News

Neustar Webmetrics Unveils Visual Application Monitoring

New Service Provides More Robust Monitoring of Rich Media Applications Including Adobe® Flash® and Microsoft® Silverlight®

STERLING, Va., July 15 -- Neustar, Inc. (NYSE:NSR) today announced that it has released Visual Application Monitoring, a new Webmetrics service within Neustar's Internet Infrastructure Services portfolio. Visual Application Monitoring now provides website operators with even greater control over the monitoring of rich media applications. Using a real, non-emulated Internet Explorer® browser, Webmetrics customers who add the Visual Application Monitoring service can now ensure that their online visitors enjoy optimal viewing and interactive experiences. Neustar supports the most complex web applications including Adobe® Flash®, Microsoft® Silverlight®, Web 2.0, Ajax and Java.

  (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090722/NSLOGO )

  (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090722/NSLOGO )

Specifically, Visual Application Monitoring produces highly granular performance metrics about Flash and Silverlight applications - including the breakdown of each of the steps in the user experience. It simulates these transactions as frequently as every minute to verify that the applications are available and performing around the clock.

"Visual Application Monitoring is ultimately about transparency," said Alex Berry, senior vice president of Neustar's Internet Infrastructure Services group. "We've worked with our customers to provide them with the ability to interact with Flash and Silverlight, and to successfully monitor the full palette of interactive features resident in their rich media applications."

Neustar Webmetrics is one of the leading performance monitoring and load testing services, and emphasizes reporting on the user experience through a real Internet Explorer® browser. Since its introduction in 1999, Webmetrics has continually innovated in the performance monitoring and load testing space, offering ecosystem management, stream monitoring, and monitoring agents in over 100 major cities around the world. Visual Application Monitoring represents the next innovation platform for Webmetrics, and over time will provide increasingly more refined monitoring and reporting of interactive applications.

To speak with a Neustar Webmetrics representative about Visual Application Monitoring or to request more information, visit http://www.webmetrics.com/landingpage/richmedia to fill out a contact form. More information about Webmetrics is available at http://www.webmetrics.com.

About Neustar, Inc.

Neustar, Inc. (NYSE:NSR) provides market-leading and innovative services that enable trusted communication across networks, applications, and enterprises around the world. To learn more about Neustar, visit http://www.neustar.biz.

Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090722/NSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090722/NSLOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Neustar, Inc.
   

CONTACT:  Allen Goldberg of Neustar, Inc., +1-571-434-5520,
allen.goldberg@neustar.biz

Web Site:  http://www.webmetrics.com/

Revision3 Partners With DISCOVER Magazine to Produce 'Joe Genius'

Comedian Jonah Ray Hosts New Show Exploring Best Science Videos Online

SAN FRANCISCO, July 15 -- DISCOVER (http://www.discovermagazine.com), and Revision3 (http://www.revision3.com), the leading Internet Television network, today announced the launch of 'Joe Genius,' a innovative new program that looks inside the world of homegrown science online.  The joint venture, produced by High Noon Entertainment  (http://www.highnoonentertainment.com), is hosted by comedian, Jonah Ray who has appeared on Comedy Central and MTV; and will feature a new episode every Thursday.

Each week, Jonah will showcase the best homemade science experiments on the web from dry ice bombs and exploding volcanoes to robot musicians and other inventive technologies. He will explore the scientific elements behind each video and explain the fundamental properties that make them work or in some instances, why they don't work. Episodes will run 12-15 minutes and provide an inside look into the excitement, hilarity and thrill of homemade experiments.

"I'm thrilled to see the amazing everyday science brought to life in such a fun and entertaining online show," said Henry Donahue, CEO & Publisher of DISCOVER. "Revision3's fan base of smart viewers makes them the perfect partner to get DISCOVER's brand of uniquely accessible science out to a larger audience."

"We're really excited to announce Joe Genius," said Ryan Vance, vice president of programming and production, Revision3.  "Viewers are not only able to watch mind-blowing experiments take place, but through our partnership with DISCOVER we are also able to educate our audience on the cool science behind each video."

Further information and downloads for the program are available 24/7 via revision3.com/joegenius.

About Revision3

Revision3 is the first media company that gets it. Born from the Internet, Revision3 is the home of Internet Television, creating and producing shows for a new audience: passionate, committed fans who want to watch shows about technology, modern culture, video games, entertainment, music and comedy that entertain, educate and help to expand their life experiences.

The company was founded in 2005 by technology visionaries Kevin Rose, Jay Adelson and David Prager because they couldn't find anything they wanted to watch on traditional television. The company is now led by Internet TV pioneer Jim Louderback. Revision3's programs can be found everywhere from Revision3.com to a wide range of platforms, including iTunes, YouTube, Dailymotion, Metacafe, TIVO, Roku, Blip.TV and many others. Shows can be watched on any device, from a cell phone to an Apple iPod to a computer or a TV.

About DISCOVER

DISCOVER poses essential questions and tackles topical, sometimes controversial issues on the cutting edge of science, technology and the future. The mandate is to unlock the mysteries of science in a way that reveals its wonder and captures the imagination of its audience. DISCOVER features the ground-breaking innovators and thought leaders who are shaping tomorrow's world today. DISCOVER is online at DISCOVERmagazine.com.

About High Noon Entertainment

High Noon Entertainment, with offices in L.A., New York and Denver, is one of America's largest independent production companies, currently producing programming for VH1, TLC, Food Network, HGTV, DIY and History. High Noon's most notable series are My First Place (HGTV), Tough Love (VH1) and Cake Boss (TLC).

  CONTACT:   Kourtney Schepman / Madhuri Shekar
             Rogers & Cowan
             310.854.8168 / 310.854.8145
             kschepman@rogersandcowan.com / mshekar@rogersandcowan.com

Source: Revision3
   

CONTACT:  Kourtney Schepman, +1-310-854-8168,
kschepman@rogersandcowan.com, or Madhuri Shekar, +1-310-854-8145,
mshekar@rogersandcowan.com, both of Rogers & Cowan, for Revision3

Web Site:  http://www.revision3.com/

PopCap Preps Zuma® Blitz for Facebook® Platform

Casual Game Leader's Latest Social Adaptation Launching Next Month; Multi-Platinum Selling Marble-Matcher Will Offer Competitive, Cooperative Fun with Friends

SEATTLE, and DUBLIN, July 15 -- PopCap Games, the worldwide leader in casual video games, today announced that Zuma®, its second best-selling franchise with nearly 20 million units sold worldwide, will soon be debuting on Facebook in a free, social form. Zuma Blitz will be the first adaptation of the seminal ball-blasting favorite to offer fans the opportunity to see how they stack up against other players, and will include a host of other social-centric features new to the game. Zuma Blitz is expected to roll out gradually via Beta launch in approximately three weeks.

"We've received a ton of feedback regarding how players consume Bejeweled Blitz and other leading social games, and incorporated a number of those insights into this initial phase of Zuma Blitz, with more to come," said Jason Kapalka, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at PopCap. "Zuma is a very different game than Bejeweled, so the social adaptation has gone in different directions. Zuma is already a fast-paced arcade game, so the challenge was to make it feel approachable to players of all skill levels, even with just sixty seconds to play."

PopCap plans to continue evolving Zuma Blitz over time, in a fashion similar to the ongoing addition of major new features and functionality in Bejeweled® Blitz. New features available at the introduction of Zuma Blitz next month are expected to include:

  --  Weekly tournaments and leaderboards
  --  New levels introduced regularly
  --  An "experience points" system to unlock additional features and
      capabilities
  --  A "Treasure Chest" virtual currency-based system for obtaining in-game
      power-ups
  --  New features such as time extenders, score multipliers and the "Hot
      Frog" speed mode
  --  Additional information on friends' in-game performance and status such
      as medals won, achievements earned at various point thresholds and
      experience level

"Once again PopCap is bringing a beloved game to the Facebook Platform and enhancing already successful game play with social features and functionality," said Gareth Davis, Facebook Platform Manager. "Zuma Blitz will provide a fun and engaging way for our more than 400 million users to play with their friends on Facebook."

Zuma Blitz joins Bejeweled Blitz as PopCap's second full-fledged social game on Facebook. Bejeweled Blitz has attracted nearly 30 million users since its introduction 18 months ago, and more than 100 million sessions of the game are played each day by consumers worldwide.

About PopCap

PopCap Games (http://www.popcap.com) is the leading multi-platform provider of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating games that appeal to everyone from age 6 to 106 and are available anytime, anywhere. Based in Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000 and has a worldwide staff of more than 275 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Vancouver, B.C., Dublin, Seoul, and Shanghai. Its games have been downloaded over 1.5 billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship title, Bejeweled, has sold more than 50 million units across all platforms. Constantly acclaimed by consumers and critics, PopCap's games are played on the Web, social platforms, desktop computers, myriad mobile devices (cell phones, smartphones, PDAs, Pocket PCs, iPod, iPhone, iPad and more), popular game consoles (such as Xbox and DS), and in-flight entertainment systems. PopCap has been one of the most innovative companies in the video industry since its inception a decade ago. Pioneering new game mechanics, sales models, and platforms ranging from mobile devices to online and location-based games of chance, PopCap is the only video game provider in the world with leading market share across the entire spectrum.

The PopCap logo and all other trademarks used herein that are listed at http://www.popcap.com/trademarks are owned by PopCap Games, Inc. or its licensors and may be registered in some countries Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc. Other company and product names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners and are used for the benefit of those owners.

Source: PopCap Games
   

CONTACT:  North America, Garth Chouteau, +1-415-602-8147,
garth@popcap.com, or International, Cathy Orr, +353 1 646 8107,
corr@popcap.com, both of PopCap Games

Web Site:  http://www.popcap.com/

Empire Technologies Now Northeast Regional Office of NACR

EAGAN, Minn., July 15 -- Completing its integration with seven-time Avaya BusinessPartner of the Year NACR (North American Communications Resource, Inc.), Eatontown, NJ-based Empire Technologies is now officially the Northeast Regional office of NACR. As such, the former Empire will serve a geographic region stretching from Maine to Washington, DC, as well as its existing customers both regionally and across the United States.

"We are excited about fully welcoming our Empire colleagues to the NACR team and working together to deliver the best technology solutions with the superior levels of service and personal attention customers expect from Empire and NACR," said Tom Roles, President and CEO of NACR.

Based in Eagan, MN, NACR is the largest Avaya BusinessPartner worldwide and a leading nationwide provider of value-added, end-to-end communications solutions -- delivering comprehensive sales, consultative, and technical support, as well as managed services, maintenance, and repairs. NACR is an operating company of ConvergeOne, LLC, one of the largest independent Value Added Solutions Providers (VASPs) in the U.S. ConvergeOne acquired Empire, an Avaya Platinum BusinessPartner, on December 31, 2009.

The integration of Empire Technologies into NACR has expanded the NACR solutions portfolio to include additional multi-vendor certifications and support capabilities. For example, the combination of Empire's high-tech Network Operations Center (NOC) in Eatontown and the state-of-the-art ConvergeOne Service and Support Center (SSC) in Atlanta, GA, greatly increases NACR's capacity for system monitoring and other managed services.

Former Empire CEO and co-founder Cordell Toson now heads the regional operations as Vice President of NACR Northeast. Empire COO and co-founder Richard Manhire is Vice President of Maintenance and Managed Services for NACR, in charge of all maintenance and managed services operations, including the SSC and the NOC.

"A commitment to outstanding customer service is in the DNA of both NACR and Empire, and it will be at the core of our identity as we move forward together as NACR," according to John Behnken, National Vice President of NACR. "That means existing customers will continue to be served by the same Account Managers as before -- and all customers, old and new, will benefit from the added reach, experience, knowledge, and skills of the expanded NACR team."

The NACR Northeast Regional office is located at the former Empire headquarters in Eatontown, and customers can continue to use the same contact numbers for sales and service support, including the regional toll-free number (888-711-5200). However, visitors to the Empire website will be redirected to the NACR site (http://www.nacr.com), and existing Northeast Regional customers should talk to their Account Managers to obtain their new NACR email addresses.

All NACR customers can take advantage of the company's purchasing power as the largest Avaya BusinessPartner; state-of-the-art product preconfiguration, staging, and testing through the NACR Performance Readiness Center®; and NACR-refurbished products. Customers can also receive ongoing training and skill development through the NACR Center of Excellence for Learning and Development, which now includes the former Empire University. This professional training facility in Parsippany, NJ, serves the region from a location convenient to Newark International Airport and only 25 miles from New York City.

The December 2009 press release detailing the acquisition of Empire Technologies can be found on the news and events section of the NACR website (http://www.nacr.com). Or for more information, interested businesses can call their NACR representatives or contact the company at 1-888-321-NACR (6227).

About NACR

With offices nationwide, NACR (Eagan, MN) is a certified Avaya Platinum BusinessPartner, a seven-time Avaya BusinessPartner of the Year, multiple award winner from industry partners, and the Value Added Solutions Provider of choice for today's leading businesses. Part of the ConvergeOne (http://www.converge-one.com) family of companies, NACR delivers proven, scalable, cost-efficient solutions tailored to a customer's business communication needs, in an end-to-end package that includes consultation, design, implementation, and testing. With its strategic partners, including Avaya, NACR provides customers with solutions in VoIP migration, convergence, mobility, unified messaging, and contact centers. For more information, call 1-888-321-NACR (6227) or go to http://www.nacr.com.

Source: NACR
   

CONTACT:  Scott Sund, Vice President of Marketing of NACR,
1-800-431-1333, sund@nacr.com

Web Site:  http://www.nacr.com/
http://www.converge-one.com/

UBM Studios Introduces the Virtual Seminar Center, a 3D Environment for Conferences

CHICAGO, June 15 -- UBM Studios today announced a new 3D environment to help companies take advantage of the growing market opportunities in virtual business. The Virtual Seminar Center is an interactive environment integrating webcasts, training and conferences.  According to Market Research Media, the virtual trade show and virtual conferences industry is estimated to grow to $18.6 billion by 2015.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/ubm/42741/

  (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100715/MM22900 )
  (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100715/MM22900 )

"At a time when much of the workforce works remotely and communicates over disparate geographies, businesses have embraced virtual business solutions to improve communications, increase lead generation and gain a competitive advantage," said Kate Spellman, SVP/Managing Director, UBM Studios.  "Our new offering - the Virtual Seminar Center - provides businesses of all sizes an engaging experience to recruit, educate and train visitors with targeted content."

The Virtual Seminar Center is a one-stop location to recruit, educate and train attendees with targeted content and an engaging user experience which improves communication, collaboration and productivity of attendees, while also offering intelligent reporting and revenue opportunities for customers.

  Components of the Virtual Seminar Center offering include:
  --  Auditorium with optional group chat and a complete list of upcoming
      and available presentations.
  --  Resource Library that hosts relevant materials such as presentation
      slides and supplemental material all in one handy location.
  --  Help Booth for technical support.
  --  Branding opportunities throughout each area.
  --  Multiple options for interactivity including search, user profiles,
      group chat, one-on-one chat, blogging, email and survey opportunities
      to keep attendees participating for an extended period of time.

The Virtual Seminar Center is easy to use and does not require a download. Access to the Virtual Seminar Center is security-controlled, ensuring that only those on the registration list are able to participate.

Marketers control the entire Virtual Seminar Center experience using the templates provided.  The Virtual Seminar Center can be open for a short time or can remain open for an extended period for attendees to view presentations at their convenience.

Participation metrics including participant identification, length of stay and questions asked and answered are also captured.  The metrics provide behavioral data for profiling the audience and understanding the participants' areas of interest.

The Virtual Seminar Center engages audiences by including pre- and post-presentation activities such as group chat, one-to-one chat, blogging, polls, surveys and more. These interactions keep the audience participating for an extended period of time, which increases their knowledge and enhances their value as a qualified lead.  For example, prior to the start of a scheduled presentation, attendees can participate in a group chat.  When the presentation begins, the Virtual Seminar Center automatically closes the chat and redirects the audience to the presentation. After the presentation, audiences can be routed to a group chat, blog or survey. In addition, attendees can interact with one another through one-to-one chat (video or text) and e-mail.

In addition, to measure the effectiveness of the Virtual Seminar Center, the online solution provides complete metrics and data on: who attended, how long they stayed, what questions they asked and which ones they answered.

  The Virtual Seminar Center offers many business benefits, including:
  --  An affordable communications solution
  --  Expands audiences globally
  --  Complements live events
  --  Provides qualified leads for organizations of all sizes and across all
      industries
  --  Targeted content can be easily shared, archived and reused
  --  Eco-friendly solution does not require travel
  --  Unparalleled access to real-time and post-event data for clear and
      measurable business value
  --  Increases productivity for attendees

For additional information on UBM Studios or to purchase a virtual business solution, contact Kate Spellman, SVP, Managing Director, UBM Studios at 516 562 7383 or kate.spellman@ubm.com.

To follow UBM Studios on Twitter, visit http://twitter.com/UBMStudios, to follow on Facebook, visit UBM Studios and to follow on LinkedIn, visit UBM Studios.

About UBM Studios (http://www.ubmstudios.com)

UBM Studios is a leader in virtual events and virtual business solutions.  A pioneer with virtual platforms, UBM Studios delivers deep expertise in live and online events that brings business value to customers.  UBM Studios connects, educates and enables virtual communications through a portfolio that fits every budget.  UBM Studios is the only virtual event provider to offer platform, content, audience recruitment, reporting and social marketing and gaming.   UBM Studios virtual events include Virtual Trade Shows, Virtual Career Fairs, Virtual Seminar Centers, Virtual Resource Centers, Virtual Product Launch, Virtual Business Continuity, Virtual Corporate Meetings, Virtual Sales Meetings, Virtual Focus Group Centers and Virtual Training.  UBM Studios delivers a complete global communication solution in Asia, Europe and North America in industries including, health, finance, technology, building and education.

About United Business Media Limited

UBM (UBM.L) focuses on two principal activities: worldwide information distribution, targeting and monitoring; and, the development and monetisation of B2B communities and markets. UBM's businesses inform markets and serve professional commercial communities -- from doctors to game developers, from journalists to jewelry traders, from farmers to pharmacists -- with integrated events, online, print and business information products. Our 6,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organised into specialist teams that serve these communities, bringing buyers and sellers together, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently. For more information, go to http://www.ubm.com

  Contact
  Kate Spellman
  UBM Studios
  Kate.spellman@ubm.com
  516 562 7383

Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100715/MM22900
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100715/MM22900Video:  http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/ubm/42741
Source: UBM Studios
   

CONTACT:  Kate Spellman of UBM Studios, +1-516-562-7383,
Kate.spellman@ubm.com

Web Site:  http://www.ubmstudios.com/

PopCap Preps Zuma(R) Blitz for Facebook(R) Platform

DUBLIN, July 15, 2010--

    - Casual Game Leader's Latest Social Adaptation Launching Next Month;
Multi-Platinum Selling Marble-Matcher Will Offer Competitive, Cooperative
Fun With Friends

    PopCap Games, the worldwide leader in casual video games, today announced
that Zuma(R), its second best-selling franchise with nearly 20 million units
sold worldwide, will soon be debuting on Facebook in a free, social form.
Zuma Blitz will be the first adaptation of the seminal ball-blasting favorite
to offer fans the opportunity to see how they stack up against other players,
and will include a host of other social-centric features new to the game.
Zuma Blitz is expected to roll out gradually via Beta launch in approximately
three weeks.

    "We've received a ton of feedback regarding how players consume Bejeweled
Blitz and other leading social games, and incorporated a number of those
insights into this initial phase of Zuma Blitz, with more to come," said
Jason Kapalka, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at PopCap. "Zuma is a
very different game than Bejeweled, so the social adaptation has gone in
different directions. Zuma is already a fast-paced arcade game, so the
challenge was to make it feel approachable to players of all skill levels,
even with just sixty seconds to play."

    PopCap plans to continue evolving Zuma Blitz over time, in a fashion
similar to the ongoing addition of major new features and functionality in
Bejeweled(R) Blitz.

    "Once again PopCap is bringing a beloved game to the Facebook Platform
and enhancing already successful game play with social features and
functionality," said Gareth Davis, Facebook Platform Manager. "Zuma Blitz
will provide a fun and engaging way for our more than 400 million users to
play with their friends on Facebook."

    Zuma Blitz joins Bejeweled Blitz as PopCap's second full-fledged social
game on Facebook. Bejeweled Blitz has attracted nearly 30 million users since
its introduction 18 months ago, and more than 100 million sessions of the
game are played each day by consumers worldwide.

    About PopCap

    PopCap Games (http://www.popcap.com) is the leading multi-platform
provider of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating games that
appeal to everyone from age 6 to 106 and are available anytime, anywhere.
Based in Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000 and has a worldwide
staff of more than 275 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Vancouver,
B.C., Dublin, Seoul, and Shanghai. Its games have been downloaded over 1.5
billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship title, Bejeweled, has
sold more than 50 million units across all platforms. Constantly acclaimed by
consumers and critics, PopCap's games are played on the Web, social
platforms, desktop computers, myriad mobile devices (cell phones,
smartphones, PDAs, Pocket PCs, iPod, iPhone, iPad and more), popular game
consoles (such as Xbox and DS), and in-flight entertainment systems. PopCap
has been one of the most innovative companies in the video industry since its
inception a decade ago. Pioneering new game mechanics, sales models, and
platforms ranging from mobile devices to online and location-based games of
chance, PopCap is the only video game provider in the world with leading
market share across the entire spectrum.

    The PopCap logo and all other trademarks used herein that are listed at
http://www.popcap.com/trademarks are owned by PopCap Games, Inc. or its
licensors and may be registered in some countries Facebook(R) is a registered
trademark of Facebook Inc. Other company and product names used herein may be
trademarks of their respective owners and are used for the benefit of those
owners.

    Contact Cathy Orr, corr@popcap.com, +353-1-646-8107

Source: PopCap Games International

Cathy Orr, corr@popcap.com, +353-1-646-8107

Next Generation: Ireland's New Digital Economy

DUBLIN, July 15, 2010--

    - A High-Speed Digital Technology Revolution is Underway With the Roll
Out of 4G Wimax and the New Smart Network Exemplar

    Imagine Communications Group, the provider of 4G WiMax broadband and
phone in Ireland, has welcomed a new Government backed fibre-optic network
designed to cope with huge increases in Internet traffic.

    The new Exemplar network and Imagine's 4th Generation WiMax technology
can now solve Ireland's costly performance bottleneck problems and alleviate
the over loaded systems struggling to deal with significant increases in data
traffic which Ireland is experiencing.

    Welcoming the Exemplar Network, Mr. Brian O'Donohoe, Managing Director,
Imagine Communications Group, said that WiMax and Exemplar can create a
partnership to propel Ireland towards new job creation by inward investments
and enable entrepreneurs to set up world-class businesses across Ireland.

    In the near future, WiMax and Exemplar will also create the opportunity
for teleworking at a level that has not been possible to date. High level
teleworking will have hugely positive benefits for Ireland, not just in
facilitating a higher quality and greener working environment, but also in
attracting an increasing number of businesses who find flexible working
essential.

    "Imagine is currently rolling out a 4G high speed broadband and phone
network across Ireland to cater for the ever increasing demand for high
speed, high quality broadband from Irish businesses and consumers," Mr.
O'Donohoe said.

    "The Exemplar network, with its world leading backhaul speeds, will
provide the perfect partner for our 4G WiMax network. So in reality, we are
now witnessing Ireland's transformation to the forefront of the digital
technology revolution," he said.

    The Exemplar network is being built by Intune Networks, the Dublin-based
developer of high-performance laser technology for the telecoms industry.

    The investment adds to Intune's recent EUR22million funding round which
will be used to complete the development and commercialisation of its high
performance optical data switch technology.

    Imagine is investing EUR100million rolling out the first national 4G
WiMax network in Europe this year, with the support of Intel and Motorola, to
enable faster Internet speeds and better phone services at low prices.

    Imagine's 4G WiMax is leading the way in changing Ireland's over-reliance
on the outmoded and over-exploited 3G network for broadband access.

   
    For further information, please contact:
    Ben Kealy, Imagine Communications, +353(0)86-774-1999.
    Media enquiries: press@modelpr.ie

Source: Imagine Communications

For further information, please contact: Ben Kealy, Imagine Communications, +353(0)86-774-1999, Media enquiries: press@modelpr.ie

DJ Hero® 2 to Mix Hits From Over 100 Top-Selling Artists to Create the Best Soundtrack in Entertainment

Hand-Picked Roster of World-Renowned Musicians Featured in the Game's Exclusive Mixes Highlight the Biggest Names in Pop, Dance and Hip Hop Music Tracks from Eminem, Lady Gaga, Daft Punk, The Chemical Brothers, Rihanna and More Included

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 15 -- When the party starts this October, budding beat chemists, singing sensations and all of their friends will fire up two turntable controllers and a microphone and experience hits from the biggest names in music as they've never heard them before in Activision Publishing Inc.'s (NASDAQ:ATVI) DJ Hero® 2.  Taking the soundtrack to "the most innovative and immersive music experience of 2009"* and recipient of over 20 "Best Music Game" awards to the next level, DJ Hero 2 spins together tracks from over 100 of the biggest artists from around the world - who have combined U.S. full albums sales alone in excess of 375 million** - creating an all-new, unparalleled music experience.  Featuring the hottest hits from artists such as Lady Gaga, B.o.B., Pitbull, Deadmau5, Iyaz, David Guetta, and Rihanna and classic anthems from legendary artists including Eminem, Daft Punk, Dr. Dre, The Chemical Brothers, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and LL Cool J, the DJ Hero 2 soundtrack mixes the perfect blend of pop, dance and hip hop music.

"With DJ Hero 2, we wanted to create the ultimate party experience of 2010, and that meant not only revamping and adding social and multiplayer game modes, including full microphone support, and all-new levels of creative freedom, but also mixing and mashing hits from over 100 of the biggest and most popular artists on the planet," said Dan Neil, Music Director, FreeStyleGames.  "We can't wait to drop details on which of these artists' hottest tracks, as well as how we've mixed them together exclusively for the game, later this year."

"With the success of DJ Hero and overwhelming response to its soundtrack, we are excited to be working even more closely with our label partners, including Interscope Geffen A&M, on DJ Hero 2 to hand-pick the best music from the most recognizable artists in the world," said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs, Activision.

"We're excited to bring the hottest hits from our biggest artists to DJ Hero 2 including Eminem, Lady Gaga, Soulja Boy, 50 Cent, M.I.A., Timbaland, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and many more," said Steve Berman, Vice Chairman, Interscope Geffen A&M. "The blockbuster lineup of music we've contributed, when mixed by world renowned DJs exclusively for the game, will help deliver one of the best soundtracks in all of entertainment."

With the highly skilled DJ's and music producers at FreeStyleGames - joined by Deadmau5, David Guetta and a crew of world renowned mixologists - dropping the beats, everyone will have a chance to experience the following artists' music in an all-new way:

  --  2Pac
  --  50 Cent
  --  Adamski
  --  Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force
  --  Armand Van Helden
  --  A-Trak
  --  B.o.B.
  --  Basement Jaxx
  --  BlakRoc
  --  Bobby Womack
  --  Bruno Mars
  --  Busta Rhymes
  --  Calvin Harris
  --  Chamillionaire
  --  Chic
  --  Chris Willis
  --  Clinton Sparks
  --  Colby O'Donis
  --  Daft Punk
  --  Damian Marley
  --  David Guetta
  --  Deadmau5
  --  Deee-Lite
  --  Dillinja
  --  Diplo
  --  Dizzee Rascal
  --  DJ Shadow
  --  Donna Summer
  --  Dr. Dre
  --  Drake
  --  Edwin Starr
  --  Eminem
  --  Estelle
  --  Flo Rida
  --  Gorillaz
  --  Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
  --  Harold Faltermeyer
  --  House Of Pain
  --  Iyaz
  --  Jackson 5
  --  Janet Jackson
  --  Justice
  --  Kanye West
  --  Kaskade
  --  Kelis
  --  Keri Hilson
  --  Kid Cudi
  --  Kool & The Gang
  --  Lady Gaga
  --  Lil Jon
  --  Lil Wayne
  --  LL Cool J
  --  M.I.A.
  --  M|A|R|R|S
  --  Major Lazer
  --  Malcolm McLaren
  --  Mase
  --  Melle Mel & Duke Bootee
  --  Metallica
  --  Missy Elliott
  --  Mos Def
  --  MSTRKRFT
  --  N.O.R.E.
  --  Nas
  --  Nate Dogg
  --  Naughty By Nature
  --  Nelly
  --  New Boyz
  --  New Order
  --  Newcleus
  --  Nightcrawlers
  --  Orbital
  --  Pharoahe Monch
  --  Pirate Soundsystem
  --  Pitbull
  --  Puff Daddy
  --  Pussycat Dolls
  --  Rihanna
  --  Robin S.
  --  RZA
  --  Salt N Pepa
  --  Sam Cooke
  --  Sam Sparro
  --  Sean Paul
  --  Skibadee
  --  Sneaky Sound System
  --  Snoop Dogg
  --  Snow
  --  Soulja Boy Tell Em
  --  Sparfunk & D-Code
  --  Static Major
  --  Stevie Wonder
  --  Talib Kweli
  --  The Chemical Brothers
  --  The Crystal Method
  --  The Egg
  --  The Notorious B.I.G.
  --  The Prodigy
  --  Tiesto
  --  Tiga
  --  Timbaland
  --  Tweet
  --  Walter Murphy
  --  Warren G
  --  Wayne Smith
  --  Will.I.Am
  --  Yeah Yeah Yeahs
  --  Young Jeezy

The ultimate mixer of music and friends, DJ Hero 2 will deliver the definitive way for players to come together and party with a host of new multiplayer modes - including DJ Battles that pit DJ against DJ in mixes produced specifically for battle gameplay - and invite vocalists into the spotlight with integrated on-screen singing and rapping of lyrics and rhymes while bringing the party to life with jump-in/jump-out Party Play gameplay.  Featuring the biggest dance, pop and hip-hop hits by the hottest artists everyone knows and loves remixed by world-class DJ's in an all-new way, the game's soundtrack delivers over 80 unique creations only available in DJ Hero 2.  Further immersing players into the music, the game offers a heightened level of creative input and allows everyone to add their own touch, directly impacting the beats they're spinning with freestyle scratching, crossfading and sampling.  The game will also feature an all-new career-based Empire Mode where players start out as an up-and-coming DJ on the road to becoming the head of a major entertainment empire, all of which is founded solely on their success as a DJ.

Dropping this fall, DJ Hero 2 will invite a wave of new digital disc jockeys to the turntables as the game will be available as a Party Bundle which will include a copy of the game, two turntable controllers and a microphone, offering the ultimate "party-in-a-box."  Gamers who experienced the #1 new videogame intellectual property of 2009 can pick up DJ Hero 2 as a Turntable Bundle featuring one turntable controller and a copy of the game or as standalone software.  The game is in development by FreeStyleGames for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 and the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo.  The game is rated "T" (Teen - Mild Suggestive Themes, Lyrics) by the ESRB.  For more information about DJ Hero 2, please visit http://www.djhero.com, http://www.facebook.com/djhero and http://www.twitter.com/djhero.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition including from used games and other forms of entertainment, litigation risks and associated costs, rapid changes in technology, industry standards, business models including online and used games, and consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as music, first-person action and massively multiplayer online games, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors, and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and developers that can create high quality "hit" titles, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities and potential challenges associated with geographic expansion, and the other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Guitar Hero, DJ Hero and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc.

"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.  Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. All rights reserved.

*USAToday.com

**Nielson Soundscan data

Source: Activision Publishing, Inc.
   

CONTACT:  Aaron Ross Grant, Manager, Public Relations, Guitar Hero,
+1-310-255-2535, aaron.grant@guitarhero.com

Web Site:  http://www.activision.com/

Company News On-Call:  http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/007396.html

'When You Orbitz, You Know'

New Advertising Campaign Highlights How Orbitz Helps Customers Select Hotels

CHICAGO, July 15 -- Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com) today announced the launch of a new advertising campaign.  The new campaign and branded tagline, "When You Orbitz, You Know," shows how Orbitz provides the information and resources consumers need to book hotel rooms.

  (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070813/AQM125LOGO)
  (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070813/AQM125LOGO)

"Research tells us that consumers really want access to information that will help them make the right decisions when they book hotels," said Deborah Italiano, vice president of brand marketing for Orbitz.  "The ads show how we give our customers tools and information to make smart decisions when they book a hotel on Orbitz.com."

The campaign's first advertisement begins its run on television today.  The ad presents a traveler who sees future events before they occur as a metaphor for Orbitz customers who know what to expect from their hotel stays because they use Orbitz to help plan and book their trips.

Developed in partnership with BBDO New York, the new television ads will launch with a significant media presence across cable television, such as CNN, ESPN and Bravo.  Print ads will begin running this month in national travel and lifestyle publications including Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Bon Appetit and Food and Wine.

The new campaign highlights Orbitz's rich hotel content and resources, which give customers the knowledge they need to book the right hotel, including:

  --  Total Price hotel search results, showing the total hotel price per
      night, including taxes and fees, upfront in the initial search results
  --  Unfiltered hotel reviews
  --  Interactive maps and Google Street View
  --  Photos, videos and virtual tours

  Orbitz also offers:

  --  Hotel Price Assurance, promising that Orbitz customers get the best
      Orbitz price for their hotels
  --  An enhanced Low Price Guarantee, giving customers ironclad confidence
      they're getting the lowest possible price
  --  No Orbitz change and cancellation fees on hotel bookings

The new Orbitz creative can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/orbitztravel.

About Orbitz.com

Orbitz.com (http://www.orbitz.com) is a leading online travel company that enables travelers to search for and book a broad array of travel products, including airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. Since launching its Web site to the general public in June 2001, Orbitz.com has become one of the largest online travel sites in the world and has led the industry with innovations including Flight Price Assurance, Hotel Price Assurance and Total Price hotel search results. On Orbitz.com consumers can search more than 80,000 suppliers worldwide including airlines, hotels and car rental companies. Orbitz.com is owned by Orbitz Worldwide.

Stay connected with sale alerts, exclusive promotions and engaging conversations: Follow Orbitz on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/orbitz), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/orbitz) and the Orbitz Travel Blog (http://www.orbitz.com/blog).

About Orbitz Worldwide

Orbitz Worldwide is a leading global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products. Orbitz Worldwide owns a portfolio of consumer brands that includes Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com), CheapTickets (http://www.cheaptickets.com), ebookers (http://www.ebookers.com), HotelClub (http://www.hotelclub.com), RatesToGo (http://www.ratestogo.com), the Away Network (http://www.away.com), and corporate travel brand Orbitz for Business (http://www.orbitzforbusiness.com). For more information on partnership opportunities with Orbitz Worldwide, visit corp.orbitz.com.

Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070813/AQM125LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070813/AQM125LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Orbitz.com
   

CONTACT:  Jeanenne Tornatore, Orbitz, +1-312-894-4986,
jeanenne.tornatore@orbitz.com

Web Site:  http://www.orbitz.com/

Dominate the Pro Bass Tour With Activision Publishing's Rapala Pro Bass Fishing

Experience pro tournament fishing action like never before!

MINNEAPOLIS, July 15 -- Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) and Rapala, the world's leading fishing brand, announced today that Rapala Pro Bass Fishing is coming this Fall to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the Wii(TM), and Nintendo DS(TM).  Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 system versions are available with first of a kind wireless Rapala Rod & Reel controllers and an all new Rapala Rod & Reel peripheral is available for Wii(TM).  Featuring full motion controls, players will be able to cast, reel, jig, set the hook and more as if they had an actual fishing rod in their hands.

Rapala Pro Bass Fishing pits players against real-life fishing pros on top freshwater lakes across North America - only the finest techniques and equipment will determine who is the best of the best. For the first time ever in a fishing game, the competition is set up in a professional tournament structure and the action is presented as a live TV event with announcers (including Barry Brueland, the voice of InFisherman TV), live updates, competitive leader boards, analysis, and heart-pounding final weigh-ins. The competition gets tough as you fish through over 20 tournament events on your quest for the season trophy.

"Pro tournament action is all about the intensity and adrenaline of live fishing competition," said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Rapala Pro Bass Fishing captures every detail from the starting line to the championship trophy presentation."

Equipped with an unequaled assortment of licensed boats, rods, lures, and apparel, players can fish by themselves, compete, or challenge friends in contests in simultaneous 2-player mode. There are over 50 of these contests, including challenges based on location, time, fish weight and accuracy of casts.

"We've brought in our Rapala-sponsored professionals to make sure Rapala Pro Bass Fishing is the most realistic tournament fishing experience to date," said Tom Mackin, Rapala. "Activision is really outdoing themselves - all of us couldn't be more pleased with the game."

  The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

  About Rapala

Rapala is a leading fishing tackle company and the global market leader in the fishing lures, treble hooks and fishing related knives and tools. The Group also has a strong global position in other fishing categories. The Group has its own distribution companies in all the main markets and the largest distribution network in the industry. The main manufacturing facilities are located in Finland, France, Estonia, Russia and China. The Group brand portfolio includes the leading brands in the industry, Rapala, and other global brands like VMC, Storm, Blue Fox, Luhr Jensen, Williamson, Terminator, Trigger X, Sufix and Marttiini. The Group, with net sales of EUR 242 million in 2007, employs more than 4,000 people in 30 countries.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition including from used games and other forms of entertainment, litigation risks and associated costs, rapid changes in technology, industry standards, business models including online and used games, and consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as music, first-person action and massively multiplayer online games, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors, and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and developers that can create high quality "hit" titles, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities and potential challenges associated with geographic expansion, and the other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

©2010 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. © 2010 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

  Contact:
  Joe Menke
  Sandbox Strategies
  (415) 673-3455
  Joe@sandboxstrat.com

Source: Activision, Inc.
   

CONTACT:  Joe Menke, Sandbox Strategies, +1-415-673-3455,
Joe@sandboxstrat.com

Web Site:  http://www.activision.com/

APS Technology and Zebra Enterprise Solutions Partner to Increase Gate Velocity and Security for Gulf Stevedoring

OCR technology will automate container processing to support doubling of terminal volumes

SAN DIEGO, July 15  -- APS Technology Group, Inc., a leading provider of optical character recognition (OCR) and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals, announced Gulf Stevedoring Contracting Company (GSCCO) of Saudi Arabia will implement the APS OCR Portal and driver kiosks to automate container identification, remote damage inspection and truck processing at its Jeddah and Jubail terminals.  APS is partnering with Zebra Enterprise Solutions (ZES), a division of Zebra Technologies (NASDAQ:ZBRA), to integrate the APS solutions with ZES' SPARCS N4 terminal operating system (TOS) and Autogate System.  The ZES TOS uses OCR technology to automatically identify marine containers as they enter and exit the facility, increasing velocity at the gate and security within the terminal.

GSCCO is operating three of the largest ports in Saudi Arabia and is in the process of developing the Northern Container Terminal (NCT) in Jeddah Islamic Port, which is the country's busiest port.  The company will implement APS Technology OCR Portals and driver kiosks over ten lanes in Jeddah and five lanes in Jubail Container Terminal to eliminate gate congestion, increase throughput and reduce the chance of container theft.  The ability to more fully automate gate operations will support the anticipated doubling of terminal volumes.

"We decided to add gate automation to provide a more systematic process to decrease truck dwell time and improve the quality of the gate process for our customers," said Saud Al Onani, Terminal's Manager for GSCCO.  "We pride ourselves in using the latest methods of management and the most state of the art technology in all aspects of our operations.  Our gate automation with APS and Zebra Enterprise Solutions will be the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

"We are very pleased to work with Zebra Enterprise Solutions on the GSCCO project.  The close integration between our systems provides a seamless flow of data for customers and enhanced visibility into operations," said Allen Thomas, APS Technology COO.

About Gulf Stevedoring Contracting Company

Founded in 1985, GSCCO has won a succession of prestigious port projects throughout Saudi Arabia against opposition from larger and longer established rivals demonstrating its competitiveness and efficiency.  The company handles over 1.8 million TEU's annually. After the completion of the new expansion of NCT in 2010 and the Jubail Container Terminal, GSCCO became the biggest container terminal operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  For more information, visit http://www.gscco-sa.com.

About Zebra Enterprise Solutions

Zebra Enterprise Solutions, a division of Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:ZBRA), extends Zebra's reach beyond passive RFID by employing state-of-the-art software and hardware solutions to locate, track, manage, and optimize high-value assets, equipment and people across the world's largest supply chains. Whether tracking containers through a port, optimizing parts for manufacturing, or managing ground support equipment at an airport, the real-time asset management solutions from the combination of Navis, WhereNet, proveo, and Multispectral Solutions provide improved visibility and velocity to gain measurable business improvements. Utilizing products that are based on ISO/IEC 24730-2, Cisco CCX Wi-Fi, precision GPS, and UWB technologies, Zebra Enterprise Solutions offers a wide range of location solutions that are "application matched," enabling its customers to put the right asset in the right place at the right time. For more information about Zebra Enterprise Solutions visit http://www.zebra.com/zes.

About APS Technology Group

APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals.  The solutions improve the productivity, efficiency and cost effectiveness of container operations by increasing the visibility, velocity, and volume of cargo moving through a terminal's gate, rail, vessel and yard operations.

APS leads the industry with over 700 OCR and automation systems installed at 35 marine and intermodal container terminals in ten countries around the world, including APM Terminals, CSX Railroad, and HHLA.  The company is located in San Diego, CA and has offices or partner resellers in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. For more information, call +1 858.571.4444 or visit http://www.aps-technology.com/.

Source: APS Technology Group
   

CONTACT:  Allen Thomas of APS Technology Group, +1-704-442-5554. ext.
101, allen@aps-technology.com

Web Site:  http://www.zebra.com/zes
http://www.gscco-sa.com/

Universal Music Group Launches New Free Version of Six-String Guitar Game App with Song Bundle for iPhone and iPod touch

Free Guitar Game Uses Real Studio Masters to Let Fans Play Along With Their Favorite Songs and Includes Free Major Artist Songs

LOS ANGELES, July 15 -- Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's leading music company, announced today the launch of a free version of their Six-String guitar game and an updated premium version, available for both iPhone and iPod touch on the App Store.  Providing a true to life guitar playing experience and using studio masters, Six-String goes beyond rhythm games to deliver the most dynamic, lifelike guitar-playing experience.  Gamers can download hours of addicting game play both in the free version with 3 bundled songs and a premium version, which includes 17 songs with purchase.  Up to 50 songs, including top Six-String artists such as Papa Roach, Lady Gaga, Marilyn Manson, 3 Doors Down, and Maroon 5 are available through the game and/or for purchase from the in-app store for only 99 cents per track.

Six-String app recreates the experience of playing the guitar like never before via a unique game that combines an accurate strumming and picking game interface with tracks culled from the real studio masters for maximum authenticity and sound quality.  Six-String's virtual guitar interface lets players pluck, strum and change chords along with the master recording and, with the true sound of discord, spares no mercy when a wrong string is strum.  No experience is required; anyone can now play the guitar like a pro along with their favorite songs, instantly!

Both the free and premium Six-String games are bundled with tracks from both established and emerging artists, carefully selected from Universal's vast catalog for their gameplay experience. Players will never be at a loss for a challenge as new songs continue to be released to the in-app store.

The apps free version includes the Scorpions' "Raised On Rock" as well as free downloads of Lifehouse's "Nerve Damage" and Neon Trees' "Animal" from within the app. The premium version includes these 3 tracks, plus an additional 7 embedded songs:  Bon Jovi's "You Give Love A Bad Name," Fall Out Boy's "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs," Orianthi's "According To You," Peter Frampton's "Show Me The Way," Tom Petty's "Runnin' Down A Dream," Foghat's "Mumbo Jumbo" and Jackyl's "Loads Of Fun."  In addition, 7 more exciting new songs are available at no charge within the in-app store - 2 Cents "Get What? ," Atomic Tom "Take Me Out," BigBang "Call Me," Four Year Strong "Find My Way Back," Rey Fresco "Precious Time," Ruby Tigers "The Deal" and The Toadies "Song I Hate."  The in-app store also features more than 35 tracks available at 99 cents each.

The Six-String app is available for $4.99 from the App Store or at http://www.itunes.com/appstore/.  Existing owners of the existing version of Six-String will have access to all 11 new, free songs upon upgrading to the new version of the game.

  For more info about the Six-String app, go to:

  http://www.six-string.com

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

  Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SixStringApp

  MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/SixStringApp

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/sixstringapp (videos include artists such as Orianthi and Dashboard Confessional playing and talking about the game)

Source: Universal Music Group
   

CONTACT:  Ephraim Cohen of Fortex Group, +1-917-215-5413,
cohen@fortexgroup.com, for Universal Music Group

Web Site:  http://www.six-string.com/

SuccessFactors Announces APAC Customer and Professional Development Conferences: SuccessConnect Gold Coast and the 20th Annual Inform Conference

Joint Events Provide Four Days of Presentations, Collaboration and Training for Business Executives on People Performance and Business Execution

SYDNEY, July 15 -- Today, SuccessFactors, Inc. (NASDAQ:SFSF) announced the APAC SuccessConnect Gold Coast and 20th Annual Inform Conference events will take place in Gold Coast,, Australia from August 16-17 and August 18-19, respectively.

SuccessFactors' SuccessConnect Gold Coast event will be held in conjunction with newly-acquired Inform's 20th Annual Inform Conference, a highly influential congregation of Australian, Asian Pacific and global business community leaders. The events will assemble customers, partners, industry analysts and thought leaders to share experiences and discuss how to best leverage SuccessFactors' Business Execution (BizX) Suite, bridging the execution gap between strategy and success, across all organizations to accelerate business execution and achieve maximum results. SuccessConnect Gold Coast is free to SuccessFactors customers and attendees will also be eligible for a 20 percent discount on the Inform Conference's registration fee. Both events give customers a chance to interact with SuccessFactors leaders and hear about the company's future plans.

SuccessFactors Founder and CEO Lars Dalgaard will present the opening keynote for SuccessConnect Gold Coast, as well as detail several important product announcements and updates surrounding the SuccessFactors BizX Suite. In addition to presentations from other SuccessFactors executives, the event will also feature numerous tracks from SuccessFactors customers, including very special guest presenter Dr. Friedrich Froschl, CEO of HI TEC INVEST Inc. and former member of the management board of Siemens AG worldwide, based in Europe. Siemens Australia will also provide a customer keynote, in addition to breakout presentations and best practices sessions from Crown Holding Worldwide (Hong Kong), PFD Foods and NSW Audit Office.

The 20th Annual Inform Conference will be one of the professional development events of the year for the HR community, and will feature premium planning and analytics content. Inform has been hosting these conferences for 20 years and welcomes approximately 300 delegates annually, who leave the conference armed with insights and ideas for immediate action and implementation across their organizations. Attendees to this year's event will be exposed to a diverse content set ranging from business strategy development to business execution, including individual employee initiatives and the ensuing impact on individual and organizational performance. The conference will feature speakers from prominent global companies including Nokia, Westpac and EnergyAustralia.

For additional information on this year's 20th Annual Inform Conference and details on conference registration, please visit: https://informimpact.com/events/conferences/details/20th_Annual_Inform_Confere nce-AP/

About SuccessConnect 2010

With the driving forces of people performance and business alignment, SuccessConnect 2010 explores how the SuccessFactors Business Execution Suite can be best leveraged across all organizations to accelerate business execution and achieve real business results. SuccessConnect assembles SuccessFactors customers and partners, as well as industry analysts and thought leaders, to share experiences and discuss how to get the most out of SuccessFactors.

For more information on all SuccessConnect 2010 conferences and to register, please visit: http://www.successfactors.com/successconnect/.

About SuccessFactors, Inc.

SuccessFactors is the global leader in Business Execution Software. The SuccessFactors Business Execution (BizX) Suite improves business alignment and people performance to drive breakthrough results for companies of all sizes. More than 8 million users and 3,000 companies across 168 countries and 34 languages leverage SuccessFactors every day, up from 92 customers and approximately 280,000 users in 2003. Business Execution bridges the gap between strategy and success, by allowing every person in an organization to execute against their plans better and faster. To learn more, visit: http://www.successfactors.com.

  Execution Is The Difference(TM)
  Follow us: http://twitter.com/SuccessFactors
  Like us: http://facebook.com/SuccessFactors

"Safe harbor" statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are SuccessFactors' current expectations and beliefs.

These forward-looking statements include statements about product strategy and performance, customer usage, expected benefits and implementation. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements include: unexpected delays in implementation; unexpected bugs or defects; outages or security breaches; user acceptance levels of the application; or our ability to manage our growth. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions proves incorrect, our results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements we make.

Further information on these and other factors that could affect these forward-looking statements is included in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our most recent report on Form 10-Q and in other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

These documents are or will be available in the SEC Filings section of the Investor Relations section of our website at http://www.successfactors.com/investor. Information on our website is not part of this release.

  Contact:
  Dominic Paschel, 415-262-4641
  Director of Global Public & Investor Relations
  dpaschel@successfactors.com

Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090602/SF26086LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090602/SF26086LOGO
Source: SuccessFactors, Inc.
   

CONTACT:  Dominic Paschel, Director of Global Public & Investor Relations
of SuccessFactors, +1-415-262-4641, dpaschel@successfactors.com

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

DynaVox Introduces the AccessIT(TM) Bluetooth® Adapter

PITTSBURGH, July 15 -- DynaVox, the leading provider of speech generating devices and symbol-adapted special education software used to assist individuals in overcoming speech, language and learning challenges, announces the introduction of the AccessIT Bluetooth Adapter.  Compatible with the Company's speech communication devices, including the DynaVox Xpress(TM), V(TM) and Vmax(TM), the AccessIT Bluetooth Adapter allows those with motor control issues to access a computer using the same selection method that they use for their DynaVox device.

  AccessIT Bluetooth Adapter features include:

  --  Simple setup.  Just plug the AccessIT Bluetooth Adapter into your
      computer, press the "Connect" button, and authenticate it on your
      DynaVox speech device.
  --  The ability to "pair" one AccessIT Bluetooth Adapter to one DynaVox
      device. Create a "pair" to eliminate "crosstalk" and allow multiple
      DynaVox augmented communicators to use multiple AccessIT Bluetooth
      Adapters in the same room.
  --  Unprecedented range.  Control your computer within an approximate 10'
      range, with the AccessIT Bluetooth Adapter, compared to needing to be
      directly in front of the computer.  Line of sight between devices is
      no longer necessary.

"We're very excited about the AccessIT Bluetooth Adapter," said Michelle Heying, president and COO, at DynaVox.  "An extension of our AccessIT product line, the AccessIT Bluetooth Adapter simplifies computer access in classrooms with several DynaVox product users by permitting the use of multiple AccessIT Bluetooth Adapters in the same room."

Visit http://www.dynavoxtech.com to learn more about the AccessIT Bluetooth Adapter.

About DynaVox Inc.

DynaVox Inc. (NASDAQ:DVOX) is a publicly traded holding company with its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, whose primary operating entities are DynaVox Systems LLC and Mayer-Johnson LLC.  DynaVox is the leading provider of speech generating devices and symbol-adapted special education software used to assist individuals in overcoming their speech, language and learning challenges. These solutions are designed to help individuals who have complex communication and learning needs participate in the home, classroom and community.  Our mission is to enable our customers to realize their full communication and education potential by developing industry-leading devices, software and content and by providing the services to support them. We assist individuals, families, and professionals with an extensive field support organization, as well as centralized technical and reimbursement support. For more information, visit http://www.dynavoxtech.com.

Xpress(TM), V(TM), Vmax(TM) and AccessIT(TM) are all registered trademarks of DynaVox Systems LLC.

Bluetooth® is a registered trademark and is wholly-owned by the Bluetooth SIG.

Source: DynaVox Inc.
   

CONTACT:  Joanne Kaufmann, DynaVox Inc., +1-412-222-7837,
joanne.kaufmann@dynavoxtech.com

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

Upstream Powers MTN's FIFA World Cup(TM) Themed Mobile Marketing Campaigns in West Africa

LONDON, July 15, 2010--

    - Campaigns for Mobile Operator Giant and FIFA World Cup Global Sponsor
Mtn, in Nigeria, Benin and Ghana Generated Unprecedented Conversion Rates and
Huge Consumer Excitement Demonstrating Upstream's Expertise in Delivering
Regional Campaigns With Localised Customer Insight.

    Upstream, one of the world's largest mobile marketing solutions
providers, (http://www.upstreamsystems.com) is completing a series of
successful localised mobile marketing campaigns across West Africa for MTN,
as part of the Group's official FIFA World Cup sponsorship activities.

    Upstream worked with MTN to create large-scale Mega Promotions for three
of the group's West African markets - Nigeria, Ghana and Benin. The
campaigns, which were timed to leverage the build up to the World Cup, were
all launched at highly publicised events in April. With World Cup activities
ending and the campaigns drawing to a close, results reveal an overwhelming
response from users, boosting ARPU and generating a high level of excitement
from MTN customers in each country after creating instant big winners.

    Though launched simultaneously, the three campaigns were carefully
constructed to fit unique consumer behaviour and demographics in each of the
three countries. This demonstrates the ability of Upstream's sophisticated
mobile marketing communications suite to deliver optimised, relevant,
communications that engage and create positive and profitable interactions
with every one of MTN's participating customers.

    "Mobile operators like MTN do not want a cookie-cutter approach to how
they market to their customer base, particularly for significant regional
campaigns such as MTN's World Cup promotions, but they also want low risk
solutions. For MTN, Upstream produced sophisticated CRM campaigns which have
enabled them to deliver strongly branded and aligned competitions that were
nimble enough to support their massive Africa-wide World Cup series of
activities", said Nikos Moraitakis, VP Business Development at Upstream.

    "We were amazed at how effortlessly Upstream grasped the needs and
preferences of our subscriber base and formulated a customised promotion
strategy. The MTN Benin - Upstream partnership was a great commercial success
and we look forward to more profitable projects in the future", said Harriet
Muchu, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Benin.

    Launched in 1994, MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications
provider, with its core operations in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle
East.

    MTN CAMPAIGNS WITH UPSTREAM

    MTN Nigeria

    MTN 2010 World Cup Naira Splash Competition is a 90 day campaign launched
in April, running until after the World Cup. Prizes include N20,000 Every
Hour, N2,000,000 Every Day, N20,000,000 Every Month and 120 Tickets to the
World Cup.

    http://www.mtnonline.com/index.php/participate.html

    MTN Benin

    MTN 2010 World Cup Competition was a 60 day campaign when it was launched
in April, following the success of the campaign it was extended to 90 days.
The SMS mega promotion is being executed in local versions of French. Prizes
include daily giveaways of Sony flat screen television and Hyundai cars.

    MTN Ghana

    MTN 2010 Win 90 cars in 90 days is a 90 day campaign launched in April
running until the end of the World Cup. Prizes include daily giveaways of
Hyundai Cars, Sony LCD TVs and MTN airtime vouchers.

    http://www.mtn.com.gh/sub.aspx?ID'2&MID"8&ParentID&FirstParentID=3
&Level=3&FirstIsClosed5=N&SecondIsClosed50=Y

    (Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste
this hyperlink into your Internet browser's URL address field. Remove the
space if one exists.)

    About Upstream

    Upstream is a world leader in mobile marketing solutions, reaching over
500 million consumers in more than 40 countries. Using its advanced
technology platform to deliver potent interactive communication via mobile
channels, Upstream empowers global brands to activate their customers like
never before.

    Upstream was born out of a desire to revolutionise the way companies
market to mobile consumers. By combining technology innovation with years of
execution expertise and the analysis of terabytes of consumer data,
communications powered by Upstream massively increase conversion rates and
generate profitable interactions for companies and their mobile consumers.

    This unique ability to extract value from any customer base has made
Upstream the preferred mobile marketing partner for blue chip companies
including Vodafone, T-Mobile, TIM, Orange, Telefonica, America Movil, Zain,
MTN, The Coca-Cola Company, Nestle, Unilever, Shell and BSkyB.

   
    Media contact:

    Jacki Vause
    Peppercom for Upstream
    Jvause@uk.peppercom.com
    +44(0)20-7033-2660

    Alexandra Chong
    Upstream
    chong@upstreamsystems.com
    +44(0)207-290-1320

Source: Upstream

Media contact: Jacki Vause, Peppercom for Upstream, Jvause@uk.peppercom.com,   +44(0)20-7033-2660; Alexandra Chong, Upstream, chong@upstreamsystems.com,  +44(0)207-290-1320

Transatel Selects Traffix Diameter Gateway to Enable Control Plane Connectivity

LONDON, July 15, 2010--

    - Transatel Selects Traffix Diameter Gateway Enabling Easy Connectivity
to its MVNE Platform for New MVNOs.

    Transatel, the leading Pan European MVNO Enabler, has selected Traffix
Diameter Gateway as a key component enabling easy connectivity to its MVNE
platform for new MVNOs. The Traffix Diameter Gateway enables both easy
connectivity between the Transatel charging system and the core network of
the operator and also easy deployment of external charging systems to enable
MVNOs to operate themselves their real-time prepaid billing with no impact on
the host MNO.

    Bertrand Salomon, Deputy CEO at Transatel commented that "Traffix Systems
delivered a robust, carrier grade system which complies with Transatel's
highest demands, a system which is flexible and cost effective. We were able
to have a fully operational system within two days of Traffix Diameter
Gateway installation."

    "Transatel is one of the key players in the telecom ecosystem moving the
industry forward enabling MVNOs to establish a full working telecom solution,
we are very happy to work with Transatel allowing our gateway technology to
assist their advanced MVNO services." Said Ben Volkow, Traffix Systems CEO

    About Transatel:

    Transatel founded in August 2000, is a pan-European company with the
headquarters located in Paris, France and offices in Belgium, Luxembourg and
the Netherlands. The company is directed by Jacques Bonifay and Bertrand
Salomon and has successfully positioned itself on the MVNO market in Europe.
The two main activities of Transatel are MVNO and MVNE.

    For more information, please visit: http://www.transatel.com and
http://www.transatel-solutions.com

    About Traffix Systems:

    Traffix Systems is the NGN and Diameter control plane expert. Traffix
leads the control plane market, with a range of Next Generation Networks
(NGN) control plane products and solutions. Traffix supports telecom
operators and MVNOs on their way accommodating the needs of telecom
customers in the 21st century, by building a series of easy to use
products to enable a smooth, secure, cost efficient road to a high capacity
data network.

   
    Contact:
    Ariela Bichler
    Tel: +44(0)20-8214-1384
    ariela@traffixsystems.com

    Media contact :
    Stephanie Aridon
    Tel: +33-1-74-95-74-85
    E-mail : press@transatel.com

Source: Transatel and Traffix Systems

Contact: Ariela Bichler, Tel: +44(0)20-8214-1384, ariela@traffixsystems.com; Media contact:   Stephanie Aridon, Tel: +33-1-74-95-74-85, E-mail : press@transatel.com

Elbit Systems Issues a Cash Tender Offer for ITL's Shares

HAIFA, Israel, July 15, 2010--     Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ and TASE: ESLT) ("ESL") announced
today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Elbit Security Systems Ltd.
("Elsec"), has issued a Cash Tender Offer (the "Tender Offer") to acquire the
ordinary shares of I.T.L Optronics Ltd. ("ITL") held by the public, currently
representing 15.19% of ITL's outstanding share capital. The remaining 84.81%
of ITL's outstanding share capital are currently held by Mikal Ltd. ("Mikal")
and its wholly-owned subsidiary Soltam Systems Ltd. ("Soltam"). ESL (through
a wholly-owned subsidiary) holds approximately 19.35% of the outstanding
share capital of Mikal.

     (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080408/300441 )

    The Tender Offer period will remain open through August 4,
2010 and is for the price of NIS 5.85 (approximately $1.51) per share and for
a total consideration of NIS 11,001,434 (approximately $2.85 million). The
price reflects a 15% premium above the closing price of the share on July 14,
2010. The Tender Offer will not be implemented if holders of 5% or more of
the total outstanding ITL ordinary shares do not accept the Tender Offer, and
therefore there is no assurance at this stage that the Tender Offer will be
completed. If the dissenting shareholders represent less than 5% of the total
outstanding ITL ordinary shares, Elsec will purchase all ITL's outstanding
ordinary shares held by the public, including those of such dissenting
shareholders, at the tender price. The Tender Offer documents, detailing the
terms of the offer, have been filed with the Israeli Securities Authority and
the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

    About Elbit Systems

    Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics
company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The
Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the
areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications,
computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned
aircraft systems ("UAS"), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space
systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and
military communications systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the
upgrading of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for
defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing
a range of support services.

    For additional information, visit: http://www.elbitsystems.com.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements (within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) regarding
Elbit Systems Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries (collectively the Company), to the
extent such statements do not relate to historical or current fact. Forward
Looking Statements are based on management's expectations, estimates,
projections and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are made pursuant
to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995, as amended. These statements are not guarantees of future
performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult
to predict. Therefore, actual future results, performance and trends may
differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a variety of
factors, including, without limitation:scope and length of customer
contracts; governmental regulations and approvals; changes in governmental
budgeting priorities; general market, political and economic conditions in
the countries in which the Company operates or sells, including Israel and
the United States among others;differences in anticipated and actual program
performance, including the ability to perform under long-term fixed-price
contracts; and the outcome of legal and/or regulatory proceedings. The
factors listed above are not all-inclusive, and further information is
contained in Elbit Systems Ltd.'s latest annual report on Form 20-F, which is
on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. The
Company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.

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

    Company Contact:
    Joseph Gaspar, Executive VP & CFO
    Tel: +972-4-8316663
    E-mail: j.gaspar@elbitsystems.com
   
    Dalia Rosen, VP & Head of Corporate Communications
    Elbit Systems Ltd
    Fax: +972-4-8316944
    dalia.rosen@elbitsystems.com

Photo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080408/300441

Source: Elbit Systems Ltd

IR Contact: Ehud Helft / Kenny Green, CCG Investor Relations, Tel: +1-646-201-9246,  E-mail:elbitsystems@ccgisrael.com; Company Contact: Joseph Gaspar, Executive VP & CFO,    Tel: +972-4-8316663, E-mail: j.gaspar@elbitsystems.com; Dalia Rosen, VP & Head of Corporate Communications, Elbit Systems Ltd, Fax: +972-4-8316944, dalia.rosen@elbitsystems.com

Ford and Nuance Advance Voice Recognition of SYNC: Now Faster, Friendlier, More Personal

DEARBORN, Mich., July 15 --   --  With the introduction of MyFord Touch(TM) driver connect technology,
      Ford makes it easier to control in-car systems with fewer steps and
      more natural language; customers can now speak more than 10,000
      first-level commands, up from only 100 in first-generation SYNC®
  --  Working with voice control leader Nuance, SYNC will recognize more
      direct voice commands such as "Call John Smith," "Find ice cream" and
      "Add a phone," allowing users to do more with fewer steps
  --  Innovative features boost recognition accuracy and provide "Samantha,"
      the voice of SYNC, with smoother, more natural speech patterns
  --  Consumer acceptance of voice control is increasing; the Harris
      Interactive® 2010 AutoTECHCAST survey found an 8 point year-over-year
      improvement, and industry analysts predict continued segment growth

Ford made in-car voice activation a reality for millions of drivers with SYNC, first introduced in 2007. Now, Ford engineers - working with voice technology pioneers Nuance Communications (NASDAQ:NUAN) - plan to once again raise the bar with the next generation of SYNC, a system that can understand 100 times more commands than the original, thus delivering a more conversational experience between car and driver.

The voice upgrades will be available on the next generation of SYNC powering the new driver connect technology, MyFord Touch, launching this year on the new 2011 Ford Edge. The system will make it easier for drivers to use voice control and get what they want more quickly using more natural phrases.

"Ford is committed to making voice recognition the primary user interface inside of the car because it allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel," said Jim Buczkowski, director of Ford electronics and electrical systems engineering. "The improvements we've made will make it easier for drivers to use and interact with it, even those customers that have never used voice recognition before."

Improved vocabulary

At the heart of SYNC is the speech engine, and Ford is working with speech technology leader Nuance to create and integrate a vast library of possible driver requests. This library will enable the SYNC speech engine to listen for and respond to more voice commands directly, recognize different words that mean the same thing (aliases), and integrate a vast number of point-of-interest (POI) names and business types into its navigation system.

"With this latest generation of SYNC, users can control the system without having to learn nearly as many commands or navigate as many menus," said Brigitte Richardson, Ford global voice control technology and speech systems lead engineer. "As we've gained processing power and learned more about how drivers use the system, we've been able to refine the interface. Customers can do more and say more from the top-level menu, helping them accomplish their tasks more quickly and efficiently."

Examples of some improvements to SYNC powering MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles include:

  More direct, first-level commands
  --  "Call John Smith" dials the phone number associated with John in a
      connected phone's phonebook directly - the user isn't required to say
      "Phone" first
  --  Direct commands related to destinations, like "Find a shoe store" or
      "Find a hotel," place users in the navigation system menu where they
      will be walked through the POI search process
  --  The command, "Add a phone," will enter the phone pairing menu and walk
      users through the connection process - users don't have to enter a
      phone submenu to initiate the pairing process

  Quicker, easier entry and search
  --  Navigation entries can be spoken as a single one-shot command; for
      example, "One American Road, Dearborn," instead of requiring
      individual city, street and building number entries
  --  Brand names are recognized by the navigation POI menu, allowing
      drivers to look for chain restaurants, shoe stores, department stores
      and more, as well as regional and local favorites
  --  Direct tuning of radio stations by simply saying "AM 1270" or "FM
      101.1," or using SIRIUS station names or numbers such as "21" or
      "Alt-Nation"

  Use of aliases
  --  Within the climate menu, users can voice-request the same function
      using several different phrases, such as "Warmer," "Increase
      temperature" or "Temperature up" - helping reduce the need for drivers
      to learn specific commands
  --  When requesting a specific song from an MP3 player, users can now say
      "Play song [title]" in addition to saying "Play track [title]"

  Personalized access
  --  If an occupant's USB-connected device, such as an MP3 player, has been
      named, users can simply say the device name, such as "John Smith's
      iPod," rather than the less personal "USB" command

  More friendly and adaptable

Ford voice engineers refined SYNC beginning with the two features customers interact with first: the voice recognition system and Samantha, the digital voice behind system commands.

To help SYNC react to driver commands more quickly and accurately, the team integrated Nuance's Unsupervised Speaker Adaptation (USA) technology. USA learns the voice of a driver within the first three voice commands, quickly creating a user profile and adapting to tone, inflection and even dialect for a 50 percent improvement in recognition performance. USA then continues to learn during that same trip, even picking out another user and creating a second profile if the voice is markedly different. Currently SYNC can actively adapt to voices in English, French-Canadian and Mexican-Spanish - with more languages on tap.

"The power of the SYNC voice control system is its ability to understand and respond to more natural language commands - and the advanced adaptability of the speech recognition technology enables the system to train itself with each successive use," said Michael Thompson, senior vice president and general manager, Nuance Mobile. "The adaptability of SYNC is pretty remarkable - a feature functionality Nuance and Ford worked hard to develop to ensure seamless customer interaction with the system every time it starts up. So even if the car owner has a cold or someone borrows the car, SYNC will adapt to the changed voice and process spoken commands without missing a beat."

Initial interactions also involve Samantha, the "voice" of SYNC. In an attempt to help Samantha sound less computerized, Ford boosted the size of her speech profile approximately fivefold. The additional speech units will help Samantha speak in a smoother, more human voice as she helps vehicle occupants accomplish their in-car tasks such as making phone calls, playing songs from a connected digital device and getting directions.

Voice poised to become primary in-car communication interface

With smart phones expected to replace desktop and laptop PCs as the primary web access point by 2015, some industry analysts believe voice control will replace touch devices like keyboards and screens as the primary method of search. Dr. Philip E. Hendrix, Ph.D., founder and director of immr and analyst with GigaOM Pro, says that a majority of smart phones will have optimized a Voice User Interface by the end of 2012.

Research trends show strong consumer acceptance of voice recognition technology. The Harris Interactive 2010 AutoTECHCAST study found that 35 percent of drivers(1) say they would be likely to adopt voice-activated controls or features in their vehicle, up from just over one-quarter (27 percent) in 2009. In recent Ford-conducted market research of SYNC owners, more than 60 percent reported they use the voice controls while driving.

Datamonitor, an independent research firm, predicts that the global market for advanced speech recognition in the mobile world will triple from 2009 to 2014. Market growth of speech recognition in vehicles is expected to grow at a similar rate, from $64.3 million in 2009 to $208.2 million in 2014.

Voice commands may reduce distracted driving

Ford knows that customers are increasingly using mobile electronics while driving, and studies show hands-free, voice-activated systems such as Ford SYNC offer significant safety benefits versus hand-held devices.

According to a 100-car study conducted by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, driver inattention that may involve looking away from the road for more than a few seconds is a factor in nearly 80 percent of accidents. The improvements to SYNC should help drivers accomplish tasks hands-free using natural speech patterns and fewer commands, enabling them to focus on the task of driving.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com.

About Nuance Communications, Inc.

Nuance is a leading provider of speech and imaging solutions for businesses and consumers around the world. Its technologies, applications and services make the user experience more compelling by transforming the way people interact with information and how they create, share and use documents. Every day, millions of users and thousands of businesses experience Nuance's proven applications and professional services. For more information, please visit http://www.nuance.com.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris Interactive specializes in delivering research solutions that help us - and our clients - stay ahead of what's next. For more information, please visit http://www.harrisinteractive.com.

(1) The AutoTECHCAST study was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive between April 6, 2010 - April 26, 2010 among 12,225 U.S. adults ages 18 and over and who own or lease a vehicle, have a valid driver's license, have at least one household vehicle, own a vehicle model year 2005 or newer, and are at least 50 percent involved in the decision to buy their next household vehicle. Results were weighted as needed for age, gender, education, region and income and to properly represent U.S. vehicle segment owners. Propensity score weighting also was used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online.

Source: Ford Motor Company; Nuance Communications
   

CONTACT:  Alan Hall, +1-313-594-3744, ahall32@ford.com; Robert Parker,
+1-313-845-0784, rparker8@ford.com; Rachael Lyon, +1-917-515-2372,
rachael.lyon@nuance.com

Web Site:  http://www.ford.com/

Company News On-Call:  http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/107607.html

Magellan® Launches Next Generation of eXplorist® Outdoor Handheld GPS Devices

Rugged, Waterproof Navigation Devices Are Designed to Enable Recording, Geotagging and Sharing of Outdoor Adventures

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 14 -- Magellan today unveiled the next generation of its award-winning, rugged eXplorist handheld GPS devices for the outdoor recreation market.

The new eXplorist 510, 610 and 710 devices allow adventurers to navigate to outdoor destinations worldwide, capture geotagged photos along the way, and share their experiences online when they return home. Each eXplorist model combines high-sensitivity GPS, an intuitive user interface, easy-to-read mapping and accurate navigation. The new series of handheld GPS units are being revealed at the OutDoor Trade Fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, and will be available to consumers in North America, Europe, and many other countries worldwide in the 4th quarter, 2010.

"With the popularity of social networks, the GPS industry is shifting towards more online experience sharing," said Justin Doucette, Director, Outdoor Product Marketing, Magellan. "There are many sites that allow for geographic and multimedia data to be posted and shared with others. The eXplorist series allows users to bring their adventures home with them, catalog for future reference, and share online with family and friends."

All three new eXplorist handheld GPS units come equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker to enable users to record and share their adventures with friends.

Each eXplorist device features a 3.0-inch color touch screen, a 3.2 mega-pixel camera with auto-focus, microphone and speaker to record geo-referenced images, videos, and voice notes. All products in the eXplorist series are waterproof (IPX-7) and come preloaded with the most detailed worldwide map in the industry. Magellan's World Edition map includes a complete road network for the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and Australia, as well as water features, urban and rural land use, and a realistic shaded relief background.

The top-of-the-line eXplorist 710 combines the best of on-road and off-road navigation. Built-in maps get adventurers from doorstep to trailhead to summit and back. The eXplorist 710 includes both Magellan's highly detailed Summit Series topographic map and its City Series turn-by-turn map which allows users to navigate their vehicles through busy city streets on their way to their outdoor adventures.  The eXplorist 610 and 710 feature a 3-axis electronic compass and a barometric altimeter that provide precise orientation, accurate elevation information, and enables for weather pattern tracking.

Each model in the eXplorist series also includes several innovative features, such as Magellan's award-winning OneTouch(TM) favorites menu, enabling users to instantly access bookmarked locations, searches, and functions. The industrial design incorporates silent proximity alarms. And, to complement the 3.0-inch touch screen, each device has two customizable hard buttons to take a photograph, mark a waypoint, or provide quick access to a number of other preferred features.

The new eXplorist devices also include essential outdoor features such as expandable memory, paperless geocaching, GPX compatibility, 16 hours of battery life, high sensitivity GPS enabling 3-5 meters of accuracy, vertical profiling, a digital almanac, track summary statistics and area calculation.

The Magellan eXplorist 510 GPS device will be introduced at an M.S.R.P. of USD $349.99, the eXplorist 610 at an M.S.R.P. of USD $449.99, and the eXplorist 710 at an M.S.R.P. of USD $549.99. The units will ship with a standard mini USB cable and 2 lithium disposable AA batteries. With the purchase of a Magellan® eXplorist GPS device customers will receive a 30-day free premium membership to http://geocaching.com/.

The new generation of eXplorist GPS handheld devices joins several other new introductions by Magellan this year in the outdoor navigation market.  The eXplorist GC, a device 100% dedicated to geocaching, and the ToughCase(TM), a device that transforms your iPhone or iPod Touch into a rugged, handheld GPS device, were launched earlier this year.

  For more information, visit magellangps.com.

  About MiTAC Digital Corporation

MiTAC Digital Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MiTAC International Corporation and promotes and sells products and services under the Magellan brand name. Magellan assists people to travel, work and play with leading portable navigation and positioning solutions across multiple consumer markets. Recognized as an industry innovator, the company is the producer of the award-winning Magellan RoadMate® portable car navigation, Outdoor and Mobile navigation devices. MiTAC Digital Corp. is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. For more information on Magellan visit magellangps.com.

2010 MiTAC International Corporation. Magellan, Roadmate and the Magellan logo are registered trademarks of MiTAC International Corporation and One Touch and ToughCase are Trademarks of MiTAC International Corporation and are used under license by MiTAC Digital Corp. All rights reserved. iPhone and iPod are trademarks, of Apple Inc, registered in the US and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

  CONTACT:
  Raphel Finelli
  Magellan GPS
  408-250-1778
  rfinelli@magellangps.com

Source: Magellan
   

CONTACT:  Raphel Finelli of Magellan GPS, +1-408-250-1778,
rfinelli@magellangps.com

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

More Wireless Data and Call Capacity Activated in Southern California

3G data and voice capacity increased 37% since January, 2010

IRVINE, Calif., July 14 -- Even more Southern Californian residents, businesses and visitors can now enjoy high-speed wireless data and voice connections thanks to recent Verizon Wireless network upgrades. Hundreds of upgrades since December, 2009 have increased 3G data and voice capacity by twenty-five percent in the region.  The increased capacity means more users can take advantage of the company's wireless network to surf the web, download applications and content, and exchange email and other messages.

"People expect their cell phones and wireless devices to work whenever they need them," said Bill D'Agostino, executive director of network for Verizon Wireless in Southern California.  "That's why we're increasing coverage and building extra capacity into our network month after month in Southern California."  To learn more about the industry-leading reliability of the Verizon Wireless network, visit: http://tinyurl.com/ky6bm

Businesses can tap into the power of Mobile Broadband

Mobile Broadband allows users to connect to the Internet wirelessly to download applications, business documents and music, as well as accessing e-mail and corporate data while on the go.  Small business owners interested in Mobile Broadband can visit http://tinyurl.com/392334g where they can:

  --  Watch videos about how mobile technologies can improve business
      results
  --  Check out case studies and articles on business strategies to become
      more productive
  --  Learn about the latest promotions and discounts for small businesses
  --  Read white papers about wireless security and connectivity options for
      business

  4G LTE services

Verizon Wireless will launch its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless network in the fourth quarter of 2010.  The company's aggressive network build includes plans to launch in 25 to 30 markets, covering approximately 100 million people.  The company will cover virtually all its current nationwide 3G footprint with the 4G network by the end of 2013.

Testing all year long for reliability

Verizon Wireless tests its network and those of its competitors. The company determines if voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected.  Nationally, Verizon Wireless' real-life test men and women drive 91 specially equipped vehicles almost 1,000,000 miles annually.  They drive on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and streets in high-population areas, based upon U.S. Census counts.  Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving nearly 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 81,000 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:  Ken Muche of Verizon Wireless, +1-949-286-8193,
Ken.Muche@VerizonWireless.Com

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

More Wireless Data and Call Capacity Activated in Southern California

3G data and voice capacity increased 25% since December, 2009

IRVINE, Calif., July 14 -- Even more Southern Californian residents, businesses and visitors can now enjoy high-speed wireless data and voice connections thanks to recent Verizon Wireless network upgrades. Hundreds of upgrades since December, 2009 have increased 3G data and voice capacity by twenty-five percent in the region.  The increased capacity means more users can take advantage of the company's wireless network to surf the web, download applications and content, and exchange email and other messages.

"People expect their cell phones and wireless devices to work whenever they need them," said Bill D'Agostino, executive director of network for Verizon Wireless in Southern California.  "That's why we're increasing coverage and building extra capacity into our network month after month in Southern California."  To learn more about the industry-leading reliability of the Verizon Wireless network, visit: http://tinyurl.com/ky6bm

Businesses can tap into the power of Mobile Broadband

Mobile Broadband allows users to connect to the Internet wirelessly to download applications, business documents and music, as well as accessing e-mail and corporate data while on the go.  Small business owners interested in Mobile Broadband can visit http://tinyurl.com/392334g where they can:

  --  Watch videos about how mobile technologies can improve business
      results
  --  Check out case studies and articles on business strategies to become
      more productive
  --  Learn about the latest promotions and discounts for small businesses
  --  Read white papers about wireless security and connectivity options for
      business

  4G LTE services

Verizon Wireless will launch its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless network in the fourth quarter of 2010.  The company's aggressive network build includes plans to launch in 25 to 30 markets, covering approximately 100 million people.  The company will cover virtually all its current nationwide 3G footprint with the 4G network by the end of 2013.

Testing all year long for reliability

Verizon Wireless tests its network and those of its competitors. The company determines if voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected.  Nationally, Verizon Wireless' real-life test men and women drive 91 specially equipped vehicles almost 1,000,000 miles annually.  They drive on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and streets in high-population areas, based upon U.S. Census counts.  Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving nearly 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 81,000 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:  Ken Muche of Verizon Wireless, +1-949-286-8193,
Ken.Muche@VerizonWireless.Com

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

Boyd Gaming Launches 'B Connected Mobile' for iPhone

-- New Smartphone App a First for Nationwide Gaming Loyalty Program --

LAS VEGAS, July 14 -- Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) today announced the launch of "B Connected Mobile," a personalized mobile application that delivers customized offers and information directly to a customer's iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.  The app further expands the benefits of B Connected, the Company's nationwide player loyalty program.

  (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030219/BOYDLOGO)
  (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030219/BOYDLOGO)

B Connected Mobile is the first multi-property, loyalty program-based iPhone application of its kind in the gaming industry, and is available for free download at the iPhone App Store.

B Connected Mobile provides a wealth of personalized information, including:

  --  Exclusive hotel, dining and gaming offers, including "Best Rates
      Available" on hotel rooms for B Connected members;
  --  Instant access to event information, schedules and special offers at
      all Boyd Gaming properties using B Connected;
  --  "Locate Me," a GPS-powered feature that provides additional real-time
      information when a customer visits a specific Boyd Gaming property;
  --  Slot Search, a search engine that allows customers to find Boyd Gaming
      casinos that have their favorite machines, and displays the games'
      locations on a casino floor map;
  --  The ability to track B Connected point balances in real time; and,
  --  The ability to make immediate hotel or restaurant reservations.

"B Connected Mobile offers unique benefits and information to our guests, both before their visit and at the moment they walk through our door.  In just two years, B Connected Online has established itself as one of the most heavily used player-loyalty websites in our industry, providing customers unparalleled ease of use and access to information.  B Connected Mobile is another example of how we are using technology in creative new ways to deliver exceptional value to our customers," said Paul Chakmak, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Boyd Gaming.

The Company plans to release BlackBerry and Android versions of B Connected Mobile later this year.

To view a demonstration of how the B Connected Mobile app works, visit: http://www.bconnectedmobileapp.com.

B Connected membership is not required to use the B Connected Mobile app; however, the benefit of membership unlocks many of the app's features.  B Connected membership is free and available at 13 Boyd Gaming properties: Gold Coast, The Orleans, Sam's Town, Suncoast, California, Fremont and Main Street Station in Las Vegas; Blue Chip in Michigan City, Indiana; Par-A-Dice in East Peoria, Illinois; Sam's Town in Tunica, Mississippi; Treasure Chest in Kenner, Louisiana; Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana; and Sam's Town in Shreveport, Louisiana.

  Membership in B Connected is available only to persons 21 and older.

  About Boyd Gaming

Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) is a leading diversified owner and operator of 16 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, and Louisiana.  Boyd Gaming press releases are available at http://www.prnewswire.com.  Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at http://www.boydgaming.com.

Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030219/BOYDLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030219/BOYDLOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Boyd Gaming Corporation
   

CONTACT:  Rob Meyne of Boyd Gaming, +1-702-792-7353,
robmeyne@boydgaming.com

Web Site:  http://www.boydgaming.com/
http://www.bconnectedmobileapp.com/

Blackboard and McGraw-Hill Partner to Integrate McGraw-Hill Digital Content & Tools into Blackboard's Learning Management Systems

McGraw-Hill Product Suite Will Also be Available in Blackboard Learn, Providing Single Point of Access for Digital Course Materials

NEW YORK and ORLANDO, Fla., July 14 -- Blackboard Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBB) and McGraw-Hill Higher Education, a unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP), today announced a business partnership to introduce a new, best of class learning management offering that joins McGraw-Hill's media-rich content, assessment engines, and industry leading adaptive learning tools with the latest capabilities of Blackboard's Web-based teaching and learning platform, Blackboard Learn(TM).

Through the partnership, the companies will make McGraw-Hill's content and digital tools available to institutions that are already using Blackboard Learn to enhance workflow and access to these resources in one place.

This initiative will bring together the robust capabilities of Blackboard Learn with McGraw-Hill Connect, an all digital higher education learning platform and McGraw-Hill's custom publishing system that allows instructors to also incorporate third party content. The combination will enhance ease of use for faculty and student users of the McGraw-Hill and Blackboard Learn product suites. This is the first time Blackboard has enabled the full integration of a major educational publisher's content and digital tools.

"This partnership takes advantage of each company's clear areas of expertise to improve the course and content experience for students and faculty in a variety of settings," said Ray Henderson, President of Blackboard Learn. "This step makes it easier for educators to find, create and share high quality content as part of the existing workflow for users of Blackboard Learn."

Access to McGraw-Hill Connect, which covers 34 academic disciplines and includes more than 250 titles, will be significantly expanded. McGraw-Hill's platform is currently being used by more than 1.8 million students and instructors at some 600 colleges and universities nationwide. The integration with Blackboard Learn will allow students and faculty to use their campus Blackboard® login to access the full suite of McGraw-Hill Connect content and tools. Additionally, scores for McGraw-Hill Connect assignments, quizzes and tests will post directly to the Blackboard gradebook, eliminating the need for students and instructors to manage access and updates in two separate systems.

"McGraw-Hill Education is committed to helping students and instructors succeed by offering increased access to digital learning solutions," said Peter C. Davis, President of McGraw-Hill Education. "By fully integrating the two companies' capabilities, we are creating a comprehensive digital environment where professors and students can access everything they need to succeed in the course in one location."

The integrations will create seamless access to McGraw-Hill Connect to manage course content, create assignments and track student performance. In addition, users will also gain access to a range of popular tools that come with the platform, including adaptive assessment to deliver customized learning content based on student strengths and weaknesses, and lecture capture to give students the ability to easily find key information from lectures to review at their own pace. Both the new learning management offering and the integration for Blackboard Learn are expected to be ready for classroom use in early 2011. McGraw-Hill Connect will also continue to be available separately.

As part of the partnership, McGraw-Hill becomes a Blackboard Strategic Partner(TM) in the Blackboard Alliance Program(TM). The announcement was made at BbWorld®, Blackboard's annual user conference held in Orlando, Florida.

To learn more about Blackboard Learn, please visit http://www.blackboard.com/Teaching-Learning/Learn-Platform.aspx. To learn more about McGraw-Hill Connect, please visit http://www.mcgraw-hillconnect.com/

About Blackboard Inc.

Blackboard Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBB) is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities. Founded in 1997, Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

About McGraw-Hill Higher Education:

McGraw-Hill Higher Education, a unit of McGraw-Hill Education, is a leading innovator in the development of 21st century teaching and learning digital solutions for postsecondary and higher education markets worldwide. Through a comprehensive range of traditional and digital education content and tools focused on improving student learning outcomes, McGraw-Hill Higher Education empowers and prepares professionals and students to connect, learn and succeed in the global economy. McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP), has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 65 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com/.

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard and other statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2010 with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of July 14, 2010. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to July 14, 2010.

Source: Blackboard Inc.
   

CONTACT:  Matthew Maurer, Blackboard Inc., +1-202-463-4860 ext. 2637,
matthew.maurer@blackboard.com; Mary Skafidas, McGraw-Hill Education,
+1-212-904-2078, +1-347-351-6407 (mobile), mary_skafidas@mcgraw-hill.com

Web Site:  http://www.blackboard.com/

Blackboard and Follett Higher Education Group Partner to Integrate Digital Texts with Online Course Experience

Blackboard Learn Also to Feature CafeScribe for Social Networking

ORLANDO, Fla., July 14 -- Blackboard Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBB) and Follett Higher Education Group today announced a partnership to give students the ability to purchase and use digital textbooks directly in Blackboard Learn(TM) with a free integration, available today, that brings interactive texts into the course experience.

The integration streamlines the way that instructors assign texts and the ease with which students can access and use them. It also provides access to Follett's CafeScribe®, an e-textbook and social networking platform that gives students and instructors the ability to read, highlight, annotate, share notes, and form campus and worldwide study groups among a range of CafeScribe features that make digital texts more interactive.

"The addition of this kind of academic technology helps students and faculty dedicate more time to coursework and less time to negotiating various technologies," said Paul E. Fisher Jr., Director of the Teaching, Learning & Technology Center at Seton Hall University. "This kind of collaboration helps us to give students options according to their own learning styles, study skills and efficiencies, while at the same time helping to lower or keep steady the total cost of their education."

Follett currently operates nearly 900 campus bookstores at colleges and universities throughout North America. CafeScribe currently offers 10,000 books, including many from the top education publishers.

"With this partnership, we're bringing leading technology for interactive digital content to millions of people who use Blackboard solutions every day," said Matthew Small, Chief Business Officer at Blackboard. "As interactive content becomes more central to the learning experience, we want to make sure that our clients and users have access to a multitude of options for accessing it within the learning environment."

As part of the partnership, Follett becomes a Blackboard Premier Partner(TM) in the Blackboard Alliance Program(TM). The announcement was made at BbWorld®, Blackboard's annual user conference held in Orlando, Florida.

"Digital textbooks are more interactive, sustainable, portable and, often, more affordable than traditional textbooks," said Isabella Hinds, director of digital solutions for the Follett Higher Education Group. "CafeScribe offers students and professors a robust destination for finding, buying and using digital books, and social networking around books people are reading."

The CafeScribe Blackboard Building Block is available for download today at Blackboard's client support Web site. It is available to higher education institutions in North America running Blackboard Learn Release 9 or higher, with support for Release 8 planned for later this summer. The integration will also be included in future releases of Blackboard Learn.

For more information about Blackboard Learn, please visit http://blackboard.com/Teaching-Learning/Learn-Platform.aspx. For more information about CafeScribe, please visit http://www.cafescribe.com/.

About Blackboard Inc.

Blackboard Inc. (NASDAQ:BBBB) is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities. Founded in 1997, Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

About Follett Higher Education Group

Follett Higher Education Group of Oak Brook, Illinois, is the leading provider of bookstore services and the foremost supplier of used books in North America. Follett services five million students and over 400,000 faculty members through more than 850 stores. Follett also services more than 1,600 independent campus stores with its wholesale services, and has the most visited ecommerce collegiate website, efollett.com, that provides services and products through a network of more than 900 campus stores.

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard and other statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2010 with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of July 14, 2010. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to July 14, 2010.

Source: Blackboard Inc.
   

CONTACT:  Matthew Maurer, Blackboard Inc., +1-202-463-4860, ext. 2637,
matthew.maurer@blackboard.com; or Isabella Hinds, Follett Higher Education
Group, +1-617-232-4320, ihinds@fheg.follett.com

Web Site:  http://www.blackboard.com/

PlayStation®3 System the First and Only Console to Offer Hulu Plus(TM) in 2010

Hulu Plus(TM) preview available today on PlayStation 3 to select PlayStation®Plus members; Release of Hulu Plus available to all PlayStation 3 owners in the United States in the coming months

FOSTER CITY, Calif., July 14 -- Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) and Hulu(TM), an online video service offering an expanded selection of television shows and movies, announced that the Hulu Plus(TM) preview will begin today on the PlayStation®3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system in the United States with the consumer release of Hulu Plus available to all PS3 owners set to occur in the coming months.  PS3 is the first and only console with dedicated gaming functionality that will offer Hulu Plus in 2010.  Hulu Plus will deliver a library of high-definition (HD) content including full seasons of popular TV shows and blockbuster movies from nearly 150 leading content companies.  Content on Hulu Plus is complementary to the more than 23,000 movies and TV episodes already available on the PlayStation®Store.

  (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO)
  (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO)

"We are delighted to offer the Hulu Plus preview starting today on PlayStation 3 and that PlayStation 3 will be the only console to offer Hulu Plus in 2010," said Jack Tretton, president and chief executive officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC.  "The combination of Hulu's premium video library and PlayStation®Network's expanding game and video catalogue further cements PlayStation 3 as the industry's best entertainment device for all of your content experiences from games, TV shows and movies to live sports, original content and 3D."

Starting today, a select group of PlayStation®Plus subscribers will gain access to a preview version of Hulu Plus for an additional $9.99 per month.  All PlayStation Plus subscribers may download the free Hulu Plus application and, within it, request an invitation to the exclusive preview.

General availability of Hulu Plus in the United States is expected in the coming months on the PS3 computer entertainment system and additional Sony Electronics Internet-connected entertainment devices, including select BRAVIA® TVs and Blu-ray(TM) Disc players.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC.

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store. Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP and PS3 systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American operations.

Blu-ray Disc is a trademark.  "PlayStation" and "PS3" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com.

Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO
Source: Sony Computer Entertainment America
   

CONTACT:  Patrick Seybold, +1-650-655-7540,
patrick_seybold@playstation.sony.com, or Ron Eagle, +1-858-824-5585,
ron_eagle@playstation.sony.com, both of Sony Computer Entertainment America

Web Site:  http://www.us.playstation.com/

Verizon Wireless Activates COLT for Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in Oak Hill

- Verizon Wireless adds mobile cell tower for four-day festival - Cell-on-light-truck will handle expected surge in wireless and data usage - Part of company's commitment to ensuring customers have access to reliable wireless service

ALBANY, N.Y., July 14 -- In readiness for an increase in wireless calls and data usage by music fans at this weekend's Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival (July 15-18) on the Walsh Farm in Oak Hill, Verizon Wireless has beefed up its local network capacity by placing a temporary cell site near the festival.

The cell-on-light-truck (or COLT) is a fully functional, generator-powered mobile cell site that enhances wireless capacity, allowing more customers to use their wireless phones concurrently to make calls, surf the Internet, update social networking sites, send and receive text and picture messages, and download apps, music, and games.  Desktop and laptop computer users will even be able to use MobileBroadband, the company's wireless broadband service, to surf the Web at high speeds.

"Whether they're looking up a song title, updating their Facebook status, tweeting on a performance, or sending a picture to a friend, our customers take full advantage of their wireless service to capture the moment during concerts, significantly increasing traffic on our local network," said Gene Fassett, executive director of Network for Verizon Wireless' Upstate New York Region.  "By activating this temporary cell site, our network is prepared to handle the increased activity that comes with large gatherings. We anticipate a big surge in voice calls, Internet access, and text messages and picture messages as concert goers use their wireless devices to capture and share the events."

The temporary cell site 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 $50 billion nationwide since it was formed - $5.5 billion on average every year - including more than $1.2 billion in Upstate New York. Verizon Wireless invested more than $100 million in the region in 2009. Verizon Wireless' mobile cell sites are on constant standby to provide additional wireless network capacity and coverage in emergencies and at highly attended scheduled events.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving nearly 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with  81,000 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, http://twitter.com/johnnyverizon, or
Meredith Dropkin, +1-315-413-4293, mdropkin@mower.com

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

Company News On-Call:  http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas Unveils CM-5 Benchtop Spectrophotometer at IFT 2010 Show

RAMSEY, N.J., July 14 -- Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. (KMSA), the worldwide leader in the industrial measurement of color, light and shape, announces the unveiling of its state of the art CM-5 Benchtop Spectrophotometer at this year's IFT 2010 show at the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago, IL.

  (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100714/NY35146)
  (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100714/NY35146)

Officially launched in January 2010, KMSA will be showcasing its new CM-5 for the first time at a major US food show. This next generation color measurement instrument has quickly become one of the most talked about and fastest selling instruments worldwide. With over 50 years of industry experience, Konica Minolta designed the CM-5 to meet the highest standards for the food industry and for the actual unit operator.

The CM-5 is a full featured, highly accurate and a totally standalone instrument that does not require a PC. The CM-5 can display everything from numeric data, spectral graphs, and colorimetric plots, making a PC for basic color control a thing of the past. The versatility of the top port design can monitor the measurement of fresh fruits & vegetables to prepared and frozen foods. It also integrates a sliding body panel to expose its large transmittance chamber capable of measuring films and liquids.

"What sets the CM-5 apart is that it's quite simply the easiest and virtually mistake free color measurement instrument ever developed," said Randy Klimek, New Product Project Manager for Konica Minolta Sensing. The CM-5 features yet another industry first for Konica Minolta, who developed a cutting edge on-screen wizard that instructs the user step by step on how to take a measurement, making it the ideal instrument for even non-experts.

In addition to the CM-5, Konica Minolta Sensing's Food Color Indexing Technology (FCIT) will also be on display this year at IFT 2010. FCIT is designed to save time and cut costs by providing the user with only information pertinent to their application. An index simplifies color readings by presenting the user with one number to base a decision on instead of a multitude of data to sort through.  Currently being offered are indices for tomato, French fry, peanut butter and coffee.

New this year, KMSA will be hosting in booth workshops at booth #6481. Application specialists will be on hand to present and answer questions related to food color measurement utilizing the CM-5 and also about our Food Color Indexing Technology used in conjunction with a CR-400/410 Colorimeter.

Also visit Konica's new online shopping site http://www.shopkmsa.com/ for a complete catalog of all measurement products and accessories.

Stay connected with Konica! Visit our social media sites Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

About Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. (KMSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Konica Minolta Holdings USA, Inc., is recognized as the international leader of industrial color, light and shape measurement. The company is responsible for product lines that continuously revolutionize how visual perception is measured by the world.

An industry pioneer, as well as innovator, Konica Minolta Sensing developed and introduced the first portable color measurement units to the world. Presently, their catalog contains instruments such as portable colorimeters as well as portable and benchtop spectrophotometers for color measurement, spectroradiometers and lux meters for light/display measurement and 3D non-contact scanners for shape measurement.

Thousands of companies across the globe choose to depend on Konica Minolta Sensing equipment when color, light or 3D measurement is vital to the manufacturing process. Konica Minolta Sensing's products can be found in a wide array of industries including food, plastics, paints, coatings, automotive, aerospace and cosmetics.

Konica Minolta Sensing's Ramsey, New Jersey corporate headquarters is fully equipped with a state of the art service center, 3D scanning laboratory, tech support center, and a focused sales force dedicated to both the North American and South American regions.

When it comes to color, light and shape measurement - the world looks to Konica Minolta.

  Lou Carulli
  Marketing Manager
  Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc.
  +1-201-785-2413
  lcarulli@se.konicaminolta.us
  konicaminolta.com/sensingusa

Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100714/NY35146
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN12
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100714/NY35146
Source: Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc.
   

CONTACT:  Lou Carulli, Marketing Manager, Konica Minolta Sensing
Americas, Inc., +1-201-785-2413, lcarulli@se.konicaminolta.us,
konicaminolta.com/sensingusa

Web Site:  http://www.shopkmsa.com/

'PoweRBrands' Facebook Business Game Launch - A New Way to Experience Corporate Life

LONDON, July 14 -- Graduates and undergraduates with a zest to test their marketing performance and business brains will have the chance to flex their "virtual" strategic prowess - thanks to the latest release of a brand new social media Facebook game called poweRBrands(TM).

The first Facebook game of its kind, poweRBrands(TM) comes from those innovative marketing people at Reckitt Benckiser (RB) - the leading global household, health and personal care company.  poweRBrands(TM) has been developed in partnership with Euro RSCG Riley and Nudge Social Media.

The game is aimed at 18 - 30 year olds, is designed to mirror the real life experiences of being a marketing executive in a leading edge company and introduces the unique culture and challenges that face RB marketers every day.

Once players have signed up in Facebook they then begin their progression from 'green' marketing executive to global president.  How well they do is entirely driven by the strategic choices and tactical decisions players make along the way as they move up the corporate ladder.  Tasks get progressively harder and points more difficult to accrue to make players really think about the decisions and risks they are taking as they move from task to task.

BA Hons in English Literature graduate Jess Chivers who has just become a player said: "I'm currently just doing my Msc Marketing dissertation and I really enjoy problem solving and the advanced marketing strategy simulation competition on my course. poweRBrands(TM) really reminded me of this and I find the game surprisingly addictive."

Postgraduate games player Alexandra McGoldrick also near completion of her Msc Marketing course reports that  poweRBrands(TM) is full of challenging surprises and definitely compelling play. "I really like the 'brain' graphics and emails which show how difficult the tasks are.  The 'phone calls' are a neat feature too.  There is great satisfaction in doing well and getting the points as you go through the tasks," said Ali

Anna Moulton, Northern European Regional HR Director said:  "Until recently, RB has focused communications on our enviable portfolio of iconic 'Powerbrands'. However, over the last two to three years we have been developing a series of initiatives to reach out to talented students and people early on in their career. We aim to show them how RB operates,  demonstrate the global nature of our operation, and underline the RB culture and how it differs from most other fast moving consumer good (FMCG) companies. We are looking to push the boundaries and find innovative, effective ways to interact with the 18-30 age groups. poweRBrands(TM) is a great way to demonstrate, in a fun environment, the exciting opportunities the company offers. The game is the logical 'next step' in building a strong online presence and totally in keeping with our commitment to continuing innovation."

RB is already an award winner in this area having recently been recognised for Best Use of Social Media at the Recruitment Advertising Awards and Best Website for organisations recruiting fewer than 100 graduates by the Association of Graduate Recruiters. The group's campaign was also nominated in this year's Digital Marketing Awards and CIPD Awards.

Moulton continued: "poweRBrands(TM) is part of a serious initiative to make learning about industry and marketing both relevant and fun. It is not a direct recruitment tool, but is certainly a key part of our profile raising activity and a great way to introduce students and early careers sales people and marketers to our culture.  We certainly hope that it may encourage some of them to look further at our website and other career information.  Facebook is a natural home for poweRBrands(TM) - it is the fastest growing social network site and, like RB, a truly global phenomenon.  We hope that the lure of fun challenges, tasks and the competitive element of playing with your friends and colleagues will prove a real draw."

The game is supported by a Facebook fan page, also developed in partnership with Euro RSCG Riley, where players will be able to exchange news, and catch up on game changes and innovations. They'll also be able to give feedback, provide ideas for new themes, and get all the latest information on poweRBrands(TM).   Players who want to learn more about RB can link to the careers website at http://www.rb.com.

Currently running in beta form, the game is already up on Facebook and is being road tested by a small group of invited Facebookers.  The game goes live with an online marketing campaign running across the summer and into the autumn, kicking off on July 19 which will include ad spots on Facebook and other sites such as Techliment, Adknowledge and LinkedIn.

Nudge Social Media's Creative Director Stephen Folkes commented: "poweRBrands(TM) is different from other games as it has the key aspect of cerebral decision making - it's not just a case of hitting a button to advance, you need to make the right decisions and really think on your feet.  I think players will enjoy the challenge we've created for them, and find that they learn things along the way as part of the experience".

Rupert Grose CEO of Euro RSCG Riley commented: "poweRBrands(TM) is a first in the field of recruitment communications and a natural continuation of the award-winning careers website and Facebook page that we've developed with RB over the past two years. It will play a major role in raising awareness of RB as a brand, the challenging careers it offers, and as an employer of choice amongst this target audience."

For further information contact:   Penny Roberts/Sally Ann Wilkinson on 0208 899 6110

Reckitt Benckiser:

Reckitt Benckiser is a world leader in household, health and personal care. It is a FTSE top 25 company and since 2000 net revenues have doubled and the market cap has quadrupled.  Today it is the global No 1 or No 2 in the majority of its fast-growing categories, driven by an exceptional rate of innovation - near 42% of net revenue comes from an average of 35% of innovations launched in the prior 3 years. It has a strong portfolio led by 17 global powerbrands which are: Finish, Lysol, Dettol, Vanish, Woolite, Calgon, Airwick, Harpic, Bang, Mortein, Veet, Nurofen, Clearasil, Strepsils Gaviscon, Mucinex and French's, and they account for over two thirds of its net revenue. Reckitt Benckiser people are at the heart of the company's success. They have an intense drive for progress and action and a desire to outperform wherever they focus, including in CSR where the Company has the most ambitious corporate responsibility programme in the industry through its Carbon 20 initiative. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the Company employs 24,900 people worldwide, with operations in 60 countries and sales in 180 countries. For more information visit RB.COM

Source: Reckitt Benckiser
   

CONTACT:  Penny Roberts or Sally Ann Wilkinson on 0208 899 6110

Web Site:  http://www.rb.com/

CareerBuilder Launches MiracleWorkers.com to Help Connect Health Care Employers and Job Seekers

-- More Than Four-in-Ten Health Care Employers Plan to Hire in The Second Half of the Year, Finds New CareerBuilder Survey --

CHICAGO, July 14 -- Fueled by an aging and growing population, hiring in the health care industry has steadily added an average of 20,000 jobs each month over last year.* To help health care employers fill these open positions, CareerBuilder has launched MiracleWorkers.com, a site that connects health care organizations and qualified workers.

CareerBuilder's mid-year health care forecast reveals that health care employers plan to continue to hire workers throughout the second half of the year. More than four-in-ten (44 percent) health care organizations said they plan to hire new employees in the months of July through December. The survey was conducted between May 18 and June 3, 2010, among more than 270 health care employers.

Health care employers plan to hire both full-time and part-time workers to help meet the demand for qualified staff. More than one-third (34 percent) said they plan to hire full-time workers in the second half of the year, while 28 percent said they plan to hire part-time or contract employees.  In addition, health care is one of the top industries to report a skills deficit, with 63 percent of hiring managers in large healthcare organizations stating they have a shortage of qualified workers.

Employers can find qualified workers in a variety of different fields by using newly launched MiracleWorkers.com, a site and online network that connects job seekers and health care employers. MiracleWorkers.com uses a wide network of specialized health care job sites, such as WorkInNursingJobs.com and WorkInCriticalCare.com to reach highly targeted audiences with employers' jobs and branding.

Many health care organizations have posted numerous jobs on MiracleWorkers.com in dozens of different areas, from surgical jobs to laboratory jobs to medical office jobs.  Non-medical positions are also available on the site with health care organizations of all sizes. MiracleWorkers.com allows job seekers to search opportunities by location and position and to apply for jobs, learn more about health care, explore education opportunities and get career advice.

"Health care organizations often need to hire staff quickly, in a variety of areas, to meet the growing needs of their patients," said Ben Jablow, managing director of MiracleWorkers.com. "The demand for qualified health care workers continues to be high, as one-third of organizations we surveyed said they currently have open positions for which they can't find qualified candidates. MiracleWorkers.com helps health care organizations meet that demand quickly by finding the right talent for their wide range of open positions."

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

  *Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 2010 Employment Situation

  Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive© on behalf of CareerBuilder.com among 277 U.S. health care workers (employed full-time; not self-employed; non government); ages 18 and over between May 18 and June 3, 2010 (percentages for some questions are based on a subset of U.S. health care employers, based on their responses to certain questions). With a pure probability sample of 277 one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 5.89 percentage points. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies.

About MiracleWorkers.com

MiracleWorkers.com is a division of CareerBuilder that connects job seekers with health care employers. The opportunities span all experience levels and are posted by health care organizations of all sizes, categories and U.S. locations. Job seekers can instantly apply to positions and learn more about specific hospitals and organizations in the health care industry. Health care employers can post job opportunities, promote their employment brands and quickly evaluate candidates' qualifications. For more information, visit http://www.MiracleWorkers.com.

About CareerBuilder®

CareerBuilder is the global leader in human capital solutions, helping companies target and attract their most important asset - their people. Its online career site, CareerBuilder.com®, is the largest in the United States with more than 23 million unique visitors, 1 million jobs and 32 million resumes. CareerBuilder works with the world's top employers, providing resources for everything from employment branding and data analysis to recruitment support. More than 9,000 websites, including 140 newspapers and broadband portals such as MSN and AOL, feature CareerBuilder's proprietary job search technology on their career sites. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), Tribune Company, The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.careerbuilder.com.

  Media Contact:
  CareerBuilder
  Allison Nawoj
  773-527-2437
  allison.nawoj@careerbuilder.comhttp://www.twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR

Source: CareerBuilder
   

CONTACT:  Allison Nawoj of CareerBuilder, +1-773-527-2437,
allison.nawoj@careerbuilder.com

Web Site:  http://www.careerbuilder.com/
http://www.miracleworkers.com/

Primestream Expands Global Market and Technology Reach With Building4Media Acquisition

Combined operation redefines standards for Integrated Broadcast Automation Workflows

MIAMI, July 14 -- Primestream Corp.(TM), the leader in advanced broadcast and IT solutions, announces the acquisition of Building4Media(TM), creator of FORK(TM), the state-of-the-art software for broadcast asset management, playout automation, metadata driven production and publishing. This acquisition allows Primestream to continue to provide and expand an established platform that already serves more than 300 sports, news, and entertainment broadcast channels across over 40 countries.

"This merger combines Building4Media's advanced technology with Primestream's expertise in digital content management and workflow, from metadata insertion, to editing and distribution all the way to cloud computing and high capacity storage architectures," said Claudio Lisman, CEO of Primestream Corp. "Our capabilities are complementary, and we are leveraging this partnership to expand our reach into new verticals and global markets -- including Telepresence, industrial and military applications, and emergency response -- to better serve our customers and continue driving innovation."

Building4Media, which will operate under the new name, B4M(TM), designed FORK software as a client server-based, end-to-end platform to easily automate and manage multimedia and digital video database assets. The FORK suite of products is completely flexible and configurable to client needs, providing a total workflow solution from delivery of multiple-format content (including DTV, 3DTV and HDTV) to an array of devices such as IPTV and Mobile Video. In addition, FORK's Mobile2Air(TM) offers a cutting-edge system for leveraging the power of wireless technology to transmit content directly to air.

Primestream's strategy is to extend FORK's powerful platform, which is based on Apple and Windows operating systems and, soon, on Google's Android OS. By combining B4M's mobile and online software technology with Primestream's broadcast experience and support, the company creates a unique solution that empowers broadcasters and other industries with an advanced open architecture software that includes applications to effectively manage and profit from the use of video.

Primestream's customer base spans five continents and includes media giants such as CBS Sports, CNN, CNNMoney.com, NYSE, NASCAR, NFL, CNBC, Liverpool Soccer Club, Reuters, L.A. Dodgers, Star News India, SunTV, RTL, Mountain West at the Comcast Media Center.

  For more information, please visit http://www.primestream.com and http://www.b4m.com.

  About Primestream Corporation

Primestream is a leader in the design, provision and implementation of advanced broadcast and new media solutions. Founded in 2000, Primestream has set a new standard in broadcasting by deploying the most unique hybrid solutions for TV stations, uplink centers, post-production facilities, ENG/SNG mobile news, sports-gathering systems, emergency management of broadcast facilities and new media asset management.

Source: Primestream Corporation
   

CONTACT:  Kristen Thomas, +1-310-752-4400, ext. 186,
kthomas@thephelpsgroup.com, for Primestream Corporation

Web Site:  http://www.b4m.com/
http://www.primestream.com/