North East Candidates Embrace Video Communications Technology
LONDON, April 28, 2010-- Style over substance? Or substance over style? The televised leaders'
debate is being dubbed the ultimate video manifesto and now parliamentary
candidates (PCs) in the North East are having their say with the help of
cutting edge video messaging technology.
Unlike their slick and smooth party leaders, there are stutters and
occasional "........errrms," but this is what makes candidates more human,
and more real!
It's a first for Britain, and a first for UK politics. Voters in the
North East are being given the chance to see and hear their parliamentary
candidates, thanks to the UK's fastest growing video communications website
WinkBall.
Many PCs in the North East have already turned to WinkBall and are
actively on the site urging the public to vote for them. Viewers on the site
can decide for themselves who has delivered the most compelling sound bites,
and who they think will be the undisputed victor in their local constituency.
Each candidate can sum up in a video interview what issues are most
important to them, and where they stand on key policies. The site is
interactive too, and voters can respond with their own comments, recorded on
web cameras, or leave a question for a candidate to respond to.
Among the candidates who have already uploaded their manifestos online at http://www.winkball.com are:
Gareth Kane: Liberal Democrat, Newcastle upon Tyne Central; Ian Lindley:
Liberal Democrat, North Durham; Karen Allen: Conservative, South Shields;
David Ord: Liberal Democrat, North Tyneside; Chi Onwurah: Labour, Newcastle
upon Tyne Central; Catherine McKinnell: Labour, Newcastle upon Tyne North;
John Tennant: UKIP, Gateshead; Alan Thompson: Liberal Democrat, Sedgewick;
Peter Andas: Liberal Democrat, Washington & Sunderland West; Stephen
Psallidas: Liberal Democrat, South Shields; Pauline Featonby-Warren: UKIP,
Sunderland Central.
WinkBall say they're bringing canvassing into the 21st century - via
their initiative 'Do You Know Who You're Voting For'. WinkBall co-founder Dr
James Ohene-Djan says: "Campaigning has never been this exciting and the
electorate has never seemingly been so interested in politics. This is truly
an online election and gives voters an amazing insight into so many
parliamentary candidates. We are aiming to interview and feature as many PCs
as possible in the North East on WinkBall.com.
WinkBall.com is a free, web-based, personal video communication service,
which allows anyone to record, send and share videos with friends and family
- privately. Users can also create and post content to video blogs and walls
for private and public viewing. Video messages delivered by WinkBall.com can
be accessed anywhere, anytime through a web browser.
WinkBall.com is also used by brands and organisations to share video
content, which users can actively choose to watch and share. All messages
sent through WinkBall.com are supported by targeted five-second
advertisements, which are played at the end of video messages.
WinkBall.com is safe, simple and fun and makes video the best way to
communicate well online.
Established in London in 2005 by Dr. James Ohene-Djan and Duncan Barclay,
the WinkBall Project team has evolved to become a leading player in driving
the future development of online communication.
Winkball.com is a London based company established in 2005. Founder Dr
James Ohene-Djan is also a lecturer at Goldsmiths University and the
technology is the latest social networking phenomenon to come out of a
university campus.
For more information, or to set up an interview with WinkBall co-founder
Dr James Ohene-Djan, please call: Ashleigh or Claire at Shout! Communications
+44(0)207-240-8852, +44(0)207-240-7121
Esmee Denters Premieres 'Love Dealer' Video Today on Vevo.com
Video and debut single from forthcoming album features Justin Timberlake
LOS ANGELES, April 28 -- YouTube and Internet sensation, Esmee Denters, will premiere the video for her debut single, "Love Dealer," this morning on Vevo.com. The single, co-written by Esmee and co-produced by Grammy and Emmy Award winner, Justin Timberlake along with Stargate, is taken from her forthcoming Tennman Records/Interscope LP, Outta Here, due out late summer 2010. Shot in downtown Los Angeles by music video and film directors and brothers, Emmett and Brendan Malloy aka The Malloys (Vampire Weekend, N*E*R*D, The White Stripes, Cold War Kids), the video features both Esmee and Justin. "Love Dealer" will be available on iTunes on May 4 and will impact radio on May 25.
Esmee was 17 when she began posting videos of herself on YouTube singing her favorite hits by Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Pink, and Natasha Bedingfield, which she recorded in the bedroom of her suburban home of Oosterbeek in the Netherlands. "I had seen all these videos of amateur singers, which gave me the idea," she says. "I was just interested in what other people thought of my voice," she says. "My friends had told me they liked my singing, but I was curious to get strangers' opinions because music was what I really wanted to do." When the videos were a hit and viewers started to make requests, Esmee was encouraged and began posting several clips a week, including songs she'd written herself. Within nine months, Esmee's videos had racked up 21 million views and the teenager became the No. 1 Most-Subscribed to Musician in the history of the popular video-sharing website. It may have been her YouTube popularity that led Timberlake to seek out Esmee six months after her videos began to appear online, but it was her silky, soulful voice, natural charisma, and songwriting talent that sold him on signing her to his Interscope imprint, Tennman Records.
Be sure to check out the "Love Dealer" video today on Vevo.com. For more information on Esmee Denters, visit http://www.esmeeworld.com. Outta Here will be released on Tennman Records/Interscope this summer!
Source: Interscope Records
CONTACT: Victor Trevino of M2M Construction, +1-323-522-6389,
victor@m2mconstruction.com, for Esmee Denters; or Hillary Siskind of
Interscope Records, +1-212-841-8055, hillary.siskind@umusic.com
Today sees the official European launch of IRIS, a monitor with camera
reflection system that allows you to make real eye contact online. IRIS is
the cheaper and qualitative alternative to video conferencing. Iris2iris BV,
a Dutch company, developed the product.
IRIS is the only system that can be combined with any web conference and
video chat program. Whether you use Skype, Webex or Vidyo, IRIS enables you
to have real online eye contact. IRIS is also the only system for which the
'receiving party' does not need a device in order to have eye contact, and as
such it is codec-free. This provides a whole range of opportunities for, for
example, remote sales, healthcare and education, but also for online
helpdesks, contact centres and the communication between different offices of
a company.
IRIS can be linked to any Windows or Apple system. The user looks at his
monitor, but because of the mirror construction it is as if he is looking
straight into the camera. The product fits perfectly on every desk and can
also be used as a second monitor.
The Swede Jens Pind, COO of Danish kitchen giant HTH Kokkener A/S and
owner of Kiming A.B., is one of the first users. 'IRIS is a sturdy system and
is always ready to use, as it can sit on your desk. Everyone I talk to thinks
that having eye contact is very pleasant. They say they feel as if they are
actually sitting around the table with me. I was used to webcams, but this is
a totally new experience all together. IRIS is a perfect system to expand
your contacts online in a professional manner, without having to buy
expensive and inflexible video conferencing equipment.'
Iris2iris-owner Marco Asbreuk: 'This year, IRIS won the Chanel Xcellence
Award for product innovation. The Rabobank and non-departmental public bodies
already use IRIS for remote contact with their customers, real-time, via
video communication. We serve Europe via agent partnerships.'
- New Casino Operator, Jackpot Games, Launches NetRefer Powered Affiliate
Program
Jackpot Games announced the launch of their affiliate program to
accompany their online casino. Jackpot Games Affiliates ( http://affiliates.jackpot-games.com/ ) will allow webmasters, forum and blog
owners to refer players through a popular affiliate platform and earn
competitive industry commission rates.
Powered by NetRefer affiliate technology - the industry's most popular
and widely used platform - Jackpot Games Affiliates employs a system that is
utilised by some of the largest and most successful gaming operators in the
world. Intent on competing and offering a service akin to them and more,
Jackpot Games Affiliates are positive of success, with Marketing Manager,
Aaron O'Sullivan, commenting:
"All good affiliate programs rely on two key ingredients: a good product
and solid rewards for partners. With Jackpot Games we have a dedicated
casino, offering the best in games and casino service. In our affiliate
program we have a trusted, stable platform offering some of the highest and,
more importantly, attainable commission rates in the industry."
Jackpot Games Affiliates offers partners a tiered commission based reward
structure, with commissions up to 40% available. There are no negative
carryovers, no player recruitment minimums and referred players are retained
for life by the affiliate. O'Sullivan added:
"We designed the program to fit the requirements of today's affiliate; it
is transparent, fair and provides partners with the tools needed to optimise
their promotion of Jackpot Games. Affiliates will enjoy a close relationship
with a dedicated manager and a tailored, flexible approach to the partnership
will always be adopted. We're certain this will foster an environment of
sustainable profit for both parties."
Jackpot Games offers over 80 casino games, including 25 video slots, 8
jackpot games and the full range of table games of blackjack, roulette and
more. Ramon Azzopardi, Casino Manager, added "we offer the full casino
experience but there's a lot more to come, with new, unique products on the
way. Our affiliates will find themselves in great position to benefit from
new revenue streams soon."
About Jackpot Games:
Jackpot Games is based in and licensed by the Government of Malta within
the EU. It offers over 85 different casino games through NetEnt and is
independently audited for game fairness. The company supports responsible
gaming and complies with local and international law.
Contacts:
Jeremy Sutton
Email: pr@jackpot-games.com
PR Tel: +356-9975-1106
Source: Jackpot Games Ltd
Contacts: Jeremy Sutton, Email: pr@jackpot-games.com , PR Tel: +356-9975-1106.
Tripware MoBook Travel App Offers Fastest and Simplest Mobile Booking of Flights, Cars, and Hotels for iPhone and iPad Users
Tripware, the behavior-based travel solution for business travelers, has released a mobile travel app that lets business travelers' book flights, hotels, and cars faster and simpler than any other travel app. The travel app, MoBook, benefits travelers because once their profile is completed all they need to do is to enter a destination and touch "book" on their iPhone or iPad; there is no need to surf the mobile web or use multiple travel apps.
MESA, Ariz., April 28 -- Tripware MoBook, a travel app for iPhone and iPad users, offers business travelers full travel planning, booking, and managing of their business trips. All travel planning, booking, and organizing is done within the app - no need to search the mobile web or use multiple travel apps. By filling out their online Tripware Traveler Profile, travelers have their travel preferences and requirements pre-populated in MoBook ensuring that only personalized travel options are displayed. By automatically syncing with their Traveler Profile, MoBook provides the fastest and simplest travel booking for Apple iPhone and iPad users. MoBook travelers get the same great rates as other online options, the ability to automatically integrate frequent rewards numbers, the opportunity to review current, past and future itineraries and access to all relevant phone numbers and maps. Tripware MoBook includes up-to-date flight status as well as the ability to book alternate flights, hotels, or cars when the traveler's plans are interrupted. With 24/7 telephone support through Tripware's 877-FLY-4BIZ number, travelers always have travel planning and booking support at their fingertips.
"While there are many travel apps available through the Apple ecosystem, we sought to offer business travelers an extremely efficient, all-in-one travel tool built upon our patent-pending technology," says Clark C. Rines, President and CEO of Tripware. "With MoBook, we bring Tripware's fast, simple, and personalized travel booking to the mobile phone. Our MoBook interface compliments our growing list of interfaces that allow business travelers to focus on their business instead of fiddling for hours with 1990's travel technology."
Tripware fully released their OutBook and DeskBook interfaces earlier this year. Similar to MoBook, the other Tripware interfaces allow business travelers to plan, book, and organize their travel where they work: OutBook, a plugin for Microsoft Outlook users, and DeskBook, a simple desktop app for travel arrangers.
Tripware's VP of Brand and Marketing, Dean M. Wright, states, "Travel planning and booking moved from the travel agent to the self-serve traveler back in the 1990's. Since then, not much has changed; we see many websites commoditizing the travel process. At Tripware, we seek to provide a better and more natural way to plan and book travel: at points where business travelers conduct their business. The outcome of our products is fast, simple and personalized business travel."
To receive the most personalized and targeted traveler options, Tripware recommends users fully complete their Tripware Traveler Profile. The profile contains over 75 customizable travel requirements, preferences, and discounts that sync with all of Tripware's interfaces, including MoBook. Travelers who complete their profile enjoy the maximum speed and ease of use available through the Tripware interfaces.
To get Tripware MoBook, travelers simply sign up for free at the company's website, http://www.tripware.com/, and follow the prompts to the iTunes store. Tripware MoBook is currently compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Tripware has plans to offer MoBook on additional mobile platforms later this year.
Tripware is a registered trademark and d/b/a of Remotian Systems, Inc. Microsoft ® and Microsoft Outlook ® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Apple, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple, Inc.
About Tripware
Tripware is a travel software company that offers the fastest and most personalized travel tools for business travelers. Tripware simplifies travel by providing a choice of booking tools, a set & go personalized profile, and integrated travel itineraries and alerts. Founded in 2007, Tripware is based in Phoenix, AZ.
Contact:
Dean Wright
480.206.9891
Source: Tripware
CONTACT: Dean Wright, +1-480-206-9891, for Tripware
Savvis Meets European Cloud Infrastructure Demand Through UK Data Centre Expansion
20m pounds Sterling investment in Slough data centre expansion for enterprise cloud computing and IT infrastructure services
ST. LOUIS, April 28 -- Savvis, Inc. (NASDAQ:SVVS), a global leader in cloud infrastructure and hosted IT solutions for enterprises, today announced the 20 million pounds Sterling expansion of its Slough data centre in the UK. The development is expected to meet growing European demand for its cloud computing and IT infrastructure services and also comes in anticipation of the Savvis Symphony Virtual Private Data Centre (VPDC) launch in Europe later this year.
The ISO 27001 accredited facility will be expanded by 20,000 square feet of saleable data centre space. The development will be completed in September 2010 and will result in a total of 43,000 square feet of saleable data centre floor space.
Savvis has a global data centre footprint of approximately 1.4 million square feet of raised floor space, encompassing 28 data centres worldwide, three of which are in the UK. The new expansion is one of four worldwide that are expected to be completed in 2010.
The Slough facility currently offers Savvis Symphony Open, its public cloud solution, which is the second cloud solution available from the Slough data centre. It complements the broad portfolio of managed and virtualised hosting, private cloud, and network services that Savvis currently provides to enterprises and the public sector. In addition, Savvis offers proximity hosting for the financial community.
"Following a rise in enterprise adoption of managed hosting services in Europe, we are now experiencing increasing demand for both private and public cloud infrastructure services," said Brian Klingbeil, managing director EMEA for Savvis. "From our highly secure data centre in Slough, European customers can access some of the industry's highest levels of IT infrastructure flexibility - from colocation and managed hosting to cloud computing and network services. This breadth and depth of solutions continues to attract enterprise customers into our Slough facility," added Klingbeil.
The full suite of Savvis Symphony offerings, including VPDC, is expected to be available in the UK in the third quarter of this year through the company's data centre in Slough. With Symphony VPDC, Savvis will be introducing one of the industry's first enterprise-grade VPDC solutions with multi-tiered security and Quality of Service levels.
Globally, Savvis operates a Tier 1 application transport network and was positioned as a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Web Hosting and Cloud Infrastructure (on Demand), 2009, which can be accessed at http://www.savvis.net/magicquadrantleader.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Savvis Symphony Open offers customer organisations the freedom to choose a "right-sized" compute environment via a purchase-by-the-instance cost model and flexible month-to-month terms for each instance. This is a true utility computing environment, where customer teams can control an agile infrastructure themselves through the SavvisStation Portal, deploying resources as required in a matter of minutes, scaling resource up and down as required to match business demand.
About Savvis
Savvis, Inc. (NASDAQ:SVVS) is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and hosted IT solutions for enterprises. More than 2,500 unique customers, including 30 of the top 100 companies in the Fortune 500, use Savvis to reduce capital expense, improve service levels and harness the latest advances in cloud computing. For more information, please visit http://www.savvis.net.
Savvis Forward-Looking Statements
This document may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from Savvis' expectations. Certain factors that could affect actual results are set forth as risk factors in Savvis' SEC reports and filings, including its annual report on Form 10-K and all subsequent filings as well as the risk that potential product cost and performance benefits may not be realised for any particular customer. Savvis assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements.
Source: Savvis, Inc.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Shumacker, International Marketing Director, Savvis,
Inc., +44 118 322 6000, elizabeth.shumacker@savvis.net; or Sue Lynn Goh of
Ogilvy PR Worldwide, (0)207 309 1016, savvisuk@uk.ogilvypr.com for Savvis,
Inc.
Epson Announces Partnership with Home Entertainment Source
Epson Joins HES Vendor Roster Bringing High-Quality, High-Margin Epson 3LCD Home Theater Projectors to Dealers
LONG BEACH, Calif., April 28 -- Epson, the number one selling projector brand worldwide(i), today announced a partnership with Home Entertainment Source that will offer Epson's Home Cinema and Pro Cinema 3LCD projectors to its expansive member network. Home Entertainment Source, the A/V specialty division of Brand Source, is one of the largest A/V networks in North America and is dedicated to serving dealers with an annual sales volume of $1 million to $50 million.
Epson was recently ranked the number one home video company in the annual inside track Supplier Loyalty Report for the third consecutive year. Epson also received top marks in Product Reliability and Resolution of Service. Its line of Home Cinema and Pro Cinema projectors deliver high-quality home entertainment at affordable price points to HES dealers.
"Epson offers a number of high-performing 1080p front projectors that fill a price gap for many of our members," said Jim Ristow, director, Home Entertainment Source. "The addition of Epson to our vendor roster enables us to provide our members with competitively priced, robust solutions with excellent customer support."
With more than 500 members nationwide, HES is a fully integrated network offering its members volume buying benefits and a host of added profit- and business-building services. Members can also purchase product from the member-owned Expert Warehouse at factory direct prices.
"Epson is thrilled to be joining forces with such an established and well-known organization in the home entertainment market," said Marge Ang, senior product manager, Epson America. "Our wide selection of high-quality 3LCD front projectors offers reliable, high-margin video options at a time when many dealers are facing declining margins on many product lines."
About Epson America, Inc.
Epson America Inc. is a leading provider of an extensive range of printers, 3LCD projectors, scanners and point-of-service printers that are renowned for their high quality, functionality, innovation and energy efficiency. Epson America is a U.S. affiliate of Seiko Epson Corporation, which employs more than 70,000 people in 106 companies around the world. Seiko Epson is committed to its ongoing contributions to the global environment and for the second year in a row has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, an indicator for leading companies in economic, environmental and social criteria.
Note: Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these trademarks.
(i) Based upon Q2 2008 worldwide front projection market share estimates from Pacific Media Associates
Source: Epson
CONTACT: Duane Brozek of Epson America, +1-562-290-5683,
Duane_Brozek@ea.epson.com; or Sara Lee of Walt & Company, +1-408-369-7200,
ext. 2980, slee@walt.com, for Epson America
Handheld Opens New Worldwide Software Support Centre
LIDKOPING, Sweden, April 28, 2010-- Handheld Group, supplier of rugged mobile computers, announced today the
opening of a new Software Support Centre in order to further increase its
global customer service.
The fast growing Handheld Group, worldwide supplier of ruggedized
handheld computers, now adds a specialized Software Support Centre to its
line-up of local Service Centres. The new Software Support Centre, opening 3
May 2010, is located at the Handheld Benelux office, in Deventer, The
Netherlands. It will be staffed with experienced software engineers, led by
Remco Zwart, and will be reporting to the head office in Sweden and Max
Dahlbom, Head of Service & Support for the Handheld Group.
The Software Support Centre will handle all software-related issues for
all Handhelds products worldwide and will further support all Handhelds
existing Authorized Service Centres globally in software related issues. The
Software Support Centre will also assist software developer partners in
ensuring the best support possible in developing applications for the
Handheld product range.
"At Handheld, we are experts on the selection, deployment, service and
support of rugged hardware. But we understand that software is also an
integral part of a complete mobile solution. Getting an experienced software
support team on board will improve our ability to help our partners and
customers on software-related issues," says Mr. Max Dahlbom, Head of Service
& Support for the Handheld Group.
Handheld is also launching an online RMA ticket system that will make it
easier for customers to track issues and questions. In the new RMA online
system a ticket will be automatically created when emails are sent to
support@handheldgroup.com.
"Our company continues to grow and we are very pleased to announce both
the Handheld Software Support Centre and our new RMA system. This is a great
step forward in our ambition to have the best service and support in the
world. This will increase our customer service even further and will assist
our growth moving forward," says Jerker Hellstrom CEO and Chairman Handheld
Group AB.
To reach the Handheld Software Support Centre, please send your request
to: support@handheldgroup.com
For hardware related issues, such as repair status or cost estimates,
please send your request to: service@handheldgroup.com
About Handheld:
The Handheld Group is a worldwide supplier of rugged mobile computers and
PDAs. Handheld and its partners deliver complete mobility solutions to
businesses in industries such as logistics, forestry, public transportation,
construction, military, and security. The Handheld Group of Sweden has local
offices in Finland, the Netherlands, Italy and the USA. For more information,
please see http://www.handheldgroup.com
New Consulting Services From Verizon Business Take the Guesswork Out of Data Center Planning and Deployment
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., April 27 -- Chief information officers building, consolidating or outsourcing data centers can now utilize a new suite of Verizon Business consulting services to help drive efficiency and performance.
Verizon Data Center Consulting Services are designed to help enterprise customers around the globe plan and implement effective data center strategies. By thoroughly assessing an enterprise's data center needs and long-term business objectives, Verizon Business' consultants can help IT departments avoid the potential pitfalls associated with commonly overlooked requirements such as power for heating and cooling, adequate physical and logical security measures, business continuity planning, and the human and capital costs associated with ongoing management.
(Note - See related news release on new Verizon data center in Hong Kong.)
This new set of professional consulting services offers the flexibility to address any phase of an enterprise's data center project. The portfolio consists of the following services: facility and infrastructure design; facility and infrastructure implementation; facility, infrastructure and application migration; and facility, infrastructure and application consolidation.
"Data centers and the applications they support are at the heart of enterprises around the globe," said Bart Vansevenant, director - enterprise solutions development, Verizon Business. "Verizon has offered enterprise-class data center outsourcing and management services for nearly two decades. The launch of Verizon Data Center Consulting Services is a logical extension of our capabilities and will help large-business and government clients better align their data center strategies to support business and sustainability objectives."
Enterprises are increasingly looking to drive data center efficiency and performance. According to Info-Tech Research Group, 42 percent of IT leaders plan to build or upgrade a data center in 2010. The research also indicates that establishing a clear project scope will help limit expensive changes during later project stages.(1)
Verizon Business offers a comprehensive suite of professional consulting services designed to help enterprises make informed strategic IT-investment decisions. For more information, visit the Verizon Business IT consulting services website.
About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ)(NASDAQ:VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with one of the world's most connected IP networks to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions. We securely connect today's extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees - enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment. Many of the world's largest businesses and governments - including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions - rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at http://www.verizonbusiness.com.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
(1) Info-Tech Research Group, "Build a Data Center," February 24, 2010.
Source: Verizon Business
CONTACT: Kevin W. Irland, +1-703-886-1117, kevin.w.irland@verizon.com,
or Clare Ward, +44 (0)118 905 3501, clare.ward@verizonbusiness.com, or
Junaidah Dahlan, +65 6248 6827, junaidah.dahlan@sg.verizonbusiness.com
New Verizon IT Consulting Services Target Gaps in Physical Security, a Factor in Data Breaches
Holistic Security Package Integrates Physical and Information Security to Help Companies Better Protect Against Data Breaches
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., April 27 -- Although physical security is integral to IT security, it is often an afterthought, which leaves an organization vulnerable to security breaches. Verizon Business is addressing this shortcoming by offering new IT security consulting services that proactively integrate physical security with information security and compliance programs.
Verizon Physical Security Services combine a physical security assessment and penetration test, security awareness training, a social engineering experiment, and an evaluation of relevant logical security technologies such as smart cards and biometric scanners to evaluate and strengthen an organization's overall security posture.
"Organizations know that a proactive approach to security is key to protecting critical assets, but too often they overlook physical security considerations, such requiring access cards to enter a facility, making this one of the weakest links in the security chain," said Dr. Peter Tippett, vice president of technology and innovation at Verizon Business. "Our research shows that simple security measures, done well, can make a big difference to an organization's ability to prevent data breaches. These new services help companies address both their information and physical security requirements in a holistic manner, helping to more effectively protect the organization - and its own customers - from security breaches."
Data from the 2009 Verizon Business Data Breach Investigations Report demonstrate the importance of physical security for data protection. For example, the report showed that only 43 percent of organizations had properly restricted physical access to confidential cardholder data according to PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) requirements. In other words, 57 percent of organizations had left cardholder data open and exploitable via a physical breach.
According to research project DataLossDB, many data loss events could have been prevented with better physical security.
New Verizon Consulting Services Integrate Physical and Information Security
Verizon Physical Security Services are designed to help safeguard the entire IT stack --that is, the physical, network, application, data and end-user layers -- by addressing three major areas of weakness:
-- Access -- This includes visitor badge issuance and adherence, door
access controls, and lock configurations and detection/monitoring
mechanisms.
-- Safety -- Addresses placement and status of alarm systems, material
handling at the site and visible, functioning fire alarms.
-- Environment -- An evaluation is made of the company's location,
including the neighborhood and surrounding businesses, to determine
the risk of criminal activity or collateral damage.
All evaluations cover the organization's entire operations, including corporate offices, data centers and warehouses as well as document storage and disposal.
Additionally, Verizon Physical Security Services help to maintain compliance with regulations that include specific physical security procedures, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, PCI-DSS and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.
Verizon Security Meets the Demanding Needs of Today's Businesses
Verizon Business offers a rich portfolio of security solutions, including threat and vulnerability services; governance, risk and compliance solutions; data loss and prevention solutions; and identity management solutions. The solutions are delivered by the company's more than 1,200 security professionals around the globe. More information is available by visiting http://www.verizonbusiness.com/products/security. The company also provides additional security insight and analysis via the Verizon Security Blog.
About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ)(NASDAQ:VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with one of the world's most connected IP networks to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions. We securely connect today's extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees - enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment. Many of the world's largest businesses and governments - including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions - rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at http://www.verizonbusiness.com.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) Urges FCC to Consider the Needs of Underserved Communities
Commission should review the possible impact of new laws and regulations on the millions of underserved and un-served Americans
ATLANTA, April 27 -- In comments submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding a Notice of Proposed Rule Making yesterday, the Alliance for Digital Equality (ADE) encouraged the FCC to consider the possible impact of new laws and regulations on the millions of underserved and un-served Americans that might unintentionally raise barriers to adoption. Specifically, ADE suggested that the FCC gather and analyze relevant data, much like what was done with the National Broadband Plan, before enacting new net neutrality principles.
"We want broadband to spread more rapidly to Americans, especially people of color, who have not yet been empowered with the benefits of 21st Century communications technology," ADE Chairman Julius H. Hollis said. "We are concerned that some well-intentioned new net neutrality policies, currently under consideration would impede the adoption of broadband by many citizens who would benefit from Internet connectivity."
In earlier filings with the FCC, ADE has expressed that for some Americans affordability is a significant barrier, especially during this historic economic downturn, with lower income Americans being far more likely than the affluent to cut back or eliminate broadband because of economic pressure. ADE feels that policymakers must remain vigilant against forces, including proposed regulatory policies, that may make broadband less affordable, forcing those who were the last to join the broadband generation to become the first that are forced to drop off.
Access to broadband and other cutting-edge technologies opens the door to unprecedented opportunity. But currently, there are many Americans that cannot even afford to own a computer, let alone connect to the internet. ADE wants to ensure that their constituents are not permanently handicapped from enjoying the full economic and civic benefits that the digital future promises due to rising price pressures and the lack of investment in broadband infrastructure that misguided regulation could potentially cause.
About the Alliance for Digital Equality- The Alliance for Digital Equality is a national non-profit consumer advocacy organization that serves to facilitate and ensure equal access to technology in underserved communities. The Alliance also serves as a bridge between policymakers and minority individuals in order to help the public understand how legislative and regulatory policies regarding new technologies can impact and empower their daily lives. For more information on The Alliance for Digital Equality, please visit http://www.alliancefordigitalequality.org.
Source: Alliance for Digital Equality
CONTACT: Cynthia Miller of the Alliance for Digital Equality,
+1-404-815-4066, cmiller@adeql.org or Elizabeth Lonick, +1-202-615-0911 for
the Alliance for Digital Equality
Western Digital(R) to Acquire Hoya's Magnetic Media Operations
Acquisition Better Positions WD(R) to Meet Anticipated Future Demand for Hard Drives
LAKE FOREST, Calif., April 27 -- Western Digital Corporation (NYSE:WDC) announced today that it has agreed to purchase the magnetic media sputtering operations of Hoya Corporation and Hoya Magnetics Singapore Pte. Ltd. for 22 billion yen (approximately $235 million) in an all-cash transaction. The agreement includes a multi-year commitment for glass substrate supply related to these operations from Hoya, solidifying WD's access to a key component for its 2.5-inch hard drive business and further enhancing the ongoing partnership between the companies. The acquisition will augment WD's existing magnetic media operations, strengthening its ability to meet anticipated growth in demand for hard drives in the years ahead.
WD(R) is acquiring the facilities, equipment, intellectual property and working capital of Hoya's media sputtering operations, based in Tuas, Singapore, where it expects to employ the entire current workforce. Certain related equipment at Hoya's Nagasaka, Japan, research and development facilities is included. The acquisition is expected to close in the current calendar quarter.
John Coyne, president and chief executive officer of WD, stated, "This investment will enhance WD's ability to support our customers' growth. In addition to these assets, WD will also gain highly skilled and knowledgeable employees, valuable intellectual property and access to Singapore's deep academic and technology resources. We expect a seamless transition with the integration of this well-run operation into WD, enabling immediate support of anticipated hard drive demand growth in 2010 and beyond."
A set of questions and answers related to today's announcement follows.
About WD
WD, one of the storage industry's pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company produces reliable, high-performance hard drives that keep users' data close-at-hand and secure from loss. WD applies its storage expertise to consumer products for external, portable and shared storage products.
WD was founded in 1970. The company's storage products are marketed to leading systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital® and WD® brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company's website (http://www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.
Questions and Answers
Strategic Questions
Q: Why is this acquisition important to Western Digital? What motivated you to do this?
-- We believe the acquisition will improve WD's ability to support our
customers' growth.
-- Hoya's finished media business is a strong fit with WD from a
geographic supply chain perspective due to the location of the
manufacturing facilities in Singapore.
-- This acquisition will enable us to meet our desired internal/external
finished media ratio faster.
-- Other benefits include:
-- provides a further cost advantage;
-- mitigates the risk of geographic concentration of our facilities;
-- provides an existing pool of talented employees;
-- provides us with a more secure supply line of 2.5-inch glass
substrates; and
-- intellectual property.
Q: What is your own assessment of Hoya's production capability? Can you get further improved utilization out of the base assets?
-- The Hoya media facility is productive and well run, however, we
believe that WD can bring additional synergies and improvements
through scale and the leverage of single-customer focus, as we have
done with both our head and prior media acquisitions.
Q: Will you use the facility for glass sputtering only?
-- We intend to continue operating the facility as is, though the
long-term plan is to have the flexibility to respond to any media
sputtering demands.
Q: How does the product made here compare to what you are currently making in other locations (relative to areal density, quality, etc.)?
-- Hoya's products are comparable with the competitive set. Their
products are qualified at WD and other hard disk customers.
Q: How will the Hoya sputtering operation be integrated into WD?
-- The acquired operation will be part of a wholly owned Singapore
subsidiary of WD, operating as a part of WD's media operations.
Q: Will WD break apart the Hoya finished media operation and move assets and positions to Malaysia?
-- WD intends to maintain the media sputtering operation in Singapore.
Q: How does this acquisition change WD's competitive profile versus the other large vertically integrated players, Seagate and HGST?
-- We expect it to be accretive to our earnings.
Transaction/Background Questions
Q: What are the terms of the transaction?
-- The transaction is structured as an asset acquisition consisting
mainly of fixed assets and inventory. From a liabilities perspective,
we are assuming mainly the facilities leases, current trade payables
related to the existing assets and future employee expenses related to
the hired workforce.
-- From an employee liability perspective, Hoya will settle all existing
employee obligations as of the close date. We will assume employee
obligations earned or created after the close date for all employees
that are hired by WD.
Q: When will the transaction close?
-- The transaction will close as soon as we receive certain customary
governmental approvals and satisfy certain other customary closing
conditions, which we expect this calendar quarter.
Q: Are any anti-trust filings required?
-- The transaction is beneficial to our customers and is not subject to
anti-trust filings or approvals.
Q: Is there a break-up fee?
-- No.
Q: How are you going to finance the transaction? How much cash will you use? Do you intend to refinance/issue a convertible/other?
-- The acquisition will be funded with approximately $235 million in
cash.
-- We intend to finance the transaction from the existing internally
generated cash of our foreign subsidiaries.
Q: When will the operation be fully integrated into WD?
-- The business is producing finished media at high volumes today for
multiple customers; we expect to transition exclusively to WD
requirements over a four month period.
Q: How long has Hoya been in the media business?
-- Hoya's Singapore operation was established in 1995, as an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of Hoya Japan.
General
Q: Will you be able to make new generation products with the equipment being purchased?
-- Yes, the equipment being purchased is similar to what is deployed in
WD's facilities today and is extendable to future technology.
Q: How does this fit into your technology roadmap?
-- The technology and assets being purchased are a good fit with WD's
product roadmap.
Q. What effect will this have to the media/substrate demand/supply dynamic for WD and for the HDD industry?
-- This capacity will substitute for planned WD internal capacity
additions.
Q: When do you expect to reach full capacity utilization? What will you do with excess disks in the meantime?
-- We do not expect any excess disks. We expect all output from the
facility to be utilized. We have agreed to supply Hoya customers for
up to four months while their customers arrange alternative supply.
The balance of output will be directed to WD.
Q. Where will the substrate come from? Is there enough substrate supply to allow full capacity utilization especially in the near term?
-- The asset purchase agreement includes a provision for Hoya to supply
incremental glass substrates to WD to meet the current capacity of
this media facility. WD will continue to source its overall
substrates requirements from multiple suppliers, including a portion
through a separate arrangement with Hoya.
Q: What is the age and condition of the PP&E? How does it make sense to buy used instead of new?
-- The equipment has been continually upgraded and well maintained to
perform at the same level as new equipment and is consistent with WD's
forward technology roadmap requirements.
Q: Are you acquiring any of Hoya's substrate business?
-- We are not acquiring any of Hoya's substrate assets.
Q. Has Hoya any commitments to service other customers?
-- We will honor all legally binding supply commitments with other
parties if such parties choose to do so.
Q: What is your internal/external model for media supply?
-- Our stated goal for both heads and media is approximately 80% internal
capability.
Q: Do you intend to use Hoya's facilities for your internal glass media needs?
-- Yes, and for all media solutions over time.
Q: What role will Hoya's Singapore management play in the combined business?
-- A large and significant role. We are acquiring an efficient, well-run
business with good capability and technology. We respect the Hoya
management team and look forward to the combination.
Q: Are you intending to keep Hoya employees?
-- Yes. We believe that the unique skill-set of Hoya's highly qualified
employee base is a critical component of the value Hoya's assets will
deliver to Western Digital.
Q: What do you anticipate WD customer reaction to be with regard to the acquisition?
-- We believe our customers will view the transaction as very positive as
it enhances availability and security of supply.
Q: What do you anticipate WD supplier reaction to be with regard to the acquisition? How will your other media suppliers react?
-- We have very strong relationships with our other suppliers. We will
continue to source a large amount of media from external sources (~20%
of our needs). Access to external volume and technology will continue
to be a key to our future success.
Q. How does this affect your future growth plans? Do you intend to grow your presence in Singapore? Will you slow down growth in Malaysia or Thailand?
-- We anticipate HDD demand growth will drive continued investments in
all our strategic manufacturing locations including Malaysia, Thailand
and now Singapore.
Q: What are the financial benefits of the transaction?
-- The main benefit is to secure supply.
-- Cost benefits will be moderate.
-- There are a number of variables that have to be taken into account. In
the near-term, it will not have a material effect on our financials.
Q: What will this transaction do to your costs?
-- Media production is a capital and technology intensive, rather than
labor intensive, activity. We expect costs to be competitive with our
other media manufacturing sites, as we progress towards full capacity
utilization. Further, we expect our overall media cost to improve
from cross-pollination of efficiencies among sites.
Q: When do you expect to reach full capacity utilization?
-- We expect full utilization to occur by the second quarter
post-closing.
Q: How much incremental capex will you need post-acquisition?
-- Initial start up and WD customization spending will be in the order of
$30 million over the next year. Subsequent capex will be consistent
with our current spending relative to internal run rate.
Q: What external sales have you estimated for the media business?
-- The asset purchase agreement includes specific volume required by Hoya
to support its customers' needs over the initial four months after
transfer.
Q: Will you have any synergy savings from R&D and opex?
-- We will get the leverage of increased production from our existing R&D
and opex spending.
-- The impact on our opex spending will be minimal; we will not be
changing our existing opex model of 9 to 10% of revenue.
Q: How does this impact your balance sheet?
-- Most of the value will be in PP&E and inventory, partly offset with
some A/P.
-- Some IP and goodwill.
-- Inventory turns will be impacted slightly, but it will not be enough
to affect our current model of 12 to 16 turns.
Q: Can you expand a bit on the impact on your model?
-- We will evaluate it more as we progress but we anticipate that it will
enhance our ability to expand our gross margin range from our current
18 - 23%. A more vertically integrated business will require a bit
more inventory and we will act to optimize the inventory levels as we
always do. We need to do a bit more work to finalize the numbers, but
we believe that we will still be very competitive in the industry.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release and the questions and answers contain forward-looking statements concerning the employment and integration of Hoya's media sputtering workforce; the expected timing of and ability to consummate the proposed acquisition; the impact to WD, including the anticipated benefits and costs, of the proposed acquisition; and the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations. The foregoing forward-looking statements are based on WD's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including: the risk that the acquisition will not close or that closing will be delayed; the failure to integrate successfully Hoya's technology, employees or operations; the risk that Hoya's or WD's business may not perform as expected due to transaction-related uncertainty or other factors; the impact of recent uncertainty and volatility in global economic conditions; supply and demand conditions in the hard drive industry; actions by competitors; unexpected advances in competing technologies; uncertainties related to the development and introduction of products based on new technologies and expansion into new data storage markets; business conditions and growth in the various hard drive markets; pricing trends and fluctuations in average selling prices; changes in the availability and cost of commodity materials and specialized product components that WD does not make internally; and other risks and uncertainties listed in WD's recent Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on Jan. 29, 2010, to which your attention is directed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and WD undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Western Digital, WD, and the WD logo are registered trademarks of Western Digital Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.
CONTACT: Bob Blair, Investor Relations, +1-949-672-7834,
robert.blair@wdc.com, or Steve Shattuck, Public Relations, +1-949-672-7817,
steve.shattuck@wdc.com, Western Digital Corp.
123Together.com Helps SMBs Guard Against Identity Theft with Hosted Email Encryption Cloud Service
- 123Together.com's Automated Email Encryption Service Ensures Small Businesses Can Quickly and Easily Comply with Government Regulations and Company-Based Email Security Policies for a Small Monthly Fee. -
WALTHAM, Mass., April 27 -- 123Together.com - a mindSHIFT Technologies company and the leading provider of hosted, cloud-based email and business collaboration services - today announced the immediate availability of its hosted email encryption service for small and mid-size businesses. This automated, online email encryption service eliminates the theft of personal or sensitive information from a business' outbound email.
"The financial liability on any company that fails to secure their customers' personal information is significant and grows every day as more legislation is put in place to protect people from identity theft," said William Flynn, Senior Executive Officer for 123Together.com. "This cloud-based email encryption service, combined with our hosted Exchange email service and premium spam and virus protection, provides a comprehensive, best-in-class electronic data protection solution. These services ensure the security and availability of all corporate and customer data for a price that small businesses can easily afford."
One-third (33%) of U.S. businesses have been impacted by the improper exposure or theft of customer information, according to a recent survey by Osterman Research, a leading market research firm. A recently passed Massachusetts law, 201 CMR 17.00, regulates how companies must maintain, receive, store, or process the personal data of residents of the Commonwealth. This is just one of many laws which governs the handling of sensitive electronic data and imposes stiff financial penalties for non-compliance.
123Together.com's highly secure hosted email encryption service protects businesses from the theft of sensitive and confidential information - including financial data, social security numbers, computer passwords, medical records, bank account numbers, legal documents and other personal information -- often contained in email messages.
The benefits of 123Together.com's cloud-based email encryption service include:
-- Ease of use. No technical skill is needed. Encryption is assigned
automatically to each email based on the contents of the email and the
policies assigned to each individual user. This web-based service can
be managed from one central online control panel via any
internet-enabled computer at any time. Alternatively, an end user may
choose to manually encrypt an email by including the word [encrypt] in
the email's subject line.
-- Reduced cost. No additional hardware or software is required and there
are no upfront expenses or contracts to sign. Additionally, the
service removes the administrative overhead and costs normally
associated with conventional encryption systems.
-- Data security. Identity theft and data breaches can be avoided.
-- Compliance with government regulations mandating the protection of
personal information.
123Together.com offers hosted email encryption and all of its subscription-based business services for a small monthly, per user fee. All customers, including IT administrators and end users, receive live 24x7 technical support at no additional cost.
About 123Together.com
Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, 123Together.com, a mindSHIFT company, is the leading provider of hosted email and collaboration services to small and mid-size companies who want to increase productivity and decrease cost. The Company's suite of hosted services includes Microsoft Exchange, Email Encryption, Windows SharePoint Services, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, archiving, and spam filtering. Users of popular smartphones including BlackBerry, iPhone, Palm Pixi, and Google Nexus One stay connected with its hosted Exchange mobility service. All customers receive live, 24x7 U.S.-based technical support and up to a 100% uptime guarantee. Additional information can be found at http://www.123Together.com.
mindSHIFT Technologies and 123Together.com are registered trademarks of mindSHIFT Technologies, Inc.
All trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
Source: 123Together.com
CONTACT: Lisa Masiello, 123Together.com, +1-781-418-1652,
lmasiello@123Together.com
Kentucky Derby Attendees Will Enjoy More Reliable Wireless Service
Verizon Wireless Activates Temporary Cell Sites to Handle
Increased Wireless Usage during Derby, Festival Events
LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 27 /PRNewswire -- Verizon Wireless has beefed up its network capacity for Kentucky Derby Festival events and the big race itself by activating two temporary cell sites so that more customers can use their wireless handsets concurrently to make calls; send and receive email and text; picture and messages; access the Internet; view high-quality videos; and download music, games and ringtones.
The temporary cell sites are fully functional, generator-powered mobile cell sites that enhance wireless capacity in a given area - and work especially well in dense areas with large crowds. Additionally, the company has upgraded equipment on existing cell sites to add more voice and data capacity near where Derby Festival events are held and at Churchill Downs.
"The Kentucky Derby is typically one of the busiest events of the year for Verizon Wireless' network across the state," said Greg Haller, president - Kentucky/Indiana/Michigan Region, Verizon Wireless. "For this major event, we have increased voice capacity by 100 percent and 3G data capacity (that lets customers rely on their phones for just about everything else) by 155 percent. Our network is prepared."
Verizon Wireless has invested more than $59 billion since it was formed - $5.7 billion on average every year - to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services. Since 2000, Verizon Wireless has invested $307 million on improvements to its wireless network in Kentucky. The company will spend $29 million on its Kentucky network in 2010.
Editor's Note: For an onsite tour of the COW (Cell on Wheels) or COLT (Cell on Light Truck), to take a photo or to schedule an interview with a Verizon Wireless Network expert, please call Michelle Gilbert at 248-915-3680.
About Verizon Wireless in Kentucky
In Kentucky, Verizon Wireless has more than 150 employees and 120-plus locations including company-owned retail stores, indirect agents and national retailers.
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: Michelle Gilbert, Verizon Wireless, +1-248-915-3680,
Michelle.Gilbert@VerizonWireless.com; or Ashley Schaffner, For Verizon
Wireless, +1-502-625-1636, Ashley@guthriemayes.com
Roundtable Concepts Inc., the Company that has Officially Licensed Marvel Comic TVs and Officially Licensed Collegiate TVs, Launches Their Own Line of HDTVs Named RTC View
LAKE MARY, Fla., April 27 -- Roundtable Concepts has launched RTC View their own line of high definition TVs. RTC View are of the highest quality components and specifications. A great review has been published at http://www.HDTVreview.com. To promote this release Roundtable Concepts, for a limited time only, is offering this promotional special: the RTC View 32" LCD 60 HZ 1080P HDTV for only $298.88, which is now available at http://www.rtcview.com.
Roundtable Concepts is also responsible for creating the "Ultimate Comic Fan's Television," Officially Licensed Marvel Comic HDTVs, which are now available at http://www.rtc23.com; buy one 55" LCD, 40" or 46" LED "IRON MAN" HDTV and get a matching second TV for free. Roundtable Concepts has also created the "Ultimate Sports Fans TV" with the Officially Licensed Collegiate HDTV's now available at http://www.rtcview.com; buy one 55" LCD or one 46" LED HDTV and get a second free. Currently available are the Florida State Seminoles, Florida Gators, Miami Hurricanes and University of Central Florida Knights. Your favorite team's logo is embellished on the bottom two corners of the frame and is offered in 22", 32", 42" and 55" LCD HDTV screen sizes, as well as 40" and 46" LED HDTVs. Not only does the team logo appear on the casing but when you power on the TV, the school logo appears on the screen for approximately 8 seconds.
In addition to this launch, RTC View is running a limited time promotion at http://www.rtcview.com: get a 32" LCD HDTV for only $298.88 or buy one 55" LCD or 46" LED Florida State Seminoles, Florida Gators, Miami Hurricanes and University of Central Florida Knights HDTV and get a second free.
ADLINK Introduces Industry First PoE Compact Vision System Based on the Intel Core2 Duo P8400 Processor
The EOS-1000 provides high computing power for multi-camera imaging applications
SAN JOSE, Calif., April 27 -- ADLINK Technology, Inc., a leading provider of machine vision platforms and boards, announced the release of the EOS-1000, the industry's first compact vision system based on the Intel® Core(TM)2 Duo P8400 processor. The EOS-1000 provides four independent PoE (Power over Ethernet) ports with data transfer rates up to 4.0 Gb/s and combines high computing power and multi-camera imaging--ideal for applications such as 3D vision robotic guidance.
The EOS-1000 is a compact-size 7.8" W x 6.5" D x 3.3" H (200 x 165 x 85 mm) vision system designed for demanding industrial environments and mission critical applications. It has undergone harsh vibration and shock testing during its design to ensure durability. While in operation, the EOS-1000 can tolerate vibrations of up to 5 G.
The PoE technology featured on the EOS-1000 allows power to be supplied through the Ethernet cable. Vision applications will greatly benefit by the extended cable distances of up to 100 m. Such PoE solutions can simplify system installation and lower the maintenance costs. The EOS-1000 also provides an auto detection function to ensure compatibility with both PoE, and conventional non-PoE devices.
"The recent emergence of 3D robot guidance has improved accuracy and speed. Position and orientation are determined based on the obtained three-dimensional data. Processing this information requires a high performance, multi-core solution. The EOS-1000 combines this processing capability with four on-board PoE ports to provide a cost-effective system ideal for 3D robotic guidance, vision inspection, and other such applications used on production lines," stated Ethan Huang, Senior Product Director at ADLINK.
The EOS-1000 also features multiple I/O options, including two RS-232/485, four USB, 32 isolated digital lines, and dual storage options (HDD and CompactFlash) for a ready-to-use vision system.
Pricing and Availability
The EOS-1000 is currently available for a list price of $1635.
About ADLINK
ADLINK Technology (http://www.adlinktech.com) provides a wide range of embedded computing products and services to the test & measurement, automation & process control, gaming, communications, medical, network security, and transportation industries.
Source: ADLINK Technology, Inc.
CONTACT: Kelly Gillilan of ADLINK Technology, Inc., +1-970-377-0385,
kelly.gillilan@adlinktech.com
CCIA Releases Economic Study Calculating Value of 'Fair Use'
WASHINGTON, April 27 -- Industries that rely on fair use exceptions to copyright law grew faster than the rest of the U.S. economy from 2002 to 2007. Fair use industries expanded 5 percent and accounted for 23 percent of real economic growth, according to a new economic study. The Computer & Communications Industry Association released its 2010 economic study "Fair Use in the U.S. Economy" on Capitol Hill today.
CCIA commissioned the study conducted using publicly available government data and World Intellectual Property Organization methodology. It found companies benefiting from limitations on copyright-holders' exclusive rights, such as "fair use" - generated revenue of $4.7 trillion in 2007 - a 36 percent increase over 2002 revenue of $3.4 trillion. The most significant growth over this period was in Internet publishing and broadcasting, web search portals, electronic shopping, electronic auctions and other financial investment activity.
"In a knowledge-based economy, having numbers that show why fair use matters is critical as legislation is made and trade agreements are negotiated," said Ed Black, CCIA President & CEO. "Much of the unprecedented growth of the tech and communications industry can be credited to the fair use doctrine. This cornerstone that fosters creativity and innovation must be protected." As for jobs, employment in fair use industries grew from 16.9 million in 2002 to 17.5 million in 2007. One out of eight U.S. workers is employed by a company that benefits from protections provided by fair use, and industries relying on fair use and other copyright exceptions make up one-sixth of the U.S. economy, according to the report. The report updates a comprehensive 2007 study that shows the importance of fair use.
"These numbers could help those weighing the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement understand that ACTA is not a trade agreement, but an antitrade agreement for U.S. industry," Black said. "This study further underscores why trying to persuade other nations to replicate only part of our copyright system in an unbalanced way will wind up boomeranging on the most dynamic, creative and innovative sectors of our economy, " Black said.
CCIA is an international, nonprofit association of computer and communications industry firms, representing a broad cross section of the industry. CCIA is dedicated to preserving full, fair and open competition throughout our industry. Our members employ more than 600,000 workers and generate annual revenues in excess of $200 billion.
Source: Computer & Communications Industry Association
CONTACT: Heather Greenfield, +1-202-783-0070 ext. 113, or Ed Black,
+1-202-783-0070 ext. 110, both of the Computer & Communications Industry
Association
It's NOT Complicated - Blockbuster Has the Newest Movies
News Reflects Blockbuster's 28-Day Availability Advantage on Certain New Releases and Allows Customers to Buy or Rent Movies While They are Still New
DALLAS, April 27 -- Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE:BBI)(NYSE: BBI.B) today announced availability of the hit movie, It's Complicated, from Blockbuster in stores, by mail, or digitally, a full four weeks before it will be available through some competitors. Blockbuster's early advantage reflects its ongoing agreement with Universal Studios to provide customers with the opportunity to rent hit movies the day they are released. Blockbuster also has early availability of other box office hits like Sherlock Holmes and the highest grossing film of all-time, Avatar, as well as other upcoming new releases such as Tooth Fairy, Valentine's Day, and Invictus.
"Blockbuster is thrilled to give our customers immediate access to It's Complicated on April 27, 2010 and truly deliver the multichannel options that only we can provide through BLOCKBUSTER® Stores, BLOCKBUSTER® By Mail, as well as digitally through BLOCKBUSTER On Demand®. Providing a four-week advance of new releases for our customers reflects Blockbuster's strategy to be the leading multichannel provider for movies and is possible because of our long-standing business relationships with the major studios," said James W. Keyes, chairman and chief executive officer, Blockbuster Inc.
It's Complicated is a romantic comedy directed by Nancy Meyers starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin, about a divorced couple reigniting their relationship. The movie garnered 2009 Golden Globe® Award nominations for best actress - motion picture, musical or comedy, best motion picture - musical or comedy, and best screenplay - motion picture. The movie was a hit at the box offices, with more than $112 million in ticket sales.
"Our customers can make plans now for at-home screenings for It's Complicated and other hit titles. Customers can expect to see all types of innovations from Blockbuster as the leading multi-channel provider of entertainment including the immediate availability of new movies from the major studios, the addition of BLOCKBUSTER On Demand® for more than 60 models of Samsung Blu-ray Players, HDTVs, and Blu-ray Home Theater Systems, and the addition of BLOCKBUSTER On Demand for smartphones launched recently on T-Mobile's HTC HD2," said Keyes.
Blockbuster is the only multichannel provider that has every hot new movie on the day of its release. For example, customers can rent a movie like Avatar through the BLOCKBUSTER By Mail service, return it to a BLOCKBUSTER store after watching, and exchange the movie for It's Complicated for more home entertainment. In addition, customers can access movies through BLOCKBUSTER Direct Access, a new service that gives customers in-store access to the more than 95,000 titles carried in Blockbuster's distribution centers. Customers can also access new releases from Blockbuster through any BLOCKBUSTER On Demand-enabled devices, including PCs, select Samsung products, most TiVos, and the new T-Mobile HTC HD2.
About Blockbuster Inc.
Blockbuster Inc. is a leading global provider of rental and retail movie and game entertainment. The company provides customers with convenient access to media entertainment anywhere, any way they want it - whether in-store, by mail, through vending kiosks or digitally to their homes and mobile devices. With a highly recognized brand and a library of more than 125,000 movie and game titles, Blockbuster leverages its multichannel presence to serve nearly 47 million global customers annually. The company may be accessed worldwide at http://www.blockbuster.com.
Source: Blockbuster Inc.
CONTACT: Rebecca Fannin of Hill and Knowlton, +1-202-944-1928,
rebecca.fannin@hillandknowlton.com, for Blockbuster Inc.
Residential Home Funding Automates Daily Rate Sheet Generation Using LEAP! From Mortgage Pricing Systems
Dramatically reduces resources spent on daily tasks
MONTVILLE, N.J., April 27 -- Mortgage Pricing Systems (MPS), developers of sophisticated pricing solutions for mortgage lenders, and Residential Home Funding (RHF) have further extended their relationship with the introduction of LEAP! RateSheets. By implementing the new automated rate sheet production tool, RHF slashed the resources required to prepare their daily rate sheets by 85%!
"We were spending too much time and money, every day, creating our rate sheets," says Brian Pool, Executive Vice President of RHF. "We had to log-in to every investor's web site, gather the rates and prices, and transfer that information to our rate sheet template. That's a time-consuming task with a potential for manual error that I didn't want risk."
The latest addition to the LEAP! family of products, LEAP! RateSheets was the right tool for RHF's rate sheet production issues. Embedding the LEAP! rate sheet functions into their existing rate sheet template was simple for RHF and immediately created positive results. The rates and prices were automatically gathered from all the required investors and the rate sheets were updated instantly. Multiple pricings during the day were no longer an issue as LEAP! handled the throughput automatically.
Brian Pool adds, "The rate sheet upgrades provided by LEAP! really enhanced our productivity. What used to take us hours, now takes us a few minutes. We figure we've improved our resource utilization by more than 85%. Those are the kind of savings that make a big difference in our company's bottom line."
About MPS:
Mortgage Pricing Systems develops and maintains product eligibility and loan pricing solutions for small, medium and large mortgage banks. LEAP! Interactive, the point-of-sale, online technology, fully integrates into existing client platforms. Other LEAP! products include their batch pricing, rate sheet, and API solutions. All MPS offerings feature the same robust, rules engine incorporating up-to-the-minute pricing, guideline, and adjustment changes, ensuring bankers and investors accurate, actionable results.
Source: Mortgage Pricing Systems
CONTACT: Tom Lyons, +1-973-917-3050, tlyons@mtgpricing.com
Cellcrypt Offers Government-Grade Voice Security for BlackBerry Smartphones on T-Mobile's Network and Wi-Fi Hotspots
Encryption Application Enables Convenient, Cost-effective, and Secure Conversations for Government Agencies and Businesses
ORLANDO, Fla., April 27 -- WES 2010 -- Cellcrypt (http://www.cellcrypt.com), the leading provider of secure mobile voice calling, today announced the availability of its high-strength government-grade encryption application for mobile devices, including BlackBerry® smartphones, on both T-Mobile's secure cellular network and T-Mobile's Wi-Fi® HotSpots across the globe. With encryption accredited to the FIPS 140-2 standard (approved by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology), a government official or traveling executive can use their T-Mobile Wi-Fi-enabled BlackBerry smartphone to make classified or confidential calls and be assured that the content of their call is protected to government-level standards.
According to a recent study conducted by the Ponemon Institute entitled, "Security of Voice Data," it costs U.S. corporations on average $1.3M each time a corporate secret is revealed to unauthorized parties. For more than 60 percent of surveyed organizations, these breaches occur at least once per month.
"Any breach of proprietary enterprise or government information can be incredibly costly," said Simon Bransfield-Garth, CEO at Cellcrypt. "Now, business and government customers using T-Mobile's Wi-Fi-enabled BlackBerry smartphones with Cellcrypt's encryption application can add peace of mind to the cost and convenience benefits of Wi-Fi calling. In addition, Cellcrypt provides added security for calls placed over standard mobile networks."
The Cellcrypt easy-to-use mobile application provides end-to-end voice encryption on smartphones over the entire path between callers. Utilizing an IP data channel, it seamlessly protects and supports both Wi-Fi and 2.5G, 3G and 3.5G cellular networks.
"Across the enterprise, we are seeing as many as 1.6 million calls originated using Wi-Fi calling per month," David Pepe, Divisional Director, Government Sales at T-Mobile. "T-Mobile has put in place several security safeguards - from security algorithms and encryption keys on our Wi-Fi-enabled devices to an IPSec VPN tunnel to secure voice and data traffic between the core network and the device. For those customers desiring additional levels of security, Cellcrypt's government-grade encryption application makes secure calling as easy as placing a normal phone call."
Cellcrypt will be demonstrating its technology at WES 2010, at which it is a Silver Sponsor, in Orlando Fl. between 27-29 April 2010.
About Cellcrypt
Cellcrypt is the leading provider of technology to secure mobile voice calls on everyday smartphones. Founded in 2005, Cellcrypt's R&D innovation resulted in Encrypted Mobile Content Protocol (EMCP), an Internet Protocol (IP) based technology that optimizes delivery of encrypted data between mobile devices over wireless networks.
Cellcrypt's products are undergoing security certification to the FIPS 140-2 standard approved by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), operate over data-enabled networks including 2G (GPRS/EDGE), 3G (HSPA, CDMA/EV-DO) and Wi-Fi®, and are optimized to run on Nokia® Symbian and BlackBerry® smartphones. Cellcrypt is a BlackBerry Alliance Partner and Inmarsat Connect Partner.
Today, Cellcrypt solutions are used routinely by governments, enterprises and senior-level executives worldwide. Cellcrypt is a privately-held, venture-backed company with headquarters in London, UK and offices in USA and Middle East.
Titan IC Systems Announces PCIe Based Regex Offload Solutions for Security Appliances
LAS VEGAS, April 27 -- Titan IC Systems today announced its new Hyperion product family, offering high performance regular expression (regex) offload solutions for the network, cloud security and server markets.
The Hyperion 10G is a high performance PCIe accelerator card, targeted for offloading traditional software based regex content analysis tasks for a range of security applications requiring small form factor and low power consumption, without compromising performance.
The card is based on the high performance Titan IC 64-bit Regular Expression Processor (RXP), optimised for streamed IP packet and flow processing, offering true 10Gbit/s performance.
Titan IC Systems VP Engineering, Dwayne Burns emphasized that the simplification of integrating 10Gbit/s regex offload capability within existing applications has been a core objective and is one of Hyperion's key differentiators. Hyperion development tools are optimised to provide customers with a simple upgrade and migration path for most software based legacy systems.
Commenting on the launch, Titan IC Systems CEO, Godfrey Gaston stated that, "there is a clear market opportunity for regular expression processing capability at true line rate and the launch of Hyperion 10G is an exciting and eagerly anticipated solution to this complex problem."
The solution is based on the latest high performance FPGA technology and offers customers a scalable and customizable solution for the most demanding DPI applications including IDS/IPS, application identification, stateful packet/flow classification, URL/content filtering and other layer-7 content processing functions.
Titan IC Systems is exhibiting at Interop Las Vegas 2010, please visit us at booth 2730.
About Titan IC Systems
Titan IC Systems is a world leader in the development of hardware engines for content and network processing. The solutions offered include the Hyperion 10G accelerator card, the Regular Expression Processor (RXP) and Parallel String Matcher (PSM) for use in all aspects of network security including: Intrusion Detection/Prevention, application detection, anti-virus, content/URL filtering and Deep Packet Inspection. Titan IC Systems has its headquarters in Belfast, Northern Ireland. For more information see http://www.titanicsystems.com.
Source: Titan IC Systems
CONTACT: Godfrey Gaston, CEO, Titan IC Systems, +44-289097-1717,
g.gaston@titanicsystems.com
Verizon Wireless Invests More Than $27 Million in the First Quarter of 2010 to Enhance Alabama Digital Network
Investment focused on enhancing capacity to meet growing wireless data needs
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 27 -- Verizon Wireless, the only wireless service provider with a state-wide 3G network in Alabama, announced today that it invested more than $27 million in the first quarter of 2010 to enhance its network across the state. Verizon Wireless' continued investments ensure that Alabama customers have the service they need everywhere in the state as well as the capacity they need for their growing data usage.
Verizon Wireless has invested more than $55 billion nationally since it was formed - $5.5 billion on average every year - to increase the coverage and capacity of its premier nationwide network and to add new services.
"Our goal is to deliver the coverage and capacity our Alabama customers need to stay connected no matter where they are in the state or what kind of device they use. Wireless data usage has grown exponentially and we are committed to staying ahead of the growing demand," said Jeff Mango, president, Alabama/Georgia Region for Verizon Wireless. "Network coverage and reliability is why customers choose Verizon Wireless, period."
Expanded Coverage
Verizon Wireless expanded its network coverage and enhanced capacity during the first quarter of 2010 across the state. Cities and towns benefiting from these network updates include:
North Alabama: Cloverdale, Florence, Holly Pond, Leighton and Muscle Shoals
Birmingham area: Addison, Clanton, the Gilberts Lake area south of Calera, Jemison, Lake Mitchell, Locust Fork, Maplesville, the town of Ocampo south of Montevallo and Thorsby
West Alabama: Centerville, Demopolis, Forkland, Gallion, Harmon, Pennington and West Blockton
East Alabama: Altoona, Anniston, Bynum, Gadsden, Joseph Springs, Lincoln, Rock Springs, Ross Mountain, Muscadine, Talladega, Wedowee
Montgomery area: Carters Hill, Fort Deposit, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Pine Level, Prattville, Verbena, Wetumpka
Dothan area: Andalusia, Brantley, Clayton, Columbia, Cottonwood, Cowarts, Dothan, Eufaula Florala, Madrid, Newton, Ozark, Troy, Webb, Hwy 231 in the area of Country Crossing
U.S. 280 Corridor: Alexander City, Auburn, Childersburg, Lafayette, Lake Joy, Lake Martin, Loachapoka, Millerville, Opelika, Rockford, Sylacauga
Trusted Wireless Connectivity
Currently, 95 percent of the state's population is covered by Verizon Wireless' 3G network, providing customers with the ability to browse the Web faster for quick page-loading times, downloads for music and 3D games, streaming video, e-mails with attachments, video conferencing with contacts, rapidly sharing files and quick access to VZ Navigator - a location-based service offering maps, audible driving directions, traffic updates, gas station locations and pricing.
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: Caran Smith of Verizon Wireless, +1-678-339-4891,
Caran.Smith@VerizonWireless.com
Audi Announces 'The Tony Stark Innovation Challenge'
-- Contest calls for ideas for 'living better through technology' -- Winner receives $15,000 to help fund their idea and a tech-lovers' adventure -- Social media program to support the Audi Iron Man 2 integration
HERNDON, Va., April 27 -- In celebration of the April 26 world premiere of Iron Man 2 in Los Angeles, Audi of America, Inc. announced that it is launching a social media competition called "The Tony Stark Innovation Challenge" in support of its prominent presence in the film. Beginning April 28, consumers can submit two-minute videos that showcase their ideas for better living through the use of technology. They then must rally members of their Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other social media networks to rate, comment, and discuss the their ideas. Full contest information is available at http://www.tonystarkinnovationchallenge.com.
"Achieving progress through technology is the message behind Iron Man 2, and this idea is fundamental to Audi," said Scott Keogh, Chief Marketing Officer, Audi of America. "The partnership in Iron Man 2 celebrates our shared focus on innovation, and this contest allows anyone with a great idea to not just express it, but potentially make a true difference within their industry."
"The Tony Stark Innovation Challenge" mirrors Tony Stark's desire to take Stark Industries in a new direction, using his vast intellect and resources to eradicate problems through technology. Submissions will be judged by Audi on their ability to:
-- Make the world a better place by solving a problem or improving an
existing solution
-- Articulate and demonstrate expertise of the "better living through
technology" philosophy
-- Have a scalability and adoptability to potentially change the way we
live
-- Showcase innovation, adventures, and intelligence worthy of Audi and
Tony Stark
-- Have cache in the social media channels by means of ratings and viral
component
The winner will receive:
-- $15,000 in funding to develop their concept
-- Their experience documented and featured on http://www.audiusa.com
-- A four-day trip for two to California including airfare, hotel and
meals
-- Transportation in the latest innovation from Audi, the 2011 A8
-- Spa treatments, tailored cocktail attire, and grooming to perfect
their Stark style
-- A tour of Audi Design Center in Santa Monica
-- A guided tour of the ICON aircraft facilities including air and water
testing of their new A5 aircraft
-- A day at the Audi Sports Car Experience to drive Tony Stark's favorite
car, the Audi R8 on a racetrack
Audi will also be lending its support to the film through activities including a month-long late night TV and national cable campaign and an online presence on Fandango.com and Movies.com. The brand is also unveiling an all-new Audi Iron Man ad that will run in cinemas in the month leading up to the film release. Additionally, Audi is sponsoring the re-launch of Marvel.com that will include a digital comic book featuring the R8 Spyder.
Tony Stark will be seen throughout Iron Man 2 in his Audi R8 Spyder, the new soft top convertible version of the R8 super car which was featured in the first Iron Man. In addition to the R8 Spyder, the A8 sedan will also be showcased in the film.
The video submission and public voting period starts April 28, 2010 and ends June 9, 2010. Approved submissions will be posted to the site within 48 hours. Users can rate one video per day, for the length of the contest participation period on a scale from one to five. Final ratings will be calculated toward the final score of each entry and used to determine the grand prize winner. Finalists will be selected shortly after the submissions end. Clearance, notifications and interviews will take place between June 10, 2010 and June 27, 2010, and the winner will be announced on June 28, 2010. Prizes will be redeemed in August 2010. Submissions are only accepted in English and from U.S. residents 18 and over.
ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its 271 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Over the next few years, AUDI AG expects to spend nearly $2 billion annually on new products and technology. Visit http://www.audiusa.com or http://www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.
ABOUT IRON MAN 2
Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment present the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster film based on the legendary Marvel Super Hero "Iron Man," reuniting Director Jon Favreau and Oscar® nominee Robert Downey Jr. In Iron Man 2, the world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is the armoured Super Hero Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. With Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Don Cheadle) at his side, Tony forges new alliances and confronts powerful new forces. Iron Man 2 hits theaters nationwide on May 7, 2010.
ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Source: Audi of America, Inc.
CONTACT: Jeff Kuhlman, +1-703-364-7423, or Mobile, +1-248-622-3703,
jeff.kuhlman@audi.com, or Michael Patrick, +1-310-664-4957, or Mobile,
+1-323-810-0446, michael.patrick@audi.com
Texas Instruments' proven Bluetooth(R) solution now enables new product designs on MSP430(TM) microcontrollers
Integrated Bluetooth capabilities marry MSP430 MCU to bring customers easier integration with embedded wireless applications
SAN JOSE, Calif., April 27 -- EMBEDDED SYSTEMS CONFERENCE -- Furthering its efforts to enable wireless connectivity technologies in portable designs, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE:TXN), today announced it has coupled its seventh-generation Bluetooth® offering, the CC2560, with an embedded Bluetooth stack running on TI's ultra-low power MSP430(TM) microcontroller (MCU). Two development kits, the EZ430-RF2560 development tool and PAN1315 evaluation module (EMK), are immediately available to new and existing customers for evaluations and upgrades. These development kits accelerate customers' Bluetooth integration process from months to weeks, reduce design barriers associated with RF implementations, and place fully functional Bluetooth technology in customers' hands within minutes of unpacking the development kits. More information can be found at: http://www.ti.com/MSP430CC2560-pr.
Designers today rely on the easy-to-use, ultra-low power MSP430 MCU to simultaneously interface to analog signals, sensors and digital components in a wide range of portable devices. Customers trust the CC2560 Bluetooth solution to provide best-in-class RF performance, running on the MCU, the unique flexibility to add future Bluetooth profiles as they emerge. Together, these technologies spark out-of-the-box Bluetooth applications in markets like medical, industrial, consumer electronics using the following kits:
Tool name Description Features and benefits
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EZ430-RF2560 Low cost, bundled TI -- Helps customers
software development Bluetooth evaluation and evaluate and test
tool software development tool designs in early
for MSP430 and CC2560 development phases
solutions wraps all to estimate total
hardware and software into R&D investment
a convenient USB stick
-- Proven Bluetooth
silicon technology
reduces customer
product risk
-- Full hardware and
software solution,
pre-tested with
Bluetooth(R)
2.1+EDR support
-- MindTree's pre-
embedded Bluetooth
stack with SPP
profile for
MSP430BT5x family
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAN1315 EMK Production-ready, highly Fuller development
advanced software development environment
tool helps customers design includes above-
new applications with the listed EZ430-
MSP430F5438 Experimenter board RF2560 features.
using Panasonic's CC2560-based In addition,
Bluetooth module the module:
-- Couples Panasonic's
HCI-based module
with MSP430 MCU for
more advanced
designs
-- Removes RF
complexity to speed
design cycles and
reduce customer
risks
-- Enables advanced
designs with more
intelligent
peripheral sets
-- Eases customer-
specific
application
integration, allows
addition of
Bluetooth
technology with
minimal effort due
to MCU software
foundation
-- Comes with full
community support
for faster
debugging and
development cycles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We are excited to offer a customized Bluetooth solution for thousands of MSP430 customers that are looking to integrate connectivity technology in hundreds of new and existing embedded device markets," said Doug Wilson, general manager of TI's emerging connectivity solutions business. "The EZ430-RF2560 and PAN1315 EMK tools open the doors to a simplified development process and help customers easily add Bluetooth functionality to next-generation MSP430-based designs."
Leveraging partnerships for continued market support
As with other TI-based projects, customers working with these new kits are granted full access to TI's growing partner community. For example, Panasonic provides the Bluetooth connectivity module that includes the CC2560 solution. "We are pleased to work with TI to deliver a powerful, highly flexible, cost-effective module to help push Bluetooth capabilities into new markets," said Richard Trueman, RF Product Manager, Panasonic. "The PAN1315 is the newest addition to Panasonic's ever-broadening line of RF modules. It makes connectivity between mobile devices - including cellular phones and small-button cell powered devices like sensors, watches, healthcare, entertainment and mobile accessories - to be easily implemented, creating a seamless data chain from sensors to the Web."
MindTree provides its free Bluetooth software stack and SPP profile integrated in the MSP430 MCU. "This pre-integration of MindTree's Bluetooth IP with TI's products expands our already existing, multifaceted relationship with TI, and marks another milestone in our global Bluetooth technology leadership," said Vinod P. Deshmukh, President and CEO, R&D services, MindTree. "MindTree's solutions are used in a variety of markets including headsets, handsets and automotive infotainment platforms, and today's advancement will broaden that reach. We look forward to continued collaboration in introducing TI and MindTree's Bluetooth technology to new customers."
Availability
The EZ430-RF2560 development tool and PAN1315 EMK are available today for $99. These tools, along with the MSP430F5438 experimenter board, can be ordered at http://www.ti.com/MSP430CC2560-estore-pr.
Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 30 countries. For more information, go to http://www.ti.com.
Trademarks
All registered trademarks and trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Eye-Fi X2 Users Can Upload Photos and Videos from Hundreds of Thousands More Wi-Fi Networks Globally
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 27 -- Eye-Fi Inc., makers of the world's first wireless memory card for digital cameras, today announced it will add hundreds of thousands more Wi-Fi networks to its Hotspot Access service, including a significant expansion of its international hotspots. By the end of May, Eye-Fi X2 users with an active Hotspot Access plan will be able to upload photos and videos directly from their camera to their home computer, and the Web, from commercial and open Wi-Fi networks around the world.
"Digital photography lets us capture the moments of our lives, wherever we are," said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi. "Now we can enable our users around the world to back-up and share these memories from anywhere, whether traveling abroad or out running errands."
The expansion is made possible through a partnership with Devicescape, a provider of Wi-Fi connectivity solutions for mobile devices. Eye-Fi X2 users with Hotspot Access will automatically benefit from the service expansion in several ways:
-- Eye-Fi users with a personal hotspot subscription to a Wi-Fi hotspot
provider, such as Boingo, BT Openzone, T-Mobile, SFR, Orange and
Vodafone, can add their existing credentials to their Eye-Fi account
to upload in these supported locations, and potentially expand their
hotspot upload coverage to millions of hotspots.
-- Eye-Fi users at schools and universities across the world can now add
their campus Wi-Fi network credentials to their Eye-Fi account.
-- Eye-Fi users will be able to automatically upload through hundreds of
thousands more open hotspots because the Eye-Fi card now navigates
through splash screens.
"Our users want to be connected no matter where they are or what device they are on," said David Fraser, CEO of Devicescape. "Eye-Fi has come up with a way to make virtually any camera wireless and, with our help, now those cameras can back-up and share from more places."
Last month, Eye-Fi expanded its coverage to more than 21,000 Wi-Fi hotspots through a partnership with AT&T. Users can upload photos through any Starbucks in the U.S., in addition to Marriott Hotels, Barnes & Nobles and more.
Beginning June 1, 2010, the expanded Hotspot Access service will be available as an upgrade for $29.99 per year. As a limited time offer, the Eye-Fi Connect X2 and newly released Eye-Fi Geo X2 can be upgraded to a year of Hotspot Access service for $14.99 until May 31, 2010. The Eye-Fi Explore X2 and Eye-Fi Pro X2 cards include one year of Hotspot Access service and will benefit from the expanded footprint in May.
Eye-Fi's entire X2 card line-up will be rolled out internationally beginning today through May in the U.K., Canada, Germany, France and Switzerland.
In the U.S., Eye-Fi cards range in price from $49.99-$149.99 USD and are available for purchase at Best Buy, Apple Stores, Office Depot and on Amazon.com, among other retailers. Eye-Fi has received numerous product awards including Mac Observer's Editor's Choice 2010 Award, CNET's Best of CES 2010 award, and Popular Photography's 2009 Photography's Outstanding Products (POP). It was also named a CES 2010 Innovations Honoree. For more information, please visit http://www.eye.fi or follow us on Twitter @EyeFiCard.
About Eye-Fi
Founded in 2005, Eye-Fi is dedicated to building products and services that help consumers manage, nurture and share their visual memories. Eye-Fi's patented and patent-pending technology wirelessly and automatically uploads photos and videos from digital imaging devices, including digital cameras and the iPhone, to online, in-home and retail destinations. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., the company's investors include LMS Capital, Opus Capital, Shasta Ventures and TransLink Capital. More information is available at http://www.eye.fi.
Source: Eye-Fi
CONTACT: Mindy Whittington, Red Consultancy for Eye-Fi, +1-415-618-8811,
mindy.whittington@redconsultancy.com
Voters Overwhelmingly Support State Regulation and Taxing Video Gaming Industry
RALEIGH, N.C., April 27 -- A new statewide poll conducted by Public Policy Polling shows 81% of most-likely voters in North Carolina support regulating and taxing the state's video gaming industry. "Clearly, the voters understand the issue and support regulating and taxing video gaming in the state, " said Tom Jensen, pollster for PPP in Raleigh.
"The poll confirms what we have seen in the past two statewide surveys, people believe regulating and taxing video gaming could help state officials close the budget shortfall without raising new income and sales taxes," said William Thevaos, president of Entertainment Group of North Carolina, the group that commissioned the survey.
"The voters understand that people enjoy playing the games, 75% said they didn't see any difference between playing a NC Lottery scratch-off ticket and a video sweepstake, except the state isn't collecting revenue from the video sweepstake game," said Thevaos. "Furthermore, 76% said the state was leaving money on the table if the Legislature fails to regulate and tax video gaming."
When asked what voters thought would happen if video sweepstake centers were banned, 73% said a black market would be created and cause more headaches for state law enforcement officials.
KEY POLL FINDINGS:
-- 64% of most-likely NC voters say the state is on the wrong track,
while 36% say the state is headed in the right direction, 70% of
independent voters say the state is headed on the wrong track
-- 80% of most likely NC voters say they would support regulating and
taxing video gaming to collect nearly $500 million in new revenue
-- 73% of most likely voters say they would oppose any legislation to ban
video sweepstake centers, 27% said they would support legislation to
ban video sweepstake centers
-- 76% of most likely voters agree with the statement that if the
Legislature fails to regulate and tax video gaming, the state will
lose millions of dollars in potential revenue
-- 84% of Democratic voters say regulate and tax video gaming; 75% of
Independent voters say regulate and tax video gaming; and 80% of GOP
voters say regulate and tax video gaming
EMC Arms Customers With Enhanced Network and IT Operations Management Solutions Further Driving Their Journey to the Private Cloud
EMC Ionix for IT Operations Intelligence Delivers Newly Integrated Network Configuration/Operations Management, Added Virtualization Support
HOPKINTON, Mass., April 27 -- (Interop, Las Vegas 2010) -- Reinforcing its continued innovation in delivering one of the market's leading automated network and IT operations management solutions, EMC Corporation (NYSE:EMC) today announced key enhancements to its flagship IT infrastructure monitoring and analysis portfolio, EMC® Ionix® for IT Operations Intelligence (formerly Smarts). The new technologies provide core network management functionality to help customers transition from a physical to virtual IT infrastructure - and eventually - a private cloud model.
"As companies continue to virtualize their IT infrastructures, they are excited by the cost efficiency and agility this model may bring," said Jim Frey, research director, Enterprise Management Associates. "The real roadblock is 'how are we going to manage this new infrastructure?' To smooth the virtualization transition and truly achieve its potential advantages, they need automated IT management solutions that enable them to discover all of the dynamic elements and relationships while also rapidly identifying and resolving the root-cause of failures and degradations. With EMC Ionix for IT Operations Intelligence, EMC is taking a major step forward in helping customers achieve this goal."
Key to the announcement is integrated network configuration and operations management capabilities and expanded virtualization support. With more than 60 percent of outages caused by mis-configurations, the correlation of root-cause analysis issues with network change history is essential. By integrating Ionix for IT Operations Intelligence with EMC® Ionix® Network Configuration Manager (formerly Voyence), customers can avoid network configuration issues and also correlate device outages to recent change activity for faster resolution.
"EMC Ionix for IT Operations Intelligence is truly a revolutionary solution in network management, helping our clients power their integrated infrastructure management (IIM(TM)) initiatives," said Michael Cruise, Managing Solution Director for CompuCom - a leading IT outsourcing specialist providing infrastructure management, application development, architecture and governance services, and procurement, deployment, and maintenance of hardware and software. "By leveraging such innovations as the new integration points between the network configuration and IT operations management solutions from Ionix, CompuCom has been able to realize nearly a 10 percent gain in operational efficiency operation and approximately $550,000 in savings during the first year of its implementation."
Other key enhancements to the solution suite include:
-- Expanded Virtualization Support: Ionix for IT Operations Intelligence
is now able to automate the root-cause analysis and impact assessment
across an expanded range of virtual infrastructures. The solution can
automatically discover VMware ESX Servers or Microsoft Hyper-V
Servers, mapping their relationships to virtual machines and the rest
of the infrastructure. Ionix can continuously monitor their
availability and performance to improve IT service delivery, simplify
virtual management complexities, holistically manage virtualized
infrastructures across domains, and increase both IT service
availability and IT operations efficiency. Additionally, the newest
version of the EMC® Ionix® IP Management Suite now enables the
solution to be deployed on virtual machines.
-- Next-Generation Performance and Analytics Management: Through key
partnerships, Ionix for IT Operations Intelligence is now able to
provide performance monitoring and correlation to complement EMC's
existing availability monitoring and correlation. This enables
customers to pinpoint the root-cause of both availability and
performance issues in an integrated fashion to immediately determine
their business impact.
-- Improved Scale and Performance: The software also delivers faster
discovery over high-latency networks, representing a 20 percent
performance improvement over previous versions.
"EMC Ionix allows Interoute to proactively monitor its IP network and respond to customer issues in a timely manner. Interoute has leveraged their investment in EMC Ionix by using it as an alarm aggregator for all its network events," said Chris Pinnock, Director, Software Development, Interoute Communications Limited - owner operator of Europe's most advanced and densely connected voice and data network, encompassing over 55,000 km of lit fibre with 8 hosting data centers and 32 co-location centers. "Because of its design, Interoute has been able to easily extend EMC Ionix and integrate it with its CRM system for ticketing, its inventory system for impact and, more recently, its business intelligence system for reporting. This work has largely been done in-house and at a low cost."
"The IT Operations center is at the front lines of the data center, ensuring the reliability and availability of core IT services. The ability to effectively monitor and manage the IT environment - proactively identifying and responding to problems - significantly impacts the quality of service customers experience, as well as the costs related to delivering and maintaining those services," said Jay Mastaj, General Manager and Senior Vice President, EMC Ionix. "With the rise in virtualization and the increased complexity of IT environments, customers demand a new approach that shifts the burden of monitoring and management away from people and manual processes and into automated analytical systems. EMC Ionix for IT Operations Intelligence IS that solution."
The newly enhanced portfolio will be showcased exclusively at Interop Las Vegas, Booth #527. Additionally EMC Ionix Director of Product Management, Richard Whitehead, will be discussing this new solution at an Interop panel hosted by Jim Metzler of Metzler and Associates entitled, "Advances in Network Management," on Thursday, April 29 at 11:30 am.
EMC Ionix solutions continue to be ranked as the market's leading solutions for IT management. Gartner, Inc. recently recognized EMC with a "Strong Positive" rating in its newest report "MarketScope for Network Configuration and Change Management." Addressed by Ionix Network Configuration Manager, the report can be found here http://info.emc.com/mk/get/SDL?reg_src=web&P.ctp_program_execution.Source_ID=D BM5617-6685. For more information on Ionix for IT Operations Intelligence, please see the newest EMA whitepaper on the portfolio at http://www.emc.com/collateral/software/white-papers/changing-role-network-mana gement.pdf or visit
EMC Corporation (NYSE:EMC) is the world's leading developer and provider of information infrastructure technology and solutions that enable organizations of all sizes to transform the way they compete and create value from their information. Information about EMC's products and services can be found at http://www.EMC.com.
EMC and Ionix are either registered trademarks or trademarks of EMC Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Melania Trump Takes 'Time' To Shine With New QVC(R) Collection
Trump to Debut the Melania(TM) Timepieces & Fashion Jewelry Line on April 30, 9 PM (ET)
WEST CHESTER, Pa., April 27 -- From international jetsetter to model to entrepreneur, Melania Trump is about to add the title of "jewelry designer" to her resume as she unveils her debut collection for QVC. The Slovenian beauty is scheduled to appear on QVC Friday, April 30 at 9:00 PM (ET) to debut the Melania(TM) Timepieces & Fashion Jewelry line and give viewers an inside look at the inspiration behind the pieces.
The collection, which was created especially for QVC, incorporates design elements that are indigenous to the three cities that Trump calls home: New York City, Palm Beach and Paris. Featuring an exquisite assortment of pieces, including classic leather watches, bold statement necklaces and striking cocktail rings, the Melania(TM) Timepieces & Fashion Jewelry line ranges in price from $30.00 to $200.00.
"I am thrilled to work with QVC to bring my personal inspiration and design aesthetic to life," says Trump. "I'm proud to debut my collection of premium, affordable timepieces and jewelry and make it available to millions of women across the country. Now women everywhere can add a touch of luxury to their everyday lifestyle!"
In the New York City Collection, the "Fifth Avenue" watch includes genuine mother-of-pearl dials, princess-cut crystals and a signature design bracelet. In the Palm Beach Collection, "Ocean Boulevard" watches feature European crystals and leather straps in classic black in addition to rich jewel tones. The sparkling Paris "Champs-Elysees" timepiece is glamorous and jewelry-inspired while featuring mother-of-pearl dials and European crystals. The jewelry collection is as versatile as Trump's lifestyle, with bold, chunky chain necklaces that are perfect for a casual day of shopping and sparkling statement pieces that are ideal for red carpet events in Paris.
"We are excited to bring Melania's exquisite collection to QVC," said Debra Puzio, director of merchandising for QVC. "Each piece is as stylish and stunning as Melania and I believe that her personality and aesthetic will truly resonate with our customers."
Melania(TM) Timepieces & Fashion Jewelry will be available starting April 30 through QVC at 1.800.345.1515 or QVC.com, while supplies last.
About Melania Trump
Born in Slovenia, Melania Knauss began her modeling career at the age of sixteen. The Slovenian-born brunette has appeared in high-profile ad campaigns, and has worked with some of the top photographers in the fashion industry, including Patrick Demarchelier, Helmut Newton, Arthur Elgort, Ellen Von Unwerth, Peter Arnell, Antoine Verglas and Mario Testino. At 5 feet 11 inches, Melania has a captivating presence in front of the camera. She has graced the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, British GQ, Ocean Drive, Avenue, In Style, and New York Magazine.
Melania's style has been noted to be one of natural elegance. In the words of Manolo Blahnik, "She is a true beauty. She has it." Melania's philanthropic interests more and more represent her humanitarian side, and she remains an indefatigable and dedicated New Yorker. She was Honorary Chairwoman for Martha Graham Dance Company in April 2005, is an active member of the Police Athletic League, which honored her with Woman of The Year 2006, has been an Honorary Chairwoman for The Boy's Club of New York for five consecutive years, and in 2005 The American Red Cross awarded her with Goodwill Ambassador, which she has proudly served for four years. In April of 2008, she was asked by Love Our Children USA and NASDAQ to participate in the Fifth Annual National Love Our Children Day and the beginning of National Child Abuse Prevention month by ringing the closing bell at NASDAQ. In February 2010, she was the chairwoman of the American Heart Association's Annual Heart Ball, which raised $1.7 million for heart disease research.
Melania married Donald Trump in January 2005. In March of 2006 they had their first child, Barron William Trump.
In February 2010, Melania Trump announced the launch of her debut jewelry collection with QVC, "Melania(TM) Timepieces & Jewelry" airing on April 30th 9 PM (EDT).
QVC, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group (NASDAQ:LINTA), is one of the largest multimedia retailers in the world. QVC is committed to providing its customers with thousands of the most innovative and contemporary beauty, fashion, jewelry and home products. Its programming is distributed to more than 180 million homes worldwide. The company's Web site, QVC.com, is ranked among the top general merchant Internet sites. With operations in the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan, and launching in Italy in 2010, West Chester, Pa.-based QVC has shipped more than a billion packages in its 23-year history. QVC, Q, and the Q Ribbon Logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc.
Source: QVC, Inc.
CONTACT: Denise Kovalevich, QVC, +1-484-701-8823,
Denise.Kovalevich@qvc.com, or Christina Stejskal for Melania Trump, PMK*BNC,
+1-212-373-6139, Christina.Stejskal@pmkbnc.com
TAMPA, Fla., April 27 -- It would appear that the dirty little secrets in hotel rooms go far beyond what is implied in the tourism slogan, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." And it is not only travelers heading to Vegas who need worry - vacationers and business travelers throughout the country spending anytime in their guestroom using the remote control, may be catching a lot more than a movie.
The single dirtiest item in your room is one that virtually everyone touches numerous times during his or her stay - the television remote control. Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor of environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona found that remotes in hotels are dirtier than the toilet, the sink handles and the much-maligned bedspread. Worse yet, the dirt is often not harmless dust or crumbs, but urine, semen or feces.
Even more troublesome according to scientists at the University of Virginia, cold viruses and other germs can linger in hotel rooms for at least 24 hours after a sick guest has departed, and this is despite the best efforts of the housekeeping crew. By design, remote controls are very difficult to clean, their nooks and crevices are difficult, if not impossible to reach, and most cleaning solutions can't reach these spots without damaging or destroying the remote control, making them among the highest risk items to touch.
Regardless of whether rooms cost $50 or $500 per night, most people expect clean towels, clean sheets and a clean bathroom - but until now little attention has been paid to the remote control. That is now changing as several thousand hotels and motels have begun using a state of the art remote control that actually resists germs and bacteria growing on it. This innovative product was invented by two cousins and aptly named, the Clean Remote. It is a universal TV remote, which has been clinically tested to be 99% cleaner than any other remote tested. The product's nonporous flat surface eliminates areas where germs and disgusting bodily fluids can hide and begin to incubate. The Clean Remote is uniquely designed not only for easy cleaning but the product actually resists bacteria.
The Clean Remote is made by New Remotes, Inc., (NRI). Daniel Ruback, who is NRI Senior Vice-President reports, "More and more hotels and cruise ships are realizing the true value of ensuring a more clean and comfortable stay to their guest." Ruback chuckles as he tells the story of how his cousin NRI President, Michael Monsky came up with the initial idea. "It was peanut butter. Monsky's young son accidentally got peanut butter on a remote. When Monsky tried to wipe the remote clean, he found it impossible, and that is what led to the design of the Clean Remote."
Ruback continues, on a more serious note, "That messy moment has lead to many big things for the Clean Remote including possibly saving lives. Hospital officials are also realizing that standard TV remotes are an infection control nightmare. Many assisted living facilities and leading hospitals like UCLA Medical Center and the University of Washington Medical Center have been replacing their standard bacteria laden TV remotes in high-risk areas with the Clean Remote."
Ruback also notes that even the world's largest hotel chain Best Western, is now suggesting its franchises switch over to the "Clean Remote" in all their guestrooms. Troy Rutman, a spokesman for Best Western, states, "Best Western is working to boost cleanliness in its rooms. We know that remotes are considered one of the dirtiest items in a room and we are looking for ways to reduce that."
Ruback jokingly concludes, "What happens in Vegas, stays on the remote."
About New Remotes, Inc.: (NRI) is the largest manufacturer of TV remote controls designed specifically for the Healthcare and Hospitality Industries. In addition, New Remotes, Inc. is the leading reseller of original remote controls for consumer electronic components since 1987, through http://www.remotecontrols.com
Source: New Remotes, Inc.
CONTACT: Cynthia Andreola, Public Relations , +1-603-732-2879,
media@cleanremote.com
AT&T Interactive Adds Voice Search to YPmobile Local Search App
Latest Version of the App Makes it Easier For Mobile Consumers to Search and Share
GLENDALE, Calif., April 27 -- AT&T Interactive today announced availability of the latest version of the YPmobile App for iPhone and iPod Touch. Offering more ways for mobile consumers to navigate their busy on-the-go lives, the YPmobile App now allows users to search for local information by voice.
Along with voice search, YPmobile users can now take advantage of other convenient ways to search and share local information with their online network of friends. Map-based search and quick access to recently viewed businesses and events give users more convenient ways to find what they need. Integration with Facebook and Twitter adds to the app's sharing capabilities by allowing users to broadcast their newly discovered local hot spots.
The latest version of the YPmobile App builds on a mobile local search experience that already includes useful tools to search and discover including business video profiles, local event search and sharing via email.
"As mobile consumers increasingly rely on their mobile device to find and immediately use local information, we are focused on integrating new features to help users easily navigate their everyday lives," said David Williams, vice president of mobile product management at AT&T Interactive. "The addition of voice search complements the text-based local search experience by expanding the situations in which users can use the YPmobile App, making finding nearby businesses even easier."
Voice search -- a key addition to the mobile local search experience -- is the result of a collaborative effort between AT&T Interactive and AT&T Labs. California-based AT&T Interactive develops, manages and delivers digital advertising across AT&T's media platforms. In 2009, AT&T Interactive experienced a 275 percent year-over-year increase in searches across its mobile distribution network.(i)
AT&T Interactive, a subsidiary of AT&T Inc., is an industry leader in creating local search products and services that encourage consumers to discover local and engage with businesses across the devices and interactive platforms they use most - including online, mobile, and TV. AT&T Interactive's publisher network offers extended distribution to up to 54 million monthly unique visitors.*
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T | DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at http://www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.
(i) AT&T Interactive Internal Data; Percent growth based on search increase across mobile products and distribution: YPmobile Web, AT&T Mobile Portals, YPmobile App for the iPhone, YPmobile J2ME, YPmobile App for Android, Speak4it, YP411, V-Enable, Microsoft Mobile, uLocate, Garmin nuviphone, Earthcomber App & WAP Site, Ask Mobile WAP, Technocom GPS App, Layar Android App, Cha Cha SMS, DialPlus Mobile App, Hothand; Between Jan. and Dec. 2009.
Source: AT&T Interactive
CONTACT: Jodi Bart of AT&T Inc., +1-512-495-7173, jbart@attnews.us