News
March 30, 2010
Utah Jury Confirms Novell Has Ownership of Unix Copyrights
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 6:49:02 PM
Utah Jury Confirms Novell Has Ownership of Unix Copyrights
WALTHAM, Mass., March 30 -- Today the jury in the District Court of Utah trial between SCO Group and Novell issued a verdict determining the ownership of important Unix copyrights.
The jury's decision confirmed Novell's ownership of the Unix copyrights, which SCO had asserted to own in its attack on Linux. Novell remains committed to promoting Linux, including by defending Linux on the intellectual property front.
Ron Hovsepian, Novell president and CEO, said "This decision is good news for Novell, for Linux, and for the open source community. We have long contended that this effort against Linux has no foundation, and we are pleased that the jury, in a unanimous decision, agrees. I am proud of Novell's role in protecting the best interests of Linux and the open source community."
Novell is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. *All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About Novell
Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVL) delivers the best engineered, most interoperable Linux platform and a portfolio of integrated IT management software that helps customers around the world reduce cost, complexity and risk. With our infrastructure software and ecosystem of partnerships, Novell harmoniously integrates mixed IT environments, allowing people and technology to work as one. For more information, visit http://www.novell.com.
Press Contacts
Ian Bruce
Novell
781-464-8034
ibruce@novell.com
Kristin Conforti
PAN Communications
978-474-1900
novell@pancomm.com
Source: Novell, Inc.
CONTACT: Ian Bruce, +1-781-464-8034, ibruce@novell.com; or Kristin
Conforti of PAN Communications, +1-978-474-1900, novell@pancomm.com, for
Novell, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.novell.com/
WALTHAM, Mass., March 30 -- Today the jury in the District Court of Utah trial between SCO Group and Novell issued a verdict determining the ownership of important Unix copyrights.
The jury's decision confirmed Novell's ownership of the Unix copyrights, which SCO had asserted to own in its attack on Linux. Novell remains committed to promoting Linux, including by defending Linux on the intellectual property front.
Ron Hovsepian, Novell president and CEO, said "This decision is good news for Novell, for Linux, and for the open source community. We have long contended that this effort against Linux has no foundation, and we are pleased that the jury, in a unanimous decision, agrees. I am proud of Novell's role in protecting the best interests of Linux and the open source community."
Novell is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. *All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About Novell
Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVL) delivers the best engineered, most interoperable Linux platform and a portfolio of integrated IT management software that helps customers around the world reduce cost, complexity and risk. With our infrastructure software and ecosystem of partnerships, Novell harmoniously integrates mixed IT environments, allowing people and technology to work as one. For more information, visit http://www.novell.com.
Press Contacts
Ian Bruce
Novell
781-464-8034
ibruce@novell.com
Kristin Conforti
PAN Communications
978-474-1900
novell@pancomm.com
Source: Novell, Inc.
CONTACT: Ian Bruce, +1-781-464-8034, ibruce@novell.com; or Kristin
Conforti of PAN Communications, +1-978-474-1900, novell@pancomm.com, for
Novell, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.novell.com/
IGT to Exhibit Edgy Games, Revolutionary Systems and a New Attitude at Indian Gaming 2010 Trade Show
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 5:07:01 PM
IGT to Exhibit Edgy Games, Revolutionary Systems and a New Attitude at Indian Gaming 2010 Trade Show
Today's fresh approach thrills players and satisfies casino customers
RENO, Nev., March 30 -- IGT (NYSE:IGT) announced today that it will take part in the annual National Indian Gaming Association trade show on April 8-9 in San Diego. IGT's game and systems lineup in booth #1219 supports the ongoing trend for the industry leader: change for the better.
Committed to taking gaming to the next level, the past year has brought IGT a set of new executives, a new way of doing business, and new games that are causing player frenzy across the country. The Company's refreshed and revitalized approach shines through in its products on casino floors today. IGT's showing at Indian Gaming 2010 further solidifies the Company's position as a market leader in driving games and systems performance.
"IGT is driven to boost customer ROI like never before," Senior Vice President of North America Sales Ron Rivera said. "We're listening to our customers and understand their needs: More innovation that caters to today's players - faster to market. New pricing strategies that help customers refresh their floors, but also take into consideration today's economic climate. Technologies that will boost ROI today and well into the future. The products showing at NIGA are just a slice of what the new IGT is truly capable of. And it's indicative of what's to come."
Highlights at Indian Gaming 2010 include three games that have rocked gaming floors nationwide, each exceeding house averages: Sex and the City(TM), The Amazing Race(TM) and Top Dollar®. IGT is "3 for 3" in the MegaJackpots® game pipeline because of new technology, branding, pricing and game strategies. This successful game pipeline is expected to continue as IGT's game studios crank out more themes that delight all player demographics.
At Indian Gaming 2010, IGT will offer even more Sex. The Sex and the City(TM) slot is the #1 performing game in the country, and players can't get enough. They're lining up three-deep to get on a machine. The surprise factor: men are playing, too. The premiere release featured MultiPLAY game functionality (four games on one machine, each with a different outcome), and at Indian Gaming 2010, IGT will debut its single-play version.
The Amazing Race(TM) Multi-Level Progressives slot is another wildly popular theme in casinos right now, performing up to 3X better than house averages. Interactive bonuses pair with a real sense of competition and much of the game is modeled after the challenges on the Emmy® Award-winning show.
IGT's putting slots in a movie theater? Well, not quite. But IGT has brought the movie theater to the slot floor with its new Center Stage Series. It's an eye-catching, awe-inspiring platform, designed to deliver extra-large fun to players and big time flexibility to operators. Two versions are available: a 103" screen with five player stations and a 70" screen with four player stations. Much like a movie theater, casinos will install the platform (screens, seats and all) just once, and change out software for themes as they become available. First to casino theaters is Wheel of Fortune® Experience(TM). And in the previews is American Idol®.
Randy, Simon, Kara and Ryan grace the Center Stage screen along with your favorite (and not so favorite) contestants from the most-watched show on television today. American Idol® slots take MultiPLAY to the next level with a "five play" setup, with all video screens spinning simultaneously but each with a different result. And the bonus rounds, in which players get to "be the judge," are chock-full of auditions from the show - Kelly, Carrie, the good and the bad. They're all here for your players' listening and winning pleasures.
And for the very first time, customers will see Wheel of Fortune® MultiPLAY, debuting at Indian Gaming 2010. This traditional Wheel of Fortune® game features MultiPLAY capability, allowing players to play up to four Wheel of Fortune® base games in one exciting package, and a super high bonus frequency. This one has brand - and fun - power quadrupled.
Earth-shaking sound chairs also take the stage at Indian Gaming 2010. Envelop your players in seat-rattling sound with IGT's new MEGAfx Surround Chair. The chairs immerse players in game play, and create the well-rounded entertainment experience today's players have come to expect. Players can crank the sound so much their seats will shake and their worlds will rock.
Who is Bill Cash? Play IGT's new Top Dollar® Reel MultiPLAY game at Indian Gaming 2010 and meet this dapper dude, who guides players through the game as a razzling, dazzling show host. The Top Dollar® theme has been a favorite for a decade, and this 3-D version takes the classic, arcade-style game to a new level of fun. It has the traditional Top Dollar® "Take Offer, Try Again" proposition, and not one, but two reel games that spin simultaneously and stop with individual outcomes.
Everything's better in 3-D, and there's no other 3-D experience like IGT's. The technique involves the layering of two LCD screens (Multi-Layer Display® or MLD®) to create the look of 3-D - without the glasses. Even the most traditional slot players are having fun, playing more, and saying, "How'd they do that?" Spinning reel games come to life with rounded virtual reels that spin out at the player in 3-D. And when they stop, they shake, wobble and bounce like the real deal. IGT's 3-D games kick the entertainment value up countless notches, and this year's offering includes more jaw-dropping, symbol-popping bonuses and animations.
A "cougar" is a woman in her 30s or 40s, who "hunts" for a younger man. It's also the theme of IGT's talk-of-the-town Cougarlicious(TM) video slot. Stunning "seasoned" models, "Too Sexy" background music and wildly entertaining bonuses make this one a hot topic at every show.
Indian Gaming 2010 will also see man-eating plants in IGT's booth. Mini Venus Flytrap plants in 3-D eat symbols and grow. Loud crunching sounds intensify the plants' presence. Everything you loved about The Little Shop of Horrors(TM) movie has been translated into this unique, hexagonal interfaced video slot. In the Free Games bonus, extra symbols turn wild. The plant continues to grow larger each time it feeds on more wild symbols, and when it gets to be full size, the player scores more free games. Crunch.
IGT has given all the control to our operators and players with IGT DynamiX(TM). It's a bundle of IGT's most innovative technologies (3-D games, MLD®, AVP® and Multi-Games) in a complete solution. IGT is the only manufacturer that offers the ability to run different math and graphics in an operator-configurable multi-game configuration. IGT Dynamix(TM) also gives players choices, right now. Operators can run any 3-, 4- and 5 spinning-reel and video games on the same box, letting players decided what they want to play with one onscreen touch.
"From an operators' standpoint, the games look classy, yes. But over time, the IGT DynamiX(TM) box will save us money," Todd Dimillo of San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino said. "Being able to convert a game in only 10 seconds of downtime, now that speaks volumes."
Artificial intelligence is on the brain in IGT's booth. Texas Hold'em Heads Up Poker(TM) is the first game to use neural net technology, a mathematical model that simulates the operation of the human brain. Instead of a paytable, players are matched against a computer program developed to be a dynamic decision-making engine. Decisions are made based on the current game state, but unlike a live opponent, it does not "learn" a player's strategy. But it will teach you it's thrilling to play.
Here to save the day, sbX(TM) makes jobs easier, players happier and bottom lines fatter. The sbX(TM) Experience Management System went live at ARIA at CityCenter in December - and the execution was flawless. sbX(TM) is a game changer, and IGT will demonstrate its prowess at Indian Gaming 2010. sbX(TM) Floor Manager means ultimate access to the IGT game library, while sbX(TM) Media Manager enables targeted messages and services to the Service Window.
What was once a multi-year decision for a casino operator is now a 15-second decision with access to the industry's largest game library. Before, an operator had to make a long-term commitment to a game purchase. With sbX(TM), the operator can now have a machine with an entire library of games tied to it - allowing them unmatched flexibility for game mix decisions. With sbX(TM), operators can more effectively deliver great games and unique applications to the player - right at the slot machine.
The IGT Service Window solution was designed based on Gaming Standard Association (GSA) protocols, and provides a unique player interaction experience. When the player inserts his players club card, a special "window" slides the game screen over, providing a menu of information and services the player and operator can customize. No additional hardware is needed to run the Service Window on any modern AVP® machine.
About IGT
International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT) is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of the most popular gaming machines and systems products in casinos worldwide. More information about IGT is available at http://www.IGT.com.
Source: IGT
CONTACT: Julie Brown, Director of Marketing of IGT, +1-775-448-7823,
Julie.W.Brown@IGT.com
Web Site: http://www.igt.com/
Today's fresh approach thrills players and satisfies casino customers
RENO, Nev., March 30 -- IGT (NYSE:IGT) announced today that it will take part in the annual National Indian Gaming Association trade show on April 8-9 in San Diego. IGT's game and systems lineup in booth #1219 supports the ongoing trend for the industry leader: change for the better.
Committed to taking gaming to the next level, the past year has brought IGT a set of new executives, a new way of doing business, and new games that are causing player frenzy across the country. The Company's refreshed and revitalized approach shines through in its products on casino floors today. IGT's showing at Indian Gaming 2010 further solidifies the Company's position as a market leader in driving games and systems performance.
"IGT is driven to boost customer ROI like never before," Senior Vice President of North America Sales Ron Rivera said. "We're listening to our customers and understand their needs: More innovation that caters to today's players - faster to market. New pricing strategies that help customers refresh their floors, but also take into consideration today's economic climate. Technologies that will boost ROI today and well into the future. The products showing at NIGA are just a slice of what the new IGT is truly capable of. And it's indicative of what's to come."
Highlights at Indian Gaming 2010 include three games that have rocked gaming floors nationwide, each exceeding house averages: Sex and the City(TM), The Amazing Race(TM) and Top Dollar®. IGT is "3 for 3" in the MegaJackpots® game pipeline because of new technology, branding, pricing and game strategies. This successful game pipeline is expected to continue as IGT's game studios crank out more themes that delight all player demographics.
At Indian Gaming 2010, IGT will offer even more Sex. The Sex and the City(TM) slot is the #1 performing game in the country, and players can't get enough. They're lining up three-deep to get on a machine. The surprise factor: men are playing, too. The premiere release featured MultiPLAY game functionality (four games on one machine, each with a different outcome), and at Indian Gaming 2010, IGT will debut its single-play version.
The Amazing Race(TM) Multi-Level Progressives slot is another wildly popular theme in casinos right now, performing up to 3X better than house averages. Interactive bonuses pair with a real sense of competition and much of the game is modeled after the challenges on the Emmy® Award-winning show.
IGT's putting slots in a movie theater? Well, not quite. But IGT has brought the movie theater to the slot floor with its new Center Stage Series. It's an eye-catching, awe-inspiring platform, designed to deliver extra-large fun to players and big time flexibility to operators. Two versions are available: a 103" screen with five player stations and a 70" screen with four player stations. Much like a movie theater, casinos will install the platform (screens, seats and all) just once, and change out software for themes as they become available. First to casino theaters is Wheel of Fortune® Experience(TM). And in the previews is American Idol®.
Randy, Simon, Kara and Ryan grace the Center Stage screen along with your favorite (and not so favorite) contestants from the most-watched show on television today. American Idol® slots take MultiPLAY to the next level with a "five play" setup, with all video screens spinning simultaneously but each with a different result. And the bonus rounds, in which players get to "be the judge," are chock-full of auditions from the show - Kelly, Carrie, the good and the bad. They're all here for your players' listening and winning pleasures.
And for the very first time, customers will see Wheel of Fortune® MultiPLAY, debuting at Indian Gaming 2010. This traditional Wheel of Fortune® game features MultiPLAY capability, allowing players to play up to four Wheel of Fortune® base games in one exciting package, and a super high bonus frequency. This one has brand - and fun - power quadrupled.
Earth-shaking sound chairs also take the stage at Indian Gaming 2010. Envelop your players in seat-rattling sound with IGT's new MEGAfx Surround Chair. The chairs immerse players in game play, and create the well-rounded entertainment experience today's players have come to expect. Players can crank the sound so much their seats will shake and their worlds will rock.
Who is Bill Cash? Play IGT's new Top Dollar® Reel MultiPLAY game at Indian Gaming 2010 and meet this dapper dude, who guides players through the game as a razzling, dazzling show host. The Top Dollar® theme has been a favorite for a decade, and this 3-D version takes the classic, arcade-style game to a new level of fun. It has the traditional Top Dollar® "Take Offer, Try Again" proposition, and not one, but two reel games that spin simultaneously and stop with individual outcomes.
Everything's better in 3-D, and there's no other 3-D experience like IGT's. The technique involves the layering of two LCD screens (Multi-Layer Display® or MLD®) to create the look of 3-D - without the glasses. Even the most traditional slot players are having fun, playing more, and saying, "How'd they do that?" Spinning reel games come to life with rounded virtual reels that spin out at the player in 3-D. And when they stop, they shake, wobble and bounce like the real deal. IGT's 3-D games kick the entertainment value up countless notches, and this year's offering includes more jaw-dropping, symbol-popping bonuses and animations.
A "cougar" is a woman in her 30s or 40s, who "hunts" for a younger man. It's also the theme of IGT's talk-of-the-town Cougarlicious(TM) video slot. Stunning "seasoned" models, "Too Sexy" background music and wildly entertaining bonuses make this one a hot topic at every show.
Indian Gaming 2010 will also see man-eating plants in IGT's booth. Mini Venus Flytrap plants in 3-D eat symbols and grow. Loud crunching sounds intensify the plants' presence. Everything you loved about The Little Shop of Horrors(TM) movie has been translated into this unique, hexagonal interfaced video slot. In the Free Games bonus, extra symbols turn wild. The plant continues to grow larger each time it feeds on more wild symbols, and when it gets to be full size, the player scores more free games. Crunch.
IGT has given all the control to our operators and players with IGT DynamiX(TM). It's a bundle of IGT's most innovative technologies (3-D games, MLD®, AVP® and Multi-Games) in a complete solution. IGT is the only manufacturer that offers the ability to run different math and graphics in an operator-configurable multi-game configuration. IGT Dynamix(TM) also gives players choices, right now. Operators can run any 3-, 4- and 5 spinning-reel and video games on the same box, letting players decided what they want to play with one onscreen touch.
"From an operators' standpoint, the games look classy, yes. But over time, the IGT DynamiX(TM) box will save us money," Todd Dimillo of San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino said. "Being able to convert a game in only 10 seconds of downtime, now that speaks volumes."
Artificial intelligence is on the brain in IGT's booth. Texas Hold'em Heads Up Poker(TM) is the first game to use neural net technology, a mathematical model that simulates the operation of the human brain. Instead of a paytable, players are matched against a computer program developed to be a dynamic decision-making engine. Decisions are made based on the current game state, but unlike a live opponent, it does not "learn" a player's strategy. But it will teach you it's thrilling to play.
Here to save the day, sbX(TM) makes jobs easier, players happier and bottom lines fatter. The sbX(TM) Experience Management System went live at ARIA at CityCenter in December - and the execution was flawless. sbX(TM) is a game changer, and IGT will demonstrate its prowess at Indian Gaming 2010. sbX(TM) Floor Manager means ultimate access to the IGT game library, while sbX(TM) Media Manager enables targeted messages and services to the Service Window.
What was once a multi-year decision for a casino operator is now a 15-second decision with access to the industry's largest game library. Before, an operator had to make a long-term commitment to a game purchase. With sbX(TM), the operator can now have a machine with an entire library of games tied to it - allowing them unmatched flexibility for game mix decisions. With sbX(TM), operators can more effectively deliver great games and unique applications to the player - right at the slot machine.
The IGT Service Window solution was designed based on Gaming Standard Association (GSA) protocols, and provides a unique player interaction experience. When the player inserts his players club card, a special "window" slides the game screen over, providing a menu of information and services the player and operator can customize. No additional hardware is needed to run the Service Window on any modern AVP® machine.
About IGT
International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT) is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of the most popular gaming machines and systems products in casinos worldwide. More information about IGT is available at http://www.IGT.com.
Source: IGT
CONTACT: Julie Brown, Director of Marketing of IGT, +1-775-448-7823,
Julie.W.Brown@IGT.com
Web Site: http://www.igt.com/
NTN Buzztime, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 3:35:02 PM
NTN Buzztime, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results
CARLSBAD, Calif., March 30 -- NTN Buzztime, Inc. (NYSE Amex: NTN) today announced results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100204/LA48830LOGO )
"Our fourth quarter and full year 2009 financial results provide tangible evidence that the strategic initiatives we outlined at the outset of the year are gaining traction. Our vigilance on reducing costs coupled with reorganizing our sales and marketing efforts have yielded substantial improvements in our underlying operating performance. Perhaps most significantly, we grew our subscriber network 7.2%, or by 270 sites for the full year, while improving cash flow from operations by over $5 million. Although we are pleased with these developments, we are also cognizant of the significant challenges that lie ahead and the continued need to address customer retention, as evidenced by a rise in that metric in the fourth quarter. Accordingly, we have launched and will launch a number of products, services and promotional programs that we believe will increase customer retention. That, coupled with cost control and diligent execution of our business plan, gives us confidence that we can bring the business to sustainable levels of profitability," said NTN Buzztime's CEO Terry Bateman.
Results for the Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2009
Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 were $6.6 million, compared to revenues of $6.5 million for the same period of 2008. The 1.4% increase in sales was due to an increase in advertising revenue of $122,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the 2008 period.
The Company ended the fourth quarter of 2009 with 4,016 subscribing venues, compared to 3,746 at December 31, 2008. During the fourth quarter of 2009, installations were up approximately 19% while terminations were up 32% compared with the fourth quarter of 2008. Customer churn was 8.3% for the quarter, up from 6.8% in the prior year period.
Total site counts Q4 Q4 Increase
and churn percentages 2009 2008 (Decrease)
--------------------- ---- ---- ----------
Site Count - Beginning of
Quarter 4,051 3,746 305
------------------------- ----- ----- ---
Q4 Installations 301 253 48
---------------- --- --- ---
Q4 Terminations (336) (253) 83
--------------- ---- ---- ---
Site Count - End of Quarter 4,016 3,746 270
--------------------------- ----- ----- ---
Churn Percentage 8.3% 6.8% 1.5
---------------- --- --- ---
Gross margin as a percentage of revenue remained relatively unchanged at 74% in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to the fourth quarter of 2008.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter declined by $0.5 million, or 9%, to $4.9 million from $5.3 million a year ago. The improvement was attributable to several factors: reduced headcount and the associated payroll expenses which declined by $0.1 million, an overall reduction in marketing spend which declined by $0.1 million, a reduction in severance expenses which declined by $0.2 million, and lower levels of consulting and external professional service expenses which declined by $0.1 million.
Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $0.2 million, or $0.00 per share, compared to a net loss of $0.7 million or $0.01 per share in the same period a year ago.
For the quarters ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, results from continuing operations reflected solely the results from the Entertainment division, following the discontinuation of the Hospitality division.
Results for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009
Revenues from continuing operations were $25.8 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, compared to revenue of $27.5 million for the prior year. Net loss from continuing operations was $1.5 million, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $6.1 million a year ago.
For the full year of 2009, installations were up approximately 27% while terminations were down 13% compared with the full year of 2008. Customer churn was 25% for 2009, down from 29.1% in the prior year.
Total site counts FY 2009 FY 2008 Increase
and churn percentages (Decrease)
--------------------- ----------
Site Count - Beginning of Year 3,746 3,877 (131)
------------------------------ ----- ----- ----
Installations 1,239 977 262
------------- ----- --- ---
Terminations (969) (1,108) (139)
------------ ---- ------ ----
Site Count - End of Year 4,016 3,746 270
------------------------ ----- ----- ---
Churn Percentage 25.0% 29.1% (4.1)
---------------- ---- ---- ----
Gross margin as a percentage of revenue improved to 75% in 2009 from 72% in fiscal year 2008. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to a reduction in depreciation expense of $0.3 million, as equipment became fully depreciated, decreased communication and content costs of $0.6 million, and a decrease of $0.3 million in direct salaries as a result of reduced headcount.
Selling, general and administrative expenses declined $5.5 million, or 21%, to $20.0 million in 2009 from $25.5 million in the prior year. The decrease was due to several factors, including payroll and payroll-related expenses which decreased $1.5 million due to a 20% reduction in headcount. Severance expenses decreased $0.9 million compared to the prior year that included severance expenses associated with the departure of senior personnel and the closing of the Company's UK office. Marketing expenses decreased $1.1 million due to a change in marketing strategy, including reductions in direct mail campaigns, participation in promotions and trade shows. Consulting expenses decreased $0.9 million. General spending related to payroll processing fees, professional tax and audit services and supplies decreased $0.3 million. Bad debt expense decreased $0.3 million, predominately due to an improvement in collection experience.
Discontinued Operations
Discontinued operations generated no net income for the fiscal year 2009, compared to a net loss from discontinued operations of $0.3 million in 2008.
Conference Call
Management will review these results in a conference call today, March 30, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. ET.
To access the conference call, please dial (866) 360-7027 if calling from the United States or Canada, or (706) 643-3291 if calling internationally, and use passcode 63661018. Please dial in several minutes prior to the start time for registration purposes.
A replay will be available until April 6, 2010, which can be accessed by dialing (800) 642-1687 if calling from the United States or Canada or (706) 645-9291 if calling internationally. Please use passcode 63661018 to access the replay.
The call will also be accompanied live by webcast over the Internet and accessible at the Company's Web site at http://www.buzztime.com/.
About Buzztime
NTN Buzztime, Inc. (NYSE Amex: NTN) is one of the most popular interactive bar and restaurant entertainment networks. Trusted for over 25 years by restaurant, bar and pub owners, Buzztime develops trivia, card and sports games and broadcasts them on the Buzztime Network to 4,000 locations throughout North America. More than 1,000,000 registered players use a blue Playmaker or their Apple iPhone® to compete in more than 4,500,000 games each month. Players spread the word and invite friends and family to their favorite Buzztime location to enjoy an evening of fun and competition or unwind from a hectic day. Buzztime ups the fun factor - turning visitors into regulars and attracting new players every day of the week. For the most up-to-date information on NTN Buzztime, please visit http://www.buzztime.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements which reflect management's current views of future events and operations including but not limited to estimates of financial performance and cash flows, new business initiatives and engagement and results of marketing strategies. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include risks associated with recent management changes, the Company's ability to grow its out-of-home Buzztime iTV network and implement other business strategies such as the planned launch of mobile and wireless games, the risk of changing economic conditions, failure of product demand or market acceptance of both existing and new products and services and the impact of competitive products and pricing. Please see NTN Buzztime, Inc.'s recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks that may affect the Company. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based on information available to us on the date hereof. These statements speak only as of the date hereof, and NTN Buzztime, Inc. does not undertake to publicly update or revise any of its forward-looking statements, even if experience or future changes show that the indicated results or events will not be realized.
COMPANY CONTACT:
Kendra Berger
Chief Financial Officer
NTN Buzztime, Inc.
(760) 438-7400
CCG CONTACT:
Mark Collinson
Partner
CCG Investor Relations
(310) 954-1343
(financial tables follow)
NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Selected Balance Sheet Data
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands, except par value amount)
ASSETS 2009 2008
---- ----
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $3,637 $3,362
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $321
and $298, respectively 606 636
Investment available-for-sale 180 58
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 715 611
Total current assets 5,138 4,667
Broadcast equipment and fixed assets, net 3,809 3,428
Software development costs, net of accumulated
amortization of $1,197 and $1,002,
respectively 1,374 860
Deferred costs 999 1,383
Goodwill 1,202 1,032
Intangible assets, net 1,585 185
Other assets 190 107
Total assets $14,297 $11,662
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable $422 $219
Accrued compensation 1,075 868
Accrued expenses 788 972
Sales tax payable 855 958
Income taxes payable - 18
Obligations under capital leases-current
portion 300 8
Deferred revenue 523 657
Other current liabilities 294 -
Total current liabilities 4,257 3,700
Sales taxes payable, excluding current portion 128 -
Obligations under capital leases, excluding
current portion 173 32
Deferred revenue, excluding current portion 82 91
Other liabilities 239 93
Total liabilities 4,879 3,916
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Series A 10% cumulative convertible preferred
stock, $.005 par value, $161 liquidation
preference, 5,000 shares authorized; 161
shares issued and outstanding 1 1
Common stock, $.005 par value, 84,000 shares
authorized; 60,359 and 55,727 shares issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2009 an 2008,
respectively 302 277
Treasury stock, at cost, 503 shares at December
31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (456) (456)
Additional paid-in capital 115,740 113,267
Accumulated deficit (106,868) (105,351)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 699 8
--- ---
Total shareholders' equity 9,418 7,746
----- -----
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $14,297 $11,662
======= =======
NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
------------ ------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues $6,616 $6,525 $25,814 $27,496
Operating expenses:
Direct operating
costs (includes
depreciation and
amortization) 1,691 1,708 6,460 7,582
Selling, general
and administrative 4,866 5,326 20,031 25,488
Depreciation and
amortization
(excluding
depreciation and
amortization
included in direct
costs) 163 132 919 532
Total operating
expenses 6,720 7,166 27,410 33,602
Operating loss (104) (641) (1,596) (6,106)
Other income
(expense):
Interest income 1 9 72 138
Interest expense (31) - (66) (5)
Other income 29 4 184 73
Total other
(expense) income,
net (1) 13 190 206
Loss from
continuing
operations before
income taxes (105) (628) (1,406) (5,900)
Provision for
income taxes (91) (62) (95) (234)
Loss from
continuing
operations (196) (690) (1,501) (6,134)
Loss from
discontinued
operations, net of
tax - - - (332)
Net loss $(196) $(690) $(1,501) $(6,466)
Net loss per common
share - basic and
diluted:
Loss from
continuing
operations $(0.00) $(0.01) $(0.03) $(0.11)
Loss from
discontinued
operations - - - (0.01)
Basic and diluted
net loss per share $(0.00) $(0.01) $(0.03) $(0.12)
Weighted average
shares outstanding
Basic and diluted 59,850 55,170 58,188 55,189
NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED CASH FLOW DATA
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands)
2009 2008
---- ----
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating
activities:
Net loss $(1,501) $(6,466)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of
tax - (332)
Loss from continuing operations $(1,501) $(6,134)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 3,193 3,101
Provision for doubtful accounts 227 557
Stock-based compensation 180 312
Loss from disposition of equipment and
capitalized software 267 618
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (181) 142
Prepaid expenses and other assets 95 129
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 139 (367)
Income taxes payable (161) (19)
Deferred costs 393 (199)
Deferred revenue (148) (296)
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing
operations 2,503 (2,156)
Discontinued operations - (807)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities 2,503 (2,963)
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing
activities:
Capital expenditures (1,910) (2,160)
Software development expenditures (1,138) (835)
Trademark license (94) -
Deposits on broadcast equipment (28) -
Proceeds from sale of equipment and other
assets - 12
Restricted cash - 51
Net cash used in investing activities by
continuing operations (3,170) (2,932)
Discontinued operations - 7
Net cash used in investing activities (3,170) (2,925)
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing
activities:
Principal payments on capital leases (155) (12)
Proceed from sale of common stock 750 -
Proceeds from exercise of options 28 -
Purchase of treasury stock - (12 )
Net cash provided by (used) in financing
activities by continuing operations 623 (24)
Net decrease increase in cash and cash
equivalents (44) (5,912)
Effect of exchange rate on cash 319 (999)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year 3,362 10,273
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $3,637 $3,362
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100204/LA48830LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: NTN Buzztime, Inc.
CONTACT: Kendra Berger, Chief Financial Officer of NTN Buzztime, Inc.,
+1-760-438-7400; or Mark Collinson, Partner of CCG Investor Relations,
+1-310-954-1343, for NTN Buzztime, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.ntn.com/
CARLSBAD, Calif., March 30 -- NTN Buzztime, Inc. (NYSE Amex: NTN) today announced results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100204/LA48830LOGO )
"Our fourth quarter and full year 2009 financial results provide tangible evidence that the strategic initiatives we outlined at the outset of the year are gaining traction. Our vigilance on reducing costs coupled with reorganizing our sales and marketing efforts have yielded substantial improvements in our underlying operating performance. Perhaps most significantly, we grew our subscriber network 7.2%, or by 270 sites for the full year, while improving cash flow from operations by over $5 million. Although we are pleased with these developments, we are also cognizant of the significant challenges that lie ahead and the continued need to address customer retention, as evidenced by a rise in that metric in the fourth quarter. Accordingly, we have launched and will launch a number of products, services and promotional programs that we believe will increase customer retention. That, coupled with cost control and diligent execution of our business plan, gives us confidence that we can bring the business to sustainable levels of profitability," said NTN Buzztime's CEO Terry Bateman.
Results for the Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2009
Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 were $6.6 million, compared to revenues of $6.5 million for the same period of 2008. The 1.4% increase in sales was due to an increase in advertising revenue of $122,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the 2008 period.
The Company ended the fourth quarter of 2009 with 4,016 subscribing venues, compared to 3,746 at December 31, 2008. During the fourth quarter of 2009, installations were up approximately 19% while terminations were up 32% compared with the fourth quarter of 2008. Customer churn was 8.3% for the quarter, up from 6.8% in the prior year period.
Total site counts Q4 Q4 Increase
and churn percentages 2009 2008 (Decrease)
--------------------- ---- ---- ----------
Site Count - Beginning of
Quarter 4,051 3,746 305
------------------------- ----- ----- ---
Q4 Installations 301 253 48
---------------- --- --- ---
Q4 Terminations (336) (253) 83
--------------- ---- ---- ---
Site Count - End of Quarter 4,016 3,746 270
--------------------------- ----- ----- ---
Churn Percentage 8.3% 6.8% 1.5
---------------- --- --- ---
Gross margin as a percentage of revenue remained relatively unchanged at 74% in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to the fourth quarter of 2008.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter declined by $0.5 million, or 9%, to $4.9 million from $5.3 million a year ago. The improvement was attributable to several factors: reduced headcount and the associated payroll expenses which declined by $0.1 million, an overall reduction in marketing spend which declined by $0.1 million, a reduction in severance expenses which declined by $0.2 million, and lower levels of consulting and external professional service expenses which declined by $0.1 million.
Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $0.2 million, or $0.00 per share, compared to a net loss of $0.7 million or $0.01 per share in the same period a year ago.
For the quarters ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, results from continuing operations reflected solely the results from the Entertainment division, following the discontinuation of the Hospitality division.
Results for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009
Revenues from continuing operations were $25.8 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, compared to revenue of $27.5 million for the prior year. Net loss from continuing operations was $1.5 million, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $6.1 million a year ago.
For the full year of 2009, installations were up approximately 27% while terminations were down 13% compared with the full year of 2008. Customer churn was 25% for 2009, down from 29.1% in the prior year.
Total site counts FY 2009 FY 2008 Increase
and churn percentages (Decrease)
--------------------- ----------
Site Count - Beginning of Year 3,746 3,877 (131)
------------------------------ ----- ----- ----
Installations 1,239 977 262
------------- ----- --- ---
Terminations (969) (1,108) (139)
------------ ---- ------ ----
Site Count - End of Year 4,016 3,746 270
------------------------ ----- ----- ---
Churn Percentage 25.0% 29.1% (4.1)
---------------- ---- ---- ----
Gross margin as a percentage of revenue improved to 75% in 2009 from 72% in fiscal year 2008. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to a reduction in depreciation expense of $0.3 million, as equipment became fully depreciated, decreased communication and content costs of $0.6 million, and a decrease of $0.3 million in direct salaries as a result of reduced headcount.
Selling, general and administrative expenses declined $5.5 million, or 21%, to $20.0 million in 2009 from $25.5 million in the prior year. The decrease was due to several factors, including payroll and payroll-related expenses which decreased $1.5 million due to a 20% reduction in headcount. Severance expenses decreased $0.9 million compared to the prior year that included severance expenses associated with the departure of senior personnel and the closing of the Company's UK office. Marketing expenses decreased $1.1 million due to a change in marketing strategy, including reductions in direct mail campaigns, participation in promotions and trade shows. Consulting expenses decreased $0.9 million. General spending related to payroll processing fees, professional tax and audit services and supplies decreased $0.3 million. Bad debt expense decreased $0.3 million, predominately due to an improvement in collection experience.
Discontinued Operations
Discontinued operations generated no net income for the fiscal year 2009, compared to a net loss from discontinued operations of $0.3 million in 2008.
Conference Call
Management will review these results in a conference call today, March 30, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. ET.
To access the conference call, please dial (866) 360-7027 if calling from the United States or Canada, or (706) 643-3291 if calling internationally, and use passcode 63661018. Please dial in several minutes prior to the start time for registration purposes.
A replay will be available until April 6, 2010, which can be accessed by dialing (800) 642-1687 if calling from the United States or Canada or (706) 645-9291 if calling internationally. Please use passcode 63661018 to access the replay.
The call will also be accompanied live by webcast over the Internet and accessible at the Company's Web site at http://www.buzztime.com/.
About Buzztime
NTN Buzztime, Inc. (NYSE Amex: NTN) is one of the most popular interactive bar and restaurant entertainment networks. Trusted for over 25 years by restaurant, bar and pub owners, Buzztime develops trivia, card and sports games and broadcasts them on the Buzztime Network to 4,000 locations throughout North America. More than 1,000,000 registered players use a blue Playmaker or their Apple iPhone® to compete in more than 4,500,000 games each month. Players spread the word and invite friends and family to their favorite Buzztime location to enjoy an evening of fun and competition or unwind from a hectic day. Buzztime ups the fun factor - turning visitors into regulars and attracting new players every day of the week. For the most up-to-date information on NTN Buzztime, please visit http://www.buzztime.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements which reflect management's current views of future events and operations including but not limited to estimates of financial performance and cash flows, new business initiatives and engagement and results of marketing strategies. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include risks associated with recent management changes, the Company's ability to grow its out-of-home Buzztime iTV network and implement other business strategies such as the planned launch of mobile and wireless games, the risk of changing economic conditions, failure of product demand or market acceptance of both existing and new products and services and the impact of competitive products and pricing. Please see NTN Buzztime, Inc.'s recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks that may affect the Company. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based on information available to us on the date hereof. These statements speak only as of the date hereof, and NTN Buzztime, Inc. does not undertake to publicly update or revise any of its forward-looking statements, even if experience or future changes show that the indicated results or events will not be realized.
COMPANY CONTACT:
Kendra Berger
Chief Financial Officer
NTN Buzztime, Inc.
(760) 438-7400
CCG CONTACT:
Mark Collinson
Partner
CCG Investor Relations
(310) 954-1343
(financial tables follow)
NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Selected Balance Sheet Data
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands, except par value amount)
ASSETS 2009 2008
---- ----
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $3,637 $3,362
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $321
and $298, respectively 606 636
Investment available-for-sale 180 58
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 715 611
Total current assets 5,138 4,667
Broadcast equipment and fixed assets, net 3,809 3,428
Software development costs, net of accumulated
amortization of $1,197 and $1,002,
respectively 1,374 860
Deferred costs 999 1,383
Goodwill 1,202 1,032
Intangible assets, net 1,585 185
Other assets 190 107
Total assets $14,297 $11,662
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable $422 $219
Accrued compensation 1,075 868
Accrued expenses 788 972
Sales tax payable 855 958
Income taxes payable - 18
Obligations under capital leases-current
portion 300 8
Deferred revenue 523 657
Other current liabilities 294 -
Total current liabilities 4,257 3,700
Sales taxes payable, excluding current portion 128 -
Obligations under capital leases, excluding
current portion 173 32
Deferred revenue, excluding current portion 82 91
Other liabilities 239 93
Total liabilities 4,879 3,916
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Series A 10% cumulative convertible preferred
stock, $.005 par value, $161 liquidation
preference, 5,000 shares authorized; 161
shares issued and outstanding 1 1
Common stock, $.005 par value, 84,000 shares
authorized; 60,359 and 55,727 shares issued
and outstanding at December 31, 2009 an 2008,
respectively 302 277
Treasury stock, at cost, 503 shares at December
31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (456) (456)
Additional paid-in capital 115,740 113,267
Accumulated deficit (106,868) (105,351)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 699 8
--- ---
Total shareholders' equity 9,418 7,746
----- -----
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $14,297 $11,662
======= =======
NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31,
------------ ------------
2009 2008 2009 2008
---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues $6,616 $6,525 $25,814 $27,496
Operating expenses:
Direct operating
costs (includes
depreciation and
amortization) 1,691 1,708 6,460 7,582
Selling, general
and administrative 4,866 5,326 20,031 25,488
Depreciation and
amortization
(excluding
depreciation and
amortization
included in direct
costs) 163 132 919 532
Total operating
expenses 6,720 7,166 27,410 33,602
Operating loss (104) (641) (1,596) (6,106)
Other income
(expense):
Interest income 1 9 72 138
Interest expense (31) - (66) (5)
Other income 29 4 184 73
Total other
(expense) income,
net (1) 13 190 206
Loss from
continuing
operations before
income taxes (105) (628) (1,406) (5,900)
Provision for
income taxes (91) (62) (95) (234)
Loss from
continuing
operations (196) (690) (1,501) (6,134)
Loss from
discontinued
operations, net of
tax - - - (332)
Net loss $(196) $(690) $(1,501) $(6,466)
Net loss per common
share - basic and
diluted:
Loss from
continuing
operations $(0.00) $(0.01) $(0.03) $(0.11)
Loss from
discontinued
operations - - - (0.01)
Basic and diluted
net loss per share $(0.00) $(0.01) $(0.03) $(0.12)
Weighted average
shares outstanding
Basic and diluted 59,850 55,170 58,188 55,189
NTN BUZZTIME, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED CASH FLOW DATA
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
(In thousands)
2009 2008
---- ----
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating
activities:
Net loss $(1,501) $(6,466)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of
tax - (332)
Loss from continuing operations $(1,501) $(6,134)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 3,193 3,101
Provision for doubtful accounts 227 557
Stock-based compensation 180 312
Loss from disposition of equipment and
capitalized software 267 618
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (181) 142
Prepaid expenses and other assets 95 129
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 139 (367)
Income taxes payable (161) (19)
Deferred costs 393 (199)
Deferred revenue (148) (296)
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing
operations 2,503 (2,156)
Discontinued operations - (807)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities 2,503 (2,963)
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing
activities:
Capital expenditures (1,910) (2,160)
Software development expenditures (1,138) (835)
Trademark license (94) -
Deposits on broadcast equipment (28) -
Proceeds from sale of equipment and other
assets - 12
Restricted cash - 51
Net cash used in investing activities by
continuing operations (3,170) (2,932)
Discontinued operations - 7
Net cash used in investing activities (3,170) (2,925)
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing
activities:
Principal payments on capital leases (155) (12)
Proceed from sale of common stock 750 -
Proceeds from exercise of options 28 -
Purchase of treasury stock - (12 )
Net cash provided by (used) in financing
activities by continuing operations 623 (24)
Net decrease increase in cash and cash
equivalents (44) (5,912)
Effect of exchange rate on cash 319 (999)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year 3,362 10,273
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $3,637 $3,362
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100204/LA48830LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: NTN Buzztime, Inc.
CONTACT: Kendra Berger, Chief Financial Officer of NTN Buzztime, Inc.,
+1-760-438-7400; or Mark Collinson, Partner of CCG Investor Relations,
+1-310-954-1343, for NTN Buzztime, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.ntn.com/
ZoomAtlas Taking the Wiki Geo-social, Mapping Trends at Where 2.0 from March 30 to April 1
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 3:07:01 PM
ZoomAtlas Taking the Wiki Geo-social, Mapping Trends at Where 2.0 from March 30 to April 1
Founder and CEO, and Chairman of the Technical Advisory Board to discuss unique experiences, trends as the only geo-social networking site charting the past and present
BOSTON, March 30 -- ZoomAtlas is taking the wiki geo-social this week at Where 2.0 in San Jose from March 30 to April 1 with Mark Sherman, founder and CEO of ZoomAtlas, to present at Ignite Where on March 30 and Ward Cunningham, chairman of the Technical Advisory Board for ZoomAtlas, to present during the mapping sessions on April 1.
ZoomAtlas, is the largest, most detailed, photo-realistic geo-social wiki-mapping site that connects its users with friends, family and places from their past and present.
At Ignite Where, Sherman will take the audience on a fast-paced, PowerPoint adventure through neighborhoods, cities, countryside and more to see how the ZoomAtlas map editor and wiki work. He will also share his motivation behind the creation of ZoomAtlas, and read touching notes and stories from people looking to reconnect with long lost friends and family. Finally, Sherman will speak about the social aspects of micro-location and the trends ZoomAtlas has seen since launch in November 2009.
Cunningham, inventor of the wiki, will give a presentation titled, "Social Wiki Atlas," where he will discuss how the wiki is going geo-social networking with the unique technology behind ZoomAtlas making it all possible. In the early stages of development, ZoomAtlas shunned Google, Yahoo, MSN and TeleAtlas, building proprietary interactive proprieties into its own mapping layer. The company also owns all of its satellite imagery.
"We are excited to be a part of Where 2.0 and to be able to share our unique experiences and the trends we are seeing as the only geo-social networking site charting the past and the present," said Sherman. "One striking trend we are tracking is the significant involvement from users in the baby boomer generation, with 1975 as the average year referenced in notes posted on the site. Through ZoomAtlas, many baby boomers are reconnecting with long-lost friends and family from their past, while keeping a historical record of their personal experiences at important places in their collective lives for the generations to come in the future."
Another trend ZoomAtlas is carefully monitoring is the concerns, or lack thereof, about location-based information sharing and its impact on user privacy.
"As a geo-social networking Web site, we recognize that there are people online who access and use social networking sites with malicious intent," said Sherman. "We take privacy very seriously at ZoomAtlas. While users need to be responsible participants in protecting their privacy and understand the dangers of over sharing, we believe that social networking sites also have a responsibility to develop privacy policies that ensure consumer safety."
During the Web site development, Sherman ensured safety was integrated into the experience. When users post notes or map their Life Path, only past information is publicly available. All current location information is marked private by default.
Sharing and collaborating online with people in different locations was made possible with the invention of the wiki, which turned 15 on March 25, 2010. In celebration of the wiki's birthday and its inventor, Cunningham, ZoomAtlas is holding a digital scavenger hunt scheduled to kick off on March 30. For live details and updates about the scavenger hunt, follow ZoomAtlas on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.
Anyone can use ZoomAtlas anonymously, including searching, editing articles, and uploading pictures. Users who post notes, register on the site or use Facebook Connect, so that ZoomAtlas can contact users when a friend locates them or there is a reply to their note.
About ZoomAtlas
ZoomAtlas, founded by Mark Sherman in 2007, is a free, photo-realistic map that enables individuals to reconnect with friends, family and places from their past while leaving tips, stories and recommendations. Sherman is responsible for the strategic and technical direction of the company. In his 25 years of technology experience, Sherman has designed applications ranging from computer graphics systems to trading systems for financial firms. In 1996, he co-founded Microsurf, Inc., a comprehensive network of consumer Web sites including MortgageQuotes.com and MoverQuotes.com that focused on relocation and other home services, which later was sold to TMP Worldwide/Monster.com. The technical advisory board is headed by Ward Cunningham, the Chief Technology Officer of AboutUs.org. Cunningham is well known for his contributions to the developing practice of object-oriented programming; the variation called Extreme Programming, and is the creator of the world's first wiki. For more information, visit http://www.zoomatlas.com.
Source: ZoomAtlas
CONTACT: Jennifer Wilt, Airfoil Public Relations for ZoomAtlas,
+1-248-304-1418, wilt@airfoilpr.com
Web Site: http://www.zoomatlas.com/
Founder and CEO, and Chairman of the Technical Advisory Board to discuss unique experiences, trends as the only geo-social networking site charting the past and present
BOSTON, March 30 -- ZoomAtlas is taking the wiki geo-social this week at Where 2.0 in San Jose from March 30 to April 1 with Mark Sherman, founder and CEO of ZoomAtlas, to present at Ignite Where on March 30 and Ward Cunningham, chairman of the Technical Advisory Board for ZoomAtlas, to present during the mapping sessions on April 1.
ZoomAtlas, is the largest, most detailed, photo-realistic geo-social wiki-mapping site that connects its users with friends, family and places from their past and present.
At Ignite Where, Sherman will take the audience on a fast-paced, PowerPoint adventure through neighborhoods, cities, countryside and more to see how the ZoomAtlas map editor and wiki work. He will also share his motivation behind the creation of ZoomAtlas, and read touching notes and stories from people looking to reconnect with long lost friends and family. Finally, Sherman will speak about the social aspects of micro-location and the trends ZoomAtlas has seen since launch in November 2009.
Cunningham, inventor of the wiki, will give a presentation titled, "Social Wiki Atlas," where he will discuss how the wiki is going geo-social networking with the unique technology behind ZoomAtlas making it all possible. In the early stages of development, ZoomAtlas shunned Google, Yahoo, MSN and TeleAtlas, building proprietary interactive proprieties into its own mapping layer. The company also owns all of its satellite imagery.
"We are excited to be a part of Where 2.0 and to be able to share our unique experiences and the trends we are seeing as the only geo-social networking site charting the past and the present," said Sherman. "One striking trend we are tracking is the significant involvement from users in the baby boomer generation, with 1975 as the average year referenced in notes posted on the site. Through ZoomAtlas, many baby boomers are reconnecting with long-lost friends and family from their past, while keeping a historical record of their personal experiences at important places in their collective lives for the generations to come in the future."
Another trend ZoomAtlas is carefully monitoring is the concerns, or lack thereof, about location-based information sharing and its impact on user privacy.
"As a geo-social networking Web site, we recognize that there are people online who access and use social networking sites with malicious intent," said Sherman. "We take privacy very seriously at ZoomAtlas. While users need to be responsible participants in protecting their privacy and understand the dangers of over sharing, we believe that social networking sites also have a responsibility to develop privacy policies that ensure consumer safety."
During the Web site development, Sherman ensured safety was integrated into the experience. When users post notes or map their Life Path, only past information is publicly available. All current location information is marked private by default.
Sharing and collaborating online with people in different locations was made possible with the invention of the wiki, which turned 15 on March 25, 2010. In celebration of the wiki's birthday and its inventor, Cunningham, ZoomAtlas is holding a digital scavenger hunt scheduled to kick off on March 30. For live details and updates about the scavenger hunt, follow ZoomAtlas on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.
Anyone can use ZoomAtlas anonymously, including searching, editing articles, and uploading pictures. Users who post notes, register on the site or use Facebook Connect, so that ZoomAtlas can contact users when a friend locates them or there is a reply to their note.
About ZoomAtlas
ZoomAtlas, founded by Mark Sherman in 2007, is a free, photo-realistic map that enables individuals to reconnect with friends, family and places from their past while leaving tips, stories and recommendations. Sherman is responsible for the strategic and technical direction of the company. In his 25 years of technology experience, Sherman has designed applications ranging from computer graphics systems to trading systems for financial firms. In 1996, he co-founded Microsurf, Inc., a comprehensive network of consumer Web sites including MortgageQuotes.com and MoverQuotes.com that focused on relocation and other home services, which later was sold to TMP Worldwide/Monster.com. The technical advisory board is headed by Ward Cunningham, the Chief Technology Officer of AboutUs.org. Cunningham is well known for his contributions to the developing practice of object-oriented programming; the variation called Extreme Programming, and is the creator of the world's first wiki. For more information, visit http://www.zoomatlas.com.
Source: ZoomAtlas
CONTACT: Jennifer Wilt, Airfoil Public Relations for ZoomAtlas,
+1-248-304-1418, wilt@airfoilpr.com
Web Site: http://www.zoomatlas.com/
MarketView 2010 to Highlight Long Term Government Tech Trends
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 2:35:01 PM
MarketView 2010 to Highlight Long Term Government Tech Trends
INPUT Analysts & Government Leaders to Share Insights on Federal Technology
RESTON, Va., March 30 -- INPUT, the authority on government business, today announced the 8th Annual MarketView Conference, a strategic event for executives to gain critical knowledge to shape long-term business development strategies. The event will bring together leaders from the public and private sector to discuss pressing issues and trends of the government technology market. MarketView 2010 takes place April 8, 2010, in Falls Church, Va.
At the conference INPUT analysts will present key findings from the Obama administration's proposed FY 2011 federal budget. The day-long conference will focus on the major technology trends driving federal spending. Highlights include:
Market Forecast - Kevin Plexico, senior vice president, Research & Analysis Services, INPUT, will provide a presentation of INPUT's Federal IT Market Forecast, 2010 - 2015 (to be released June 2010).
Cybersecurity - Shane Harris, author of, "The Watchers," and staff correspondent for the National Journal will give his insight on intelligence, homeland security, and counterterrorism and how these affect the marketplace.
Cloud Computing - Douglas Bourgeois, director, National Business Center (NBC), will deliver a keynote about how NBC is leading in cloud computing innovations.
Energy Efficiency, Green IT & Smart Grid - Kevin Kampschroer, director, Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings, Public Building Services, General Services Administration, will discuss green technologies implemented at the new St. Elizabeths DHS Headquarters.
Acquisition Reform
Keith Seaman, acting director, Defense Business Systems Acquisition Executive for the DoD's Business Transformation Agency will discuss his strategy on insourcing and what savvy agencies and vendors should do to prepare.
Data Center Consolidation
Frank Baitman, CIO, Social Security Administration, will share how his agency will spend $500 million in stimulus funds to build a new data center.
Meet the Analysts
INPUT experts will be available to answer questions all day. Gather real-time feedback from those working at the forefront of market shaping initiatives.
Event Details:
Date & Time: April 8, 2010; 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. EDT
Location: Fairview Park Marriott, 3111 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church, Va. 22042
To register: Visit: marketview.input.com or call 1-888-99-INPUT (46788).
For media: Media interested in attending MarketView 2010 should contact Claire Carlin, Director of Marketing Communications and Events, INPUT, at media@input.com or 703-707-3685.
About INPUT
Established in 1974, INPUT helps companies develop federal, state, and local government business and helps public sector organizations achieve their objectives. More than 2,000 member organizations, including small specialized companies, new entrants to the public sector, and the largest government contractors and agencies, rely on INPUT for the latest and most comprehensive procurement and market information, powerful sales management tools, educational, and networking events. For more information about INPUT, visit http://www.input.com or call 703-707-3500.
Proper use of name is INPUT.
Media Contact:
Claire Carlin
INPUT
media@input.com
703-707-3685
Source: INPUT
CONTACT: Claire Carlin, INPUT, +1-703-707-3685, media@input.com
Web Site: http://www.input.com/
INPUT Analysts & Government Leaders to Share Insights on Federal Technology
RESTON, Va., March 30 -- INPUT, the authority on government business, today announced the 8th Annual MarketView Conference, a strategic event for executives to gain critical knowledge to shape long-term business development strategies. The event will bring together leaders from the public and private sector to discuss pressing issues and trends of the government technology market. MarketView 2010 takes place April 8, 2010, in Falls Church, Va.
At the conference INPUT analysts will present key findings from the Obama administration's proposed FY 2011 federal budget. The day-long conference will focus on the major technology trends driving federal spending. Highlights include:
Market Forecast - Kevin Plexico, senior vice president, Research & Analysis Services, INPUT, will provide a presentation of INPUT's Federal IT Market Forecast, 2010 - 2015 (to be released June 2010).
Cybersecurity - Shane Harris, author of, "The Watchers," and staff correspondent for the National Journal will give his insight on intelligence, homeland security, and counterterrorism and how these affect the marketplace.
Cloud Computing - Douglas Bourgeois, director, National Business Center (NBC), will deliver a keynote about how NBC is leading in cloud computing innovations.
Energy Efficiency, Green IT & Smart Grid - Kevin Kampschroer, director, Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings, Public Building Services, General Services Administration, will discuss green technologies implemented at the new St. Elizabeths DHS Headquarters.
Acquisition Reform
Keith Seaman, acting director, Defense Business Systems Acquisition Executive for the DoD's Business Transformation Agency will discuss his strategy on insourcing and what savvy agencies and vendors should do to prepare.
Data Center Consolidation
Frank Baitman, CIO, Social Security Administration, will share how his agency will spend $500 million in stimulus funds to build a new data center.
Meet the Analysts
INPUT experts will be available to answer questions all day. Gather real-time feedback from those working at the forefront of market shaping initiatives.
Event Details:
Date & Time: April 8, 2010; 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. EDT
Location: Fairview Park Marriott, 3111 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church, Va. 22042
To register: Visit: marketview.input.com or call 1-888-99-INPUT (46788).
For media: Media interested in attending MarketView 2010 should contact Claire Carlin, Director of Marketing Communications and Events, INPUT, at media@input.com or 703-707-3685.
About INPUT
Established in 1974, INPUT helps companies develop federal, state, and local government business and helps public sector organizations achieve their objectives. More than 2,000 member organizations, including small specialized companies, new entrants to the public sector, and the largest government contractors and agencies, rely on INPUT for the latest and most comprehensive procurement and market information, powerful sales management tools, educational, and networking events. For more information about INPUT, visit http://www.input.com or call 703-707-3500.
Proper use of name is INPUT.
Media Contact:
Claire Carlin
INPUT
media@input.com
703-707-3685
Source: INPUT
CONTACT: Claire Carlin, INPUT, +1-703-707-3685, media@input.com
Web Site: http://www.input.com/
Purple Enhances Its Video Relay Service for iChat(R)
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 1:00:01 PM
Purple Enhances Its Video Relay Service for iChat(R)
Enhanced Video Quality and a Better Call Experience for Anyone Who Makes VRS Calls on iChat
ROCKLIN, Calif., March 30 -- Purple Communications(TM), Inc. (Pink Sheets: PRPL), a leading provider of text, video relay (VRS), on-site interpreting services, and video remote interpreting (VRI) today announced PurpleVRSim, an important enhancement to its VRS service on the Apple® Mac®'s iChat platform. PurpleVRSim substantially improves video quality for VRS calls, while delivering a better call experience with new call tools.
"PurpleVRSim extends the latest video technology to Mac VRS users through iChat," said Mark Stern, Vice President, Technical Program Management at Purple Communications. "While important for Purple's users, this upgrade is really for anyone who uses a Mac and wants to see better video quality and a better call experience for their VRS calls."
Crisp Video, Streamlined Calling, Drag-and-Drop, and Spanish
With its crystal-clear video and new call tools, PurpleVRSim is an enhancement for anyone using VRS through iChat, including Purple's customers who connect using hovrsIM. PurpleVRSim includes:
-- Crisp Video - Purple's newest video platform instantly delivers higher
quality video because it benefits from the latest video technology.
-- Streamlined Calling - PurpleVRSim saves the users' call preferences
for later, so making and accepting calls through iChat takes fewer
steps.
-- Drag-and-Drop - Users can drag any picture from their Mac into the
call window to show the video interpreter (VI) exactly what they're
trying to describe. Now the VI can choose the best words to
communicate the user's message.
-- Spanish Language Support - Deaf users wishing to speak in Spanish
benefit from easy access to Purple's certified bi- and tri-lingual
interpreters, right in iChat. Users simply type "sp" in the chat
window, and are instantly connected to the appropriate VI.
-- User Experience Enhancements - With refined set of commands,
consolidated call windows, automatic profile matching, and Mac OS X
Snow Leopard support, iChat users will find Purple's high-quality VRS
easier than ever to use.
The Perfect Replacement for hovrsIM
iChat users who have made VRS calls through "hovrsIM" for years will see an immediate bump in video quality and call performance when they make their calls through PurpleVRSim instead.
"With hovrsIM, Purple was the first relay provider to put VRS in the hands of Mac users," said Ronald E. Obray, Purple's vice chairman. "PurpleVRSim is the perfect successor to hovrsIM, building on our history, but making some important enhancements that will ensure Purple is the most popular relay service on iChat."
Pricing, Availability, System Requirements
PurpleVRSim is free to use, available now, and works with any Mac equipped with iChat and running Mac OS X version 10.4 or above.
To try the service, users simply send the number they'd like to dial to "PurpleVRSim" using iChat, and the call begins immediately.
Future calls are even easier when users add "PurpleVRSim" to their Buddy List. Doing so takes seconds with just a few easy steps, right in iChat.
For more information about PurpleVRSim and Purple's other Mac and iPhone solutions, visit http://www.purple.us/ichat.
About Purple
Purple Communications is a leading provider of text, video relay (VRS), on-site interpreting services, and video remote interpreting (VRI) for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, offering a wide array of options designed to meet the varied communications needs of its customers. Purple's vision is to enable free-flowing communication between people, inclusive of differences in abilities, languages, or locations. For more information on Purple Communications, Inc. or its services, visit http://www.purple.us by Internet, relay by visiting http://www.ip-relay.com, or video phone by connecting to purple.tv.
"Purple" and the Purple logo are registered trademarks, and "hovrsIM," and "PurpleVRSim" are trademarks of Purple Communications, Inc. "iChat," "Apple," "iPhone," and "Mac" are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. "Buddy List" is a registered trademark of AOL, Inc. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Source: Purple Communications(TM), Inc.
CONTACT: Purple Communications, Laura Kowalcyk, CJP Communications,
+1-212-279-3115 x209, lkowalcyk@cjpcom.com
Web Site: http://www.purple.us/
Enhanced Video Quality and a Better Call Experience for Anyone Who Makes VRS Calls on iChat
ROCKLIN, Calif., March 30 -- Purple Communications(TM), Inc. (Pink Sheets: PRPL), a leading provider of text, video relay (VRS), on-site interpreting services, and video remote interpreting (VRI) today announced PurpleVRSim, an important enhancement to its VRS service on the Apple® Mac®'s iChat platform. PurpleVRSim substantially improves video quality for VRS calls, while delivering a better call experience with new call tools.
"PurpleVRSim extends the latest video technology to Mac VRS users through iChat," said Mark Stern, Vice President, Technical Program Management at Purple Communications. "While important for Purple's users, this upgrade is really for anyone who uses a Mac and wants to see better video quality and a better call experience for their VRS calls."
Crisp Video, Streamlined Calling, Drag-and-Drop, and Spanish
With its crystal-clear video and new call tools, PurpleVRSim is an enhancement for anyone using VRS through iChat, including Purple's customers who connect using hovrsIM. PurpleVRSim includes:
-- Crisp Video - Purple's newest video platform instantly delivers higher
quality video because it benefits from the latest video technology.
-- Streamlined Calling - PurpleVRSim saves the users' call preferences
for later, so making and accepting calls through iChat takes fewer
steps.
-- Drag-and-Drop - Users can drag any picture from their Mac into the
call window to show the video interpreter (VI) exactly what they're
trying to describe. Now the VI can choose the best words to
communicate the user's message.
-- Spanish Language Support - Deaf users wishing to speak in Spanish
benefit from easy access to Purple's certified bi- and tri-lingual
interpreters, right in iChat. Users simply type "sp" in the chat
window, and are instantly connected to the appropriate VI.
-- User Experience Enhancements - With refined set of commands,
consolidated call windows, automatic profile matching, and Mac OS X
Snow Leopard support, iChat users will find Purple's high-quality VRS
easier than ever to use.
The Perfect Replacement for hovrsIM
iChat users who have made VRS calls through "hovrsIM" for years will see an immediate bump in video quality and call performance when they make their calls through PurpleVRSim instead.
"With hovrsIM, Purple was the first relay provider to put VRS in the hands of Mac users," said Ronald E. Obray, Purple's vice chairman. "PurpleVRSim is the perfect successor to hovrsIM, building on our history, but making some important enhancements that will ensure Purple is the most popular relay service on iChat."
Pricing, Availability, System Requirements
PurpleVRSim is free to use, available now, and works with any Mac equipped with iChat and running Mac OS X version 10.4 or above.
To try the service, users simply send the number they'd like to dial to "PurpleVRSim" using iChat, and the call begins immediately.
Future calls are even easier when users add "PurpleVRSim" to their Buddy List. Doing so takes seconds with just a few easy steps, right in iChat.
For more information about PurpleVRSim and Purple's other Mac and iPhone solutions, visit http://www.purple.us/ichat.
About Purple
Purple Communications is a leading provider of text, video relay (VRS), on-site interpreting services, and video remote interpreting (VRI) for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, offering a wide array of options designed to meet the varied communications needs of its customers. Purple's vision is to enable free-flowing communication between people, inclusive of differences in abilities, languages, or locations. For more information on Purple Communications, Inc. or its services, visit http://www.purple.us by Internet, relay by visiting http://www.ip-relay.com, or video phone by connecting to purple.tv.
"Purple" and the Purple logo are registered trademarks, and "hovrsIM," and "PurpleVRSim" are trademarks of Purple Communications, Inc. "iChat," "Apple," "iPhone," and "Mac" are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. "Buddy List" is a registered trademark of AOL, Inc. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Source: Purple Communications(TM), Inc.
CONTACT: Purple Communications, Laura Kowalcyk, CJP Communications,
+1-212-279-3115 x209, lkowalcyk@cjpcom.com
Web Site: http://www.purple.us/
20Gbps Traffic Record and Replay Demonstrated at FOSE
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 12:14:01 PM
20Gbps Traffic Record and Replay Demonstrated at FOSE
nPulse Technologies breaks new ground with HammerHead Model 420 appliance
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., March 30 -- nPulse Technologies, LLC, a leading developer of 10Gbps network sensors for monitoring, forensics and security applications, demonstrated the latest version of its HammerHead Capture and Replay appliance at FOSE last week. The Model 420 can capture traffic, record it to disk and replay it at up to 20Gbps, allowing for full duplex recording of a fully-loaded 10Gbps link.
Captured traffic is stored in standard PCAP file format for easy analysis by Wireshark or similar applications. Wireshark, the world's most widely-used network protocol analyzer and a reference standard in companies and institutions worldwide, is pre-installed on the HammerHead 420.
"We have been shipping our HammerHead 320 for over a year now, and its industry-leading 10Gbps record and replay performance is well proven in a diverse customer base, including the Federal Government, major contractors, and leading telecom industry manufacturers," said Peter Shaw, Vice-President at nPulse Technologies. "The Model 420 is a natural next step for us and our users, offering greater speed, deeper storage and more capture ports."
nPulse's HammerHead Model 420, which includes four 10Gbps capture ports and up to 64TBytes of storage capacity, is available for shipping now. For more about HammerHead and related nPulse products, visit http://www.npulsetech.com.
About nPulse Technologies, LLC:
nPulse Technologies, LLC develops advanced Gigabit and 10Gbps network sensors for applications in monitoring, traffic recording, forensics and security. It utilizes the latest in standards-based server hardware and advanced packet capture technology to deliver powerful, affordable solutions.
nPulse Technologies, a privately held, Veteran-owned company with a strong history of service in both commercial and Federal government communities, is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. For more information, visit http://www.npulsetech.com.
*(LOGO 72dpi: http://www.Send2Press.com/mediaboom/10-0330-npulse_72dpi.jpg)
This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.send2press.com/
Source: nPulse Technologies
CONTACT: Peter Shaw of nPulse, +1-703-673-0044, ext 704,
press@npulsetech.com
Web Site: http://www.npulsetech.com/
nPulse Technologies breaks new ground with HammerHead Model 420 appliance
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., March 30 -- nPulse Technologies, LLC, a leading developer of 10Gbps network sensors for monitoring, forensics and security applications, demonstrated the latest version of its HammerHead Capture and Replay appliance at FOSE last week. The Model 420 can capture traffic, record it to disk and replay it at up to 20Gbps, allowing for full duplex recording of a fully-loaded 10Gbps link.
Captured traffic is stored in standard PCAP file format for easy analysis by Wireshark or similar applications. Wireshark, the world's most widely-used network protocol analyzer and a reference standard in companies and institutions worldwide, is pre-installed on the HammerHead 420.
"We have been shipping our HammerHead 320 for over a year now, and its industry-leading 10Gbps record and replay performance is well proven in a diverse customer base, including the Federal Government, major contractors, and leading telecom industry manufacturers," said Peter Shaw, Vice-President at nPulse Technologies. "The Model 420 is a natural next step for us and our users, offering greater speed, deeper storage and more capture ports."
nPulse's HammerHead Model 420, which includes four 10Gbps capture ports and up to 64TBytes of storage capacity, is available for shipping now. For more about HammerHead and related nPulse products, visit http://www.npulsetech.com.
About nPulse Technologies, LLC:
nPulse Technologies, LLC develops advanced Gigabit and 10Gbps network sensors for applications in monitoring, traffic recording, forensics and security. It utilizes the latest in standards-based server hardware and advanced packet capture technology to deliver powerful, affordable solutions.
nPulse Technologies, a privately held, Veteran-owned company with a strong history of service in both commercial and Federal government communities, is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. For more information, visit http://www.npulsetech.com.
*(LOGO 72dpi: http://www.Send2Press.com/mediaboom/10-0330-npulse_72dpi.jpg)
This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.send2press.com/
Source: nPulse Technologies
CONTACT: Peter Shaw of nPulse, +1-703-673-0044, ext 704,
press@npulsetech.com
Web Site: http://www.npulsetech.com/
TitleHub Launches The Next Generation of Residential Real Estate Title and Closing Services
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 12:07:01 PM
TitleHub Launches The Next Generation of Residential Real Estate Title and Closing Services
Enables Realtors, Buyers and Lenders To "Stay Informed" and "Stay Connected" To Their Real Estate Transactions
NEEDHAM, Mass., March 30 -- Utilizing cutting edge web technology and innovative online and social media marketing strategies, TitleHub Closing Services LLC (http://titlehub.com/) of Needham, Massachusetts announced its launch this week. TitleHub's mission is to transform the convoluted real estate closing process into an easy, customer-focused and technologically enhanced experience. TitleHub's founders believe the company will serve as the model for the next generation of residential real estate title and closing services.
Buyers, sellers, realtor and lenders will "stay informed" and "stay connected" to their transactions through:
-- Innovative, content-packed website (http://www.titlehub.com) which serves
as a convenient knowledge center for the legal process and issues
surrounding real estate.
-- "E-Closings" system. This is a secure on-line document management
system that allows borrowers and real estate professionals unlimited
real-time access to obtain status updates of their deals and the
ability to upload and download key transactional documents (recorded
condominium documents, executed Purchase and Sale Agreement, Good
Faith Estimate, HUD-1 Settlement Statement, etc). Click here for
more information.
-- Exclusive partnership with the Massachusetts Real Estate Law Blog, the
top ranked real estate legal blog in New England.
-- Social media interaction. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
and Active Rain.
-- Seminar Series; We offer topical seminars to realtors and lenders to
help them stay current with the complicated real estate legal
landscape as well as seminars to learn new marketing, blogging, and
social media techniques.
-- Paperless Solutions. We do have the ability to electronically record
deeds and mortgages at registry of deeds which offer the service. In
the future, we hope to be at the forefront of true e-closing paperless
transactions, once there is broader lender and regulatory acceptance.
TitleHub was created by two forward thinking real estate attorneys, Marc E. Canner of Needham, MA and Richard D. Vetstein of Framingham, MA. "We came to the conclusion that buyers, lenders and realtors are looking for more value from their closing attorneys. So we came up with this great platform to do exactly that--through our E-closing system, our website, blog and industry partnerships. We think this is the future of the industry," said Mr. Canner, the Chief Executive Officer of TitleHub.
About TitleHub Closing Services LLC
TitleHub Closing Services LLC (http://titlehub.com/) is a Needham, Massachusetts based, attorney owned and operated title and real estate closing services company. TitleHub can be followed on Twitter and Facebook.
The TitleHub Leadership Team
Marc E. Canner, Esq., President/CEO
Richard D. Vetstein, Esq., Vice President and Director of Marketing
Patrick T. Maddigan, Esq., Director of Operations & Business Development
CONTACT:
Richard D. Vetstein, Esq., Vice President + Director of Marketing
TitleHub Closing Services LLC
Tel: 781-247-4250
rvetstein@titlehub.com
Source: TitleHub Closing Services LLC
CONTACT: Richard D. Vetstein, Esq., Vice President + Director of
Marketing of TitleHub Closing Services LLC, +1-781-247-4250,
rvetstein@titlehub.com
Web Site: http://titlehub.com/
Enables Realtors, Buyers and Lenders To "Stay Informed" and "Stay Connected" To Their Real Estate Transactions
NEEDHAM, Mass., March 30 -- Utilizing cutting edge web technology and innovative online and social media marketing strategies, TitleHub Closing Services LLC (http://titlehub.com/) of Needham, Massachusetts announced its launch this week. TitleHub's mission is to transform the convoluted real estate closing process into an easy, customer-focused and technologically enhanced experience. TitleHub's founders believe the company will serve as the model for the next generation of residential real estate title and closing services.
Buyers, sellers, realtor and lenders will "stay informed" and "stay connected" to their transactions through:
-- Innovative, content-packed website (http://www.titlehub.com) which serves
as a convenient knowledge center for the legal process and issues
surrounding real estate.
-- "E-Closings" system. This is a secure on-line document management
system that allows borrowers and real estate professionals unlimited
real-time access to obtain status updates of their deals and the
ability to upload and download key transactional documents (recorded
condominium documents, executed Purchase and Sale Agreement, Good
Faith Estimate, HUD-1 Settlement Statement, etc). Click here for
more information.
-- Exclusive partnership with the Massachusetts Real Estate Law Blog, the
top ranked real estate legal blog in New England.
-- Social media interaction. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn
and Active Rain.
-- Seminar Series; We offer topical seminars to realtors and lenders to
help them stay current with the complicated real estate legal
landscape as well as seminars to learn new marketing, blogging, and
social media techniques.
-- Paperless Solutions. We do have the ability to electronically record
deeds and mortgages at registry of deeds which offer the service. In
the future, we hope to be at the forefront of true e-closing paperless
transactions, once there is broader lender and regulatory acceptance.
TitleHub was created by two forward thinking real estate attorneys, Marc E. Canner of Needham, MA and Richard D. Vetstein of Framingham, MA. "We came to the conclusion that buyers, lenders and realtors are looking for more value from their closing attorneys. So we came up with this great platform to do exactly that--through our E-closing system, our website, blog and industry partnerships. We think this is the future of the industry," said Mr. Canner, the Chief Executive Officer of TitleHub.
About TitleHub Closing Services LLC
TitleHub Closing Services LLC (http://titlehub.com/) is a Needham, Massachusetts based, attorney owned and operated title and real estate closing services company. TitleHub can be followed on Twitter and Facebook.
The TitleHub Leadership Team
Marc E. Canner, Esq., President/CEO
Richard D. Vetstein, Esq., Vice President and Director of Marketing
Patrick T. Maddigan, Esq., Director of Operations & Business Development
CONTACT:
Richard D. Vetstein, Esq., Vice President + Director of Marketing
TitleHub Closing Services LLC
Tel: 781-247-4250
rvetstein@titlehub.com
Source: TitleHub Closing Services LLC
CONTACT: Richard D. Vetstein, Esq., Vice President + Director of
Marketing of TitleHub Closing Services LLC, +1-781-247-4250,
rvetstein@titlehub.com
Web Site: http://titlehub.com/
Banca d'Italia, ICBPI and VocaLink Announce Their
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 11:56:01 AM
Cooperation to Make the Respective SEPA-schemes
Compliant Clearing and Settlement Mechanisms
Interoperable and to Broaden Reachability Throughout the
Single Euro Payments Area
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Banca d'Italia, ICBPI and VocaLink Announce Their Cooperation to Make the Respective SEPA-schemes Compliant Clearing and Settlement Mechanisms Interoperable and to Broaden Reachability Throughout the Single Euro Payments Area
LONDON, MILAN and ROME, March 30, 2010-- The Italian infrastructure for clearing and settlement of retail payments
(Clearing and Settlement Mechanism - CSM) ICBPI/BI-COMP, operated by Banca
d'Italia and Istituto Centrale delle Banche Popolari Italiane (ICBPI), and
the international payments specialist VocaLink today announced that they are
collaborating to establish a link for the exchange of SEPA payments based on
the European Automated Clearing House Association (EACHA) interoperability
standards. The customers of the two CSMs will thus be able to count on a
fast, cost-effective and reliable way of achieving mutual reach, with no need
for participation in the reachable CSM.
The provision of reciprocal interconnection services between the CSMs
managed by VocaLink and ICBPI/Banca d'Italia, allowing them to mutually
exchange (and settle in TARGET2) SEPA compliant payments on behalf of their
respective banking communities, will contribute to the SEPA aim of developing
a fully integrated and competitive retail market with no differences between
national and cross-border payments.
VocaLink and ICBPI/Banca d'Italia plan to enable their customers to
execute SEPA Credit Transfers already in the course of Q2 2010. Afterwards
the CSMs will start assessing the extension of the interoperability to the
SDDs as well.
Franco Passacantando, Managing Director for Central banking, markets and
payment system Area at Banca d'Italia, says: "The planned interoperability of
the Italian clearing system with the UK's VocaLink Euro CSM represents a
further initiative taken by Banca d'Italia to fully support the SEPA, also by
means of direct provision of services. It is a necessary step towards the
integration of the single European market for retail payments."
Giuseppe Capponcelli, General Manager at ICBPI, comments: "SEPA brings
unique challenges for European banks and corporates. ICBPI's involvement in
an interoperability arrangement with VocaLink will allow us to provide
additional services to banks working with either party."
Giacinto Cosenza, Italian Country Manager at VocaLink, adds: "We are
delighted to be working with the Italian infrastructures in this
strategically important market. This is a major milestone on the path to
deliver VocaLink's SEPA solutions to the Italian market while further growing
our CSM reach in continental Europe."
About Banca d'Italia
Banca d'Italia, the central bank of the Republic of Italy, manages the
multilateral clearing and settlement component (BI-COMP) of the Italian
retail payment system, which enables settlement in central bank money of euro
payments made by means of paper or electronic instruments. Entities acting in
free competition and in compliance with Banca d'Italia provisions on this
matter, among which ICBPI, carry out the activities preparatory to clearing
payments handled via electronic procedures. The transactions settled in 2008
by means of BI-COMP amounted to over 2 billion in volume, for a total value
of EUR3,440 billion, equal to 2.2 times the Italian GDP.
To foster the integration of the single market for retail payments in
euro, BI-COMP handles SEPA Credit Transfers following the launch of the SEPA
and, from November 2nd, 2009, SEPA Direct Debits (both Core and B2B). To
enable its community to exchange SEPA payments with participants in other
systems, the ICBPI/BI-COMP CSM has been made interoperable with other CSMs at
cross-border level (currently Equens and STEP.AT) according to the EACHA
model; moreover Banca d'Italia offers an "intermediation" service to exchange
SEPA payments with participants in the STEP2 system managed by EBA-Clearing.
About ICBPI
ICBPI GROUP is composed of highly experienced companies specialising in
the design, planning and management of services for banks, financial
institutions and insurance companies. In their respective areas of operation,
the companies in the Group are able to support clients in achieving growth
and a competitive market approach.
The main company of the group: ICBPI, is a "bank for banks" offering to
the banking system both domestic and international, SEPA compliant payment
services and systems, and accounting and financial services under a business
processing outsourcing model. Through other ICBPI Group companies, ICBPI is
market leader in a score of sectors: monetics, payments, bank-to-corporate
services, financial dashboard and data synthesis systems; monitor and alert
systems to supervision authorities, anti-money laundering, pension funds
managing, and compliance systems.
ICBPI holds together with its strategic partner ICCREA BANCA 45% of
domestic market in the Automated Clearing House services, is part of EACHA
(interoperable ACH at EU level) and supplies 33 direct and 428 indirect
partners with the SCT service. As for payments, ICBPI processes over 62
million cheques and bank drafts as well as pension payments from the Italian
National Social Security Institute in Italy and abroad. Within CBI Consortium
services it is a leading Institute in the Delegated Technical Structure
services with more than 170,000 active businesses and over 80 Access Point
Provider Banks.
About VocaLink
VocaLink is a specialist payments partner to banks, their corporate
customers and government departments, designing and delivering smarter
domestic and international automated euro payments systems as well as smarter
ATM switching solutions.
VocaLink's switching platform connects over 60,000 ATMs, the world's
busiest network, while VocaLink's payments platform processes over 500
million payments per month.
Having pioneered electronic payments for over 40 years, many major
organisations at international level have come to rely on VocaLink services.
For example, VocaLink runs Real-time Payments Platform, the central
infrastructure for the UK's Faster Payments Service, and is now the
outsourcee of the majority of Sweden's domestic payments thanks to its
partnership with BGC, Sweden's leading payments provider.
As for the service delivery, VocaLink's platforms operate on never-fail
technology to ensure total reliability and availability 24 hours a day to
meet customer needs.
In short, VocaLink smarter payments capabilities offer banks, corporates
and government departments reach throughout SEPA and beyond.
http://www.vocalink.com/
Source: VocaLink
PR contact: Deborah Souter, Corporate communications manager, VocaLink, Drake House,
Homestead Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1FX, United Kingdom, +44(0)8709208651, http://www.vocalink.com/, Confirmation email address: enquiries@pr-sending.co.uk
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Compliant Clearing and Settlement Mechanisms
Interoperable and to Broaden Reachability Throughout the
Single Euro Payments Area
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Banca d'Italia, ICBPI and VocaLink Announce Their Cooperation to Make the Respective SEPA-schemes Compliant Clearing and Settlement Mechanisms Interoperable and to Broaden Reachability Throughout the Single Euro Payments Area
LONDON, MILAN and ROME, March 30, 2010-- The Italian infrastructure for clearing and settlement of retail payments
(Clearing and Settlement Mechanism - CSM) ICBPI/BI-COMP, operated by Banca
d'Italia and Istituto Centrale delle Banche Popolari Italiane (ICBPI), and
the international payments specialist VocaLink today announced that they are
collaborating to establish a link for the exchange of SEPA payments based on
the European Automated Clearing House Association (EACHA) interoperability
standards. The customers of the two CSMs will thus be able to count on a
fast, cost-effective and reliable way of achieving mutual reach, with no need
for participation in the reachable CSM.
The provision of reciprocal interconnection services between the CSMs
managed by VocaLink and ICBPI/Banca d'Italia, allowing them to mutually
exchange (and settle in TARGET2) SEPA compliant payments on behalf of their
respective banking communities, will contribute to the SEPA aim of developing
a fully integrated and competitive retail market with no differences between
national and cross-border payments.
VocaLink and ICBPI/Banca d'Italia plan to enable their customers to
execute SEPA Credit Transfers already in the course of Q2 2010. Afterwards
the CSMs will start assessing the extension of the interoperability to the
SDDs as well.
Franco Passacantando, Managing Director for Central banking, markets and
payment system Area at Banca d'Italia, says: "The planned interoperability of
the Italian clearing system with the UK's VocaLink Euro CSM represents a
further initiative taken by Banca d'Italia to fully support the SEPA, also by
means of direct provision of services. It is a necessary step towards the
integration of the single European market for retail payments."
Giuseppe Capponcelli, General Manager at ICBPI, comments: "SEPA brings
unique challenges for European banks and corporates. ICBPI's involvement in
an interoperability arrangement with VocaLink will allow us to provide
additional services to banks working with either party."
Giacinto Cosenza, Italian Country Manager at VocaLink, adds: "We are
delighted to be working with the Italian infrastructures in this
strategically important market. This is a major milestone on the path to
deliver VocaLink's SEPA solutions to the Italian market while further growing
our CSM reach in continental Europe."
About Banca d'Italia
Banca d'Italia, the central bank of the Republic of Italy, manages the
multilateral clearing and settlement component (BI-COMP) of the Italian
retail payment system, which enables settlement in central bank money of euro
payments made by means of paper or electronic instruments. Entities acting in
free competition and in compliance with Banca d'Italia provisions on this
matter, among which ICBPI, carry out the activities preparatory to clearing
payments handled via electronic procedures. The transactions settled in 2008
by means of BI-COMP amounted to over 2 billion in volume, for a total value
of EUR3,440 billion, equal to 2.2 times the Italian GDP.
To foster the integration of the single market for retail payments in
euro, BI-COMP handles SEPA Credit Transfers following the launch of the SEPA
and, from November 2nd, 2009, SEPA Direct Debits (both Core and B2B). To
enable its community to exchange SEPA payments with participants in other
systems, the ICBPI/BI-COMP CSM has been made interoperable with other CSMs at
cross-border level (currently Equens and STEP.AT) according to the EACHA
model; moreover Banca d'Italia offers an "intermediation" service to exchange
SEPA payments with participants in the STEP2 system managed by EBA-Clearing.
About ICBPI
ICBPI GROUP is composed of highly experienced companies specialising in
the design, planning and management of services for banks, financial
institutions and insurance companies. In their respective areas of operation,
the companies in the Group are able to support clients in achieving growth
and a competitive market approach.
The main company of the group: ICBPI, is a "bank for banks" offering to
the banking system both domestic and international, SEPA compliant payment
services and systems, and accounting and financial services under a business
processing outsourcing model. Through other ICBPI Group companies, ICBPI is
market leader in a score of sectors: monetics, payments, bank-to-corporate
services, financial dashboard and data synthesis systems; monitor and alert
systems to supervision authorities, anti-money laundering, pension funds
managing, and compliance systems.
ICBPI holds together with its strategic partner ICCREA BANCA 45% of
domestic market in the Automated Clearing House services, is part of EACHA
(interoperable ACH at EU level) and supplies 33 direct and 428 indirect
partners with the SCT service. As for payments, ICBPI processes over 62
million cheques and bank drafts as well as pension payments from the Italian
National Social Security Institute in Italy and abroad. Within CBI Consortium
services it is a leading Institute in the Delegated Technical Structure
services with more than 170,000 active businesses and over 80 Access Point
Provider Banks.
About VocaLink
VocaLink is a specialist payments partner to banks, their corporate
customers and government departments, designing and delivering smarter
domestic and international automated euro payments systems as well as smarter
ATM switching solutions.
VocaLink's switching platform connects over 60,000 ATMs, the world's
busiest network, while VocaLink's payments platform processes over 500
million payments per month.
Having pioneered electronic payments for over 40 years, many major
organisations at international level have come to rely on VocaLink services.
For example, VocaLink runs Real-time Payments Platform, the central
infrastructure for the UK's Faster Payments Service, and is now the
outsourcee of the majority of Sweden's domestic payments thanks to its
partnership with BGC, Sweden's leading payments provider.
As for the service delivery, VocaLink's platforms operate on never-fail
technology to ensure total reliability and availability 24 hours a day to
meet customer needs.
In short, VocaLink smarter payments capabilities offer banks, corporates
and government departments reach throughout SEPA and beyond.
http://www.vocalink.com/
Source: VocaLink
PR contact: Deborah Souter, Corporate communications manager, VocaLink, Drake House,
Homestead Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1FX, United Kingdom, +44(0)8709208651, http://www.vocalink.com/, Confirmation email address: enquiries@pr-sending.co.uk
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Broadstripe Launches Broadstripe Business Class
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 11:28:01 AM
Broadstripe Launches Broadstripe Business Class
CHESTERFIELD, Mo., March 30 -- Broadstripe -- a leading cable, internet and phone provider serving communities in Michigan, Oregon, Maryland and Washington -- today announced the launch of a new tier of Broadstripe service, Broadstripe Business Class. Broadstripe Business Class provides highly reliable video, voice and data service that gives the underserved small business community in Broadstripe service areas a viable alternative to traditional phone companies and internet providers.
Broadstripe's Business Class suite of services are uniquely designed to help small businesses by providing a variety of telecommunications technologies that, historically, have been too expensive and inaccessible for smaller organizations. With Broadstripe Business Class, commercial customers now have access to Broadstripe's revolutionary Lifetime Price Guarantee bundles, 60-day, money-back guarantee and cost-effective triple play packages.
"We are thrilled to be able to expand our services to help small businesses work faster and more efficiently," said Tony Lent, Chief Commercial Officer at Broadstripe. "Our innovative, flexible Business Class bundles will help companies increase productivity and take their businesses to the next level."
Business Class customers can access a number of packages with features that can be tailored to meet the demands of individual businesses. Those features include, but are not limited to:
-- Auto attendant
-- IP-based technology
-- Expanded basic cable
-- Hunt groups
-- Business voice mail/email interaction
With package prices as low as $64.95 per month, Broadstripe's Business Class tier is one more example of the company's commitment to providing the best overall value in communications and entertainment. "Our Business Class line is designed to meet the needs of businesses that have long been ignored," said Lent. "Traditionally, these features have only been available to larger companies, and we are committed to providing best-in-class service to these underserved companies."
For more information on Broadstripe Business Class products and services, please call 1-877-MY-BRS-BIZ or visit http://www.broadstripe.com.
About Broadstripe
Broadstripe, a nationally recognized technology leader, is dedicated to providing its residential and business customers superior entertainment, communication products and outstanding customer service in all the markets it serves. Broadstripe provides a wide range of state-of-the-art digital cable, home phone and broadband internet services in communities in Michigan, Maryland, Oregon and Washington. A full listing of Broadstripe service areas can be found at http://www.broadstripe.com.
Source: Broadstripe
CONTACT: Tony Lent, Chief Commercial Officer, +1-517-319-3770,
tlent@broadstripe.com; Katy Cockrel, DP+Company, +1-248-489-8315,
kcockrel@dp-company.com
Web Site: http://www.broadstripe.com/
CHESTERFIELD, Mo., March 30 -- Broadstripe -- a leading cable, internet and phone provider serving communities in Michigan, Oregon, Maryland and Washington -- today announced the launch of a new tier of Broadstripe service, Broadstripe Business Class. Broadstripe Business Class provides highly reliable video, voice and data service that gives the underserved small business community in Broadstripe service areas a viable alternative to traditional phone companies and internet providers.
Broadstripe's Business Class suite of services are uniquely designed to help small businesses by providing a variety of telecommunications technologies that, historically, have been too expensive and inaccessible for smaller organizations. With Broadstripe Business Class, commercial customers now have access to Broadstripe's revolutionary Lifetime Price Guarantee bundles, 60-day, money-back guarantee and cost-effective triple play packages.
"We are thrilled to be able to expand our services to help small businesses work faster and more efficiently," said Tony Lent, Chief Commercial Officer at Broadstripe. "Our innovative, flexible Business Class bundles will help companies increase productivity and take their businesses to the next level."
Business Class customers can access a number of packages with features that can be tailored to meet the demands of individual businesses. Those features include, but are not limited to:
-- Auto attendant
-- IP-based technology
-- Expanded basic cable
-- Hunt groups
-- Business voice mail/email interaction
With package prices as low as $64.95 per month, Broadstripe's Business Class tier is one more example of the company's commitment to providing the best overall value in communications and entertainment. "Our Business Class line is designed to meet the needs of businesses that have long been ignored," said Lent. "Traditionally, these features have only been available to larger companies, and we are committed to providing best-in-class service to these underserved companies."
For more information on Broadstripe Business Class products and services, please call 1-877-MY-BRS-BIZ or visit http://www.broadstripe.com.
About Broadstripe
Broadstripe, a nationally recognized technology leader, is dedicated to providing its residential and business customers superior entertainment, communication products and outstanding customer service in all the markets it serves. Broadstripe provides a wide range of state-of-the-art digital cable, home phone and broadband internet services in communities in Michigan, Maryland, Oregon and Washington. A full listing of Broadstripe service areas can be found at http://www.broadstripe.com.
Source: Broadstripe
CONTACT: Tony Lent, Chief Commercial Officer, +1-517-319-3770,
tlent@broadstripe.com; Katy Cockrel, DP+Company, +1-248-489-8315,
kcockrel@dp-company.com
Web Site: http://www.broadstripe.com/
Bourns Integrates Two Polymer Positive Temperature Coefficient Resettable Fuses into a Single Package
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 11:07:01 AM
Bourns Integrates Two Polymer Positive Temperature Coefficient Resettable Fuses into a Single Package
Bourns New Multifuse(R) Product Decreases Circuit Protection Footprint by Fifty Percent on the Circuit Board
RIVERSIDE, Calif., March 30 -- Bourns, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, today announced that the company has integrated two polymer positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) resettable fuses into a single package. This new Multifuse® device contains twin 250V polymer PTC resettable fuses and decreases the circuit protection footprint by fifty percent on the circuit board. Designated the Bourns® Model MF-SD013/250-2, the device provides both tip and ring overcurrent protection and aids compliance with ITU-T K.20, K21 and K.45 industry standards as well as Telcordia GR-1089 intra building. Bourns® Multifuse® devices are an optimal solution for telecommunication applications including customer premise equipment and line cards.
"In response to growing demands for smaller devices that use less circuit board real estate, Bourns has innovatively packaged two Multifuse® PPTC devices together that protect both tip and ring lines into just one component instead of two," said Paul Wiener, telecom market director for Bourns' circuit protection products. "Bourns' new Multifuse® products deliver superior overcurrent and overvoltage circuit protection and also comply with key industry standards."
Pricing and Availability
Bourns® Multifuse® Model MF-SD013/250-2 is available now. As a pricing reference, the new Multifuse® device with twin polymer PTC resettable fuses is priced from $0.50 in 400 piece quantities per reel. For complete specifications, go to Bourns' website: http://www.bourns.com/ProductLine.aspx?name=polymer_ptc_resettable_fuses_multi fuse
About Bourns
Bourns, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of automotive sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic products, microelectronic modules, trimming and precision potentiometers, panel controls and encoders and resistive products. Headquartered in Riverside, CA, Bourns serves a broad range of markets, including telecommunications, computer, industrial, instrumentation, automotive, consumer, non-critical life support medical, audio and various other market segments. Bourns® products are manufactured according to ISO-9000 standards under Six Sigma quality programs. Bourns® automotive products are manufactured in accordance with the TS16949 standard. Additional company and product information is available at the company's website at http://www.bourns.com.
Bourns®, the Bourns logo and Multifuse® are registered trademarks of Bourns, Inc. and may be used only with the permission of Bourns and proper acknowledgement. Other listed names and brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Agency Contact:
Annette Keller
Keller Communication
(949) 640-4811
annettekeller@sbcglobal.net
Company Contact:
Mikelyn Bridges
Bourns, Inc.
(951) 781-5397
mike.bridges@bourns.com
Source: Bourns, Inc.
CONTACT: Annette Keller of Keller Communication, +1-949-640-4811,
annettekeller@sbcglobal.net, for Bourns, Inc.; or Mikelyn Bridges of Bourns,
Inc., +1-951-781-5397, mike.bridges@bourns.com
Web Site: http://www.bourns.com/
Bourns New Multifuse(R) Product Decreases Circuit Protection Footprint by Fifty Percent on the Circuit Board
RIVERSIDE, Calif., March 30 -- Bourns, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, today announced that the company has integrated two polymer positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) resettable fuses into a single package. This new Multifuse® device contains twin 250V polymer PTC resettable fuses and decreases the circuit protection footprint by fifty percent on the circuit board. Designated the Bourns® Model MF-SD013/250-2, the device provides both tip and ring overcurrent protection and aids compliance with ITU-T K.20, K21 and K.45 industry standards as well as Telcordia GR-1089 intra building. Bourns® Multifuse® devices are an optimal solution for telecommunication applications including customer premise equipment and line cards.
"In response to growing demands for smaller devices that use less circuit board real estate, Bourns has innovatively packaged two Multifuse® PPTC devices together that protect both tip and ring lines into just one component instead of two," said Paul Wiener, telecom market director for Bourns' circuit protection products. "Bourns' new Multifuse® products deliver superior overcurrent and overvoltage circuit protection and also comply with key industry standards."
Pricing and Availability
Bourns® Multifuse® Model MF-SD013/250-2 is available now. As a pricing reference, the new Multifuse® device with twin polymer PTC resettable fuses is priced from $0.50 in 400 piece quantities per reel. For complete specifications, go to Bourns' website: http://www.bourns.com/ProductLine.aspx?name=polymer_ptc_resettable_fuses_multi fuse
About Bourns
Bourns, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of automotive sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic products, microelectronic modules, trimming and precision potentiometers, panel controls and encoders and resistive products. Headquartered in Riverside, CA, Bourns serves a broad range of markets, including telecommunications, computer, industrial, instrumentation, automotive, consumer, non-critical life support medical, audio and various other market segments. Bourns® products are manufactured according to ISO-9000 standards under Six Sigma quality programs. Bourns® automotive products are manufactured in accordance with the TS16949 standard. Additional company and product information is available at the company's website at http://www.bourns.com.
Bourns®, the Bourns logo and Multifuse® are registered trademarks of Bourns, Inc. and may be used only with the permission of Bourns and proper acknowledgement. Other listed names and brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Agency Contact:
Annette Keller
Keller Communication
(949) 640-4811
annettekeller@sbcglobal.net
Company Contact:
Mikelyn Bridges
Bourns, Inc.
(951) 781-5397
mike.bridges@bourns.com
Source: Bourns, Inc.
CONTACT: Annette Keller of Keller Communication, +1-949-640-4811,
annettekeller@sbcglobal.net, for Bourns, Inc.; or Mikelyn Bridges of Bourns,
Inc., +1-951-781-5397, mike.bridges@bourns.com
Web Site: http://www.bourns.com/
Get The Latest 2010 Summer Bags for FREE at Sinamalls.com
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 11:07:01 AM
Get The Latest 2010 Summer Bags for FREE at Sinamalls.com
HONG KONG, March 30 -- Get the latest 2010 summer bags for FREE? And the bags designed by dozens of European professional designers? YES! It is an experience activity from Hong Kong online seller Sinamalls.com (http://www.sinamalls.com/bags/ ). On this website, anyone can apply for the limited number of new bags. After they receive the bags, they will be asked to put forward their suggestions on their design.
Isn't it crazy? Don't you guys even care about the cost? This doubt came from Sinamalls member Mary, a Miami girl. But Hong Kong analyst Jeff Lau considered it as a brand new marketing strategy. The designers' company's offering of free bags is a promotion expenses to collect consumers' feedback. And he also said that, although most main brand fashion bag designers are in Europe and America, 70% of the bags are manufactured in China. In Shenzhen, China, there are many companies and factories manufacturing bags for Burberry, Gucci, Coach, Armani, and some other top-ranking brands. They have commissioned Sinamalls to take charge of the experience activity and collect consumers' feedback to help influence bag design for the next season.
With regard to the experience activity, Sinamalls CEO Nemo said that they would offer 50 bags for each style, and Sinamalls would be in charge of feedback collection. All the bills would be paid by the designers' company, not people who receive bags. However, since the bags must be sent from China, a weight-based postage fee will need to be paid by anybody who desires a bag.
The first batch of ladies bags from Sinamalls includes: A women's long wallet, made with environmental materials, with shoulder bag and leather satchel. The topic will be youth, freedom and passion. A Fresh and bright lotus pink, soft pure color, varied shape, and the design of mixed floral patterns, pleat, lace and feather in large area will be a trend. The Tahiti Girls Series Long Wallet is an example. The inspiration came from Tahiti Girls in the Pacific, who make flowers, leaves and shells as their dresses, just like the natural and passionate Tahiti traditional music. The metal flakes on the wallet represent the shells, the flowers are dedicated embroidery and the blue leather is just like the vast Pacific Ocean. Speaking of the Women's leather Shoulder bag, named Miss Saigon, the designer's inspiration came from the Saigon girls in traditional ethnic costumes. Also, the Ladies Shoulder Bag in American pastoral style with green materials, weaved with natural grass, is always the designer's pursuit of the original sense of material and exquisite workmanship.
Madam Lisa, the Trend Commissioner from Paris Fashion College, Shanghai University, declared that in 2010 summer ladies bags will focus on bright colors, casual and vintage styles and environmentally friendly materials. These features perfectly match with those of the bags from Sinamalls, however whether the Sinamalls bags will be popular to European and American ladies will be decided by the trial users.
About Sinamalls.com
Sinamalls.com is an e-commerce business dedicated to global trade based in HongKong. Last year, Sinamalls.com received venture capital from the United States. It is committed to providing customers worldwide with Chinese-made products through its online platform. Sinamalls.com currently has more than 10 top Chinese suppliers and over 10,000 kinds of products, including auto supplies, cell phone peripherals, game peripherals, computer equipment and much more.
Source: Sinamalls.com
CONTACT: Linda Liang, +86-755-26474888, cs@sinamalls.com
Web site: http://www.sinamalls.com/bags
HONG KONG, March 30 -- Get the latest 2010 summer bags for FREE? And the bags designed by dozens of European professional designers? YES! It is an experience activity from Hong Kong online seller Sinamalls.com (http://www.sinamalls.com/bags/ ). On this website, anyone can apply for the limited number of new bags. After they receive the bags, they will be asked to put forward their suggestions on their design.
Isn't it crazy? Don't you guys even care about the cost? This doubt came from Sinamalls member Mary, a Miami girl. But Hong Kong analyst Jeff Lau considered it as a brand new marketing strategy. The designers' company's offering of free bags is a promotion expenses to collect consumers' feedback. And he also said that, although most main brand fashion bag designers are in Europe and America, 70% of the bags are manufactured in China. In Shenzhen, China, there are many companies and factories manufacturing bags for Burberry, Gucci, Coach, Armani, and some other top-ranking brands. They have commissioned Sinamalls to take charge of the experience activity and collect consumers' feedback to help influence bag design for the next season.
With regard to the experience activity, Sinamalls CEO Nemo said that they would offer 50 bags for each style, and Sinamalls would be in charge of feedback collection. All the bills would be paid by the designers' company, not people who receive bags. However, since the bags must be sent from China, a weight-based postage fee will need to be paid by anybody who desires a bag.
The first batch of ladies bags from Sinamalls includes: A women's long wallet, made with environmental materials, with shoulder bag and leather satchel. The topic will be youth, freedom and passion. A Fresh and bright lotus pink, soft pure color, varied shape, and the design of mixed floral patterns, pleat, lace and feather in large area will be a trend. The Tahiti Girls Series Long Wallet is an example. The inspiration came from Tahiti Girls in the Pacific, who make flowers, leaves and shells as their dresses, just like the natural and passionate Tahiti traditional music. The metal flakes on the wallet represent the shells, the flowers are dedicated embroidery and the blue leather is just like the vast Pacific Ocean. Speaking of the Women's leather Shoulder bag, named Miss Saigon, the designer's inspiration came from the Saigon girls in traditional ethnic costumes. Also, the Ladies Shoulder Bag in American pastoral style with green materials, weaved with natural grass, is always the designer's pursuit of the original sense of material and exquisite workmanship.
Madam Lisa, the Trend Commissioner from Paris Fashion College, Shanghai University, declared that in 2010 summer ladies bags will focus on bright colors, casual and vintage styles and environmentally friendly materials. These features perfectly match with those of the bags from Sinamalls, however whether the Sinamalls bags will be popular to European and American ladies will be decided by the trial users.
About Sinamalls.com
Sinamalls.com is an e-commerce business dedicated to global trade based in HongKong. Last year, Sinamalls.com received venture capital from the United States. It is committed to providing customers worldwide with Chinese-made products through its online platform. Sinamalls.com currently has more than 10 top Chinese suppliers and over 10,000 kinds of products, including auto supplies, cell phone peripherals, game peripherals, computer equipment and much more.
Source: Sinamalls.com
CONTACT: Linda Liang, +86-755-26474888, cs@sinamalls.com
Web site: http://www.sinamalls.com/bags
Publicis Groupe Acquires a Minority Stake of
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:56:01 AM
Brazilian Agency Taterka Comunicacoes
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Publicis Groupe Acquires a Minority Stake of Brazilian Agency Taterka Comunicacoes
PARIS, March 30, 2010-- Publicis Groupe announced today that it has acquired a
minority stake (5%) in Taterka Comunicacoes (Taterka), an advertising agency
based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This move once again illustrates Publicis
Groupe's ongoing commitment to strengthen its presence in emerging markets.
The agency, established by Dorian Taterka in 1993, has
achieved outstanding performance, in particular by expanding its footprint
throughout 18 countries in the Latin America region. With 120 professionals,
Taterka is a full-fledged agency, offering services to a broad range of
international and Brazilian clients, including McDonald's (in Brazil and 17
other Latin American markets), Natura (in Brazil and in 4 other Latin
American markets), Credit Suisse, BMW, Bayer (men's health), Bosch
(institutional) and Saraiva Bookstore (largest bookstore chain in Latin
America).
Taterka will continue to operate on a stand-alone basis and
will not be aligned with a Publicis Groupe global advertising network.
About Taterka
Taterka is a full service advertising agency of 120 professionals based
in Sao Paulo (Brazil). Since its foundation by Dorian Taterka in 1993, the
agency built its reputation through outstanding services to McDonald's,
initially in Brazil and subsequently across Latin America. During the last
few years, Taterka expanded its services to a wide number of international
and Brazilian clients, including Natura Cosmetics, Credit Suisse, BMW, Bayer,
Saraiva bookstore, among others. Their passion for the brands, not to mention
precise creativity, strategic counsel and excellent execution, has reflected
in continued client satisfaction and market recognition. Taterka is placed
among the most reputable agencies of the Brazilian market. Web site:
http://www.taterka.com.br
About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris: FR0000130577] is the world's third
largest communications group. In addition, it is ranked as the world's second
largest media agency, and is a global leader in digital and healthcare
communications. With activities spanning 104 countries on five continents,
the Groupe employs approximately 45,000 professionals. Publicis Groupe offers
local and international clients a complete range of advertising services
through three global advertising networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi &
Saatchi, and two multi-hub networks, Fallon and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle
Hegarty. Media consultancy and buying is offered through two worldwide
networks, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia; and interactive and
digital marketing led by Digitas and Razorfish. Publicis Groupe launched
VivaKi to leverage the combined scale of the autonomous operations of
Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group, Denuo and ZenithOptimedia to
develop new services, tools, and next generation digital platforms. Publicis
Groupe's Specialized Agencies and Marketing Services offer healthcare
communications, corporate and financial communications, sustainability
communications, shopper marketing, public relations, CRM and direct
marketing, event and sports marketing, and multicultural communications. Web
site: http://www.publicisgroupe.com
Source: Publicis Groupe Services
CONTACTS: Taterka, Perspectiva Assessoria de Comunicacao Ltda, Luciana Vidigal, luciana.vidigal@perspectivabrasil.com.br, +55-11-3706-3333 ; Publicis Groupe, Peggy Nahmany, Corporate Communications, peggy.nahmany@publicisgroupe.com, +33(0)1-44-43-72-83; Martine Hue, Investor Relations, Martine.hue@publicisgroupe.com, +33(0)1-44-43-65-00
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Publicis Groupe Acquires a Minority Stake of Brazilian Agency Taterka Comunicacoes
PARIS, March 30, 2010-- Publicis Groupe announced today that it has acquired a
minority stake (5%) in Taterka Comunicacoes (Taterka), an advertising agency
based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This move once again illustrates Publicis
Groupe's ongoing commitment to strengthen its presence in emerging markets.
The agency, established by Dorian Taterka in 1993, has
achieved outstanding performance, in particular by expanding its footprint
throughout 18 countries in the Latin America region. With 120 professionals,
Taterka is a full-fledged agency, offering services to a broad range of
international and Brazilian clients, including McDonald's (in Brazil and 17
other Latin American markets), Natura (in Brazil and in 4 other Latin
American markets), Credit Suisse, BMW, Bayer (men's health), Bosch
(institutional) and Saraiva Bookstore (largest bookstore chain in Latin
America).
Taterka will continue to operate on a stand-alone basis and
will not be aligned with a Publicis Groupe global advertising network.
About Taterka
Taterka is a full service advertising agency of 120 professionals based
in Sao Paulo (Brazil). Since its foundation by Dorian Taterka in 1993, the
agency built its reputation through outstanding services to McDonald's,
initially in Brazil and subsequently across Latin America. During the last
few years, Taterka expanded its services to a wide number of international
and Brazilian clients, including Natura Cosmetics, Credit Suisse, BMW, Bayer,
Saraiva bookstore, among others. Their passion for the brands, not to mention
precise creativity, strategic counsel and excellent execution, has reflected
in continued client satisfaction and market recognition. Taterka is placed
among the most reputable agencies of the Brazilian market. Web site:
http://www.taterka.com.br
About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris: FR0000130577] is the world's third
largest communications group. In addition, it is ranked as the world's second
largest media agency, and is a global leader in digital and healthcare
communications. With activities spanning 104 countries on five continents,
the Groupe employs approximately 45,000 professionals. Publicis Groupe offers
local and international clients a complete range of advertising services
through three global advertising networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi &
Saatchi, and two multi-hub networks, Fallon and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle
Hegarty. Media consultancy and buying is offered through two worldwide
networks, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia; and interactive and
digital marketing led by Digitas and Razorfish. Publicis Groupe launched
VivaKi to leverage the combined scale of the autonomous operations of
Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group, Denuo and ZenithOptimedia to
develop new services, tools, and next generation digital platforms. Publicis
Groupe's Specialized Agencies and Marketing Services offer healthcare
communications, corporate and financial communications, sustainability
communications, shopper marketing, public relations, CRM and direct
marketing, event and sports marketing, and multicultural communications. Web
site: http://www.publicisgroupe.com
Source: Publicis Groupe Services
CONTACTS: Taterka, Perspectiva Assessoria de Comunicacao Ltda, Luciana Vidigal, luciana.vidigal@perspectivabrasil.com.br, +55-11-3706-3333 ; Publicis Groupe, Peggy Nahmany, Corporate Communications, peggy.nahmany@publicisgroupe.com, +33(0)1-44-43-72-83; Martine Hue, Investor Relations, Martine.hue@publicisgroupe.com, +33(0)1-44-43-65-00
-------
Profile: Tech
------=_Part_89291_17340562
Speakeasy Offers Free Phones; Eliminates Financial Barriers for Businesses Switching to VoIP
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:56:01 AM
Speakeasy Offers Free Phones; Eliminates Financial Barriers for Businesses Switching to VoIP
SEATTLE, March 30 -- Speakeasy (http://www.speakeasy.net), a Best Buy company (NYSE:BBY) and one of the nation's leading broadband and voice service providers, today eliminated one of the last barriers to VoIP adoption, offering free IP phones to new business customers. For a limited-time only, Speakeasy is including, free of charge, Polycom SoundPoint IP 321 VoIP-enabled phones to new business customers who purchase unlimited or global Hosted Voice calling plans and have a minimum of five lines.
According to a report by In-Stat, VoIP is expected to see 79 percent penetration among U.S. businesses in the next three years, up from 33 percent of businesses currently using VoIP. Speakeasy hopes to accelerate this growth trend, lowering the barrier even further by eliminating up front phone costs with its promotion.
"The benefits of switching to Hosted Voice are clear and proven," said Bruce Chatterley, Speakeasy CEO. "And although the savings pay off over time, companies can be discouraged by the upfront financial hurdle of purchasing new phones. By taking the cost of new phones out of the purchase decision, companies now have no reason not to make the switch."
The benefits of Hosted Voice from Speakeasy include:
-- Free desktop IP phones
-- Free nationwide unlimited calling
-- Clear sound quality
-- Easy switching and installation process
-- No PBX or key system to buy or maintain
-- Advanced features unavailable with traditional phone service, such as
Remote Office and Find Me/Follow Me
-- Prices as low as $27.95/month/employee
In addition to offering a free Polycom SoundPoint IP 321 to new customers (MSRP $139), Speakeasy is also announcing their new hardware lineup including two new Polycom phones and three new Cisco phones. Speakeasy's phone lineup now includes the Polycom SoundPoint IP 335, 650, 670, and SoundStation IP 6000; as well as the Cisco SPA 504G, SPA 509G and SPA 525G. Special prices are available for a limited time only for customers wishing to upgrade from the free phone offer to one of these new models.
For more information about the free phone promo, visit http://www.speakeasy.net/promos/freephone/. For more information on the benefits of switching to Hosted Voice, visit http://www.speakeasy.net/pdf/SPK_WP_HostedVoiceTop10.pdf, and for details about Speakeasy's hardware lineup, visit http://www.speakeasy.net/hardware.
About Speakeasy
Speakeasy is one of the nation's leading broadband and voice (VoIP) service providers. Speakeasy helps small businesses succeed by offering simplified voice and data solutions that improve the customer experience, increase employee productivity and help cut costs. Based in Seattle, Speakeasy has provided award-winning customer service since 1994 and joined the Best Buy family of companies in April 2007, working with Best Buy For Business to champion technology for small businesses throughout the U.S. Visit Speakeasy at http://www.speakeasy.net or call 800.556.5829. Follow Speakeasy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/speakeasynet.
Source: Speakeasy
CONTACT: Andy Kill, +1-650-691-7311, kill@airfoilpr.com
Web Site: http://www.speakeasy.net/
SEATTLE, March 30 -- Speakeasy (http://www.speakeasy.net), a Best Buy company (NYSE:BBY) and one of the nation's leading broadband and voice service providers, today eliminated one of the last barriers to VoIP adoption, offering free IP phones to new business customers. For a limited-time only, Speakeasy is including, free of charge, Polycom SoundPoint IP 321 VoIP-enabled phones to new business customers who purchase unlimited or global Hosted Voice calling plans and have a minimum of five lines.
According to a report by In-Stat, VoIP is expected to see 79 percent penetration among U.S. businesses in the next three years, up from 33 percent of businesses currently using VoIP. Speakeasy hopes to accelerate this growth trend, lowering the barrier even further by eliminating up front phone costs with its promotion.
"The benefits of switching to Hosted Voice are clear and proven," said Bruce Chatterley, Speakeasy CEO. "And although the savings pay off over time, companies can be discouraged by the upfront financial hurdle of purchasing new phones. By taking the cost of new phones out of the purchase decision, companies now have no reason not to make the switch."
The benefits of Hosted Voice from Speakeasy include:
-- Free desktop IP phones
-- Free nationwide unlimited calling
-- Clear sound quality
-- Easy switching and installation process
-- No PBX or key system to buy or maintain
-- Advanced features unavailable with traditional phone service, such as
Remote Office and Find Me/Follow Me
-- Prices as low as $27.95/month/employee
In addition to offering a free Polycom SoundPoint IP 321 to new customers (MSRP $139), Speakeasy is also announcing their new hardware lineup including two new Polycom phones and three new Cisco phones. Speakeasy's phone lineup now includes the Polycom SoundPoint IP 335, 650, 670, and SoundStation IP 6000; as well as the Cisco SPA 504G, SPA 509G and SPA 525G. Special prices are available for a limited time only for customers wishing to upgrade from the free phone offer to one of these new models.
For more information about the free phone promo, visit http://www.speakeasy.net/promos/freephone/. For more information on the benefits of switching to Hosted Voice, visit http://www.speakeasy.net/pdf/SPK_WP_HostedVoiceTop10.pdf, and for details about Speakeasy's hardware lineup, visit http://www.speakeasy.net/hardware.
About Speakeasy
Speakeasy is one of the nation's leading broadband and voice (VoIP) service providers. Speakeasy helps small businesses succeed by offering simplified voice and data solutions that improve the customer experience, increase employee productivity and help cut costs. Based in Seattle, Speakeasy has provided award-winning customer service since 1994 and joined the Best Buy family of companies in April 2007, working with Best Buy For Business to champion technology for small businesses throughout the U.S. Visit Speakeasy at http://www.speakeasy.net or call 800.556.5829. Follow Speakeasy on Twitter at http://twitter.com/speakeasynet.
Source: Speakeasy
CONTACT: Andy Kill, +1-650-691-7311, kill@airfoilpr.com
Web Site: http://www.speakeasy.net/
TSCP Chairman Addresses A&D Cybersecurity Forum
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:56:01 AM
TSCP Chairman Addresses A&D Cybersecurity Forum
Presents Standards for Secure Information Sharing
HERNDON, Va., March 30 -- Keith Ward, Northrop Grumman's director of enterprise security and identity management and Transglobal Secure Collaboration Program (TSCP) chairman, will join a panel of experts at the Aviation Week Aerospace & Defense (A&D) Cybersecurity Forum. Together, they will discuss what's being done to provide common standards for secure information sharing and cross-domain collaboration in A&D. Ward will share how TSCP defines and tests secure information sharing requirements to protect critical information across organizations and international borders.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091221/NE28882LOGO )
WHAT: "Global Alliances Panel"
WHO: Keith Ward, TSCP Chairman, Northrop Grumman Director,
Enterprise Identity Management
WHEN: Weds., March 31, 2010
9:45 - 10:45 ET
WHERE: Aviation Week A&D Cybersecurity Forum
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
Several key TSCP stakeholders will also offer high-level insight on a wide variety of cybersecurity topics. Member company executives speaking at this event include:
-- Linda Meeks, Chief Information Security Officer, The Boeing Company
-- Anne Mullins, Chief Information Security Officer, Lockheed Martin
Corporation
-- John Osterholz, VP Cyber Warfare and Cybersecurity, BAE Systems
-- Rebecca Rhoads, VP & CIO, Raytheon Company
-- Philippe Laflandre, VP & Head of Program Secure Information
Management, EADS
About TSCP
TSCP is the only global government-industry partnership specifically focused on designing solutions to address the most critical issues facing the A&D industry: mitigating the compliance, complexity, cost and IT security risks inherent in large-scale, multi-national collaborative programs. TSCP was founded in 2002, and has delivered several specifications and guidance documents on securing A&D supply chain data. The group today focuses on identity federation policies and governance. TSCP is open to government organizations, prime contractors, integrators, suppliers and member trade groups. For more information, please visit http://www.tscp.org.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091221/NE28882LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: TSCP
CONTACT: Rachel Round, Corporate Ink Public Relations, +1-617-969-9192,
rround@corporateink.com
Web Site: http://www.tscp.org/
Presents Standards for Secure Information Sharing
HERNDON, Va., March 30 -- Keith Ward, Northrop Grumman's director of enterprise security and identity management and Transglobal Secure Collaboration Program (TSCP) chairman, will join a panel of experts at the Aviation Week Aerospace & Defense (A&D) Cybersecurity Forum. Together, they will discuss what's being done to provide common standards for secure information sharing and cross-domain collaboration in A&D. Ward will share how TSCP defines and tests secure information sharing requirements to protect critical information across organizations and international borders.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091221/NE28882LOGO )
WHAT: "Global Alliances Panel"
WHO: Keith Ward, TSCP Chairman, Northrop Grumman Director,
Enterprise Identity Management
WHEN: Weds., March 31, 2010
9:45 - 10:45 ET
WHERE: Aviation Week A&D Cybersecurity Forum
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
Several key TSCP stakeholders will also offer high-level insight on a wide variety of cybersecurity topics. Member company executives speaking at this event include:
-- Linda Meeks, Chief Information Security Officer, The Boeing Company
-- Anne Mullins, Chief Information Security Officer, Lockheed Martin
Corporation
-- John Osterholz, VP Cyber Warfare and Cybersecurity, BAE Systems
-- Rebecca Rhoads, VP & CIO, Raytheon Company
-- Philippe Laflandre, VP & Head of Program Secure Information
Management, EADS
About TSCP
TSCP is the only global government-industry partnership specifically focused on designing solutions to address the most critical issues facing the A&D industry: mitigating the compliance, complexity, cost and IT security risks inherent in large-scale, multi-national collaborative programs. TSCP was founded in 2002, and has delivered several specifications and guidance documents on securing A&D supply chain data. The group today focuses on identity federation policies and governance. TSCP is open to government organizations, prime contractors, integrators, suppliers and member trade groups. For more information, please visit http://www.tscp.org.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091221/NE28882LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: TSCP
CONTACT: Rachel Round, Corporate Ink Public Relations, +1-617-969-9192,
rround@corporateink.com
Web Site: http://www.tscp.org/
Random House's Princeton Review Books Launches New Facebook App -- 'Cracking the SAT(R) Championship'
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:49:01 AM
Random House's Princeton Review Books Launches New Facebook App -- 'Cracking the SAT(R) Championship'
NEW YORK, March 30 -- For the more than two million teens annually applying to colleges, the SAT is no laughing matter. SAT scores can impact whether students get accepted by the college of their dreams as well as scholarship, grant and financial aid award decisions.
But a new Facebook application from Random House's Princeton Review Books offers teens a fun-spirited way to sharpen their SAT test-taking skills and challenge their friends to SAT study competitions. Titled "Cracking the SAT Championship," the free application can be accessed at http://apps.facebook.com/princetonreviewhome/ and also http://www.PrincetonReviewBooks.com (a Facebook profile is required).
Students using the "Cracking the SAT Championship" application can:
-- Take SAT prep quizzes.
Based on content from The Princeton Review SAT prep books, the application's six quizzes include three in Math (Geometry, Algebra, and Arithmetic) and three to build skills for the SAT Critical Reading and Writing sections (Error ID: Grammar, Error ID: Effectiveness, and Sentence Completion). Each quiz has five multiple-choice questions.
-- Get SAT study tips.
After taking each quiz, users get complete answer explanations and advice for scoring their best on each question type.
-- Earn SAT prep "bragging rights" medals.
Depending on how well they score on quizzes, users can earn gold, silver, or bronze medals to post on their Facebook walls.
-- Challenge friends to SAT study competitions and reward them with
"gifts."
Users can send messages to their Facebook friends, invite them to take the quizzes, and send them free study aid gifts. Among the 20 gift icon choices: a thinking cap, calculator, and cluster of #2 pencils.
"While students can be highly competitive about their SAT scores, we developed this app to give teens a way to have fun preparing for the test, reduce some stress about it, and pick up skills that may improve their scores," said Tom Russell, Publisher at Random House of the Princeton Review books. Russell added, "This app is just one of many ways we are creatively re-purposing content from our Princeton Review books to support and expand our customer base, as well as to broaden awareness of The Princeton Review brand."
About Random House / Princeton Review Books
Random House, Inc. has published Princeton Review Books since 1986 when the line debuted with The Princeton Review's Cracking the SAT (the only test-prep guide ever to be a New York Times bestseller). Now more than 150 titles strong, the line includes nearly 100 test-prep guides, 30 study aid books, and guides to colleges and graduate schools. Other SAT resources in the line include 11 Practice Tests for the SAT & PSAT, eight SAT subject test guides, and Essential SAT Vocabulary, a flashcard set. The Princeton Review also has an iPhone®/iPod® app titled "SAT Vocab Challenge."
The Princeton Review (http://www.PrincetonReview.com), a leading provider of test preparation and online career education services, is known also for its courses, tutoring programs, and college and graduate school admission services. Based in Framingham MA, it is not affiliated with Princeton University and not a magazine.
SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Board.
iTunes® and iPod® are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.
Facebook is considered the world's biggest social media network with more than 400 million users, including 100 million in the U.S., of which 5.6 million were in the 0-17 age range in 2009.
http://www.randomhouse.com/princetonreview
Source: Random House / Princeton Review Books
CONTACT: Jeanne Krier, Publicist, Random House / Princeton Review Books,
+1-212-539-1350, Jeanne@jeannerkrier.com, for interviews or screen shots.
Web Site: http://www.randomhouse.com/princetonreview
NEW YORK, March 30 -- For the more than two million teens annually applying to colleges, the SAT is no laughing matter. SAT scores can impact whether students get accepted by the college of their dreams as well as scholarship, grant and financial aid award decisions.
But a new Facebook application from Random House's Princeton Review Books offers teens a fun-spirited way to sharpen their SAT test-taking skills and challenge their friends to SAT study competitions. Titled "Cracking the SAT Championship," the free application can be accessed at http://apps.facebook.com/princetonreviewhome/ and also http://www.PrincetonReviewBooks.com (a Facebook profile is required).
Students using the "Cracking the SAT Championship" application can:
-- Take SAT prep quizzes.
Based on content from The Princeton Review SAT prep books, the application's six quizzes include three in Math (Geometry, Algebra, and Arithmetic) and three to build skills for the SAT Critical Reading and Writing sections (Error ID: Grammar, Error ID: Effectiveness, and Sentence Completion). Each quiz has five multiple-choice questions.
-- Get SAT study tips.
After taking each quiz, users get complete answer explanations and advice for scoring their best on each question type.
-- Earn SAT prep "bragging rights" medals.
Depending on how well they score on quizzes, users can earn gold, silver, or bronze medals to post on their Facebook walls.
-- Challenge friends to SAT study competitions and reward them with
"gifts."
Users can send messages to their Facebook friends, invite them to take the quizzes, and send them free study aid gifts. Among the 20 gift icon choices: a thinking cap, calculator, and cluster of #2 pencils.
"While students can be highly competitive about their SAT scores, we developed this app to give teens a way to have fun preparing for the test, reduce some stress about it, and pick up skills that may improve their scores," said Tom Russell, Publisher at Random House of the Princeton Review books. Russell added, "This app is just one of many ways we are creatively re-purposing content from our Princeton Review books to support and expand our customer base, as well as to broaden awareness of The Princeton Review brand."
About Random House / Princeton Review Books
Random House, Inc. has published Princeton Review Books since 1986 when the line debuted with The Princeton Review's Cracking the SAT (the only test-prep guide ever to be a New York Times bestseller). Now more than 150 titles strong, the line includes nearly 100 test-prep guides, 30 study aid books, and guides to colleges and graduate schools. Other SAT resources in the line include 11 Practice Tests for the SAT & PSAT, eight SAT subject test guides, and Essential SAT Vocabulary, a flashcard set. The Princeton Review also has an iPhone®/iPod® app titled "SAT Vocab Challenge."
The Princeton Review (http://www.PrincetonReview.com), a leading provider of test preparation and online career education services, is known also for its courses, tutoring programs, and college and graduate school admission services. Based in Framingham MA, it is not affiliated with Princeton University and not a magazine.
SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Board.
iTunes® and iPod® are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.
Facebook is considered the world's biggest social media network with more than 400 million users, including 100 million in the U.S., of which 5.6 million were in the 0-17 age range in 2009.
http://www.randomhouse.com/princetonreview
Source: Random House / Princeton Review Books
CONTACT: Jeanne Krier, Publicist, Random House / Princeton Review Books,
+1-212-539-1350, Jeanne@jeannerkrier.com, for interviews or screen shots.
Web Site: http://www.randomhouse.com/princetonreview
Airvana Participates in Inaugural Femto Forum UMTS Femtocell Plugfest
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:49:01 AM
Airvana Participates in Inaugural Femto Forum UMTS Femtocell Plugfest
Growing Adoption of New 3GPP Femtocell Standard Demonstrated Through Interoperability Testing
CHELMSFORD, Mass., March 30 -- Airvana, Inc. (NASDAQ:AIRV) today announced the company's successful participation in the "1st Femto Forum UMTS Femtocell Plugfest" which took place earlier this month. At the Plugfest, Airvana conducted interoperability testing between its Iuh-compliant HubBub(TM) femtocell and multiple femtocell network gateways and security gateways.
Coordinated by ETSI Plugtests(TM) and sponsored by the Femto Forum, the Femtocell Plugfest consisted of interoperability tests between femtocell network gateways, security gateways, femtocell access points and chipsets from industry vendors to showcase the effectiveness of 3GPP's Iuh interface. Moreover, the program also demonstrated how the IPsec/IKEv2 security protocols are being implemented to allow femtocells to communicate over the public Internet to system operators' core networks in a highly secure manner. Iuh interface standardization was completed in April 2009 and provides the crucial interface between femtocell access points and femtocell network gateways in the core network.
In addition to participation in the ETSI Plugfest, Airvana's commitment to 3GPP femtocell standards includes previously-announced Iuh interoperability agreements and active participation in standards bodies and the Femto Forum industry organization.
"The pervasive deployment of femtocells relies upon proven interoperability and secure operation of these devices as part of a comprehensive ecosystem," explained Sanjeev Verma, vice president, Femtocell Business and Corporate Development, Airvana. "Our company has been a strong supporter of, and active participant in the development of the standards driving the industry forward. Participation in the Plugfest helps to highlight our successful implementation of the standards."
About Airvana
Airvana helps operators transform the mobile experience for users worldwide. The company's high-performance technology and products, from comprehensive femtocell solutions to core mobile network infrastructure, enable operators to deliver compelling and consistent broadband services to mobile subscribers, wherever they are. Airvana's products are deployed in 70 commercial networks on all six continents. The company is headquartered in Chelmsford, Mass., USA, with offices worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.airvana.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Any statements in this press release that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements typically contain the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "could," "should," "will," "continue" or similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including without limitation uncertainties as to the timing of the merger of Airvana, the timing and rate of femtocell market acceptance and growth, operator femtocell deployment plans, the highly competitive and rapidly evolving market in which Airvana competes, Airvana's limited operating history, the fluctuation of its past operating results, Airvana's anticipated reliance on sales through Telefon AB L.M. Ericsson for a significant portion of its revenues and product and service billings and other factors discussed in Airvana's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Airvana's views as of the date of this press release. Airvana anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change. While Airvana may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Airvana's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.
Airvana Contacts:
Media Contact
Rob Morton
Davies Murphy Group
781-418-2460
airvana@daviesmurphy.com
Source: Airvana, Inc.
CONTACT: Rob Morton, Davies Murphy Group, +1-781-418-2460,
airvana@daviesmurphy.com
Web Site: http://www.airvana.com/
Growing Adoption of New 3GPP Femtocell Standard Demonstrated Through Interoperability Testing
CHELMSFORD, Mass., March 30 -- Airvana, Inc. (NASDAQ:AIRV) today announced the company's successful participation in the "1st Femto Forum UMTS Femtocell Plugfest" which took place earlier this month. At the Plugfest, Airvana conducted interoperability testing between its Iuh-compliant HubBub(TM) femtocell and multiple femtocell network gateways and security gateways.
Coordinated by ETSI Plugtests(TM) and sponsored by the Femto Forum, the Femtocell Plugfest consisted of interoperability tests between femtocell network gateways, security gateways, femtocell access points and chipsets from industry vendors to showcase the effectiveness of 3GPP's Iuh interface. Moreover, the program also demonstrated how the IPsec/IKEv2 security protocols are being implemented to allow femtocells to communicate over the public Internet to system operators' core networks in a highly secure manner. Iuh interface standardization was completed in April 2009 and provides the crucial interface between femtocell access points and femtocell network gateways in the core network.
In addition to participation in the ETSI Plugfest, Airvana's commitment to 3GPP femtocell standards includes previously-announced Iuh interoperability agreements and active participation in standards bodies and the Femto Forum industry organization.
"The pervasive deployment of femtocells relies upon proven interoperability and secure operation of these devices as part of a comprehensive ecosystem," explained Sanjeev Verma, vice president, Femtocell Business and Corporate Development, Airvana. "Our company has been a strong supporter of, and active participant in the development of the standards driving the industry forward. Participation in the Plugfest helps to highlight our successful implementation of the standards."
About Airvana
Airvana helps operators transform the mobile experience for users worldwide. The company's high-performance technology and products, from comprehensive femtocell solutions to core mobile network infrastructure, enable operators to deliver compelling and consistent broadband services to mobile subscribers, wherever they are. Airvana's products are deployed in 70 commercial networks on all six continents. The company is headquartered in Chelmsford, Mass., USA, with offices worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.airvana.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Any statements in this press release that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements typically contain the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "could," "should," "will," "continue" or similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including without limitation uncertainties as to the timing of the merger of Airvana, the timing and rate of femtocell market acceptance and growth, operator femtocell deployment plans, the highly competitive and rapidly evolving market in which Airvana competes, Airvana's limited operating history, the fluctuation of its past operating results, Airvana's anticipated reliance on sales through Telefon AB L.M. Ericsson for a significant portion of its revenues and product and service billings and other factors discussed in Airvana's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Airvana's views as of the date of this press release. Airvana anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change. While Airvana may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Airvana's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.
Airvana Contacts:
Media Contact
Rob Morton
Davies Murphy Group
781-418-2460
airvana@daviesmurphy.com
Source: Airvana, Inc.
CONTACT: Rob Morton, Davies Murphy Group, +1-781-418-2460,
airvana@daviesmurphy.com
Web Site: http://www.airvana.com/
Vaadin Gets Nearly 100 New Java Add-ons and a Component Marketplace
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:49:01 AM
Vaadin Gets Nearly 100 New Java Add-ons and a Component Marketplace
TURKU, Finland, March 30 -- IT Mill announced today that nearly 100 new add-ons are now available in Vaadin Directory. Developers have created a vast number of free Java web widgets and integration components that are ready to be used together with the open-source Vaadin web library.
New add-ons can simply be dropped into a web project and used right away. Intelligent packaging of both client-side and server-side code in the same package helps to create sophisticated and highly reusable components. "This is a huge step forward for Java web developers. Never before has it been this easy to use web UI components that combine client-side richness to server-side security and programming model," CEO Joonas Lehtinen from IT Mill told.
Most of the add-on components offered in Vaadin Directory are free and open source, but developers also have the possibility to share their widgets and components as commercial add-ons.
Reach the Desktop of Open-Source Web Developers
Vaadin Directory creates a completely new kind of distribution channel between widget developers and the Vaadin community. "Using Vaadin Directory, widget developers can reach the desktop of thousands of other web developers already using Vaadin in their work," said Mr. Lehtinen.
Publishing free or commercial open-source widgets is extremely easy with either the export tool designed for Eclipse or simply by packaging with Ant. The add-on can then be uploaded to Vaadin Directory and instantly made available to other developers - for free or with per-developer pricing. "The possibility of selling their work in the directory is a new and positive thing for the Vaadin community. This makes it possible for developers to monetize even the smallest web widgets if they want to," Mr. Lehtinen continued.
Browse the add-on widgets at vaadin.com/directory
About Vaadin
Vaadin is the world's leading user interface framework that enables developing rich internet applications in server-side Java. Vaadin framework is free and open source with Apache 2.0 license and has a rapidly growing community of professional software developers.
About IT Mill Ltd.
IT Mill Ltd. is the provider of Vaadin. IT Mill offers support, services, training and tools to help build great user interfaces and applications with Vaadin. vaadin.com/pro
Contact:
Joonas Lehtinen
IT Mill
+358 40 503 5001
joonas.lehtinen@itmill.com
Source: IT Mill
CONTACT: Joonas Lehtinen, IT Mill, +358 40 503 5001,
joonas.lehtinen@itmill.com
TURKU, Finland, March 30 -- IT Mill announced today that nearly 100 new add-ons are now available in Vaadin Directory. Developers have created a vast number of free Java web widgets and integration components that are ready to be used together with the open-source Vaadin web library.
New add-ons can simply be dropped into a web project and used right away. Intelligent packaging of both client-side and server-side code in the same package helps to create sophisticated and highly reusable components. "This is a huge step forward for Java web developers. Never before has it been this easy to use web UI components that combine client-side richness to server-side security and programming model," CEO Joonas Lehtinen from IT Mill told.
Most of the add-on components offered in Vaadin Directory are free and open source, but developers also have the possibility to share their widgets and components as commercial add-ons.
Reach the Desktop of Open-Source Web Developers
Vaadin Directory creates a completely new kind of distribution channel between widget developers and the Vaadin community. "Using Vaadin Directory, widget developers can reach the desktop of thousands of other web developers already using Vaadin in their work," said Mr. Lehtinen.
Publishing free or commercial open-source widgets is extremely easy with either the export tool designed for Eclipse or simply by packaging with Ant. The add-on can then be uploaded to Vaadin Directory and instantly made available to other developers - for free or with per-developer pricing. "The possibility of selling their work in the directory is a new and positive thing for the Vaadin community. This makes it possible for developers to monetize even the smallest web widgets if they want to," Mr. Lehtinen continued.
Browse the add-on widgets at vaadin.com/directory
About Vaadin
Vaadin is the world's leading user interface framework that enables developing rich internet applications in server-side Java. Vaadin framework is free and open source with Apache 2.0 license and has a rapidly growing community of professional software developers.
About IT Mill Ltd.
IT Mill Ltd. is the provider of Vaadin. IT Mill offers support, services, training and tools to help build great user interfaces and applications with Vaadin. vaadin.com/pro
Contact:
Joonas Lehtinen
IT Mill
+358 40 503 5001
joonas.lehtinen@itmill.com
Source: IT Mill
CONTACT: Joonas Lehtinen, IT Mill, +358 40 503 5001,
joonas.lehtinen@itmill.com
'Fab Lab-ulous' Opportunity for Almost Anyone to Make Almost Anything
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:49:01 AM
'Fab Lab-ulous' Opportunity for Almost Anyone to Make Almost Anything
MANCHESTER, England, March 30 -- The UK's first Fab Lab (http://www.fablabmanchester.org) has opened in Manchester - bringing innovation to the people - in a hi-tech community mini-factory.
To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/manufacturinginstitute/43206/
Fab Labs give everyone, from young children through to entrepreneurs and businesses, the capability to bring their ideas and inventions to life.
The first UK 'Fab Labbers' have already made a 'Sky Baby' folding travel carry cot; a 'Crackit Bat' ultra-light beach cricket bat and model wind turbines. A group of young carers from the Manchester Young Inventors group are also working towards creations that will help make their caring duties easier, including: a baby's bottle with an inbuilt colour changing temperature gauge; a multi-purpose DIY tool; and a toothbrush with an inbuilt MP3 player.
Born from an outreach project by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in inner-city Boston, Fab Labs have exploded around the world. From urban areas, to the villages of Africa, they are connected by a global video link network, enabling ideas, designs and knowledge to be shared across cultures and borders.
The Manufacturing Institute intends its Manchester Fab Lab in East Manchester's landmark Chips building to be the first of many for the UK. The Project is supported by the Manchester Innovation Investment Fund, comprising: The National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA), Manchester City Council, Manchester: Knowledge Capital, and the Commission for the New Economy.
Julie Madigan, Chief Executive of the Manufacturing Institute, said: "Fab Labs bring together the opportunities and skills to liberate the innovations of individuals, communities and small businesses. This is a groundbreaking opportunity to broaden our innovation base and increase crucial invention skills. It's a proven grass roots approach that will directly benefit the economy and different parts of the community.
"The fast pace of innovation means control over design and creation of products is more important than ever. At a time when a reported one in seven manufacturers are bringing production back to the UK because of environment, cost and quality issues, local boutique manufacturing is the next generation."
Fab Lab founder Professor Neil Gershenfeld, Director of the Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT, said: "Fab Labs give people the tools they need to create technology, to be creative and make the stuff that they can't buy in the shops. Manchester led the first industrial revolution and now it is at the centre of a new industrial revolution where anyone can make anything, anywhere using digital manufacturing."
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester has a proud history of innovation and Fab Lab will be another first, as well as another ingredient in the regeneration of east Manchester. This imaginative project has the power to inspire invention and innovation - bringing together young and old, businesses and individuals, to empower them to create their own products."
Shepherds in Norway have used their Fab Lab to create mobile phones to track sheep. In Afghanistan 'Fab Labbers' are creating a local telecoms infrastructure and prosthetic limbs, while in South Africa a government and business backed project is creating simple internet connected computers that hook up to televisions and cost just ten dollars each.
The Manchester Fab Lab is free to non-commercial users. Businesses and inventors can opt to protect their product development ideas by paying to use the service. It will reverse the top down approach to technological advancement by empowering everyone to invent.
The centre is managed by mechanical engineer Chrissy Phipps. Complete novices can use the centre and receive help in developing their own ideas, or in building some of the products made at other Fab Labs using ready-made instructions.
'Fab Labbers' can use advanced digital and manufacturing technology to make products out of wood, acrylic, composite moulds, silicon, cardboard, sheet aluminium, plastics, copper foil and vinyl. There are waxing, chemical moulding, milling and routing, laser cutting, electronics, textiles, embroidery, vinyl cutting and 3D scanning and printing facilities.
It will have a direct connection via the internet and real time video to the worldwide Fab Lab network, so that users can keep in touch, problem solve and brainstorm ideas with others as far afield as Pretoria, Ghana and Afghanistan.
CASE STUDIES
1. 'Crackit Bat'
Warrington Wolves Rugby League player and Australian International Matt King hit upon the idea for his 'Crackit Bat' while playing beach cricket in his native Australia. It's a cross between a tennis racket and cricket bat and light enough for both children and adults to use. He has worked with the Fab Lab team to prototype the product, which has been made initially in wood, but will ultimately be prototyped using ultra light composite materials.
2. Manchester Young Inventors Group - three young carers
Since she was eight, Melissa Curd, age 14, has helped to look after her younger brother, who is autistic. She is developing a multi-purpose DIY tool, encompassing a number of different uses around the home. Her inspiration came from watching her Dad climb up and down a ladder to retrieve the right tools for the job and her desire to make DIY easier.
Munasha Maibvisira, age 13, has invented a baby's milk bottle with an inbuilt correct temperature gauge which is shown by changing colour. He started his caring role when he was seven, and looks after both his mum, who has physical difficulties, and his younger sister, who has learning difficulties.
Tayyeb Sheikh, age 11, has invented a toothbrush with an inbuilt MP3 player. He is also looking at an alternative version with pressure sensitive bristles - aimed at the travel market and small children market. He thinks that he will clean his teeth more thoroughly if he can listen to music at the same time and believes that this will appeal to teenagers. He has been helping to look after his younger brother, who has a genetic physical problem, since he was four.
3. Wind Turbine - school project
Manchester Creative and Media Academy, in Moston, North Manchester, is working to create an eco-sculpture that will harness renewable energy to make it move. The first phase involved using the Fab Lab to design and build a weather-proof wind turbine. Fifteen students from the all-girls school competed to develop prototypes and the winning design will be built into a fully-working model by the Fab Lab team.
Video: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/manufacturinginstitute/43206
Source: The Manufacturing Institute
CONTACT: Ed Moss, +07530-452529, ed.moss@manufacturinginstitute.co.uk
Web Site: http://www.fablabmanchester.org/
MANCHESTER, England, March 30 -- The UK's first Fab Lab (http://www.fablabmanchester.org) has opened in Manchester - bringing innovation to the people - in a hi-tech community mini-factory.
To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/manufacturinginstitute/43206/
Fab Labs give everyone, from young children through to entrepreneurs and businesses, the capability to bring their ideas and inventions to life.
The first UK 'Fab Labbers' have already made a 'Sky Baby' folding travel carry cot; a 'Crackit Bat' ultra-light beach cricket bat and model wind turbines. A group of young carers from the Manchester Young Inventors group are also working towards creations that will help make their caring duties easier, including: a baby's bottle with an inbuilt colour changing temperature gauge; a multi-purpose DIY tool; and a toothbrush with an inbuilt MP3 player.
Born from an outreach project by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in inner-city Boston, Fab Labs have exploded around the world. From urban areas, to the villages of Africa, they are connected by a global video link network, enabling ideas, designs and knowledge to be shared across cultures and borders.
The Manufacturing Institute intends its Manchester Fab Lab in East Manchester's landmark Chips building to be the first of many for the UK. The Project is supported by the Manchester Innovation Investment Fund, comprising: The National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA), the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA), Manchester City Council, Manchester: Knowledge Capital, and the Commission for the New Economy.
Julie Madigan, Chief Executive of the Manufacturing Institute, said: "Fab Labs bring together the opportunities and skills to liberate the innovations of individuals, communities and small businesses. This is a groundbreaking opportunity to broaden our innovation base and increase crucial invention skills. It's a proven grass roots approach that will directly benefit the economy and different parts of the community.
"The fast pace of innovation means control over design and creation of products is more important than ever. At a time when a reported one in seven manufacturers are bringing production back to the UK because of environment, cost and quality issues, local boutique manufacturing is the next generation."
Fab Lab founder Professor Neil Gershenfeld, Director of the Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT, said: "Fab Labs give people the tools they need to create technology, to be creative and make the stuff that they can't buy in the shops. Manchester led the first industrial revolution and now it is at the centre of a new industrial revolution where anyone can make anything, anywhere using digital manufacturing."
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Manchester has a proud history of innovation and Fab Lab will be another first, as well as another ingredient in the regeneration of east Manchester. This imaginative project has the power to inspire invention and innovation - bringing together young and old, businesses and individuals, to empower them to create their own products."
Shepherds in Norway have used their Fab Lab to create mobile phones to track sheep. In Afghanistan 'Fab Labbers' are creating a local telecoms infrastructure and prosthetic limbs, while in South Africa a government and business backed project is creating simple internet connected computers that hook up to televisions and cost just ten dollars each.
The Manchester Fab Lab is free to non-commercial users. Businesses and inventors can opt to protect their product development ideas by paying to use the service. It will reverse the top down approach to technological advancement by empowering everyone to invent.
The centre is managed by mechanical engineer Chrissy Phipps. Complete novices can use the centre and receive help in developing their own ideas, or in building some of the products made at other Fab Labs using ready-made instructions.
'Fab Labbers' can use advanced digital and manufacturing technology to make products out of wood, acrylic, composite moulds, silicon, cardboard, sheet aluminium, plastics, copper foil and vinyl. There are waxing, chemical moulding, milling and routing, laser cutting, electronics, textiles, embroidery, vinyl cutting and 3D scanning and printing facilities.
It will have a direct connection via the internet and real time video to the worldwide Fab Lab network, so that users can keep in touch, problem solve and brainstorm ideas with others as far afield as Pretoria, Ghana and Afghanistan.
CASE STUDIES
1. 'Crackit Bat'
Warrington Wolves Rugby League player and Australian International Matt King hit upon the idea for his 'Crackit Bat' while playing beach cricket in his native Australia. It's a cross between a tennis racket and cricket bat and light enough for both children and adults to use. He has worked with the Fab Lab team to prototype the product, which has been made initially in wood, but will ultimately be prototyped using ultra light composite materials.
2. Manchester Young Inventors Group - three young carers
Since she was eight, Melissa Curd, age 14, has helped to look after her younger brother, who is autistic. She is developing a multi-purpose DIY tool, encompassing a number of different uses around the home. Her inspiration came from watching her Dad climb up and down a ladder to retrieve the right tools for the job and her desire to make DIY easier.
Munasha Maibvisira, age 13, has invented a baby's milk bottle with an inbuilt correct temperature gauge which is shown by changing colour. He started his caring role when he was seven, and looks after both his mum, who has physical difficulties, and his younger sister, who has learning difficulties.
Tayyeb Sheikh, age 11, has invented a toothbrush with an inbuilt MP3 player. He is also looking at an alternative version with pressure sensitive bristles - aimed at the travel market and small children market. He thinks that he will clean his teeth more thoroughly if he can listen to music at the same time and believes that this will appeal to teenagers. He has been helping to look after his younger brother, who has a genetic physical problem, since he was four.
3. Wind Turbine - school project
Manchester Creative and Media Academy, in Moston, North Manchester, is working to create an eco-sculpture that will harness renewable energy to make it move. The first phase involved using the Fab Lab to design and build a weather-proof wind turbine. Fifteen students from the all-girls school competed to develop prototypes and the winning design will be built into a fully-working model by the Fab Lab team.
Video: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/manufacturinginstitute/43206
Source: The Manufacturing Institute
CONTACT: Ed Moss, +07530-452529, ed.moss@manufacturinginstitute.co.uk
Web Site: http://www.fablabmanchester.org/
FarmVille General Manager and Studio Vice President, Bill Mooney, to Provide Opening Keynote for 2010 Game Developers Conference Canada
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:35:01 AM
FarmVille General Manager and Studio Vice President, Bill Mooney, to Provide Opening Keynote for 2010 Game Developers Conference Canada
Featured Speakers from EA, Ubisoft, Obsidian, and Others Announced for Conference on May 6-7, 2010; Early Registration Discounts Ends Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31
SAN FRANCISCO, March 30 -- Bill Mooney, a Vice President at Zynga and General Manager of FarmVille will deliver a keynote address at the 2010 Game Developers Conference(TM) Canada (GDC Canada). The lecture will take place on Thursday, May 6th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Additionally, a new set of featured speakers has been announced for the upcoming conference, which will address several key focal points for the event, including new distribution models, developing new global titles, and managing established franchises. Attendees will gain insights into new business opportunities with sessions addressing iPhone Games, Digital Distribution and Social Games alongside tracks focused on best practices in Game Design, Business/Production and Programming.
GDC Canada will return for a second year to the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC from May 6-7, 2010. The Game Career Seminar also returns to GDC Canada as a one-day event for students and individuals who want to break into the videogame industry. GDC Canada is presented by Reboot Communications and UBM TechWeb Game Network, the organizers of the industry-leading Game Developers Conference. Early registration discounts end tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31st. For more information, including pass options and group sales discounts, visit the official website: http://www.GDC-Canada.com.
A veteran game developer from such major game publishers as Activision and LucasArts, Bill Mooney joined San Francisco-based social games developer Zynga in 2008 and quickly became a Vice President at Zynga and GM of FarmVille. Mooney's experience extends beyond the realm of videogame development, having worked for 5 years as a trial lawyer, as well as stints writing for television programs, both animation and live-action. At Zynga, Mooney helped develop the wildly popular Mafia Wars and FarmVille titles, helping to establish both franchises as pioneering social games.
Mooney's keynote, entitled, "Building Social Games: Games at the Speed of Light," will touch on the development of FarmVille and Mafia Wars, and the growing popularity and fanbase that has quickly ballooned to over 85 million active users. Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of the rapidly evolving social gaming space and where it is poised to go, and with insight into viral propagation across the world, the low barriers to entry which create agile competition, and the rapidly changing and imperfectly understood marketplace.
"Bill's keynote is a perfect fit for GDC Canada," said Izora de Lillard, event director. "Zynga is at the forefront of an exciting gaming space, and the over 85 million players of FarmVille and Mafia Wars can attest to the future prospects of this genre. Mooney's keynote illustrates the need for continued industry innovation that not only applies to the social gaming space but to the traditional gamer experience as well. GDC Canada will be a great opportunity to learn more about these trends along with how this thinking applies to the core tenets of game development."
GDC Canada features a roster of speakers that are on the front lines of the technical innovation and business strategies needed to lead their studios to continued success. These featured speakers include:
-- Jason Bailey, GM of Virtual Currencies, Adknowledge
Session: Social Games - 85 Million Farmers Can't All Be Wrong
-- Sinjin Bain, V.P. EAP - Worldwide Biz Dev, Electronic Arts
Session: Ask The Decision Makers -Find Out What Publishers Want
and How to Get What You Want
-- Stephen Hill, 3D Technical Lead, Ubisoft
Session: Rendering with Conviction
-- Feargus Urquhart, CEO, Obsidian Entertainment
Session: Contract Negotiations
-- Jeremy Walker, Senior Tools Programmer, Ubisoft
Session: Reflection for Tools Development
In addition to all of the conference's editorial content, GDC Canada features an expo hall and a host of evening networking events. For more information about content and registration information for GDC Canada 2010, visit http://www.GDC-Canada.com.
About the UBM TechWeb Game Network
A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the UBM TechWeb Game Network - formerly known as the Think Services Game Group - offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include the Game Developers Conference®, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com and network of sites, the Game Advertising Online ad network, the Game Developers Conference® Online, the Game Developers Conference(TM) Europe, the Game Developers Conference(TM) China, the Game Developers Conference(TM) Canada, Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Game Career Seminars and GameCareerGuide.com, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards.
About UBM TechWeb, a division of United Business Media
UBM TechWeb, the global leader in technology media and professional information, enables people and organizations to harness the transformative power of technology. Through its core businesses - media solutions, marketing services and professional information - UBM TechWeb produces the most respected and consumed brands, applications and services in the technology market. More than 14.5 million business and technology professionals (CIOs, IT and IT Support managers, Web & Digital professionals, Software and Game developers, Government decision makers, and Telecom providers) actively participate in UBM TechWeb's communities. UBM TechWeb brands includes: global face-to-face events such as Interop, Game Developers Conference (GDC), Web 2.0, Black Hat and VoiceCon; large-scale online networks such as InformationWeek, Light Reading and Gamasutra; research, training, and certification services, including HDI, Pyramid Research, and InformationWeek Analytics; and market-leading magazines such as InformationWeek and Wall Street & Technology. UBM TechWeb is part of UBM, a global provider of media and information services for professional B2B communities and markets.
About Reboot Communications
Reboot Communications Ltd. is a Canadian company based in British Columbia, that specializes in organizing and implementing national and international conferences focused on information technology, public safety, privacy and security, health, electronic gaming and sustainability. Over the past fourteen years, Reboot has provided a full spectrum of conference management services to the private and public sector, including: marketing and communications, logistics, agenda development, sponsorship sales, research and intergovernmental expertise. For more information please visit: http://www.rebootconference.com/.
Contact: Teresa Tyndorf / Brian Rubin
fortyseven communications
323.658.1200 / 212.391.4707
teresa@fortyseven.com /
brian@fortyseven.com
Ahmad White
UBM TechWeb Game Network
415.947.6207
awhite@think-services.com
Source: UBM TechWeb Game Network
CONTACT: Ahmad White of UBM TechWeb Game Network, +1-415-947-6207,
awhite@think-services.com; Teresa Tyndorf, +1-323-658-1200,
teresa@fortyseven.com, Brian Rubin, +1-212-391-4707, brian@fortyseven.com;
both of fortyseven communications
Web Site: http://www.gdc-canada.com/
Featured Speakers from EA, Ubisoft, Obsidian, and Others Announced for Conference on May 6-7, 2010; Early Registration Discounts Ends Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31
SAN FRANCISCO, March 30 -- Bill Mooney, a Vice President at Zynga and General Manager of FarmVille will deliver a keynote address at the 2010 Game Developers Conference(TM) Canada (GDC Canada). The lecture will take place on Thursday, May 6th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Additionally, a new set of featured speakers has been announced for the upcoming conference, which will address several key focal points for the event, including new distribution models, developing new global titles, and managing established franchises. Attendees will gain insights into new business opportunities with sessions addressing iPhone Games, Digital Distribution and Social Games alongside tracks focused on best practices in Game Design, Business/Production and Programming.
GDC Canada will return for a second year to the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC from May 6-7, 2010. The Game Career Seminar also returns to GDC Canada as a one-day event for students and individuals who want to break into the videogame industry. GDC Canada is presented by Reboot Communications and UBM TechWeb Game Network, the organizers of the industry-leading Game Developers Conference. Early registration discounts end tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31st. For more information, including pass options and group sales discounts, visit the official website: http://www.GDC-Canada.com.
A veteran game developer from such major game publishers as Activision and LucasArts, Bill Mooney joined San Francisco-based social games developer Zynga in 2008 and quickly became a Vice President at Zynga and GM of FarmVille. Mooney's experience extends beyond the realm of videogame development, having worked for 5 years as a trial lawyer, as well as stints writing for television programs, both animation and live-action. At Zynga, Mooney helped develop the wildly popular Mafia Wars and FarmVille titles, helping to establish both franchises as pioneering social games.
Mooney's keynote, entitled, "Building Social Games: Games at the Speed of Light," will touch on the development of FarmVille and Mafia Wars, and the growing popularity and fanbase that has quickly ballooned to over 85 million active users. Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of the rapidly evolving social gaming space and where it is poised to go, and with insight into viral propagation across the world, the low barriers to entry which create agile competition, and the rapidly changing and imperfectly understood marketplace.
"Bill's keynote is a perfect fit for GDC Canada," said Izora de Lillard, event director. "Zynga is at the forefront of an exciting gaming space, and the over 85 million players of FarmVille and Mafia Wars can attest to the future prospects of this genre. Mooney's keynote illustrates the need for continued industry innovation that not only applies to the social gaming space but to the traditional gamer experience as well. GDC Canada will be a great opportunity to learn more about these trends along with how this thinking applies to the core tenets of game development."
GDC Canada features a roster of speakers that are on the front lines of the technical innovation and business strategies needed to lead their studios to continued success. These featured speakers include:
-- Jason Bailey, GM of Virtual Currencies, Adknowledge
Session: Social Games - 85 Million Farmers Can't All Be Wrong
-- Sinjin Bain, V.P. EAP - Worldwide Biz Dev, Electronic Arts
Session: Ask The Decision Makers -Find Out What Publishers Want
and How to Get What You Want
-- Stephen Hill, 3D Technical Lead, Ubisoft
Session: Rendering with Conviction
-- Feargus Urquhart, CEO, Obsidian Entertainment
Session: Contract Negotiations
-- Jeremy Walker, Senior Tools Programmer, Ubisoft
Session: Reflection for Tools Development
In addition to all of the conference's editorial content, GDC Canada features an expo hall and a host of evening networking events. For more information about content and registration information for GDC Canada 2010, visit http://www.GDC-Canada.com.
About the UBM TechWeb Game Network
A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the UBM TechWeb Game Network - formerly known as the Think Services Game Group - offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include the Game Developers Conference®, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com and network of sites, the Game Advertising Online ad network, the Game Developers Conference® Online, the Game Developers Conference(TM) Europe, the Game Developers Conference(TM) China, the Game Developers Conference(TM) Canada, Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Game Career Seminars and GameCareerGuide.com, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards.
About UBM TechWeb, a division of United Business Media
UBM TechWeb, the global leader in technology media and professional information, enables people and organizations to harness the transformative power of technology. Through its core businesses - media solutions, marketing services and professional information - UBM TechWeb produces the most respected and consumed brands, applications and services in the technology market. More than 14.5 million business and technology professionals (CIOs, IT and IT Support managers, Web & Digital professionals, Software and Game developers, Government decision makers, and Telecom providers) actively participate in UBM TechWeb's communities. UBM TechWeb brands includes: global face-to-face events such as Interop, Game Developers Conference (GDC), Web 2.0, Black Hat and VoiceCon; large-scale online networks such as InformationWeek, Light Reading and Gamasutra; research, training, and certification services, including HDI, Pyramid Research, and InformationWeek Analytics; and market-leading magazines such as InformationWeek and Wall Street & Technology. UBM TechWeb is part of UBM, a global provider of media and information services for professional B2B communities and markets.
About Reboot Communications
Reboot Communications Ltd. is a Canadian company based in British Columbia, that specializes in organizing and implementing national and international conferences focused on information technology, public safety, privacy and security, health, electronic gaming and sustainability. Over the past fourteen years, Reboot has provided a full spectrum of conference management services to the private and public sector, including: marketing and communications, logistics, agenda development, sponsorship sales, research and intergovernmental expertise. For more information please visit: http://www.rebootconference.com/.
Contact: Teresa Tyndorf / Brian Rubin
fortyseven communications
323.658.1200 / 212.391.4707
teresa@fortyseven.com /
brian@fortyseven.com
Ahmad White
UBM TechWeb Game Network
415.947.6207
awhite@think-services.com
Source: UBM TechWeb Game Network
CONTACT: Ahmad White of UBM TechWeb Game Network, +1-415-947-6207,
awhite@think-services.com; Teresa Tyndorf, +1-323-658-1200,
teresa@fortyseven.com, Brian Rubin, +1-212-391-4707, brian@fortyseven.com;
both of fortyseven communications
Web Site: http://www.gdc-canada.com/
Fund.com Acquires Weston Capital Management
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:35:01 AM
Fund.com Acquires Weston Capital Management
Fund.com Expands its Operations to Include Originating, Developing and Distributing Hedge Funds and Actively Managed ETFs
NEW YORK, March 30 -- Fund.com, Inc., (OTC Bulletin Board: FNDM) announced here today that effective as of March 29, 2010, it has acquired Weston Capital Management, LLC, an originator and distributor of hedge funds.
Founded in 1993 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL., Weston Capital earns fees on assets exceeding $1.0 billion under management. It has three lines of business: it originates and markets fund of funds; it originates and markets single-manager hedge funds; and it raises capital to seed new hedge funds. In 2010, Weston Capital and Harcourt AG formed a strategic alliance for investment manager identification and fund seeding. Harcourt, a $4.5 billion alternative investments manager that is majority owned by Vontobel Group, the $70 billion Swiss banking group, is a leading global advisor of alternative investments for institutional investors.
Weston Capital founder Albert Hallac continues as CEO of Weston Capital, directing its day-to-day operations and business strategy. In addition, Fund.com Chairman Joseph J. Bianco will become Chairman of Weston Capital. Weston Capital also has offices in London and New York City.
Fund.com CEO Gregory Webster and Weston Capital CEO Albert Hallac said, "We believe with the Weston Capital operations when aligned with Fund.com's majority interest in AdvisorShares, a developer and marketer of actively managed ETFs, Fund.com will be able to significantly accelerate increases of assets under management since it now has the ability to seed, originate and distribute hedge funds as well as seed, originate, develop and distribute actively traded ETFs to institutional and retail investors. AdvisorShares, Bethesda, MD, is one of the few companies that has been able to obtain approval from the US Securities and Exchange Commission to create actively managed ETFs. The ETF sector has assets more than $1 trillion and is the fastest growing segment of the fund management industry."
Webster added, "With Weston Capital's proven capability to seed new fund products, combined with its seasoned global institutional sales force, Fund.com is now positioned to capture revenue streams from an array of hedge fund and actively managed ETFs. Importantly, Weston has the global institutional relationships that can capitalize on AdvisorShares patent-pending exchange-traded fund platform as well as powerful distribution capability among institutions worldwide."
AdvisorShares CEO Noah Hamman said, "Weston and AdvisorShares are perfectly complementary and we are looking forward to working with Weston to originate ETFs as well as help other managers launch their own ETFs and to market our actively managed ETFs to institutions worldwide with the expertise of Weston Capital's established sales force. These activities will greatly expand our footprint in the rapidly growing market of actively traded ETFs."
Hallac said, "Weston anticipates that with greater resources and an entry to the fast-growing ETF market, we will offer our existing and potential clients a broader range of financial investment opportunities. In particular, we see great potential for growing our assets under management and related fee income by expanding our seeding platform to include the origination and development of new actively managed ETFs."
Under the Harcourt strategic alliance, Weston Capital and Harcourt will seed and develop new hedge fund businesses via Weston Capital's incubation platform. The alliance combines Weston's extensive experience in early stage hedge fund investing and marketing with Harcourt's proven investment expertise in global manager selection, due diligence and risk management.
Since January 2004, Weston Capital's hedge fund seeding platform (via the Weston-Atlas Partners Fund and the Weston Capital Partners Fund II) has provided sponsor capital for 13 emerging hedge fund managers. Weston intends to raise $250 million for its third incubation fund, Partners III, which will seed both hedge funds and actively managed ETFs, with Harcourt providing investment infrastructure and risk management.
About Fund.com
A diversified financial services company, New York City-based Fund.com, which has assets of $1 billion under management, focuses on the origination, seeding and formation of both actively managed ETFs and hedge funds through its wholly owned subsidiary Weston Capital Management, based in West Palm Beach, FL and its majority-owned subsidiary, AdvisorShares, Bethesda, MD, which is one of the few companies that has an exemption from the Securities and Exchange Commission to create actively managed ETFs. Fund.com markets globally to retail and institutional investors.
Other operations: an ETF and mutual fund online information resource, http://www.fund.com; online education programs for investors and businesses; and a strategic equity investment in a professional employer organization that provides services to small and medium businesses, including 401k retirement plans and other services.
About Weston Capital Management
Weston Capital Management LLC and its affiliates are an alternative investment group founded in 1993. Based in West Palm Beach, Fl, with offices in New York, and London, Weston currently employs more than 25 professionals worldwide, managing in excess of $1 billion. For further information, please visit http://www.westoncapital.com.
About AdvisorShares
AdvisorShares is a turnkey platform for investment managers seeking to offer their investment strategy in an actively managed ETF. AdvisorShares works with best-of-breed money managers to combine their money management expertise with the benefits the ETF structure provides. AdvisorShares provides sales, marketing and educational support to help financial advisors use AdvisorShares ETFs to help them achieve their clients' investment goals and objectives. AdvisorShares is a leader in actively managed ETFs and is dedicated to investor education. For further information, please visit http://www.advisorshares.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Statements in this press release regarding future performance and the potential advantages of the products and services provided by Fund.com, and any other statements about future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual performance or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements including the Company's limited operating history and economic conditions generally. Additional information on potential factors that could affect results and other significant risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in Fund.com's periodic reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and other forms filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
PR/Media Relations for Fund.com:
Stern & Co.
Richard Stern, 212-888-0044
richstern@sternco.com
Source: Fund.com, Inc.
CONTACT: Richard Stern of Stern & Co., +1-212-888-0044,
richstern@sternco.com, for Fund.com
Web Site: http://www.fund.com/
Fund.com Expands its Operations to Include Originating, Developing and Distributing Hedge Funds and Actively Managed ETFs
NEW YORK, March 30 -- Fund.com, Inc., (OTC Bulletin Board: FNDM) announced here today that effective as of March 29, 2010, it has acquired Weston Capital Management, LLC, an originator and distributor of hedge funds.
Founded in 1993 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL., Weston Capital earns fees on assets exceeding $1.0 billion under management. It has three lines of business: it originates and markets fund of funds; it originates and markets single-manager hedge funds; and it raises capital to seed new hedge funds. In 2010, Weston Capital and Harcourt AG formed a strategic alliance for investment manager identification and fund seeding. Harcourt, a $4.5 billion alternative investments manager that is majority owned by Vontobel Group, the $70 billion Swiss banking group, is a leading global advisor of alternative investments for institutional investors.
Weston Capital founder Albert Hallac continues as CEO of Weston Capital, directing its day-to-day operations and business strategy. In addition, Fund.com Chairman Joseph J. Bianco will become Chairman of Weston Capital. Weston Capital also has offices in London and New York City.
Fund.com CEO Gregory Webster and Weston Capital CEO Albert Hallac said, "We believe with the Weston Capital operations when aligned with Fund.com's majority interest in AdvisorShares, a developer and marketer of actively managed ETFs, Fund.com will be able to significantly accelerate increases of assets under management since it now has the ability to seed, originate and distribute hedge funds as well as seed, originate, develop and distribute actively traded ETFs to institutional and retail investors. AdvisorShares, Bethesda, MD, is one of the few companies that has been able to obtain approval from the US Securities and Exchange Commission to create actively managed ETFs. The ETF sector has assets more than $1 trillion and is the fastest growing segment of the fund management industry."
Webster added, "With Weston Capital's proven capability to seed new fund products, combined with its seasoned global institutional sales force, Fund.com is now positioned to capture revenue streams from an array of hedge fund and actively managed ETFs. Importantly, Weston has the global institutional relationships that can capitalize on AdvisorShares patent-pending exchange-traded fund platform as well as powerful distribution capability among institutions worldwide."
AdvisorShares CEO Noah Hamman said, "Weston and AdvisorShares are perfectly complementary and we are looking forward to working with Weston to originate ETFs as well as help other managers launch their own ETFs and to market our actively managed ETFs to institutions worldwide with the expertise of Weston Capital's established sales force. These activities will greatly expand our footprint in the rapidly growing market of actively traded ETFs."
Hallac said, "Weston anticipates that with greater resources and an entry to the fast-growing ETF market, we will offer our existing and potential clients a broader range of financial investment opportunities. In particular, we see great potential for growing our assets under management and related fee income by expanding our seeding platform to include the origination and development of new actively managed ETFs."
Under the Harcourt strategic alliance, Weston Capital and Harcourt will seed and develop new hedge fund businesses via Weston Capital's incubation platform. The alliance combines Weston's extensive experience in early stage hedge fund investing and marketing with Harcourt's proven investment expertise in global manager selection, due diligence and risk management.
Since January 2004, Weston Capital's hedge fund seeding platform (via the Weston-Atlas Partners Fund and the Weston Capital Partners Fund II) has provided sponsor capital for 13 emerging hedge fund managers. Weston intends to raise $250 million for its third incubation fund, Partners III, which will seed both hedge funds and actively managed ETFs, with Harcourt providing investment infrastructure and risk management.
About Fund.com
A diversified financial services company, New York City-based Fund.com, which has assets of $1 billion under management, focuses on the origination, seeding and formation of both actively managed ETFs and hedge funds through its wholly owned subsidiary Weston Capital Management, based in West Palm Beach, FL and its majority-owned subsidiary, AdvisorShares, Bethesda, MD, which is one of the few companies that has an exemption from the Securities and Exchange Commission to create actively managed ETFs. Fund.com markets globally to retail and institutional investors.
Other operations: an ETF and mutual fund online information resource, http://www.fund.com; online education programs for investors and businesses; and a strategic equity investment in a professional employer organization that provides services to small and medium businesses, including 401k retirement plans and other services.
About Weston Capital Management
Weston Capital Management LLC and its affiliates are an alternative investment group founded in 1993. Based in West Palm Beach, Fl, with offices in New York, and London, Weston currently employs more than 25 professionals worldwide, managing in excess of $1 billion. For further information, please visit http://www.westoncapital.com.
About AdvisorShares
AdvisorShares is a turnkey platform for investment managers seeking to offer their investment strategy in an actively managed ETF. AdvisorShares works with best-of-breed money managers to combine their money management expertise with the benefits the ETF structure provides. AdvisorShares provides sales, marketing and educational support to help financial advisors use AdvisorShares ETFs to help them achieve their clients' investment goals and objectives. AdvisorShares is a leader in actively managed ETFs and is dedicated to investor education. For further information, please visit http://www.advisorshares.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Statements in this press release regarding future performance and the potential advantages of the products and services provided by Fund.com, and any other statements about future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual performance or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements including the Company's limited operating history and economic conditions generally. Additional information on potential factors that could affect results and other significant risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in Fund.com's periodic reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and other forms filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
PR/Media Relations for Fund.com:
Stern & Co.
Richard Stern, 212-888-0044
richstern@sternco.com
Source: Fund.com, Inc.
CONTACT: Richard Stern of Stern & Co., +1-212-888-0044,
richstern@sternco.com, for Fund.com
Web Site: http://www.fund.com/
Friendgiftr Launches Mobile Store With World's Largest Selection of Gift Cards
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:35:01 AM
Friendgiftr Launches Mobile Store With World's Largest Selection of Gift Cards
Groundbreaking full-featured mobile store application enables gift giving on the go for busy people everywhere from the convenience of their mobile devices
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., March 30 -- E-commerce 2.0 pioneer and rising star Friendgiftr opens a new era of gift-giving convenience with the launch of the Friendgiftr mobile gift card store, giving busy consumers and business professionals the ability to choose from the world's largest selection of popular gift cards to buy gifts anytime, anywhere from their smartphones and mobile devices. Friendgiftr's mobile-optimized gift store works with a wide array of mobile platforms, including iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Palm, Nokia, iTouch and other mobile wireless devices.
Friendgiftr is the first and only full-featured mobile storefront to offer over 140 leading brand name gift cards to the mobile marketplace. Friendgiftr makes it fast, simple and convenient for mobile consumers on the go to buy and send the perfect gift from merchants like Gap, Dominos Pizza, Pottery Barn, Chili's, Red Lobster, Barnes & Noble, Applebee's, Crate & Barrel, Marriott, P.F. Chang's, Macy's, Sephora, Banana Republic and Overstock.com among others.
"Gift cards are the ultimate convenience gift purchase for busy mobile shoppers on the go, especially for last minute and spur-of-the-moment gift giving. They're fast, flexible and easy to buy because you don't have to view lots of detailed images to make a choice - you know exactly what you're getting," observed Rob Carpenter, Friendgiftr CEO. "We bring together the broadest selection of gift card options from the world's in-demand brands in one place so you can always find the ideal gift to please anyone you shop for. We're proud that our many merchant partners trust us to bring their brands to the mobile market place."
Friendgiftr not only makes gift giving easy and convenient, it also makes sending gift cards environmentally responsible. Eco-conscious customers no longer have to travel to and from physical stores and restaurants to buy gift cards, lowering fuel consumption and reducing the carbon footprint. The cards are electronically delivered, requiring no packaging or printed paper receipts.
Simple, Fun and Flexible
The Friendgiftr.com storefront now automatically detects if a user is accessing from a mobile device and displays the mobile-optimized version, which provides all of the robust features of the web-based store customized for mobile-sized screens. Friendgiftr mobile storefront also presents a clickable gift card list to facilitate gift selection.
With the simplest user interface of any gift card source, Friendgiftr lets mobile consumers purchase gift cards in just three simple steps: select the card and amount from $10 to $100, enter your recipient's information, then pay via Friendgiftr's secure payment platform. Busy mobile shoppers can buy and send a gift in under 90 seconds - far faster than going to a physical store or even buying online.
Shoppers can opt for immediate delivery or specify a gift delivery date timed for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or other special events. Friendgiftr sends the recipient an email with a link to an online redemption site for convenient gift pick-up. Friendgiftr is unique in allowing recipients to swap gift cards they receive for another card they'd prefer, or split the gift card amount across multiple merchants' cards, to make sure recipients always get the gifts they really want.
About Friendgiftr, Inc.
Friendgiftr is the premier digital storefront company currently offering over 140 of America's favorite retail and restaurant gift cards through its website, social media sites, mobile phones and other innovative shopping platforms. Friendgiftr won the grand prize prestigious Henry Kravis Award in venture capital and entrepreneurship, and placed first in a VentureBeat.com technology trends competition held at the prestigious DEMO Conference for the concept of merging social networking and e-commerce. Friendgiftr partners with iCard Systems, a leading supplier of electronic and physical gift cards. Headquartered in Hollywood, CA, Friendgiftr is a Rob Carpenter Enterprise.
Source: Friendgiftr, Inc.
CONTACT: Belinda Banks of SS PR, +1-609-750-9110, Belinda@sspr.com, for
Friendgiftr, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.friendgiftr.com/
Groundbreaking full-featured mobile store application enables gift giving on the go for busy people everywhere from the convenience of their mobile devices
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., March 30 -- E-commerce 2.0 pioneer and rising star Friendgiftr opens a new era of gift-giving convenience with the launch of the Friendgiftr mobile gift card store, giving busy consumers and business professionals the ability to choose from the world's largest selection of popular gift cards to buy gifts anytime, anywhere from their smartphones and mobile devices. Friendgiftr's mobile-optimized gift store works with a wide array of mobile platforms, including iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Palm, Nokia, iTouch and other mobile wireless devices.
Friendgiftr is the first and only full-featured mobile storefront to offer over 140 leading brand name gift cards to the mobile marketplace. Friendgiftr makes it fast, simple and convenient for mobile consumers on the go to buy and send the perfect gift from merchants like Gap, Dominos Pizza, Pottery Barn, Chili's, Red Lobster, Barnes & Noble, Applebee's, Crate & Barrel, Marriott, P.F. Chang's, Macy's, Sephora, Banana Republic and Overstock.com among others.
"Gift cards are the ultimate convenience gift purchase for busy mobile shoppers on the go, especially for last minute and spur-of-the-moment gift giving. They're fast, flexible and easy to buy because you don't have to view lots of detailed images to make a choice - you know exactly what you're getting," observed Rob Carpenter, Friendgiftr CEO. "We bring together the broadest selection of gift card options from the world's in-demand brands in one place so you can always find the ideal gift to please anyone you shop for. We're proud that our many merchant partners trust us to bring their brands to the mobile market place."
Friendgiftr not only makes gift giving easy and convenient, it also makes sending gift cards environmentally responsible. Eco-conscious customers no longer have to travel to and from physical stores and restaurants to buy gift cards, lowering fuel consumption and reducing the carbon footprint. The cards are electronically delivered, requiring no packaging or printed paper receipts.
Simple, Fun and Flexible
The Friendgiftr.com storefront now automatically detects if a user is accessing from a mobile device and displays the mobile-optimized version, which provides all of the robust features of the web-based store customized for mobile-sized screens. Friendgiftr mobile storefront also presents a clickable gift card list to facilitate gift selection.
With the simplest user interface of any gift card source, Friendgiftr lets mobile consumers purchase gift cards in just three simple steps: select the card and amount from $10 to $100, enter your recipient's information, then pay via Friendgiftr's secure payment platform. Busy mobile shoppers can buy and send a gift in under 90 seconds - far faster than going to a physical store or even buying online.
Shoppers can opt for immediate delivery or specify a gift delivery date timed for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or other special events. Friendgiftr sends the recipient an email with a link to an online redemption site for convenient gift pick-up. Friendgiftr is unique in allowing recipients to swap gift cards they receive for another card they'd prefer, or split the gift card amount across multiple merchants' cards, to make sure recipients always get the gifts they really want.
About Friendgiftr, Inc.
Friendgiftr is the premier digital storefront company currently offering over 140 of America's favorite retail and restaurant gift cards through its website, social media sites, mobile phones and other innovative shopping platforms. Friendgiftr won the grand prize prestigious Henry Kravis Award in venture capital and entrepreneurship, and placed first in a VentureBeat.com technology trends competition held at the prestigious DEMO Conference for the concept of merging social networking and e-commerce. Friendgiftr partners with iCard Systems, a leading supplier of electronic and physical gift cards. Headquartered in Hollywood, CA, Friendgiftr is a Rob Carpenter Enterprise.
Source: Friendgiftr, Inc.
CONTACT: Belinda Banks of SS PR, +1-609-750-9110, Belinda@sspr.com, for
Friendgiftr, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.friendgiftr.com/
Spansion Broadens Serial Flash Portfolio With Sampling of 90nm 256 Mb MirrorBit(R) SPI Multi-I/O Product
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:35:01 AM
Spansion Broadens Serial Flash Portfolio With Sampling of 90nm 256 Mb MirrorBit(R) SPI Multi-I/O Product
Higher density is ideally suited for set-top-box, digital TV and industrial design applications
SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 30 -- Spansion Inc. today announced it is sampling its 90nm 256 Megabits (Mb) MirrorBit® Multi-I/O Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Flash memory device to set-top box, digital TV and industrial design customers and chipset manufacturers.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060118/SFW077LOGO)
The 256 Mb MirrorBit SPI Multi-I/O product meets the higher density serial memory requirement that new consumer and industrial applications demand and further broadens Spansion's SPI portfolio, which already includes 32 Mb, 64 Mb and 128 Mb products that are currently shipping in volume production and supported by most chipsets.
"Our customers require higher-density SPI Flash to enable new applications and to provide improvements in performance," said Avo Kanadjian, vice president, Marketing at Spansion. "Additionally, our implementation of the 32-bit addressing scheme for 256 Mb and higher density SPI products is gaining acceptance in the industry as the preferred solution."
Multi-I/O serial devices support the option for single (one-bit data bus), dual (two-bit data bus) or quad (four-bit data bus) serial I/O data transmission from the same packaging and pins. The SPI product family also offers enhanced security features with a permanent sector lock security device that protects intellectual property and user data stored in the memory array from being changed or erased in any way after this command has been activated.
Availability
Spansion is currently sampling the 256 Mb MirrorBit SPI Multi-I/O product to customers and chipset manufacturers. Package options include BGA to support enhanced security features for set-top-box designs, and the standard SOIC 16-pin package for consumer and industrial applications. Production quantities will be available in June 2010.
About Spansion
Spansion (Pink Sheets: SPSNQ) is a leading Flash memory solutions provider, dedicated to enabling, storing and protecting digital content in automotive, consumer electronics, networking and wireless applications. Spansion is focused exclusively on designing, developing, manufacturing, marketing, selling and licensing Flash memory solutions. For more information, visit http://www.spansion.com/.
Spansion®, the Spansion logo, MirrorBit®, MirrorBit® Eclipse(TM), ORNAND(TM), EcoRAM(TM) and combinations thereof, are trademarks and registered trademarks of Spansion LLC in the United States and other countries. Other names used are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Cautionary Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those statements. The risks and uncertainties include the company's ability to: manage costs; achieve adequate liquidity; complete the chapter 11 reorganization process; execute on its new strategic focus; reach a sustainable business model; survive as a stand-alone entity; reach operational efficiency; and reach and sustain profitability. The risks and uncertainties related to the chapter 11 cases include: the company's ability to finalize, execute and obtain necessary court approvals for the definitive agreements with Spansion Japan regarding the sale of the distribution business and foundry services; depend on Spansion Japan for wafer production and distribution of products in Japan, due to actions taken by either (i) Spansion Japan (at the direction of the Spansion Japan trustee or pursuant to orders of the Japanese court in the Spansion Japan corporate reorganization proceeding or otherwise) or (ii) the company or Spansion LLC (pursuant to the orders of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court or otherwise); the company's ability to transfer wafer production capacity to another location or to a third-party foundry, or to find alternative methods of distributing and selling its products in the event that Spansion Japan is not successful or has difficulties in reorganizing; any other actions or orders taken by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court that may impact the company's operations; any negative impacts on the company's business, results of operations, financial position or cash management arrangements; the inability to freely deploy cash resources throughout the company's various geographical locations as all or part of the total worldwide cash may not be available in either the United States or for working capital as a result of limitations inherent in the chapter 11 cases in the United States or Spansion Japan's corporate reorganization proceeding or as a result of various restrictions in certain geographies; the negative impact on relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and contract manufacturers and other stakeholders; the failure of the company to obtain the U.S. Bankruptcy Court orders substantially on the terms applied for; the failure of the company to obtain the requisite approvals of affected creditors or the courts for the proposed plan or reorganization, or to successfully implement such a plan or obtain sufficient exit financing, if required, within the time granted by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, leading to the likely liquidation of the company's assets; and that following the approval of the proposed plan of reorganization, the company's outstanding common stock will be cancelled. In addition, the instability of the global economy and tight credit markets could continue to adversely impact the company's business in several respects, including adversely impacting credit quality and insolvency risk of the company and its customers and business partners, including suppliers and distributors; bookings; and reductions and deferrals of demand for Spansion products. The company urges investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060118/SFW077LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Spansion Inc.
CONTACT: Courtney Brigham of Spansion Inc., +1-408-616-5056,
courtney.brigham@spansion.com
Web Site: http://www.spansion.com/
Higher density is ideally suited for set-top-box, digital TV and industrial design applications
SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 30 -- Spansion Inc. today announced it is sampling its 90nm 256 Megabits (Mb) MirrorBit® Multi-I/O Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Flash memory device to set-top box, digital TV and industrial design customers and chipset manufacturers.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060118/SFW077LOGO)
The 256 Mb MirrorBit SPI Multi-I/O product meets the higher density serial memory requirement that new consumer and industrial applications demand and further broadens Spansion's SPI portfolio, which already includes 32 Mb, 64 Mb and 128 Mb products that are currently shipping in volume production and supported by most chipsets.
"Our customers require higher-density SPI Flash to enable new applications and to provide improvements in performance," said Avo Kanadjian, vice president, Marketing at Spansion. "Additionally, our implementation of the 32-bit addressing scheme for 256 Mb and higher density SPI products is gaining acceptance in the industry as the preferred solution."
Multi-I/O serial devices support the option for single (one-bit data bus), dual (two-bit data bus) or quad (four-bit data bus) serial I/O data transmission from the same packaging and pins. The SPI product family also offers enhanced security features with a permanent sector lock security device that protects intellectual property and user data stored in the memory array from being changed or erased in any way after this command has been activated.
Availability
Spansion is currently sampling the 256 Mb MirrorBit SPI Multi-I/O product to customers and chipset manufacturers. Package options include BGA to support enhanced security features for set-top-box designs, and the standard SOIC 16-pin package for consumer and industrial applications. Production quantities will be available in June 2010.
About Spansion
Spansion (Pink Sheets: SPSNQ) is a leading Flash memory solutions provider, dedicated to enabling, storing and protecting digital content in automotive, consumer electronics, networking and wireless applications. Spansion is focused exclusively on designing, developing, manufacturing, marketing, selling and licensing Flash memory solutions. For more information, visit http://www.spansion.com/.
Spansion®, the Spansion logo, MirrorBit®, MirrorBit® Eclipse(TM), ORNAND(TM), EcoRAM(TM) and combinations thereof, are trademarks and registered trademarks of Spansion LLC in the United States and other countries. Other names used are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Cautionary Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those statements. The risks and uncertainties include the company's ability to: manage costs; achieve adequate liquidity; complete the chapter 11 reorganization process; execute on its new strategic focus; reach a sustainable business model; survive as a stand-alone entity; reach operational efficiency; and reach and sustain profitability. The risks and uncertainties related to the chapter 11 cases include: the company's ability to finalize, execute and obtain necessary court approvals for the definitive agreements with Spansion Japan regarding the sale of the distribution business and foundry services; depend on Spansion Japan for wafer production and distribution of products in Japan, due to actions taken by either (i) Spansion Japan (at the direction of the Spansion Japan trustee or pursuant to orders of the Japanese court in the Spansion Japan corporate reorganization proceeding or otherwise) or (ii) the company or Spansion LLC (pursuant to the orders of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court or otherwise); the company's ability to transfer wafer production capacity to another location or to a third-party foundry, or to find alternative methods of distributing and selling its products in the event that Spansion Japan is not successful or has difficulties in reorganizing; any other actions or orders taken by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court that may impact the company's operations; any negative impacts on the company's business, results of operations, financial position or cash management arrangements; the inability to freely deploy cash resources throughout the company's various geographical locations as all or part of the total worldwide cash may not be available in either the United States or for working capital as a result of limitations inherent in the chapter 11 cases in the United States or Spansion Japan's corporate reorganization proceeding or as a result of various restrictions in certain geographies; the negative impact on relationships with employees, customers, suppliers and contract manufacturers and other stakeholders; the failure of the company to obtain the U.S. Bankruptcy Court orders substantially on the terms applied for; the failure of the company to obtain the requisite approvals of affected creditors or the courts for the proposed plan or reorganization, or to successfully implement such a plan or obtain sufficient exit financing, if required, within the time granted by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, leading to the likely liquidation of the company's assets; and that following the approval of the proposed plan of reorganization, the company's outstanding common stock will be cancelled. In addition, the instability of the global economy and tight credit markets could continue to adversely impact the company's business in several respects, including adversely impacting credit quality and insolvency risk of the company and its customers and business partners, including suppliers and distributors; bookings; and reductions and deferrals of demand for Spansion products. The company urges investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060118/SFW077LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Spansion Inc.
CONTACT: Courtney Brigham of Spansion Inc., +1-408-616-5056,
courtney.brigham@spansion.com
Web Site: http://www.spansion.com/
TheMarkets.com Expands Product, Technology, and Customer Service Offerings in 2009
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:35:01 AM
TheMarkets.com Expands Product, Technology, and Customer Service Offerings in 2009
Launches application programming interface (API) Doubles client service staff in London
NEW YORK, March 30 -- TheMarkets.com, a leading provider of research, estimates and workflow solutions to the buy-side, today announced global staff expansion and product and customer service enhancements made throughout 2009. TheMarkets.com offers a suite of products used by over 2400 investment management firms in 51 countries for global research and other company and industry content, corporate access management, and broker voting.
Key product enhancements during 2009 include:
-- Launched an Application Programming Interface (API) that enables
clients to customize their internal systems using TheMarkets.com's
proprietary search technology and research from its hundreds of global
providers
-- Created an end-to-end consulting service for clients who want to build
or enhance a custom research application through the use of APIs
-- Quadrupled the number of brokers delivering content directly to
TheMarkets.com's research platform, surpassing the landmark of 700
direct contributors
By leveraging API technologies, buy-side firms can select only the content and functionality that add value to their investment processes, rather than buying a pre-configured solution that may include unnecessary content or functionality. "We've seen a surge in demand for applications that are completely customized to a firm's investment workflow," said David Eisner, CEO and President of TheMarkets.com. "To help our clients benefit from the economic advantages of customization, we focused on expanding our content offering, while also building up our internal capabilities to develop these solutions in partnership with clients."
Sales inquiries to TheMarkets.com from outside the United States more than tripled during 2009. As a result, TheMarkets.com doubled its client service staff in its London office to answer the growing demand. "While we remain focused on building best-of-breed products, we continue to hear from clients that our unparalleled customer service sets us apart from other options in the marketplace," said Eisner. The Company added client training and service staff, enhanced its local language support, and now offers in-person training anywhere in the world.
John McClain, Vice President of Credit at Standard Life Investments, and a customer of TheMarkets.com, said, "The client service staff at TheMarkets.com differentiates itself by being proactive, knowledgeable about our needs, and willing to go the extra mile. From the outset, they reached out to us to make sure we were comfortable with the product, and able to use it to its fullest capabilities. When you consider the breadth of content available on the product, individual attention to make sure we're able to find what we need adds a lot of value and saves us time."
Eisner said, "During a time when many others in our industry experienced flat or negative growth, our business continued to grow, as we focused our attention on serving our existing customers and building for the future. We developed customized product and service solutions, enhanced our customer service and support, and built our product line to better serve our clients' needs. Thanks to this back-to-basics focus, December of 2009 was our best month of new sales since December of 2007, a critical marker we have been looking for as an indicator of continued growth in the future."
About TheMarkets.com
TheMarkets.com is an award-winning provider of research, estimates, and workflow solutions to over 2400 institutional investment management firms worldwide. TheMarkets.com is owned by: Bank of America Merrill Lynch (NYSE: BAC), Citi (NYSE:C), Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS), Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB), The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS), JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS), UBS Investment Bank (NYSE:UBS), and Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI; TSX: TRI; LSE: TRIL: Nasdaq: TRIN).
CONTACT:
--------
Jasmine Swann
TheMarkets.com
+1 212-812-4631
jswann@TheMarkets.com
Source: TheMarkets.com
CONTACT: Jasmine Swann, TheMarkets.com, +1-212-812-4631,
jswann@TheMarkets.com
Web Site: http://www.themarkets.com/
Launches application programming interface (API) Doubles client service staff in London
NEW YORK, March 30 -- TheMarkets.com, a leading provider of research, estimates and workflow solutions to the buy-side, today announced global staff expansion and product and customer service enhancements made throughout 2009. TheMarkets.com offers a suite of products used by over 2400 investment management firms in 51 countries for global research and other company and industry content, corporate access management, and broker voting.
Key product enhancements during 2009 include:
-- Launched an Application Programming Interface (API) that enables
clients to customize their internal systems using TheMarkets.com's
proprietary search technology and research from its hundreds of global
providers
-- Created an end-to-end consulting service for clients who want to build
or enhance a custom research application through the use of APIs
-- Quadrupled the number of brokers delivering content directly to
TheMarkets.com's research platform, surpassing the landmark of 700
direct contributors
By leveraging API technologies, buy-side firms can select only the content and functionality that add value to their investment processes, rather than buying a pre-configured solution that may include unnecessary content or functionality. "We've seen a surge in demand for applications that are completely customized to a firm's investment workflow," said David Eisner, CEO and President of TheMarkets.com. "To help our clients benefit from the economic advantages of customization, we focused on expanding our content offering, while also building up our internal capabilities to develop these solutions in partnership with clients."
Sales inquiries to TheMarkets.com from outside the United States more than tripled during 2009. As a result, TheMarkets.com doubled its client service staff in its London office to answer the growing demand. "While we remain focused on building best-of-breed products, we continue to hear from clients that our unparalleled customer service sets us apart from other options in the marketplace," said Eisner. The Company added client training and service staff, enhanced its local language support, and now offers in-person training anywhere in the world.
John McClain, Vice President of Credit at Standard Life Investments, and a customer of TheMarkets.com, said, "The client service staff at TheMarkets.com differentiates itself by being proactive, knowledgeable about our needs, and willing to go the extra mile. From the outset, they reached out to us to make sure we were comfortable with the product, and able to use it to its fullest capabilities. When you consider the breadth of content available on the product, individual attention to make sure we're able to find what we need adds a lot of value and saves us time."
Eisner said, "During a time when many others in our industry experienced flat or negative growth, our business continued to grow, as we focused our attention on serving our existing customers and building for the future. We developed customized product and service solutions, enhanced our customer service and support, and built our product line to better serve our clients' needs. Thanks to this back-to-basics focus, December of 2009 was our best month of new sales since December of 2007, a critical marker we have been looking for as an indicator of continued growth in the future."
About TheMarkets.com
TheMarkets.com is an award-winning provider of research, estimates, and workflow solutions to over 2400 institutional investment management firms worldwide. TheMarkets.com is owned by: Bank of America Merrill Lynch (NYSE: BAC), Citi (NYSE:C), Credit Suisse (NYSE:CS), Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB), The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS), JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS), UBS Investment Bank (NYSE:UBS), and Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI; TSX: TRI; LSE: TRIL: Nasdaq: TRIN).
CONTACT:
--------
Jasmine Swann
TheMarkets.com
+1 212-812-4631
jswann@TheMarkets.com
Source: TheMarkets.com
CONTACT: Jasmine Swann, TheMarkets.com, +1-212-812-4631,
jswann@TheMarkets.com
Web Site: http://www.themarkets.com/
Call of Duty(R): Modern Warfare(R) 2 Stimulus Package Now Available on Xbox LIVE
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:35:01 AM
Call of Duty(R): Modern Warfare(R) 2 Stimulus Package Now Available on Xbox LIVE
SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 30 -- The first new multiplayer map pack from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is now available worldwide on Xbox LIVE®. Released by Activision Publishing, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), Infinity Ward's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package adds five adrenaline-pumping multiplayer arenas to the best-selling title ever on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
The Modern Warfare® 2 Stimulus Package can now be downloaded on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system for 1,200 Microsoft Points. To celebrate its release, Infinity Ward will host a Double XP weekend for Xbox LIVE gamers from April 2 - 4.
"Thanks to our community and fans around the world for their continuous feedback and dedication to Modern Warfare 2," said Robert Bowling, Creative Strategist, Infinity Ward. "The Stimulus Package introduces several all-new locations to the multiplayer, as well as a few of our favorite classics from Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare® that can now be experienced in a completely unique new way thanks to the additional perks and gametypes Modern Warfare 2 has to offer. As a whole, this DLC package has something for everyone, so we're excited to see all the new gameplay tactics this brings on Xbox LIVE!"
After launching worldwide on November 10, 2009, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 quickly became a cultural phenomenon making history for the largest one-day entertainment opening ever on its way to topping $1 billion in retail sales by January according to internal estimates.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language. For more information, visit http://www.modernwarfare2.com.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology, industry standards and consumer preferences, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors and third-party developers, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, and the other factors identified in the risk factors section of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
©2009, 2010 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision, Call of Duty and Modern Warfare are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, Windows and Games for Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.
Source: Activision Publishing, Inc.
CONTACT: Monica Pontrelli, Associate Publicist of Activision Publishing,
Inc., +1-310-255-2518, monica.pontrelli@activision.com
Web Site: http://www.activision.com/
http://www.modernwarfare2.com/
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/007396.html
SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 30 -- The first new multiplayer map pack from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is now available worldwide on Xbox LIVE®. Released by Activision Publishing, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), Infinity Ward's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package adds five adrenaline-pumping multiplayer arenas to the best-selling title ever on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
The Modern Warfare® 2 Stimulus Package can now be downloaded on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system for 1,200 Microsoft Points. To celebrate its release, Infinity Ward will host a Double XP weekend for Xbox LIVE gamers from April 2 - 4.
"Thanks to our community and fans around the world for their continuous feedback and dedication to Modern Warfare 2," said Robert Bowling, Creative Strategist, Infinity Ward. "The Stimulus Package introduces several all-new locations to the multiplayer, as well as a few of our favorite classics from Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare® that can now be experienced in a completely unique new way thanks to the additional perks and gametypes Modern Warfare 2 has to offer. As a whole, this DLC package has something for everyone, so we're excited to see all the new gameplay tactics this brings on Xbox LIVE!"
After launching worldwide on November 10, 2009, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 quickly became a cultural phenomenon making history for the largest one-day entertainment opening ever on its way to topping $1 billion in retail sales by January according to internal estimates.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Stimulus Package is rated "M" (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Language. For more information, visit http://www.modernwarfare2.com.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology, industry standards and consumer preferences, protection of proprietary rights, litigation against Activision Publishing, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors and third-party developers, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, integration of recent acquisitions and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, and the other factors identified in the risk factors section of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
©2009, 2010 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision, Call of Duty and Modern Warfare are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, Windows and Games for Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.
Source: Activision Publishing, Inc.
CONTACT: Monica Pontrelli, Associate Publicist of Activision Publishing,
Inc., +1-310-255-2518, monica.pontrelli@activision.com
Web Site: http://www.activision.com/
http://www.modernwarfare2.com/
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/007396.html
Introducing CHIPDRIVE MyKey: Computer Lock and Password Manager on a Smart Card-Secured USB Stick
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:35:01 AM
Introducing CHIPDRIVE MyKey: Computer Lock and Password Manager on a Smart Card-Secured USB Stick
Protects Computers and Data from Identity Thieves
SANTA ANA, Calif., March 30 -- Having trouble remembering all your passwords? Safely store your passwords, take them wherever you go, and lock up your computer whenever you leave with CHIPDRIVE® MyKey(TM), a new easy-to-use smart card USB stick from SCM Microsystems. So small it fits in your pocket, it combines a portable, encrypted and PIN-protected password manager with a Microsoft® Windows® access lock to prevent prying eyes and identity thieves from accessing your PC or laptop and its data. CHIPDRIVE MyKey is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP and 2000. Available in Europe for more than a year, it is now available in the U.S. for a suggested price of $29.99 from leading online retailers including Amazon, Buy.com, CompuPlus, eCost, Staples and others.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100330/SF78488)
"Identity theft has been the number one source of consumer fraud complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for the last seven years, and more than 50 percent of identity theft is the result of thieves accessing personal information and data stored on a computer," said David Holmes, vice president and general manager, SCM Americas. "CHIPDRIVE MyKey's Password Manager lets you take your most confidential bank or investment account passwords and other sensitive information out of the PC and securely store them on a smart card chip, where they are encrypted and PIN-protected and not vulnerable to any malware that might infect your PC."
Remembering all of your passwords is another big problem everyone faces. What is worse is the common practice of using the same password for multiple sites. MyKey solves password problems by providing a convenient, portable password manager that you can use from any computer - at home, at work, or at a friend's - so you don't have to memorize the passwords for all the Web sites you access.
In addition, another feature called Computer Lock gives you a hassle-free way to protect your sensitive information when you are away from your computer. Just unplug your MyKey and it locks your desktop; no one can access your PC without it, even if they know your password.
The company behind CHIPDRIVE MyKey, SCM Microsystems, is already a leading provider of smart card-based security solutions in the United States, and has shipped more than two million devices to the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal government agencies. In 2009, global growth consulting firm Frost & Sullivan recognized SCM for this success with the North American Smart Card Readers Market Leadership Award.
How It Works
CHIPDRIVE MyKey is extremely simple for consumers to install and use in three easy steps.
1. Install SCM's software from the CD-ROM
2. Insert the smart card chip into the USB device, and then plug it into
any spare USB slot
3. Log on to the computer
The foundation of MyKey is a super-secure smart card inside the USB stick. The same size as a mobile phone SIM, the smart card contains a microprocessor and special security software. Smart card technology already protects billions of people every day as they use their mobile phones and EMV or contactless bankcards. All U.S. federal government employees, including every branch of the Armed Forces, have smart card technology built into their ID credentials, and the U.S. and other countries use smart card technology in electronic passports.
CHIPDRIVE MyKey's Password Manager stores usernames and passwords on the smart card chip. MyKey encrypts the information and requires a PIN to access it, so if you lose your MyKey your information is safe. Login dialogs are answered easily without drag and drop, and new login and Web site information is easily added.
Computer Lock works as an access lock for Microsoft Windows-based PCs and laptops to fully protect the computer and its data whenever it is not in use by its owner. To use MyKey to login to Windows, simply plug it into any spare USB slot, enter your four-digit PIN, and you can log onto your computer and access data instantly. When you remove MyKey from the USB slot, the PC automatically enters a "locked" mode where the computer cannot be used, and data cannot be accessed. MyKey is especially useful for notebook users, as it prevents access to all data even if the computer is lost or stolen.
In addition, it provides these convenient and secure features:
-- Form Fill: store your personal information (e.g., name, address, phone
number) and use it to automatically fill in Web forms anytime you are
online, such as shopping, booking travel and registering at new Web
sites
-- Address Book: store your favorite Internet bookmarks and take them
with you wherever you go
-- Notepad: encrypt and store personal notes to keep them confidential
and protected from unauthorized access
CHIPDRIVE MyKey comes complete with the USB stick, a SIM-sized smart card, software and a user guide on a CD-ROM. A video demo is available at YouTube, and you can order the CHIPDRIVE MyKey password manager and password software online.
About SCM Microsystems, Inc.
SCM Microsystems is a leading provider of solutions for secure access, secure identity and secure exchange. The company offers the world's broadest range of contact, contactless and mobile smart card reader and terminal technology, digital identity and transaction platforms, as well as systems that integrate physical and logical access control. SCM's smart card-based products and solutions are utilized around the world to enable security and identification applications, transaction systems, eHealth- and eGovernment programs and physical access systems.
SCM Microsystems is part of Identive Group (Nasdaq: INVE; Frankfurt Stock Exchange: INV), a leading provider of products, services and solutions for the security, identification and RFID industries. For additional information, visit http://www.scmmicro.com and http://www.identive-group.com.
About CHIPDRIVE®
SCM Microsystems' CHIPDRIVE®-branded packages for small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals offer affordable, customizable solutions for security, identification, home banking and eCommerce, as well as smart card-based time recording and business productivity systems. CHIPDRIVE solutions consist of smart cards used for the authentication of individuals; card readers/terminals for both fixed and mobile, contact and contactless environments; and software to enable productivity applications such as network logon, authentication and password management. CHIPDRIVE Time Recording allows easy and fast recording of working hours of employees. For more information, please go to http://www.chipdrive.net.
Note: All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100330/SF78488
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: SCM Microsystems, Inc.
CONTACT: Darby Dye of SCM Microsystems, +1-949-553-4251,
ddye@scmmicro.com
Web Site: http://www.scmmicro.com/
Protects Computers and Data from Identity Thieves
SANTA ANA, Calif., March 30 -- Having trouble remembering all your passwords? Safely store your passwords, take them wherever you go, and lock up your computer whenever you leave with CHIPDRIVE® MyKey(TM), a new easy-to-use smart card USB stick from SCM Microsystems. So small it fits in your pocket, it combines a portable, encrypted and PIN-protected password manager with a Microsoft® Windows® access lock to prevent prying eyes and identity thieves from accessing your PC or laptop and its data. CHIPDRIVE MyKey is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP and 2000. Available in Europe for more than a year, it is now available in the U.S. for a suggested price of $29.99 from leading online retailers including Amazon, Buy.com, CompuPlus, eCost, Staples and others.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100330/SF78488)
"Identity theft has been the number one source of consumer fraud complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for the last seven years, and more than 50 percent of identity theft is the result of thieves accessing personal information and data stored on a computer," said David Holmes, vice president and general manager, SCM Americas. "CHIPDRIVE MyKey's Password Manager lets you take your most confidential bank or investment account passwords and other sensitive information out of the PC and securely store them on a smart card chip, where they are encrypted and PIN-protected and not vulnerable to any malware that might infect your PC."
Remembering all of your passwords is another big problem everyone faces. What is worse is the common practice of using the same password for multiple sites. MyKey solves password problems by providing a convenient, portable password manager that you can use from any computer - at home, at work, or at a friend's - so you don't have to memorize the passwords for all the Web sites you access.
In addition, another feature called Computer Lock gives you a hassle-free way to protect your sensitive information when you are away from your computer. Just unplug your MyKey and it locks your desktop; no one can access your PC without it, even if they know your password.
The company behind CHIPDRIVE MyKey, SCM Microsystems, is already a leading provider of smart card-based security solutions in the United States, and has shipped more than two million devices to the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal government agencies. In 2009, global growth consulting firm Frost & Sullivan recognized SCM for this success with the North American Smart Card Readers Market Leadership Award.
How It Works
CHIPDRIVE MyKey is extremely simple for consumers to install and use in three easy steps.
1. Install SCM's software from the CD-ROM
2. Insert the smart card chip into the USB device, and then plug it into
any spare USB slot
3. Log on to the computer
The foundation of MyKey is a super-secure smart card inside the USB stick. The same size as a mobile phone SIM, the smart card contains a microprocessor and special security software. Smart card technology already protects billions of people every day as they use their mobile phones and EMV or contactless bankcards. All U.S. federal government employees, including every branch of the Armed Forces, have smart card technology built into their ID credentials, and the U.S. and other countries use smart card technology in electronic passports.
CHIPDRIVE MyKey's Password Manager stores usernames and passwords on the smart card chip. MyKey encrypts the information and requires a PIN to access it, so if you lose your MyKey your information is safe. Login dialogs are answered easily without drag and drop, and new login and Web site information is easily added.
Computer Lock works as an access lock for Microsoft Windows-based PCs and laptops to fully protect the computer and its data whenever it is not in use by its owner. To use MyKey to login to Windows, simply plug it into any spare USB slot, enter your four-digit PIN, and you can log onto your computer and access data instantly. When you remove MyKey from the USB slot, the PC automatically enters a "locked" mode where the computer cannot be used, and data cannot be accessed. MyKey is especially useful for notebook users, as it prevents access to all data even if the computer is lost or stolen.
In addition, it provides these convenient and secure features:
-- Form Fill: store your personal information (e.g., name, address, phone
number) and use it to automatically fill in Web forms anytime you are
online, such as shopping, booking travel and registering at new Web
sites
-- Address Book: store your favorite Internet bookmarks and take them
with you wherever you go
-- Notepad: encrypt and store personal notes to keep them confidential
and protected from unauthorized access
CHIPDRIVE MyKey comes complete with the USB stick, a SIM-sized smart card, software and a user guide on a CD-ROM. A video demo is available at YouTube, and you can order the CHIPDRIVE MyKey password manager and password software online.
About SCM Microsystems, Inc.
SCM Microsystems is a leading provider of solutions for secure access, secure identity and secure exchange. The company offers the world's broadest range of contact, contactless and mobile smart card reader and terminal technology, digital identity and transaction platforms, as well as systems that integrate physical and logical access control. SCM's smart card-based products and solutions are utilized around the world to enable security and identification applications, transaction systems, eHealth- and eGovernment programs and physical access systems.
SCM Microsystems is part of Identive Group (Nasdaq: INVE; Frankfurt Stock Exchange: INV), a leading provider of products, services and solutions for the security, identification and RFID industries. For additional information, visit http://www.scmmicro.com and http://www.identive-group.com.
About CHIPDRIVE®
SCM Microsystems' CHIPDRIVE®-branded packages for small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals offer affordable, customizable solutions for security, identification, home banking and eCommerce, as well as smart card-based time recording and business productivity systems. CHIPDRIVE solutions consist of smart cards used for the authentication of individuals; card readers/terminals for both fixed and mobile, contact and contactless environments; and software to enable productivity applications such as network logon, authentication and password management. CHIPDRIVE Time Recording allows easy and fast recording of working hours of employees. For more information, please go to http://www.chipdrive.net.
Note: All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100330/SF78488
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: SCM Microsystems, Inc.
CONTACT: Darby Dye of SCM Microsystems, +1-949-553-4251,
ddye@scmmicro.com
Web Site: http://www.scmmicro.com/
Experts Who 'Called It' to Highlight Big Shift in U.S. Cell Phone Market as New Prepaid Customers Top New Contract-Based Customers for First Time Ever
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:28:01 AM
Experts Who 'Called It' to Highlight Big Shift in U.S. Cell Phone Market as New Prepaid Customers Top New Contract-Based Customers for First Time Ever
*** 03/31/10 New Millennium Research Council News Advisory ***
Important Consumer Swing Was Forecast One Year Ago in NMRC Survey; Experts to Highlight What Consumers May Do Next ... and What They Need to Do to Protect Their Interests.
Twelve months after it released public opinion survey findings showing that penny pinching brought on by the current recession could lead to a major shift in U.S. wireless cell phone consumer habits, the New Millennium Research Council (NMRC) will hold a phone-based news conference at 1:30 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2010 to discuss data confirming that - for the first quarter ever -- the number of new prepaid wireless phone customers in U.S. has eclipsed the number of new contract-based phone customers.
NMRC, an independent telecommunications and technology think tank, released a national survey on March 19, 2009 showing that recession-weary consumers were now much more likely to consider subscribing to no-contract prepaid phones. Last October, the New Millennium Research Council issued a follow-up statement that the recent explosion in increasingly inexpensive and diverse prepaid wireless cell phone plans represented a likely "tipping point" in consumer habits.
Experts will discuss what the new trend in cell phones means for consumers, where things may go next, and what consumers should look for when subscribing to a cell phone plan.
News event speakers will be:
-- Jose Guzman, Project Coordinator, New Millennium Research Council;
-- Telecommunications analyst Mark Lowenstein, Managing Director, Mobile
Ecosystem; and
-- John Breyault, Vice President, Public Policy, Telecommunications,
National Consumers League, who will participate as a NCL guest expert.
TO PARTICIPATE: Reporters can join this live, phone-based news conference (including full, two-way Q&A) at 1:30 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2010 by dialing 1 (800) 860-2442. (Ask for the "cell phone subscriber trends" news event.) To hear the NMRC telenews event in its entirety, dial in at least five minutes before the start time.
CAN'T PARTICIPATE?: A streaming audio recording of the news event will be available on the Web as of 6 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2010 at http://www.thenmrc.org/.
ABOUT NMRC
Created in 1999, the New Millennium Research Council is a Washington, D.C. think tank. The work of NMRC focuses primarily on the fields of telecommunications and technology. The contributors to NMRC reports develop workable, real-world solutions to the issues and challenges confronting policymakers. For more information, please visit http://www.thenmrc.org/ on the Web.
CONTACT: Patrick Mitchell, +1-703-276-3266, pmitchell@hastingsgroup.com, for NMRC
/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- March 30/
Source: New Millennium Research Council, Washington, D.C.
Web Site: http://www.thenmrc.org/
*** 03/31/10 New Millennium Research Council News Advisory ***
Important Consumer Swing Was Forecast One Year Ago in NMRC Survey; Experts to Highlight What Consumers May Do Next ... and What They Need to Do to Protect Their Interests.
Twelve months after it released public opinion survey findings showing that penny pinching brought on by the current recession could lead to a major shift in U.S. wireless cell phone consumer habits, the New Millennium Research Council (NMRC) will hold a phone-based news conference at 1:30 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2010 to discuss data confirming that - for the first quarter ever -- the number of new prepaid wireless phone customers in U.S. has eclipsed the number of new contract-based phone customers.
NMRC, an independent telecommunications and technology think tank, released a national survey on March 19, 2009 showing that recession-weary consumers were now much more likely to consider subscribing to no-contract prepaid phones. Last October, the New Millennium Research Council issued a follow-up statement that the recent explosion in increasingly inexpensive and diverse prepaid wireless cell phone plans represented a likely "tipping point" in consumer habits.
Experts will discuss what the new trend in cell phones means for consumers, where things may go next, and what consumers should look for when subscribing to a cell phone plan.
News event speakers will be:
-- Jose Guzman, Project Coordinator, New Millennium Research Council;
-- Telecommunications analyst Mark Lowenstein, Managing Director, Mobile
Ecosystem; and
-- John Breyault, Vice President, Public Policy, Telecommunications,
National Consumers League, who will participate as a NCL guest expert.
TO PARTICIPATE: Reporters can join this live, phone-based news conference (including full, two-way Q&A) at 1:30 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2010 by dialing 1 (800) 860-2442. (Ask for the "cell phone subscriber trends" news event.) To hear the NMRC telenews event in its entirety, dial in at least five minutes before the start time.
CAN'T PARTICIPATE?: A streaming audio recording of the news event will be available on the Web as of 6 p.m. EDT on March 31, 2010 at http://www.thenmrc.org/.
ABOUT NMRC
Created in 1999, the New Millennium Research Council is a Washington, D.C. think tank. The work of NMRC focuses primarily on the fields of telecommunications and technology. The contributors to NMRC reports develop workable, real-world solutions to the issues and challenges confronting policymakers. For more information, please visit http://www.thenmrc.org/ on the Web.
CONTACT: Patrick Mitchell, +1-703-276-3266, pmitchell@hastingsgroup.com, for NMRC
/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- March 30/
Source: New Millennium Research Council, Washington, D.C.
Web Site: http://www.thenmrc.org/
ECS Incorporates SRS Sound on Entire Lineup of Notebook PCs
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:21:01 AM
ECS Incorporates SRS Sound on Entire Lineup of Notebook PCs
SRS Sound Provides Rich Multimedia Experience on PCs in Any Listening Environment
SANTA ANA, Calif., March 30 -- SRS Labs (NASDAQ: SRSL), the industry leader in surround sound, audio, and voice technologies, announced today that it has formed a long-term strategic partnership with Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), a global consumer electronic manufacturer, which will incorporate the SRS Sound(TM) suite, comprising of advanced audio solutions tailored to provide a robust multimedia experience, within its entire line up of notebook PCs over the next three years.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070322/LATH036LOGO)
"SRS is very excited about the opportunity to work with an innovative, marketing-driven company like ECS, and we're proud that they have selected to roll out our SRS Sound suite throughout their entire line of notebook PCs," said Allen H. Gharapetian, Vice President of Marketing for SRS Labs. "Today's users rely on their PCs to provide a multimedia experience that's comparable to that of their TVs; with SRS Sound, the PC multimedia experience is brought to life by creating an amazingly natural and truly memorable audio experience."
SRS Sound provides ECS notebooks with the ability to deliver immersive surround sound, deeper bass and clearer dialog. It further enhances users' experience through added high-frequency definition and an overall broadening of the sound stage in any listening environment, ensuring that ECS notebook users enjoy a notably richer, more engaging entertainment experience across any speaker configuration - laptop speakers, desktop speakers or headphones. To reproduce the pristine audio, SRS Sound dynamically optimizes subtle nuances and rich sounds buried in the original music and video content.
"As a leading edge computer technology company, we believe that it is absolutely necessary to incorporate top of the line technologies in all of our products," said Albert Chen, General Manager of Mobile Product Business Unit for ECS. "Having SRS Sound custom-tuned specifically for the entire line of ECS notebook PCs provides the best possible sound performance and the kind of multimedia experience our customers demand."
ECS's line of notebooks featuring SRS Sound are available throughout China, India, South America and the APAC regions, reaffirming SRS' position as the global de facto standard for consumer audio solutions across a wide range of consumer electronics, including PCs.
About SRS Labs, Inc.
Founded in 1993, SRS Labs is the industry leader in audio signal processing for consumer electronics. Beginning with the audio technologies originally developed at Hughes Aircraft, SRS Labs holds over 150 worldwide patents and is recognized by the industry as the foremost authority in research and application of audio post processing technologies based on the human auditory principles. Through partnerships with leading global CE companies, semiconductor manufacturers and software partners, SRS is recognized as the de facto standard in audio enhancement, surround sound, volume leveling and voice processing technologies. SRS solutions have been included in over one billion electronic products sold worldwide including flat panel HDTVs, STBs, mobile phones, portable media devices, PCs and automotive entertainment. SRS Labs supports its partners around the globe with a network of offices in regions including the U.S., China, Europe, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. For more information, visit http://www.srslabs.com. Visit SRS Labs' blog at soundingoff.srslabs.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/srslabs or on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/srslabs.
About ECS
The Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) has been a pioneer in designing and manufacturing computer motherboards since 1987. Today, ECS also designs and manufactures desktop PCs, notebooks, servers, motherboards, video cards, wireless solutions and handheld devices for global market. ECS also has ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and QC080000 certified manufacturing facilities in China. For more information, please visit ECS at http://www.ecs.com.tw.
Except for historical information contained in this release, statements in this release, including those by Mr. Gharapetian, may constitute forward-looking statements regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events that are based on management's belief, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. While the Company believes that its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurances that the Company's goals and strategy will be realized. Numerous factors, including risks and uncertainties, may affect the Company's actual results and may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Some of these factors include the acceptance of new SRS Labs' products and technologies, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the timely development and release of technologies by the Company, general business and economic conditions, especially in Asia, and other factors detailed in the Company's Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed with the SEC. SRS Labs specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
SRS Labs, Inc. Contact: Investor Relations Contact:
Michael Bingham, PR Manager Matt Glover, Liolios Group, Inc.
949-442-5582 949-574-3860
michaelb@srslabs.cominfo@liolios.com
Twitter: @SRSLabs
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070322/LATH036LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: SRS Labs, Inc.
CONTACT: Michael Bingham, PR Manager of SRS Labs, Inc., +1-949-442-5582,
michaelb@srslabs.com, Twitter: @SRSLabs, or Investors, Matt Glover of Liolios
Group, Inc., +1-949-574-3860, info@liolios.com, for SRS Labs, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.srslabs.com/
SRS Sound Provides Rich Multimedia Experience on PCs in Any Listening Environment
SANTA ANA, Calif., March 30 -- SRS Labs (NASDAQ: SRSL), the industry leader in surround sound, audio, and voice technologies, announced today that it has formed a long-term strategic partnership with Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), a global consumer electronic manufacturer, which will incorporate the SRS Sound(TM) suite, comprising of advanced audio solutions tailored to provide a robust multimedia experience, within its entire line up of notebook PCs over the next three years.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070322/LATH036LOGO)
"SRS is very excited about the opportunity to work with an innovative, marketing-driven company like ECS, and we're proud that they have selected to roll out our SRS Sound suite throughout their entire line of notebook PCs," said Allen H. Gharapetian, Vice President of Marketing for SRS Labs. "Today's users rely on their PCs to provide a multimedia experience that's comparable to that of their TVs; with SRS Sound, the PC multimedia experience is brought to life by creating an amazingly natural and truly memorable audio experience."
SRS Sound provides ECS notebooks with the ability to deliver immersive surround sound, deeper bass and clearer dialog. It further enhances users' experience through added high-frequency definition and an overall broadening of the sound stage in any listening environment, ensuring that ECS notebook users enjoy a notably richer, more engaging entertainment experience across any speaker configuration - laptop speakers, desktop speakers or headphones. To reproduce the pristine audio, SRS Sound dynamically optimizes subtle nuances and rich sounds buried in the original music and video content.
"As a leading edge computer technology company, we believe that it is absolutely necessary to incorporate top of the line technologies in all of our products," said Albert Chen, General Manager of Mobile Product Business Unit for ECS. "Having SRS Sound custom-tuned specifically for the entire line of ECS notebook PCs provides the best possible sound performance and the kind of multimedia experience our customers demand."
ECS's line of notebooks featuring SRS Sound are available throughout China, India, South America and the APAC regions, reaffirming SRS' position as the global de facto standard for consumer audio solutions across a wide range of consumer electronics, including PCs.
About SRS Labs, Inc.
Founded in 1993, SRS Labs is the industry leader in audio signal processing for consumer electronics. Beginning with the audio technologies originally developed at Hughes Aircraft, SRS Labs holds over 150 worldwide patents and is recognized by the industry as the foremost authority in research and application of audio post processing technologies based on the human auditory principles. Through partnerships with leading global CE companies, semiconductor manufacturers and software partners, SRS is recognized as the de facto standard in audio enhancement, surround sound, volume leveling and voice processing technologies. SRS solutions have been included in over one billion electronic products sold worldwide including flat panel HDTVs, STBs, mobile phones, portable media devices, PCs and automotive entertainment. SRS Labs supports its partners around the globe with a network of offices in regions including the U.S., China, Europe, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. For more information, visit http://www.srslabs.com. Visit SRS Labs' blog at soundingoff.srslabs.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/srslabs or on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/srslabs.
About ECS
The Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) has been a pioneer in designing and manufacturing computer motherboards since 1987. Today, ECS also designs and manufactures desktop PCs, notebooks, servers, motherboards, video cards, wireless solutions and handheld devices for global market. ECS also has ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and QC080000 certified manufacturing facilities in China. For more information, please visit ECS at http://www.ecs.com.tw.
Except for historical information contained in this release, statements in this release, including those by Mr. Gharapetian, may constitute forward-looking statements regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events that are based on management's belief, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. While the Company believes that its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurances that the Company's goals and strategy will be realized. Numerous factors, including risks and uncertainties, may affect the Company's actual results and may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Some of these factors include the acceptance of new SRS Labs' products and technologies, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the timely development and release of technologies by the Company, general business and economic conditions, especially in Asia, and other factors detailed in the Company's Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed with the SEC. SRS Labs specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
SRS Labs, Inc. Contact: Investor Relations Contact:
Michael Bingham, PR Manager Matt Glover, Liolios Group, Inc.
949-442-5582 949-574-3860
michaelb@srslabs.cominfo@liolios.com
Twitter: @SRSLabs
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070322/LATH036LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: SRS Labs, Inc.
CONTACT: Michael Bingham, PR Manager of SRS Labs, Inc., +1-949-442-5582,
michaelb@srslabs.com, Twitter: @SRSLabs, or Investors, Matt Glover of Liolios
Group, Inc., +1-949-574-3860, info@liolios.com, for SRS Labs, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.srslabs.com/
GHXcellence Awards Honor Healthcare Providers and Suppliers for Achievements in Supply Chain Performance
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:14:01 AM
GHXcellence Awards Honor Healthcare Providers and Suppliers for Achievements in Supply Chain Performance
ORLANDO, Fla., March 30 -- GHX honored 15 healthcare provider and supplier organizations with 13 GHXcellence Awards for achievements in improving supply chain performance. The winners were announced at the 10th Annual GHX Supply Chain Summit in Orlando, March 29-31, 2010 -- the largest event in healthcare that focuses on the entire supply chain and brings participants together to address common issues.
The theme of this year's awards was "Your Challenge. Your Chance. Your Legacy." The awards are granted to those organizations that best met specific criteria during the 2009 calendar year, including:
-- Increased use of e-commerce solutions throughout the healthcare supply
chain
-- The number of trading partners with which they conducted e-commerce
-- The percentage of orders transacted electronically
-- The percentage of invoices transacted electronically
-- Reduction in order and invoice discrepancies and errors
The GHXcellence Award recipients are:
-- Healthcare Provider of the Year (U.S.): Wellspan Health, York, Pa.
-- Healthcare Provider of the Year (Canada): Healthcare Materials
Management Services, London, Ontario, and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa,
Ontario
-- Most Improved Healthcare Provider (Purchase Order Growth): Johns
Hopkins University Health System, Baltimore, Md.
-- Most Improved Healthcare Provider (Invoice Growth): Jewish Hospital &
St. Mary's HealthCare, Louisville, Ky.
-- My Exchange Order Center Usage* (Provider): Premier Health Partners,
Dayton, Ohio, and Yankee Alliance, Andover, Mass.
-- Best 50 IDN **: Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals, Columbia,
S.C.
-- Healthcare Supplier of the Year (U.S.): Beckman Coulter, Inc., Orange
County, Calif.
-- Healthcare Supplier of the Year (Canada): Covidien Canada,
Mississauga, Ontario
-- Distributor of the Year: Owens & Minor, Mechanicsville, Va.
-- Most Innovative Provider (Business Process Change): Catholic
Healthcare West, San Francisco, Calif.
-- Most Innovative Provider (Technology): LifeBridge Health, Baltimore,
Md.
-- Most Innovative Supplier (Business Process Change): C.R. Bard, Inc.,
Murray Hill, N.J.
-- Most Innovative Supplier (Technology): GE Healthcare, Princeton, N.J.
* Award for using technology for proactive order exception management
** Top performer among integrated delivery networks/facilities with the lowest purchase order exception rates
GHX honored two providers with Most Innovative Provider awards for innovation in their implementation of e-commerce solutions.
Catholic Healthcare West was honored for business process improvements made across the organization to automate the supply chain. Combining the usage and reporting capabilities of GHX My Exchange with its Lawson ERP system, Catholic Healthcare West developed a system-wide "Perfect Purchase Order" initiative, a program designed to develop standard tools and processes to support buyers in achieving zero errors in the procure-to-pay process. As a result, it significantly decreased purchase order and invoice exceptions and improved the effectiveness of its business, bringing value and improved efficiencies to both itself and its trading partners.
LifeBridge Health was honored for its innovative use of technology to improve data management, orders and supply chain processes. Using the GHX Catalyst platform, LifeBridge completely automated the requisition process for consignment, bill-only orders for implantable devices. With an automated, electronic and more controlled process in place, contract pricing can be enforced, helping ensure the operating room is only buying those products that have been approved for purchase. Since vendors must provide LifeBridge with full details on new implants before they can create requisitions for these products, this new process also helps it maintain up-to-date product information within its item master.
This year, GHX introduced a new award category, Most Innovative Supplier, to honor two suppliers for their implementation of e-commerce solutions.
C.R. Bard was honored for business process improvements made across the organization to automate the supply chain. By implementing a targeted account identification approach using a combination of internal reports and GHX tools and resources, C.R. Bard first identified low-utilization customers and worked closely with them to increase the percentage of e-commerce-based transactions. By focusing on driving improved EDI utilization within its customer base, C.R. Bard is now processing more high-quality and accurate electronic orders that require fewer resources to manually correct errors downstream. As a result, the company has been able to more than double in size over the past 10 years without adding additional customer service support.
GE Healthcare was honored for its innovative use of technology to improve data management, orders and supply chain processes. Using the GHX TradingNet platform, GE Healthcare significantly expanded its e-commerce activities across a broad base of customers. TradingNet also gave the company the ability to transact electronic contract pricing and membership information with its distribution partners, providing more accurate and on-time pricing, which positively affects its chargebacks and chargeback reconciliations. As a result, GE Healthcare has achieved considerable business process improvements that have led to hard-dollar savings and cost avoidances. This initiative has also freed up valuable customer service time that can be allocated to more value-added customer activities.
"Supply chain automation continues to grow across the healthcare industry as providers and suppliers look for ways to reduce costs during this period of economic uncertainty," said GHX CEO Bruce Johnson. "This year's GHXcellence Awards honor those organizations that have truly embraced e-commerce, making it an integral part of their overall cultures, to effect business process change and drive savings."
About GHX
As the business hub for healthcare, Global Healthcare Exchange, LLC (GHX) enables healthcare providers and suppliers in North America and Europe to reduce costs and improve margins by automating processes, reducing operating expenses and increasing knowledge-based decision making. Products and services include trading partner connectivity, order and contract management and validation, data synchronization, sales force automation and business intelligence. Equity owners of GHX are Abbott Exchange, Inc.; AmerisourceBergen Corp.; Baxter Healthcare Corp.; B. Braun Medical Inc.; BD; Boston Scientific Corp.; Cardinal Health, Inc.; Covidien; C.R. Bard, Inc.; Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.; GE Healthcare; HCA; Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc.; McKesson Corp.; Medtronic USA, Inc.; Owens & Minor; Premier, Inc.; Siemens; University HealthSystem Consortium; and VHA Inc. For more information, visit http://www.ghx.com.
Source: GHX
CONTACT: Karen Conway of GHX, +1-303-564-2147 (cell), +1-720-887-7215
(voice mail), kconway@ghx.com; or Kara Della Vecchia, +1-508-314-3127 (cell),
kara@kdvcommunications.com, for GHX
Web Site: http://www.ghx.com/
ORLANDO, Fla., March 30 -- GHX honored 15 healthcare provider and supplier organizations with 13 GHXcellence Awards for achievements in improving supply chain performance. The winners were announced at the 10th Annual GHX Supply Chain Summit in Orlando, March 29-31, 2010 -- the largest event in healthcare that focuses on the entire supply chain and brings participants together to address common issues.
The theme of this year's awards was "Your Challenge. Your Chance. Your Legacy." The awards are granted to those organizations that best met specific criteria during the 2009 calendar year, including:
-- Increased use of e-commerce solutions throughout the healthcare supply
chain
-- The number of trading partners with which they conducted e-commerce
-- The percentage of orders transacted electronically
-- The percentage of invoices transacted electronically
-- Reduction in order and invoice discrepancies and errors
The GHXcellence Award recipients are:
-- Healthcare Provider of the Year (U.S.): Wellspan Health, York, Pa.
-- Healthcare Provider of the Year (Canada): Healthcare Materials
Management Services, London, Ontario, and The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa,
Ontario
-- Most Improved Healthcare Provider (Purchase Order Growth): Johns
Hopkins University Health System, Baltimore, Md.
-- Most Improved Healthcare Provider (Invoice Growth): Jewish Hospital &
St. Mary's HealthCare, Louisville, Ky.
-- My Exchange Order Center Usage* (Provider): Premier Health Partners,
Dayton, Ohio, and Yankee Alliance, Andover, Mass.
-- Best 50 IDN **: Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals, Columbia,
S.C.
-- Healthcare Supplier of the Year (U.S.): Beckman Coulter, Inc., Orange
County, Calif.
-- Healthcare Supplier of the Year (Canada): Covidien Canada,
Mississauga, Ontario
-- Distributor of the Year: Owens & Minor, Mechanicsville, Va.
-- Most Innovative Provider (Business Process Change): Catholic
Healthcare West, San Francisco, Calif.
-- Most Innovative Provider (Technology): LifeBridge Health, Baltimore,
Md.
-- Most Innovative Supplier (Business Process Change): C.R. Bard, Inc.,
Murray Hill, N.J.
-- Most Innovative Supplier (Technology): GE Healthcare, Princeton, N.J.
* Award for using technology for proactive order exception management
** Top performer among integrated delivery networks/facilities with the lowest purchase order exception rates
GHX honored two providers with Most Innovative Provider awards for innovation in their implementation of e-commerce solutions.
Catholic Healthcare West was honored for business process improvements made across the organization to automate the supply chain. Combining the usage and reporting capabilities of GHX My Exchange with its Lawson ERP system, Catholic Healthcare West developed a system-wide "Perfect Purchase Order" initiative, a program designed to develop standard tools and processes to support buyers in achieving zero errors in the procure-to-pay process. As a result, it significantly decreased purchase order and invoice exceptions and improved the effectiveness of its business, bringing value and improved efficiencies to both itself and its trading partners.
LifeBridge Health was honored for its innovative use of technology to improve data management, orders and supply chain processes. Using the GHX Catalyst platform, LifeBridge completely automated the requisition process for consignment, bill-only orders for implantable devices. With an automated, electronic and more controlled process in place, contract pricing can be enforced, helping ensure the operating room is only buying those products that have been approved for purchase. Since vendors must provide LifeBridge with full details on new implants before they can create requisitions for these products, this new process also helps it maintain up-to-date product information within its item master.
This year, GHX introduced a new award category, Most Innovative Supplier, to honor two suppliers for their implementation of e-commerce solutions.
C.R. Bard was honored for business process improvements made across the organization to automate the supply chain. By implementing a targeted account identification approach using a combination of internal reports and GHX tools and resources, C.R. Bard first identified low-utilization customers and worked closely with them to increase the percentage of e-commerce-based transactions. By focusing on driving improved EDI utilization within its customer base, C.R. Bard is now processing more high-quality and accurate electronic orders that require fewer resources to manually correct errors downstream. As a result, the company has been able to more than double in size over the past 10 years without adding additional customer service support.
GE Healthcare was honored for its innovative use of technology to improve data management, orders and supply chain processes. Using the GHX TradingNet platform, GE Healthcare significantly expanded its e-commerce activities across a broad base of customers. TradingNet also gave the company the ability to transact electronic contract pricing and membership information with its distribution partners, providing more accurate and on-time pricing, which positively affects its chargebacks and chargeback reconciliations. As a result, GE Healthcare has achieved considerable business process improvements that have led to hard-dollar savings and cost avoidances. This initiative has also freed up valuable customer service time that can be allocated to more value-added customer activities.
"Supply chain automation continues to grow across the healthcare industry as providers and suppliers look for ways to reduce costs during this period of economic uncertainty," said GHX CEO Bruce Johnson. "This year's GHXcellence Awards honor those organizations that have truly embraced e-commerce, making it an integral part of their overall cultures, to effect business process change and drive savings."
About GHX
As the business hub for healthcare, Global Healthcare Exchange, LLC (GHX) enables healthcare providers and suppliers in North America and Europe to reduce costs and improve margins by automating processes, reducing operating expenses and increasing knowledge-based decision making. Products and services include trading partner connectivity, order and contract management and validation, data synchronization, sales force automation and business intelligence. Equity owners of GHX are Abbott Exchange, Inc.; AmerisourceBergen Corp.; Baxter Healthcare Corp.; B. Braun Medical Inc.; BD; Boston Scientific Corp.; Cardinal Health, Inc.; Covidien; C.R. Bard, Inc.; Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.; GE Healthcare; HCA; Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc.; McKesson Corp.; Medtronic USA, Inc.; Owens & Minor; Premier, Inc.; Siemens; University HealthSystem Consortium; and VHA Inc. For more information, visit http://www.ghx.com.
Source: GHX
CONTACT: Karen Conway of GHX, +1-303-564-2147 (cell), +1-720-887-7215
(voice mail), kconway@ghx.com; or Kara Della Vecchia, +1-508-314-3127 (cell),
kara@kdvcommunications.com, for GHX
Web Site: http://www.ghx.com/
Lake Placid's High Peaks Resort Offers Big Savings, Value with 'Facebook Photo Fanfare'
Poster: SySAdmin
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 10:14:01 AM
Lake Placid's High Peaks Resort Offers Big Savings, Value with 'Facebook Photo Fanfare'
LAKE PLACID, N.Y., March 30 -- Lake Placid's High Peaks Resort, the newest resort in the heart of the Adirondacks, is featuring an exciting and value-packed "Facebook Photo Fanfare" exclusively for Facebook friends and fans. The promotion is based on fun facts and trivia about Lake Placid, where both the 1932 and 1980 Olympics were held.
From April 1 to May 15, 2010, the Resort will post various photographs showcasing Lake Placid and the Adirondacks' myriad indoor and outdoor recreational activities on Facebook - and ask friends and fans to identify them. As soon as the correct answer is posted, High Peaks will announce a special rate available via social media channels exclusively for the same number of minutes as the rate.
For example, one fun fact is that the age of the oldest participant in Lake Placid's 1932 Olympic Winter Games was "52," so for 52 minutes, friends and fans can book a room at High Peaks Resort for just $52, a tremendous savings off the normal guestroom rate.
"This year's Vancouver games rekindled the Olympic spirit of 30 years ago in Lake Placid," said John Dodson, General Manager of the High Peaks Resort. "Now, we are proud to remain involved in the excitement of this region's history and the many activities for which it is known by offering High Peaks Resort's friends and fans a significant savings off standard room rates."
For additional details regarding Facebook Photo Fanfare or to sign up to be a High Peaks Resort Facebook fan, visit http://www.facebook.com/highpeaksresort. Specials cannot be combined with any other promotions and are based on availability. Certain blackout dates may apply. Promotion stays available April 1 through May 15, 2010.
About The High Peaks Resort
High Peaks Resort, which overlooks Mirror Lake while anchoring Lake Placid's Main Street, offers an outstanding mountain getaway experience. Surrounded by the six-million-acre Adirondacks wilderness park with miles of trails for hiking and biking and lakes for fishing and more, the Resort's 133 beautiful accommodations offer direct waterfront access and breathtaking views. Restaurants include Dancing Bears and PR's intimate lobby bar; two indoor and two outdoor swimming pools; state-of-the-art expanded fitness center; full-service Aveda Concept Spa & Salon, and complimentary waterfront activities.
For reservations, call 518-523-4411 or toll-free 800-755-5598, or visit http://www.highpeaksresort.com.
Source: High Peaks Resort
CONTACT: Leora Lanz of HVS, llanz@hvs.com, +1-516-248-8828, x278
Web Site: http://www.highpeaksresort.com/
LAKE PLACID, N.Y., March 30 -- Lake Placid's High Peaks Resort, the newest resort in the heart of the Adirondacks, is featuring an exciting and value-packed "Facebook Photo Fanfare" exclusively for Facebook friends and fans. The promotion is based on fun facts and trivia about Lake Placid, where both the 1932 and 1980 Olympics were held.
From April 1 to May 15, 2010, the Resort will post various photographs showcasing Lake Placid and the Adirondacks' myriad indoor and outdoor recreational activities on Facebook - and ask friends and fans to identify them. As soon as the correct answer is posted, High Peaks will announce a special rate available via social media channels exclusively for the same number of minutes as the rate.
For example, one fun fact is that the age of the oldest participant in Lake Placid's 1932 Olympic Winter Games was "52," so for 52 minutes, friends and fans can book a room at High Peaks Resort for just $52, a tremendous savings off the normal guestroom rate.
"This year's Vancouver games rekindled the Olympic spirit of 30 years ago in Lake Placid," said John Dodson, General Manager of the High Peaks Resort. "Now, we are proud to remain involved in the excitement of this region's history and the many activities for which it is known by offering High Peaks Resort's friends and fans a significant savings off standard room rates."
For additional details regarding Facebook Photo Fanfare or to sign up to be a High Peaks Resort Facebook fan, visit http://www.facebook.com/highpeaksresort. Specials cannot be combined with any other promotions and are based on availability. Certain blackout dates may apply. Promotion stays available April 1 through May 15, 2010.
About The High Peaks Resort
High Peaks Resort, which overlooks Mirror Lake while anchoring Lake Placid's Main Street, offers an outstanding mountain getaway experience. Surrounded by the six-million-acre Adirondacks wilderness park with miles of trails for hiking and biking and lakes for fishing and more, the Resort's 133 beautiful accommodations offer direct waterfront access and breathtaking views. Restaurants include Dancing Bears and PR's intimate lobby bar; two indoor and two outdoor swimming pools; state-of-the-art expanded fitness center; full-service Aveda Concept Spa & Salon, and complimentary waterfront activities.
For reservations, call 518-523-4411 or toll-free 800-755-5598, or visit http://www.highpeaksresort.com.
Source: High Peaks Resort
CONTACT: Leora Lanz of HVS, llanz@hvs.com, +1-516-248-8828, x278
Web Site: http://www.highpeaksresort.com/