos, NHS, BluHalo and Lovemoney.com with the latest technology to reduce
costs, improve service levels and maximise their potential in the online
world. DediPower is headquartered in Reading Berkshire, UK. For more
information, visit http://www.dedipower.com or follow DediPower via Twitter,
twitter.com/dedipower.
NEI Selected to Join Intel's Embedded Alliance Program
NEI Element Manager Delivers Full Lifecycle Management of Intel-Based Solutions
CANTON, Mass., Sept. 8 -- NEI (NASDAQ:NENG), a leading provider of application platforms and lifecycle support services for software developers, OEMs and service providers worldwide, today announced that Intel® selected NEI to become an affiliate member of its Embedded Alliance Program. NEI's involvement in the program benefits enterprise software developers that require the Intel architecture to leverage x86-based ecosystem support and deploy NEI's Element Manager platform for complete lifecycle management of appliance solutions. NEI qualified for the program by meeting Intel's criteria for excellence in quality assurance, manufacturing capacity, design capability, tools and support, and by demonstrating its commitment to developing modular, standards-based solutions based on Intel technologies.
"Being selected to participate in Intel's Embedded Alliance initiative is a testament to our application lifecycle support services, from system design and deployment through our aftermarket support services," said Jeff Hudgins, vice president of marketing at NEI. "Our Element Manager is a tremendous value-added tool and we are pleased to be able to offer a more complete product lifecycle solution to the Intel ecosystem. NEI is joining a select group of providers who will be developing and delivering the next generation of computing technologies to the marketplace and the tools that will manage and provision them in the field."
Membership in the alliance allows NEI to streamline the development of Intel's leading-edge architectures and embedded technologies to create purpose-built solutions faster, reduce time-to-market and satisfy customer needs for reliable, high-performance, solutions. Customers can utilize NEI's Element Manager to further extend the power of Intel technology with remote health, update and backup capabilities to make applications easier to manage, maintain and monitor for their end-users. NEI's Element Manager 3.3, for example, enables automation of alarming and updates, deployment of OS and application patches, scheduled backups, and restoration of field-deployed solutions, all of which help ISVs keep deployed appliances healthy and reliable in-field.
About NEI
NEI is a leading provider of application platforms, appliances and lifecycle support services for software developers, OEMs and service providers worldwide. Through its comprehensive suite of services that include solution design, integration control, support and other value-added service capabilities, NEI enables customers to more effectively deploy, manage, service and support their solutions. Founded in 1997, NEI is headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts and trades on the NASDAQ exchange under the symbol NENG. For more information about NEI's products and services, visit http://www.nei.com.
NEI and the NEI logo are trademarks of Network Engines, Inc., Intel, Xeon and the Intel logo are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other names, brands and trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
NEI Contact:
Jill Colna or Laura Nelson
SVM Public Relations
401-490-9700
jill.colna@svmpr.comlaura.nelson@svmpr.com
Source: NEI
CONTACT: Jill Colna, jill.colna@svmpr.com, or Laura Nelson,
laura.nelson@svmpr.com, both of SVM Public Relations, +1-401-490-9700, for
NEI
Company Goes on Location to Hear from Real People about Their Retirement Expectations and Experiences
NEW YORK, Sept. 8 -- AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company has launched the first in a series of "Retirement Reality Show" videos exploring the attitudes, behaviors and experiences of Americans as they prepare for and live through retirement.
The first in the series features real-life interviews, shot on location from Wall Street to the Jersey Shore, with workers and retirees struggling with the challenges and uncertainties of saving for retirement and living in retirement on a fixed income.
"Fear of outliving one's savings is the common theme in these frank discussions," said Chris Winans, senior vice president, External Affairs at AXA Equitable. "Our goal in sharing these stories is to move the dialogue from fear to action."
The unrehearsed stories these individuals tell about themselves underscore the gap between hope and reality - about savings, retirement age, retirement income needs, and lifestyle adjustments. A secondary recurring theme is what can happen without adequate financial preparation and guidance.
AXA Equitable's "Retirement Reality Show" video series complements the company's ongoing research and thought leadership programs on the issues surrounding retirement and serves as a platform for taking the public's pulse on financial risks and preparedness. The purpose of the series is to learn firsthand what real retirement savers and retirees are thinking and doing.
"Listening to real people is crucial to understanding how the market upheaval of the past few years has rattled their confidence in their ability to retire at all," Winans said. "It's one more way we can make sure our products answer today's financial protection needs."
To access the first episode in the "Retirement Reality Show" series - "Wall Street Hope Meets Boardwalk Reality," please visit The Source, AXA Equitable's multi-media Web site that provides information and thought leadership on a wide array of financial protection and retirement planning topics. The video can also be viewed on the AXA Equitable channel on YouTube.
Please note that the comments made in this video are not intended as investment or securities advice and do not constitute an offer or solicitation of any kind.
About AXA Equitable
In business since 1859, AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (NY, NY) is a leading financial protection company and one of the nation's premier providers of life insurance and annuity products, as well as investment products and services through its affiliates, including AXA Advisors, LLC. The company's products and services are distributed to individuals and business owners through its retail distribution channel, AXA Advisors and to the financial services market through its wholesale distribution channel, AXA Distributors, LLC.
AXA Equitable, a subsidiary of AXA Financial Inc., is part of the global AXA Group, a worldwide leader in financial protection strategies and wealth management. "AXA Group" refers to AXA, a French holding company for an international group of insurance and financial services companies together with its direct and indirect consolidated subsidiaries. For more information, visit http://www.axa-equitable.com.
Source: AXA Equitable
CONTACT: Discretion Winter, +1-212-314-2968,
discretion.winter@axa-equitable.com, or Michael Arcaro, +1-212-314-2030,
michael.arcaro@axa-equitable.com
Neustar Announces .BIZ Domain Name Security Enhancements
Company is First to Deploy Two Major Security Advances - DNSSEC and Registry Lock
STERLING, Va., Sept. 8 -- Neustar, Inc. (NYSE:NSR) announced today that .BIZ is the first top-level domain (TLD) to deploy both DNS security extensions (DNSSEC) and the Registry Lock service. Neustar is the registry administrator for the .BIZ TLD as designated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), and is the first company to announce these improvements.
DNSSEC involves the use of public key cryptography and digital signatures to protect consumers from potentially harmful cache poisoning attacks on the Domain Name System (DNS). A poisoned cache redirects users to a fraudulent site where their personal and/or financial information may be compromised.
Registry Lock allows for two-layer, gated protection from the theft of a registrant's domain name (known as "domain hijacking"). Since July 15, 2010, .BIZ registrars have had the ability to offer Registry Lock service to .BIZ registrants.
"Security and innovation are part of Neustar's DNA. With this announcement, we demonstrate our long-standing commitment to offering the most secure domain names using the latest and best technology available," said Tim Switzer, vice president of Domain Name Registry Services at Neustar. "These security improvements further solidify our position as a trusted administrator, delivering end users needed protections for their valuable personal data and information."
The .BIZ domain began accepting delegation signer (DS) records in August 2010, making Neustar the only registry to have fully deployed DNSSEC in two TLDs (.US and .BIZ).
Interest in domain name security has never been higher, with ICANN slated next year to revolutionize Internet addressing with the introduction of hundreds of new generic TLDs (gTLDs) into the Internet. In additional to being a security leader for .BIZ and .US, Neustar provides back-end registry services for .CO, the most successful new TLD in recent years.
About Neustar, Inc. and Neustar Domain Name Registry Services
Neustar, Inc. (NYSE:NSR) provides market-leading and innovative services that enable trusted communication across networks, applications, and enterprises around the world. Neustar Domain Name Registry Services operates the global registry for .US and .BIZ; in addition, it provides back-end registry services for .co, .tel and .travel, gateway services to country code top level domains, internationalized domain names (IDNs), and full registry services to new top level domains. Neustar's registry is connected to over 250 domain name registrars worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.neustar.biz and http://www.neustarregistry.biz.
Media Relations Contact:
Allen Goldberg
(571) 434-5520
allen.goldberg@neustar.biz
World Champions Dennis Taylor and Eric Bristow in Prop Bet Challenge at paddypowerpoker.com Irish Winter Festival 2010
DUBLIN, September 8, 2010--
- Revolving Dartboard and Broom Handle Will Handicap Experts as Punters
Challenge Them for Prizes
paddypowerpoker.com today announces exciting new entertainment plans for
the Irish Winter Festival 2010. Former World Champions Dennis Taylor
(snooker) and Eric Bristow (darts) will attend the poker festival in the
Burlington Hotel, Dublin to challenge punters at their respective sports -
but with a classic prop bet twist.
On Friday 22 and Saturday 23 October 2010, from 9 - 11 pm, guests at the
Irish Winter Festival will have the opportunity to take on their chosen World
Champions in the Bellini Bar, Burlington Hotel and if they manage to 'beat
the pro' they will win a special prize such as buy-in to the Blind Man's
Bluff and EUR200 NLH Freezeout events. However, to even things out a little
for their challengers, Bristow will play his darts on a revolving dartboard
while Taylor's snooker cue will be replaced with a broom handle.
Live bands will spice up the nights in the Bellini bar this October bank
holiday weekend with 'The Whisht', 'Superfly' and 'Pump up the Jam' all
making appearances; guests will be mesmerised by visiting Magician Shane
Gillen; drinks promotions will run throughout the festival and players may
even witness a world record attempt at the Irish Winter Festival 2010.
"Most will attend the Irish Winter Festival looking to be crowned the
Irish Masters Champion 2010. Now there is another reason to come to this
incredible event - you could go home boasting that you have beaten a World
Champion at their own game. That'll be a good story to tell your mates in the
pub the next day!" said Paddy Power, Communications Manager for
paddypowerpoker.com. "We have packed out the Irish Winter Festival with all
sorts of entertainment to ensure that everyone has a fantastic weekend -
darts, pool, music, free drink - it'll be an event to remember, that's for
sure!"
The Irish Winter Festival 2010 will take place in the Burlington Hotel,
Dublin from Friday 22 - Monday 25 October 2010. Weekly super satellites to
the Irish Masters run on paddypowerpoker.com each Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and
Thursday evenings, with a variety of feeders running daily. Irish Masters
main event seats are being handed out weekly in the IWF Sit & Go Festival and
IWF cash races on paddypowerpoker.com now.
Online satellites for the Blind Man's Bluff tournament will run on
paddypowerpoker.com from September 12th 2010.
GameTimeGeeks.com Launches New Line of NFL-Branded Mobile Device and Computer Accessories - Just in Time for 2010 Season
New NFL Line Extends Product Offering to iPad Sleeves, Camera Cases, Portable Mini-Speakers, and Netbook Sleeves, All Available Now at http://www.GameTimeGeeks.com
NEW YORK, Sept. 8 -- GameTimeGeeks.com, a website dedicated to providing branded tech accessories for the ultimate sports fan, today announced the launch of its full line of National Football League (NFL) products, right in time for football season. NFL fans now have an online destination to buy high-quality mobile device and computer accessories featuring their favorite team logos, including: iPod cases; iPad covers and sleeves; Netbook sleeves; USB mini-speakers; camera cases; and more.
The launch of the NFL collection expands GameTimeGeeks.com' product line of tech-savvy fan gear to over 130 teams overall, featuring the logos, colors, and mascots of all 32 NFL teams, plus all 30 MLB teams and over 70 NCAA colleges and universities. In the coming months, GameTimeGeeks.com will also launch NBA and NHL collections, becoming the only website to offer a full collection of mobile electronics and accessories across all major sports leagues.
"Our goal is to provide NFL fans with a one-stop shop where they can get stylish, durable accessories for their tech devices," said Tony Rindsberg, Director of Online Operations. "We make sports-licensed gear for proud fans and technophiles who want to show their team spirit on-the-go."
With the launch of the new products, GameTimeGeeks.com is among the first online retailers to offer iPad cases and iPad sleeves featuring NFL team logos. Other recent product launches include iPhone 4 cases and portable mini-speakers featuring college and university team logos.
The complete collection of GameTimeGeeks.com products include: iPhone 4 Cases, iPhone 3G/S Cases, iPad Sleeves, iPad Cases, iPod Touch Cases, Leather iPhone Wallets, BlackBerry Cases, Netbook Sleeves, USB Flash Drives, Tote Bags, and more. Start shopping now at http://www.GameTimeGeeks.com.
Source: GameTimeGeeks.com
CONTACT: Christina Halper, Resound Marketing, +1-609-279-0050 x 103,
christina@resoundmarketing.com
Netflix and Nu Image/Millennium Films Announce Long-term Agreement to Stream First-Run Theatrical Films to Netflix Members
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 8 -- Netflix, Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX) and Nu Image/Millennium Films today announced a long-term agreement through which first-run theatrical films distributed by the Nu Image/Millennium Group will be licensed to Netflix for streaming over the Internet to its subscribers during the "pay TV window." Historically, these films have been licensed to premium TV channels.
The deal underscores how Netflix is moving rapidly to expand both the variety and timeliness of movies and TV episodes available to be watched instantly by its members. The companies said they expect five to 10 theatrical films per year to flow to Netflix through the agreement, in general just a few months after their release on DVD.
Nu Image and Millennium Films are best known for big budget action/thriller movies including: "The Expendables," "John Rambo," "Brooklyn's Finest," "Righteous Kill," "16 Blocks" and "Black Dahlia."
"We are delighted to be in business with Netflix," said Avi Lerner, co-chairman of Nu Image/Millennium. "This is a groundbreaking deal for our new releases and library titles. It will allow us to be more aggressive with theatrical releases and will clearly impact our distribution model. We will be producing more great films for Netflix."
"Avi Lerner and Nu Image have a remarkable track record of producing crowd pleasing and profitable films," said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix. "Their ability to work across multiple studios and maintain a consistent output of diverse and successful films makes Avi and his company perfect Netflix partners for theatrical features in the pay TV window."
Among the first films to be covered under the deal is Dito Monteil's 2011 scheduled release "Son of No One," a crime drama starring Channing Tatum, Al Pacino, Katie Holmes, Tracy Morgan, Ray Liotta and Juliette Bincoche about a young cop assigned to the working class Queens neighborhood in which he grew up and the discovery of a horrible family secret. Also slated for Netflix via the new agreement is 2011's scheduled "Elephant White," starring Academy Award® nominee Djimon Hounsou and Golden Globe® winner Kevin Bacon in a drama about a contract killer who gets swept up in the dangerous business of white slave traders in Thailand.
The deal was negotiated by David Sobieraj, president of domestic video and television for Nu Image/Millennium Films, and Robert Kyncl, vice president of content acquisition for Netflix.
About Netflix
With more than 15 million members, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is the world's largest subscription service streaming movies and TV episodes over the Internet and sending DVDs by mail. For $8.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited TV episodes and movies streamed to their TVs and computers and can receive unlimited DVDs delivered quickly to their homes. With Netflix, there are never any due dates or late fees. Members can select from a growing library of titles that can be watched instantly and a vast array of titles on DVD. Among the large and expanding base of devices that can stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix are Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PS3 and Nintendo's Wii consoles; Blu-ray disc players from Samsung, LG and Insignia; Internet TVs from LG, Sony and VIZIO; the Roku digital video player and TiVo digital video recorders, and Apple's iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. For more information, visit http://www.netflix.com/.
About Nu Image/Millennium Films
Nu Image/Millennium Films is a full-service production company and distributor. Serving markets worldwide. The prolific and well known independent studio currently develops produces, finances and distributes 8-12 films a year, with locations shooting around the world. Nu Image was founded in 1992 with partners Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short and Avi Lerner. Originally dedicated to the action and thriller genres, Nu Image created Millennium Films in 1996 to address the market's growing need for theatrical quality films and higher budget action features. The two divisions have together produced more than 230 films, including the recent theatrical releases of "John Rambo," written, directed and starring Sylvester Stallone, and "Righteous Kill," starring the legendary talents of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. Other hits include: "The Black Dahlia," "88 Minutes" and "16 Blocks." Nu Image owns and operates a full service studio in Sofia, Bulgaria and is building a $10 million dollar facility in Shreveport, La.
Source: Netflix, Inc.
CONTACT: Steve Swasey of Netflix, Inc., +1-408-540-3947,
sswasey@netflix.com
First American Title Insurance Company Announces AgentFirst(TM) Real Estate Mobile Application for Android(TM) and BlackBerry® Smartphones
SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 8 -- First American Title Insurance Company today announced that its AgentFirst(TM) mobile application for Android(TM) and BlackBerry® smartphones is now available for free download.
The AgentFirst mobile application, which was previously released for iPhone® in April 2010 for download at no charge through the iTunes App Store(SM), provides real estate and lending professionals access to property and ownership information which covers 97 percent of all U.S. real estate transactions.
Users with active AgentFirst accounts on their mobile device can easily look up property addresses while in the field and gain access to property information, transaction history and tax data. In addition, the new mobile application allows agents to place title and escrow orders directly through their mobile device.*
"At Keller Williams, we understand the impact mobile computing is having on our clients as well as our associates, which is why we've developed mobile.kw.com," said Bryon Ellington, chief products officer for Keller Williams Realty. "AgentFirst mobile applications for the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry smartphones allow our associates to perform research and place orders while away from the office, which has proven to be extremely beneficial."
According to market research firm comScore, smartphone ownership in the U.S. has now surpassed 49.1 million users as of the second quarter of 2010. With all four major U.S. carriers now offering at least two Android smartphone devices to their customers, Android smartphones are seeing a significant increase in market share while Research In Motion, maker of the BlackBerry, remains the dominant U.S. smartphone platform representing approximately 41 percent of the market.
"Since launching our AgentFirst app for the iPhone, our real estate professional customers have been asking us to build an app for Android and BlackBerry mobile devices," said Larry Godec, chief information officer for First American. "We see these apps as an opportunity for First American to provide innovative service-oriented solutions to our increasingly mobile customers."
Additional information on First American's AgentFirst mobile app can be found online at http://title.firstam.com/AFmobile. Android smartphone users can download the AgentFirst application at no charge through the Android Market. The AgentFirst application is available for BlackBerry users to download at http://title.firstam.com/AFmobile. iPhone users may download the application from the iTunes App Store at http://itunes.com/apps/agentfirstrealestate.
For more information, or to establish an AgentFirst account, real estate professionals may contact their local First American Title sales representative.*
AgentFirst is a trademark of First American Title Insurance Company. Android is a trademark of Google, Inc., and BlackBerry is a trademark of Research In Motion, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android Market is a service mark of Google, Inc. iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple, Inc.
*Not available in all geographic areas and fees may apply. Unavailable in Texas.
About First American Title Insurance Company
First American Title Insurance Company, the largest subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE:FAF), traces its history to 1889. One of the largest title insurers in the nation, the company offers title services through its direct operations and an extensive network of agents throughout the United States and abroad. The company has its headquarters in Santa Ana, Calif. Information about First American Financial Corporation's subsidiaries and an archive of its press releases can be found on the Internet at http://www.firstam.com.
Media Contact:
Carrie Gaska
Media Relations Manager
First American Financial Corporation
(714) 250-3298
Investor Contact:
Craig Barberio
Director of Investor Relations
First American Financial Corporation
(714) 250-5214
Source: First American Financial Corporation
CONTACT: Media, Carrie Gaska, Media Relations Manager, +1-714-250-3298,
Investors, Craig Barberio, Director of Investor Relations, +1-714-250-5214,
both of First American Financial Corporation
Tested On Animals: Philips and O'Neill Team Up To Launch New Range of Durable Headphones
WARMOND, Netherlands, Sept. 8 -- Two pioneers of lifestyle innovation, Philips and O'Neill, have joined forces to launch a line of headphones designed to withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle: the new premium line of Philips | O'Neill Headphones gives you long-lasting durability and complete comfort so you can enjoy the music that fuels you every day, for as long as you want, no matter what you put them through.
The high performance Philips | O'Neill Headphones were tested on the toughest O'Neill team riders and specifically designed around the demands of those who live life to the fullest. They will never let you down, wherever you take them or however energized the sounds or action they accompany.
The Philips | O'Neill Headphone collection features four different styles, each completely unique and simple in design, yet able to withstand the challenges of the most dynamic active lifestyle.
Inspired by the heavy-duty materials and styling of wetsuit materials, The Stretch headphones - the toughest in the new line-up - delivers high performance. Both impact and high stress-crack resistant, it retains flexibility and strength for a whole new level in headphone resilience.
All models in the Philips | O'Neill Headphones range offer something for the most active and toughest lifestyles. The Snug model does it all in style: a set of imposing flat-folding, headphones that deliver flawless fit and sound with bold graphics. The in-ear selection includes The Covert, a discreet bud with deceptively powerful sound impact and iPhone control, while The Specked includes a range of three striking colored in-ear buds, with tough yet stylish tangle-free cords for longer listening experiences.
Nick Andrews, Senior Manager, Consumer Marketing at Philips, comments: "This range realizes the synergies of Philips simplicity and innovation and O'Neill's set of core values based around the concept of innovation in style and technology. Our new Headphones are totally uncompromising in their durability - because they've been tested on our test animals: the toughest O'Neill riders, the most uncompromising and daring boarders around."
Eppo van Berckelaer, Global Marketing Director at O'Neill, said: "O'Neill and Philips share a long and successful history of product innovation, working to create products that allow people to get the most out of their lives. Knowing how important music is to the lives of our consumers, I now encourage everyone to get out there and test the headphones for themselves."
The Philips | O'Neill campaign will be spearheaded by selected O'Neill team riders, including 9-time Big Mountain Rider of the Year Jeremy Jones, fearless big wave surfer Mark Mathews and two-time Freeride World Tour Champion Ane Enderud. As three of their sports' toughest and most enduring champions, these riders have put the headphones to the ultimate test in the context of their own unique and demanding lifestyles.
In addition to launching at IFA, the headphones will be showcased during the Deeper movie premiere tour in October and November. Guests at these events will be treated to a headphone-enabled 'Deeper Listening Experience' in Amsterdam, Los Angeles and New York City during the screening of Jeremy Jones' groundbreaking freeride snowboarding movie.
The new Philips | O'Neill Headphones will be available at retail stores throughout Europe and the US in September 2010.
O'Neill, the original Californian surf, snow and lifestyle brand, was founded in 1952 when a young man named Jack O'Neill took his unstoppable passion for surfing and used it to beat Mother Nature at her own game. Pioneering the world's first neoprene wetsuit, Jack had successfully found a way to extend his surf sessions in the bone-chilling breaks of Northern California. He opened up the garage doors to his first surf shop in Santa Cruz soon after. While many things have changed since those humble beginnings, Jack's initial vision of producing functional and innovative boardriding products continues to lie at the core of everything the company does. O'Neill's set of core values - innovation in style and technology - has seen the brand devote itself wholeheartedly to the evolution of action sports. From the first ever neoprene wetsuit and surf leash, to the world's first stitchless boardshorts and range of groundbreaking wearable electronics, O'Neill's spirit of innovation will always drive the company forwards. Today, O'Neill can be found the world over. In touch with its rich heritage and the universal stoke of boardriding culture, O'Neill will always be committed to progressing that evolution and growing its reputation as one of the world's leading youth lifestyle brands.
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE:PHG)(NYSE:AEX:)(NYSE:PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 116,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 23 billion in 2009, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at http://www.philips.com/newscenter.
EdgeDiveTech Offers Brightest Underwater LED Light in the World
The Edge Ultra100 Provides 9,000 Lumens of light
EVERETT, Wash., Sept. 8 -- Using the latest in LED lighting technology and some old-fashioned ingenuity, EdgeDiveTech's chief designer has lit up the undersea world with two new products. The Edge Ultra100 is a single canister light that provides 9,000 lumens of light. With its 80-degree angle, the massive light output makes any dark environment seem like daylight.
The Edge Ultra200 is a video lighting system designed specifically for underwater videographers. It has 2 light heads which provide a total of 18,000 lumens and no hot spot.
The Edge Ultra100 has a burn time of 2 hours, is rated to a depth of 500ft (152m) and features wet connections between light head and canister, making it possible to change battery canisters underwater.
XConnect, Polycom, BroadSoft and Dialogic Announce High-Definition Voice Initiative in the U.K.
HD Voice Peering Federation Extended to Include U.K. Participants
LONDON, Sept. 8 -- XConnect, the leader in next-generation interconnection and carrier ENUM-registry services, today announced an initiative with leading technology companies Polycom, BroadSoft and Dialogic to promote the adoption of high-definition (HD) voice by service providers in the United Kingdom.
The initiative was launched in response to U.K. service providers' interest in HD voice services, reflected in discussion during a recent Internet Telephony Service Providers Association (ITSPA) meeting. Through workshops and cooperative communication and marketing, the HD initiative is designed to raise awareness and educate service providers about the benefits of HD voice and help them resolve implementation challenges.
The companies joining XConnect in the initiative are market leaders in their sectors of the HD voice ecosystem. Polycom set an early stake in the ground through its SoundStation®IP conference phones and SoundPoint® desktop phones featuring Polycom HD Voice(TM) technology. BroadSoft is the leading global provider of IP-based communications services to the telecommunications industry. Dialogic is a prominent provider of multimedia and signaling technologies and platforms.
As part of the initiative, XConnect announced that the XConnect Global HD Voice Federation is now open to HD voice-enabled service providers globally, following its successful launch in the United States.
First to join from the U.K. are service providers Simwood, SureVoIP and thevoicefactory.
The federation enables the exchange of HD voice calls among all participants, all interconnecting through XConnect's carrier hub and routing through phone-number lookups via its carrier ENUM registry.
HD voice enables users to experience clearer, higher-quality and more effective voice communication through the use of wideband codecs on IP networks. However, in most cases, to benefit from improved sound quality, callers must be on the same network. XConnect has established the HD federation to allow cross-network support for HD voice and potentially for multimedia IP-based services, such as presence and video.
"The U.K. is ripe for HD voice due to increasing migration to IP and the quest among service providers to differentiate their offerings and deliver greater value to their customers," said XConnect CEO Eli Katz.
He added, "We are delighted to have facilitated the world's first cross-network international HD voice calls via a federation - a step that paves the way for global mass-market adoption of HD voice."
Explaining why his company has joined the HD federation, thevoicefactory CEO Martin Sims said: "We realise that to compete effectively where broadband is a given, we have to move ahead of the pack. In a business market where many different languages and accents are the norm, high-definition voice will help us add value to our services."
The global leader in network peering, XConnect is trusted by IP-based service providers in 20 countries to offer a suite of Interconnect 2.0 services, including carrier ENUM-registry and next-generation multimedia interconnection hub solutions. London-based XConnect offers the most comprehensive and reliable solutions to help service providers deliver rich multimedia IP communications across networks while reducing costs and improving service quality. Backed by Tier 1 venture capital firms, XConnect operates the largest worldwide ENUM-based IP-peering federation, the Global Alliance, and the world's first national VoIP/NGN interconnection federations, in the Netherlands, Korea and South Africa. For more information, please visit http://www.xconnect.net.
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Nikon's New COOLPIX S8100 Gives Consumers High-Speed Shooting and Super 10x Zoom to Capture 'Can't Miss' Moments Even in Low-Light Conditions
The S8100's Compact Design Includes 12.1 MP CMOS Sensor to Capture Amazing Photos Up To 10 FPS
MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 8 -- Nikon Inc. today announced the COOLPIX S8100, which offers a 12.1-megapixel backside illumination CMOS sensor to provide consumers with enhanced performance and outstanding image quality for high-speed shooting and low-light conditions. Fast, responsive and versatile, the Nikon COOLPIX S8100 with an incredible 10X zoom will capture fast-moving subjects in still images and HD (1080p) movies.
To help capture moments that are gone in an instant, the COOLPIX S8100 not only features high-speed shooting at five full resolution frames at up to 10 frames-per-second (fps), but a pre-shooting cache that records up to two shots before the shutter-release is fully pressed. For extremely fast action shots, the S8100's Sports Continuous mode records up to approximately 120 fps. With Subject Tracking, the S8100 automatically tracks a designated subject by activating autofocus (AF), enabling the user to capture the best moment confidently. The S8100 also adopts Nikon's exclusive EXPEED C2(TM) image processing engine, which is customized to each COOLPIX model to further drive enhanced performance, outstanding image quality and HD video.
Staying true to the legacy of the Style Series, the S8100 empowers users with serious performance and image quality, while remaining stylish and compact. Equipped with a 10x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens (30-300mm, 35mm equivalent), the COOLPIX S8100 allows the user to get close to the action, even when recording a movie in Full HD (1080p). For that family film producer, the S8100 features one-touch recording, optical zoom and stereo sound recording while filming for an enhanced user experience. Additionally, users can perfect their movies in-camera with a new editing function or snap still images while recording.
"Our portfolio of compact digital cameras is designed to equip photographers of any level with the features and functions they will need for various shooting situations in a portable, compact body," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "The COOLPIX S8100 blends superior high-speed and low-light performance with a sleek and stylish design for a camera that is not only ready to go when you are, but one you are proud to show off."
Advanced Technologies for Beautiful Nighttime Shots
The COOLPIX S8100 features a 12.1-megapixel backside illumination CMOS sensor, which enables exceptional image quality even when shooting in low-light settings. This CMOS sensor lends itself to enhanced shooting functions in dark situations, including the advanced Night Portrait mode, which reproduces night scenes and indoor portraits as the user sees them while reducing image blur. The Night Portrait mode combines consecutive shots of the background while the subject is taken using the flash, allowing challenging night scenes to be easily captured during handheld shooting and eliminating any subject movement. To further help deliver crisp, sharp photos, the S8100 features a 4-Way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization System with ISO settings up to 3200.
Other functions benefiting from the lower noise and exceptional image quality of the new CMOS image sensor include an advanced Backlight shooting function with an in-camera high dynamic range (HDR) function, which merges images of the same scene to achieve a single image with a broad range of tonal detail for a frame-worthy shot. Additionally, the S8100's advanced Night Landscape mode combines a series of five consecutive shots taken at a fast shutter speed into a single image with reduced noise for when taking handheld shots. From romantic candlelit dinners to capturing the bright lights of New York City at night, the COOLPIX S8100 ensures that no low-light moment will be left in the dark.
Creative Versatility
The COOLPIX S8100 helps unleash the user's photographic potential with enhanced shooting and editing functions, including a new Mode Dial conveniently placed next to the shutter-release button for quick and easy access to shooting modes. The COOLPIX S8100 also features the Creative Slider, which simplifies adjusting brightness, saturation and color tone in-camera. Other in-camera editing functions include Quick Retouch and D-Lighting, giving users the ability to adjust their images during playback.
To further help the process of composing and sharing photos and movies, the COOLPIX S8100 boasts a 3.0-inch ultra high resolution (921,000-dot) Clear Color Display with a wide viewing angle and anti-glare coating. Additional must-have features in the S8100 include 17 scene modes, including the Scene Auto Selector, which automatically recognizes the shooting situation and adjusts camera settings accordingly for great photos in any environment. For outstanding portraits, the S8100 features Nikon's Smart Portrait System, which incorporates a series of automatic functions including In-Camera Red-Eye Fix(TM), improved Face-Priority AF, Blink Warning, Smile Timer and Skin Softening to flatter even the most camera-shy subject.
Availability and Pricing
The COOLPIX S8100 will be available late September 2010 for $299.95 MSRP* in a choice of attractive colors including black, red and gold.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image(TM). Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com/, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
*MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time
EyeWonder Expands Mobile Offering with Rich Media and Video Ad Products and HTML5-Based Capabilities
Developing and implementing industry standards as a member of the Mobile Marketing Association, EyeWonder powers mobile ads for SyFy and U.S. Cellular for iPhone and iPad
ATLANTA, Sept. 8 -- EyeWonder, a Limelight Networks business (NASDAQ:LLNW) and member of the MMA, today announced its comprehensive mobile ad offering, which includes all MMA-recommended rich media, video and standard ad formats for select smartphones across U.S. carriers--AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular--and full support for HTML5-based ads for iPhone and iPad.
"With over five billion mobile subscribers worldwide and the explosive growth of smartphones in the market today, there are new opportunities for advertisers to reach consumers that haven't been available before," said Michael Griffin, EVP Marketing and Strategic Development at EyeWonder. "As a member of the MMA and Adobe's partner program for Flash on mobile, EyeWonder continually collaborates with other industry interactive advertising leaders to establish standards that enable scalable interactive mobile ad solutions to provide advertisers, agencies, content publishers and networks the products and services vital to ensure all stakeholders a meaningful, efficient and effective mobile advertising market capable of delivering value and sustainable growth."
EyeWonder's mobile products include:
-- Expandable ad formats that function on all Javascript-enabled devices,
including iPhone, iPod Touch, Blackberry Storm, Blackberry Curve 2,
Android devices and Samsung Instinct
-- Ads served within browser-based apps built for the above devices
-- Video ads for iPhone and iPod Touch that play through the device's
player
-- HTML5-based ads for iPhone and iPad
-- Standard ads that run across smartphones and feature phones to
accommodate mobile ad campaigns that combine rich and non-rich formats
-- Measurability and engagement metrics including click-through rate,
device type, expand/contract, carrier, impressions, number of video
views, average time to first interaction, reach and frequency and
total interaction rate
-- Served from Limelight Networks' global delivery platform, which
includes:
-- Massive distributed storage, delivery capabilities and computing
power
-- Intelligent software for optimizing online delivery to a wide
range of consumer devices
-- Over 900 direct connections to last-mile networks, including the
top ten global wireless carriers
EyeWonder recently provided the technology, delivery and services for several mobile ad campaigns, including work for U.S. Cellular on AccuWeather.com and campaigns on Pandora.
"At Pandora, we're experts at enabling advertisers to reach an audience of targeted, on-the-go consumers who are open to receiving entertaining and engaging ads while listening to personalized radio," said Cheryl Lucanegro, Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales at Pandora. "We've recently delivered ads that promote fun, free apps that can also be downloaded to the user's phone without interrupting the listening experience. We hope to keep fostering and promoting this type of advertising solution to brand marketers focused on engaged consumers who are pre-disposed to interact with relevant advertisements."
U.S. Cellular's expandable ad for AccuWeather.com's mobile site was developed by creative agency Hal Riney with media by Starcom. Urging users to click on the ad to "Upgrade to Android," the unit appears in an expanded state and contracts after a few seconds. To see a demo of the ad, click here.
"As a leading mobile Website, AccuWeather.com strives to bring the highest value to users and clients with engaging content and advertising," said Jim Candor, Senior Vice President of Digital Media for AccuWeather.com. "By working with innovators like EyeWonder, we can provide advertisers with leading-edge creative implementations to add impact to mobile ad campaigns while enhancing the audience experience."
EyeWonder also worked with creative agency Glow Interactive to power an ad for the season premiere of SyFy Channel's "Warehouse 13", which ran for one day on the homepage of New York Times' HTML5-based mobile Website. To see a demo of the ad, click here.
"Glow has a long history of working with EyeWonder to create unique and exciting ad experiences," said Mike Molnar, Managing Partner, Glow Interactive. "The rich media expandable ad for SyFy's 'Warehouse 13' was the first of its kind served on an iPad and iPhone, and we plan to continue innovating the mobile space by creating the newest ad products for our clients."
About EyeWonder
EyeWonder, a Limelight Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:LLNW) business, provides interactive digital advertising technology and services that increase the value of inventory for publishers and improve the performance of advertisers' interactive ad campaigns. EyeWonder's leading technology platform, full-service account teams and global office network combine to enhance the creation, delivery, measurement, analysis and optimization of interactive ad campaigns for online, mobile and connected devices. For more information, please visit http://www.eyewonder.com/ or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/_ew.
About Limelight Networks, Inc.
Limelight Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:LLNW) provides solutions that enable business and technology decision makers to profit from the shift of content and advertising to the online world, the explosive growth of mobile and connected devices, and the migration of IT applications and services into the cloud. The company provides massively scalable software services that engage audiences, enhance brand presence, analyze viewer preferences, optimize advertising, manage and monetize digital assets, and ultimately help build stronger customer relationships. For more information, please visit http://www.limelightnetworks.com/ or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/llnw.
Nikon's New High Performance COOLPIX P7000 Delivers Incredible Image Quality and Advanced Creative Control in a Compact Body
New COOLPIX Camera Gives Enthusiasts Full Manual Controls and Superior NIKKOR Optics in Addition to Advanced Photo and Video Features in a Package That Evokes SLR Familiarity
MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 8 -- With advanced functions and features similar to those found in Nikon's line of award winning and critically acclaimed D-SLRs, Nikon Inc. today introduced the COOLPIX P7000, the ultimate compact camera that's ready to take on most any photo assignment. At home in a pro's gadget bag or in the hands of a spirited enthusiast, passionate photographers of all levels will benefit from the P7000's high performance, extensive manual controls, stunning image quality and advanced shooting functions.
The 10.1-megapixel COOLPIX P7000 features a large 1/1.7" CCD sensor coupled with a 7.1x Wide Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED Glass Lens for consistent superior image quality that explodes with vivid color and sharpness frame after frame. Taking Nikon's commitment to image quality a step further, the P7000 adopts Nikon's new EXPEED C2(TM) high performance digital image processing engine to ensure high-quality pictures with stunning color and sharpness.
"The COOLPIX P7000 represents the best of both worlds. It is an exciting compact camera offering from Nikon, as it not only provides expanded creative control found in digital SLR cameras, but also provides photo enthusiasts with the portability and simplicity of COOLPIX digital cameras," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "The P7000 is the perfect complement to an advanced photographer's D-SLR, and it inspires the entry-level consumer to explore the boundaries of their photographic capabilities and fulfill their creative vision."
ISO sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 6400 (expandable to ISO 12,800 in low noise Night Mode) to ensure incredibly sharp, crisp images when shooting in low-light or photographing fast-moving subjects. The P7000 also offers a variety of functions that enable superior rendering when shooting at high sensitivities, including a Low Noise Night Mode and a Noise Reduction Filter. The camera also features 5-Way VR Image Stabilization System, which utilizes a variety of tactics including optical lens shift to minimize the effect of camera shake to help banish the blur while shooting handheld or in low-light.
Thoughtful engineering has led to the addition of features that will be welcome to current D-SLR users. The Zoom Memory function allows the camera's 28-200mm (35mm equivalent) lens to be used in a way that simulates use of a prime lens, ideal for shooting at a preferred angle of view. The P7000 also adds controls and buttons for key features like ISO, white balance, bracketing and exposure compensation. The new innovative and independent Quick Menu dial ensures easy access to key functions with the comfort of analog operation. Advanced users will also enjoy the benefits of shooting RAW/NRW* files for creative freedom, and macro abilities as close as 0.8 inches.
While the image quality of the P7000 is nothing short of stellar, the video capabilities are far beyond that of a typical compact. The P7000 records HD video at 720p at 24 frames-per-second (fps) with optical zoom and autofocus control. A COOLPIX first, users can now record audio with an external stereo microphone via the microphone input. An accessory microphone or Nikon Speedlight can be mounted on the P7000's hot shoe.
Additional features of the Nikon COOLPIX P7000 digital camera include:
-- 7.1x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens (28-200mm f/2.8-5.6)
allows for detailed close-ups and dramatic landscapes.
-- 3.0-inch 921,000-dot Clear Color Display with wide viewing angle makes
it easy to compose, view and share still images and movies that come
alive with rich detail and improved contrast.
-- Large optical viewfinder with diopter adjustment dial
-- Tone Level Information helps photographers achieve their desired
exposure with a histogram display, allowing them to determine the
exposure while checking the balance between highlights and shadows.
-- Electronic Virtual Horizon Indicator gives the user visual
confirmation that the camera has a level horizon.
-- In-camera editing functions include exposure compensation, COOLPIX
Picture Control, noise reduction filter, Quick Retouch, D-Lighting and
Active D-Lighting.
-- 5-Way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization System
-- Optical VR Image Stabilization by lens shift minimizes the effects
of camera shake.
-- Hybrid VR Image Stabilization by lens shift and electronic VR.
-- Motion Detection automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts
shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for camera shake
and subject movement.
-- High ISO up to 6400 at full resolution for optimal results when
shooting in low-light or photographing fast-moving subjects.
-- Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to 10 shots while
the user presses the shutter and saves the sharpest image.
-- Full Manual Controls-PSAM (Program, Shutter, Aperture, Manual) control
gives creative control over images.
-- NRW (RAW) file function compatible with Mac® and Windows® Operating
Systems.
-- Bracketing functions for Automatic Exposure (Sv and Tv) and White
Balance allows the user to take consecutive shots with slightly
different settings and select the one that best matches their
intention.
-- HD (720p) Movie with Stereo, Mic Input Jack and HDMI Output records at
24 fps with optical zoom, autofocus and stereo sound.
-- Subject Tracking automatically activates autofocus while tracking
moving subjects, like active children or unpredictable animals.
-- Scene Auto Selector automatically recognizes the shooting situation
and adjusts the camera's settings accordingly for great pictures
anywhere.
-- Smart Portrait System integrates the following features to make it a
snap to capture stunning portraits:
-- In-Camera Red-Eye Fix(TM) automatically fixes most instances of
red-eye.
-- Enhanced Face-Priority AF can detect up to 12 faces from a variety
of angles.
-- Skin Softening ensures smooth skin tone on the face of subjects by
leveraging built-in face-detection technology.
-- Smile Timer automatically detects when a subject smiles and
releases the shutter.
-- Blink Warning alerts the photographer if a subject has blinked.
The Nikon COOLPIX P7000 will be available in late September 2010 for $499.95 MSRP**.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image(TM). Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com/, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
*ViewNX 2(supplied) and Capture NX 2(available separately) are required to open NRW files on a computer.
The application or updates can be downloaded from Nikon's website.
**MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time
Microsoft®, Windows® and Windows Vista(TM) are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. *Macintosh®, Mac OS® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Source: Nikon Inc.
CONTACT: MWW Group, Geoff Coalter, gcoalter@mww.com or Robin Theis,
rtheis@mww.com, +1-201-507-9500, press.nikonusa.com
Silicon Valley Bank Strengthens Global Banking Platform
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 8 -- Silicon Valley Bank, the premier commercial bank for companies in the technology, life science, venture capital and premium wine industries, announced that it has strengthened its global banking platform and further enhanced its global treasury services through the deployment of Oracle's FLEXCUBE Core Banking solution.
Silicon Valley Bank's global banking platform provides a wide range of global treasury solutions, including foreign currency loans, multi-currency deposit accounts, international payment and cash management services, and real-time global account reporting through a single interface via SVB's online banking platform, SVBeConnect. The implementation of the Oracle FLEXCUBE platform provides the capability for SVB to manage core banking services in over 30 currencies across the globe.
"Many of our clients conduct business internationally from their inception and Silicon Valley Bank's global banking platform is instrumental in helping them grow their business and successfully manage their financial activities throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America and other geographies around the world," said Ken Wilcox, CEO of Silicon Valley Bank and SVB Financial Group. "Our implementation of Oracle FLEXCUBE has already enhanced our multi-currency deposit and lending capabilities and provides clients with centralized access to their accounts to better manage their cash."
Silicon Valley Bank is currently providing global banking services to existing clients in over 30 countries throughout the world. "Over the past 18 months, we have made a significant investment in upgrading our core banking infrastructure with a dynamic and robust global banking platform," said Bruce Wallace, Head of Global Services and responsible for the bank's product development, banking operations, and client services worldwide. "In the past 12 months we have experienced 77 percent growth in our international loans and 51 percent growth in our international account services. Supporting our client's global expansion efforts is a top priority for SVB and we will continue to enhance our global banking platform over the next 12 months."
In addition to global treasury solutions, Silicon Valley Bank offers a full range of global financial products and services, including foreign exchange and trade finance services, and is the third largest Ex-Im Bank Working Capital Guarantee financer in the banking industry.
About Silicon Valley Bank
Silicon Valley Bank is the premier commercial bank for companies in the technology, life science, venture capital, private equity and premium wine industries. SVB provides a comprehensive suite of financing solutions, treasury management, corporate investment and international banking services to its clients worldwide. Through its focus on specialized markets and extensive knowledge of the people and business issues driving them, Silicon Valley Bank provides a level of service and partnership that measurably impacts its clients' success. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., the company serves clients around the world through 27 U.S. offices and international operations in China, India, Israel and the United Kingdom. Silicon Valley Bank is a member of global financial services firm SVB Financial Group (NASDAQ:SIVB), with SVB Analytics, SVB Capital, SVB Global and SVB Private Client Services. More information on the company can be found at http://www.svb.com.
Silicon Valley Bank is the California bank subsidiary and the commercial banking operation of SVB Financial Group. Banking services are provided by Silicon Valley Bank, a member of the FDIC and the Federal Reserve. SVB Financial Group is also a member of the Federal Reserve.
On-demand program increases agent productivity with industry-leading training
MILWAUKEE, Sept. 8 -- Marshall & Swift/Boeckh (MSB) has launched its new MSB Virtual Academy, an on-demand professional development program for agents and brokers in the United States and Canada. This program allows agents and brokers to become more productive in using MSB tools like Residential Component Technology ("RCT") and more knowledgeable about important topics like the fundamentals of residential construction.
"MSB's Virtual Academy was designed to help the busy insurance professional be more productive and improve efficiencies at the agent/broker desktop. All of the sessions are available through our website 24/7, 365 days a year and provide valuable construction knowledge that agents and brokers need to complete accurate replacement cost estimates. MSB developed the classes to help insurance professionals stay on top of the ever changing demands of the property insurance marketplace and keep agents and brokers ahead of the curve," says Jerry Fox, Vice President Agency Operations, MSB.
MSB Virtual Academy course offerings include: Fundamentals of Construction - Residential, Introduction to RCT Express Main Street, Introduction to RCT Express Main Street - Canadian French, and Introduction to RCT Express High Value Home. Future courses scheduled for September 2010 include: Introduction to BVS - Commercial, and IntegriClaim Quick Start CAT Event Training. MSB is developing online classes to address the upcoming California regulatory requirements for the cost approach and homeowners disclosure.
MSB Virtual Academy brings construction knowledge to the fingertips of new and experienced agents and brokers to help them quickly and accurately complete replacement cost estimates. The program provides a tracking component to assist with monitoring the progress of agents and brokers, and to provide data for helping clients develop additional testing requirements to meet their certification needs.
To review a training demonstration or to receive additional information, please contact Jerry Fox, MSB at jerry.fox@msbinfo.com.
About Marshall & Swift/Boeckh (MSB)
MSB, also known as Marshall & Swift/Boeckh, is the leading supplier of local building cost information, residential and commercial property valuation technology and services for the property and casualty insurance sector of the United States and Canada. MSB has five offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Source: Marshall & Swift/Boeckh
CONTACT: Todd Eyler, Vice President Marketing of MSB, 1-800-809-0016,
ext. 3687, todd.eyler@msbinfo.com
Quilter Goes Live With Coric Client Communications Suite From Equipos
LONDON, September 8, 2010-- Quilter, a specialist in personalised investment management services, has
now implemented the Equipos Coric client communications suite and
successfully completed its first run of 30,000 report packs. Quilter's new
client reporting infrastructure automates the production of high-volume
report runs and significantly streamlines client communications. As part of
the project, which was delivered on time and on budget, Equipos has greatly
enhanced the design and production of Quilter's client reporting.
Equipos Coric enables end-to-end management of the client reporting
process while providing dashboard control and workflow automation. Coric puts
control of the reporting process into the hands of the client services team,
enabling rapid response to ever-changing client reporting requirements.
Natalie Levine, Head of Technology at Quilter, said "This is the first
phase of our strategy to introduce more flexible and higher quality reports
for our clients. Our goal was to achieve process efficiencies whilst also
enhancing the quality of client communications. We were impressed by Coric's
breadth of functionality and its ability to generate reports with high visual
appeal. The feedback from clients following our first report run has been
positive."
Equipos CEO, Alan Hamilton, said: "Quilter is a valued addition to our
rapidly expanding base of users in Europe, North America and Asia. This
implementation proves that Coric can deliver outstanding operational and
client services results in a very short timescale, and we are delighted that
we have been able to bring both creative and technical expertise to this
project."
Equipos
Equipos is a leading international supplier of automated client
reporting, document management and business process management solutions for
institutional and private client investors and wealth managers. Equipos
designs, develops and delivers outstanding solutions for industry leaders
such as American Century, Bank Julius Bar, Cazenove Capital Management,
Fairbairn Private Bank (Old Mutual), Hargreave Hale, Hermes Fund Managers,
Jupiter Asset Management, LCF Rothschild, Northern Trust, Rathbones and
Rensburg Sheppards. http://www.equipos.co.uk
Quilter
Quilter is a specialist in personalised investment management services.
With approximately GBP6.3bn of funds under management (as at 30 June 2010)
its clients include private clients, charities and trusts, pension funds,
corporate bodies and life companies. The company employs approximately 300
staff based in 11 offices throughout the UK, Jersey and Ireland. Quilter is
part of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. The firm can trace its ancestry back to
1777.
MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery Launches the New MaggieMoos.com
ATLANTA, Sept. 8 -- MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery® recently launched a newly designed Web site that showcases its innovative and fresh take on ice cream that identifies with ice cream lovers of all ages. Visitors to the site can learn about the brand's newest ice cream innovations, including ice cream pizza, the most recent award-winning addition to MaggieMoo's menu. MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery is managed by Global Franchise Group, LLC.
The new MaggieMoos.com will offer:
-- Online ordering at all Treateries for ice cream cakes, cupcakes,
pizzas and more.
-- Miss Maggie Moo, brand ambassador for the super-premium ice cream
chain, will stream Facebook and Twitter posts to the site so customers
can access up-to-the-minute news and special offers.
-- MaggieMoo's merchandise, including t-shirts, fleeces, infant rompers
and Maggie Moo plush dolls, are available through the 'Maggie Shopping
Network.'
-- Visitors can also stay up to date on Maggie's celebrity friends by
accessing the 'Maggie Fame Tracker.'
-- A feature that provides visitors the opportunity to "Like" and share
their favorite ice cream creations and treats on Facebook.
Both 'Maggie Shopping Network' and 'Maggie Fame Tracker' are housed on the site along with a newly designed layout and color-scheme.
"The redesign of MaggieMoos.com reflects the brand's larger than life approach to ice cream and treats," said Jenn Johnston, senior vice president brand marketing & communications for GFG Management, LLC. "MaggieMoo's continually introduces new ice cream products and the new site reflects its commitment to innovation and creativity."
To receive news, special offers and birthday surprises customers can visit MaggieMoos.com and join MaggiE-mail, follow Maggie on Twitter or become a Facebook Fan.
Inventor of the ice cream cupcake, ice cream pizza and a number of specialty ice cream flavors, MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery is known for ice cream innovation. Opening its first store in 1989, MaggieMoo's has been serving up super premium ice cream and cakes for over 20 years and has consistently been awarded blue ribbons by the National Ice Cream Retailers Association. MaggieMoo's brand icon is Miss Maggie Moo, an ice cream celubutante, who focuses on giving back to the community by working with celebrities to raise money and awareness for local and national causes.
Global Franchise Group, LLC is a strategic brand management company with a focus on franchising. The company owns a portfolio of franchise brands that includes two retail franchise concepts: TAF® and Shoebox New York®, as well as five quick service restaurant (QSR) franchise concepts: Great American Cookies®, MaggieMoo's®, Marble Slab Creamery®, Pretzelmaker® and Pretzel Time®. The brands are managed by GFG Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Global Franchise Group, LLC. Global Franchise Group, LLC is an affiliate of Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, an independent investment firm, with $5 billion of capital under management and substantial franchise management experience.
Contacts:
Chris Potter Steven Rice
Ogilvy Public Ogilvy Public
Relations Relations
404.881.2318 404.881.2317
Christopher.Potter@ogilvypr.comSteven.Rice@ogilvypr.com
Source: MaggieMoo's Ice Cream & Treatery
CONTACT: Chris Potter, +1-404-881-2318, Christopher.Potter@ogilvypr.com,
or Steven Rice, +1-404-881-2317, Steven.Rice@ogilvypr.com, both of Ogilvy
Public Relations
America's Favorite Quiz Show Launches for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch
THIS...IS...JEOPARDY!
CULVER CITY, Calif., Sept. 8 -- I'll take 'Hot Mobile Apps for $1.99!' Sony Pictures Home Entertainment today announced that Jeopardy!, an enhanced iPhone version of the classic quiz show, is available for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch for $1.99-$4.99. With more than 2,700 clues, mobile contestants will feel like they are on the Jeopardy! set as they question their way to victory. For those who can't get enough of America's Favorite Quiz Show®, new content and avatars will be made available for purchase through the Apple App store.
Gamers can also use Bluetooth or the networked multi-player capabilities to compete against friends and see who takes the crown as the champion of their group. The "recommend to a friend" option also allows players to invite more iPhone users to the game.
iPad Jeopardy! fans will have access to increased graphics and 3D avatars as they play their way to Final Jeopardy.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment launched the Java, Brew, Blackberry and Windows Mobile version of Jeopardy! in June. The game currently retails for between $2.49 and $9.99 depending on the wireless carrier.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. SPE is a division of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 100 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com/.
"Jeopardy!," the winner of 28 Emmy awards since its debut in 1984, was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most awards won by a TV Game Show. The series is the #1-rated quiz show in syndication with nearly 9 million daily viewers. "Jeopardy!" is produced by Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company. It is distributed domestically by CBS Television Distribution and internationally by CBS Television International, both units of CBS Corp.
Source: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
CONTACT: Jason Allen of SPHE, +1-310-244-3502, jason_allen@spe.sony.com;
or Lindsay Talley of Cohn & Wolfe, +1-310-967-2969,
lindsay.talley@cohnwolfe.com, for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Youku to Offer Live Coverage of 2010-11 Premier League Matches
BEIJING, Sept. 8 -- Youku (http://www.youku.com/ ), China's leading video site, has secured the rights to offer live broadcasts of all 2010-2011 Premier League football matches, bringing coverage of the world-class competitions to hundreds of millions of Chinese fans after a three-year absence.
One of Europe's leading football leagues, the Barclays Premier League is known and loved by fans worldwide for its characteristic fast gameplay, heavy scoring, and strong defense. The League has always been tremendously popular with Chinese football fans. In addition to the traditional teams, Birmingham, owned by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung, is also quickly becoming a favorite. However, in the past three years, not only was there no live broadcast of this prestigious football league in China, but related coverage has been limited.
Youku has already launched its 2010 Premier League homepage (http://sports.youku.com/2010yingchao ) for the nine-month football season. The homepage features live feeds of ten football matches every week in addition to on-demand videos, weekly 70-minute highlight reels, goal highlight reels, additional behind-the-scenes footage of fans' favorite athletes, and video coverage of major sporting arenas. The site also offers sections dedicated to popular teams including Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.
"This is an unprecedented partnership," said Youku chief editor Zhu Xiangyang. "We look forward to bringing internet users and football fans the best, most detailed coverage of Premier League matches, and we believe that the range of choices and the wealth of content that we offer users will make for a better viewing experience than any other way of following the matches." Zhu added that Youku has invested in additional bandwidth resources "in order to ensure a viewing experience that's far, far beyond anything else out there."
Earlier this year, Youku has been authorized with the World Cup 2010 on-demand broadcast rights from FIFA and CCTV, and the Wimbledon 2010 live broadcast rights from ESPN Star.
About Youku
Youku (http://www.youku.com/ ) is China's leading Internet video website and premier online video brand. It is the top destination for Chinese Internet users around the globe to watch and share videos. We offer just the right mix of professionally-produced and user-generated video from our network of over 2,000 media partners in China, around Asia, and from around the world. And we work with top-flight Chinese and global brands to deliver targeted, cost-effective messaging to the audiences they want to reach.
Youku.com was officially launched in December 2006 and has grown rapidly since. As of December 2009, Youku attracts more than 30 million unique viewers a day, and 200 million a month according to Nielsen and iResearch. Total user time spent exceeded 40 billion minutes per month.
For additional information, please contact:
Jean Shao
Sr. Manager of International Public Relations
Youku.com
Phone: +86-10-5885-1881 x7128
Email: shaodan@youku.com
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EdElder LLC Launches 'gwiggle,' a Personalized Baby Book App for iPhone
The 'gwiggle' iPhone app now brings your baby book right on your iPhone. You can use 'gwiggle' to record all those sweet moments of your child's growing up while recording the necessary vaccination information and other medical details in the same place.
MIAMI, Sept. 8 -- "gwiggle," the baby book iPhone app, makes parenting all the more fun and easy to capture and maintain records of those precious moments with your little darling.
Traditionally, baby books have been extremely popular among parents as they help them record those special moments with their children - gwiggle, now adds the interactivity to your baby book and brings it to your iPhone.
"There are some parenting apps in the app store but hardly any baby book apps and we thought it would be exciting, fun and easy if we could keep a record of our kids growing up right on our iPhone! It's always so exciting to see your baby take their first step, or the first time they call you mommy or daddy - you don't want to go back later and make a note in your baby book for that. gwiggle is designed to capture those priceless moments on the spot," said Ed Elder, owner of gwiggle.
gwiggle not only records the sweet memories of childhood but it adds very important information for parents with the Dr.Gwiggle section, which allows you to record necessary vaccination details, phone numbers and dates and information.
The Bubbles section of gwiggle is a daily journal to record every moment of your baby's life - an essential part of any baby book.
The cutest part of gwiggle is probably the photo album which not only allows you to take photos of your baby but allows you to choose from pre-designed frames.
At $0.99, gwiggle is definitely a must for parents. With customer feedback, gwiggle is constantly improving to meet the needs of our customers and to improve its existing features. gwiggle is available for download today at the Apple App Store http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gwiggle/id369325635?mt=8#.
gwiggle is a baby book iPhone application that records all the sweet moments of a child's growing up and also provides utility in the form of recording essential vaccination. Contact EdElder@clearchannel.com for more info.