AutoTrader.com Agrees to Purchase Auto Inventory Solutions Leader HomeNet Automotive
ATLANTA and WEST CHESTER, Pa., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- AutoTrader.com, the Internet's ultimate automotive marketplace and consumer information website, has agreed to purchase HomeNet Automotive, a leading provider of online inventory management and merchandising solutions.
The purchase is expected to close by the end of the year.
The addition of HomeNet to the AutoTrader.com family of companies and brands provides AutoTrader.com with a best-in-class inventory management solution for the thousands of auto dealers who use AutoTrader.com to present their inventory of new, used and certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles to online vehicle shoppers.
Founded in 1996, HomeNet's proprietary "Get. Edit. Deliver" technology has helped thousands of automotive dealers nationwide generate a high volume of leads and increase online vehicle sales. HomeNet's signature solution, theInventory Online (IOL) vehicle marketing suite, is an industry-leading vehicle inventory management and marketing system.
AutoTrader.com's purchase of HomeNet will bring a variety of benefits to dealers who post vehicles for sale on AutoTrader.com and to car shoppers who use AutoTrader.com to research and compare vehicles, find dealer specials, review inventory of cars for sale and select dealerships to visit.
For dealers, incorporating HomeNet's proprietary inventory management system into AutoTrader.com's dealer tools will allow for easier and faster inventory management and merchandising online. Dealers will be able to upload their listings faster, make updates and adjustments to their listings more easily and overall enjoy more flexibility and control in presenting their inventory for sale on AutoTrader.com.
Consumers shopping for vehicles on AutoTrader.com will have access to better vehicle information, enhanced listings that include more photos and dealer comments, advanced search capabilities and more frequent updates and information about the cars they are shopping for and researching.
The agreement to purchase HomeNet is the third in a series of acquisitions AutoTrader.com has announced in recent months. In September, AutoTrader.com announced the purchase of vAuto, the automotive retail industry's leading provider of advanced software tools for used vehicle management, pricing and inventory optimization. Then, in October, AutoTrader.com announced its planned acquisition of Kelley Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com), one of the most recognized and influential brands in the automotive industry.
"We are always looking for opportunities to grow our company, organically or through acquisitions, in ways that will make AutoTrader.com even more valuable to the auto manufacturers and dealers who advertise on our site and to the 15-million-plus consumers who shop for vehicles on our site every month," said AutoTrader.com President and CEO Chip Perry. "We were fortunate to be in a position to purchase vAuto and to agree to purchase Kelley Blue Book and HomeNet when these companies came available and we are excited about the value our combined companies can bring to the very competitive automotive shopping and marketing industries."
AutoTrader.com plans to operate HomeNet as an independent subsidiary.
Bob Landers, a 10-year AutoTrader.com veteran sales executive who was formerly vice president for AutoTrader.com's Southeast division, has been appointed general manager and vice president of HomeNet. He will be the top executive at the company, replacing founder and former president and CEO Jesse Biter. Landers will work directly with other leaders at HomeNet and be responsible for day-to-day operations and long-term growth at HomeNet.
About HomeNet Automotive, LLC: HomeNet Automotive helps the automobile industry save time and sell more vehicles. It is the leading provider of inventory merchandising, management, and marketing solutions, led by its flagship product, Inventory Online (IOL) Internet Marketing Suite. IOL is a web-based vehicle marketing solution that helps tens of thousands of automotive dealers to engage buyers online and bring them into the showroom by streamlining the process of converting raw vehicle data into consumer-friendly and emotional online ads. For more information, please email sales@homenetauto.com, visit http://www.homenetauto.com, or call (877) 738-3313
About AutoTrader.com
Atlanta-based AutoTrader.com, created in 1997, is the Internet's ultimate automotive marketplace and consumer information website. AutoTrader.com aggregates in a single location millions of new cars, used cars and certified pre-owned cars from thousands of auto dealers and private sellers and is a leading online resource for auto dealers, individuals and manufacturers to advertise and market their vehicles to in-market shoppers. The company also provides a robust suite of software tools for dealers and manufacturers to help them manage and market their vehicle inventory and display advertising on the Internet. AutoTrader.com continues to grow key business metrics, including revenue, profitability and site traffic. Today, AutoTrader.com attracts more than 15 million unique monthly visitors who utilize the site to review descriptions, photos and videos of vehicles for sale; research and compare vehicles; review pricing and specials; and read auto-related content like buying and selling tips and editorial coverage of major auto shows and automotive trends. AutoTrader.com operates two other auto marketing brands, AutoTraderClassics.com and AutoTraderLatino.com. AutoTrader.com also owns used vehicle management software company vAuto. AutoTrader.com is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. Providence Equity Partners is a 25 percent owner of the company and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers is also an investor. For more information, please visit http://www.autotrader.com.
SOURCE AutoTrader.com
AutoTrader.com
CONTACT: Mark Scott, +1-404-568-7905 (ph), +1-404-435-2047 (cell), mark.scott@autotrader.com
CSL Behring Announces Availability of Next Generation HeliTrax® System for People with Hemophilia A
Custom software platform is first internet-enabled mobile application to interface directly with patient management systems used by hemophilia treatment centers
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- CSL Behring announced today the availability of the next generation HeliTrax® System as part of a specially designed software platform for Apple's iPhone®, iPod touch®, or iPad(TM) devices. This enhanced system is designed to improve therapy management for people with hemophilia A who use CSL Behring's recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII).
The new HeliTrax software is designed with an interface that ensures compatibility with both Lab Tracker(TM) and WebTracker(TM) patient management systems used by hemophilia treatment centers throughout the U.S. This software automatically transmits patient information to the hemophilia treatment centers, making disorder management easier for both users and staff. The interface was built in collaboration with the American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN). ATHN is a nonprofit organization founded to advance and improve the care of individuals affected by bleeding and thrombotic disorders.
"CSL Behring continually strives to enhance the quality of our services based on what we know people and their treatment providers need and want," said Garrett E. Bergman, MD, Senior Director of Medical Affairs, North America Commercial Operations at CSL Behring. "The advancement of patient management is a priority that we share with hemophilia treatment centers. Our updates to HeliTrax will help meet that goal by improving data management and ease of user-provider communications."
The HeliTrax system is now available through CSL Behring on an iPhone as well as via download through Apple's App Store(SM). The new platform for HeliTrax aims to improve the user experience, while providing the opportunity for scalability and future enhancements.
Healthcare providers monitoring people with hemophilia A often rely on paper forms filled out by patients or their caregivers to obtain a clear overview of the condition. However, the forms do not always provide necessary clinical information in a timely, clear and concise way.
"I used to fill out paper logs to help my six sons manage their hemophilia A, but once I tried HeliTrax, I knew I'd never go back," said Erica Boone of Sedalia, Missouri. "HeliTrax keeps all information related to my sons' condition in one place, making it easy to stay organized and communicate with their treatment team."
HeliTrax, launched by CSL Behring in 2008, tracks user treatment as it happens -- including medication usage and inventory -- and now automatically syncs the data to the treatment center's Lab Tracker and WebTracker systems, eliminating the need for treatment center staff to manually re-enter it. The software and auto syncing feature help reduce documentation and transcription errors, and the system is compliant with the Joint Commission and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). CSL Behring preserves patient privacy and confidentiality, and has no access to data collected by the HeliTrax System. All data is collected, stored, and managed by an independent third-party organization.
"We are pleased that CSL Behring has made it possible for users of the HeliTrax System to share their bleed and infusion information electronically with their treatment centers, and importantly, interface directly with the WebTracker(TM) patient management system," said Diane Aschman, President and CEO of the American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN). "ATHN has partnered with treatment centers across the U.S. to create one national database for the bleeding disorders community and we believe that patient self-reported data about bleeds and infusions using a user-friendly electronic system that is integrated into our national infrastructure, will lead to a better understanding and management of these disorders, as well as the development of more research and treatment options."
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder characterized by prolonged or spontaneous bleeding, especially into the muscles, joints, or internal organs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20,000 Americans have hemophilia. The disease is caused by deficient or defective blood coagulation proteins known as factor VIII or IX. The most common form of the disease is hemophilia A, or classic hemophilia, in which the clotting factor VIII is either deficient or defective. Hemophilia B is characterized by deficient or defective factor IX.
About the American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network
The American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN) is a non-profit corporation founded in July 2006 in response to the following nationally identified needs related to bleeding and clotting disorders:
-- Standardization and an improved means of collaboration with one national
database
-- Conservation and consolidation of scarce resources
-- Evidence-based clinical standards
-- Research that links medical interventions with clinical outcomes
ATHN's vision is to advance and improve the care of individuals affected by bleeding and thrombotic disorders. The organization's mission is to provide stewardship of a secure national database, adherent to all privacy guidelines, which will be used to support clinical outcomes analysis, research, advocacy and public health reporting in the hemostasis and thrombosis community.
About CSL Behring
CSL Behring is a leader in the plasma protein therapeutics industry. Committed to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people with rare and serious diseases, the company manufactures and markets a range of plasma-derived and recombinant therapies worldwide. CSL Behring therapies are indicated for the treatment of coagulation disorders including hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, primary immune deficiencies and inherited respiratory disease. The company's products are also used in cardiac surgery, organ transplantation, burn treatment and to prevent hemolytic diseases in newborns. CSL Behring operates one of the world's largest plasma collection networks, CSL Plasma. CSL Behring is a subsidiary of CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. For more information, visit http://www.cslbehring.com.
Contact:
Greg Healy
Senior Manager, Public Relations and Communications
U.S. Commercial Operations
610-878-4841
greg.healy@cslbehring.com
SOURCE CSL Behring
CSL Behring
CONTACT: Greg Healy, Senior Manager, Public Relations and Communications, U.S. Commercial Operations, +1-610-878-4841, greg.healy@cslbehring.com
DISH Network is First Pay-TV Provider to Give Customers Ability to Watch Their Live TV on iPad
Free DISH Remote Access Gives DISH Network Customers Ability to Transform Their iPad into a TV
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- DISH Network L.L.C., today announced that DISH Remote Access, the free application that gives DISH Network customers the ability to watch their live and recorded TV on compatible smartphones, tablets and laptops, is now available for the iPad(TM). To enjoy live and recorded TV viewing on the iPad, DISH Network customers must have a broadband-connected, Sling-enabled(TM) device such as the Sling Adapter(TM) - a small placeshifting device that pairs with DISH Network's ViP® 722 or 722k HD DVRs.
"DISH Network is the only pay-TV provider to offer a true TV everywhere solution, and now we've extended that experience to the iPad," said DISH Network Chief Marketing Officer Ira Bahr. "Unlike mobile viewing from cable and telcos that limit access to select programs, our TV Everywhere services give consumers 24 x 7 access to all of their live and recorded content included with their DISH Network programming subscription."
In addition to TV viewing, the DISH Remote Access app also gives DISH Network customers with compatible DVRs the ability to browse and search up to nine days of programming, schedule DVR recordings, manage conflicts, delete shows on multiple receivers, and transform the iPad into a fully-functioning remote control.
The DISH Remote Access app for the iPad can be downloaded for free from the iTunes App Store. For more information about DISH Remote Access, visit http://www.dish.com/tveverywhere.
About DISH Network
DISH Network Corporation (Nasdaq: DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides more than 14.2 million satellite TV customers, as of September 30, 2010, with the highest quality programming and technology at the best value, including HD Free for Life. Subscribers enjoy industry-leading customer satisfaction, the largest high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corporation is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 200 company. Visit http://www.dish.com.
DEK Stabilizing Platform Boosts Video Game Performance
Pro Rider Pat Milbery Endorses Game Accessory
WOODBURY, Minn., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of video game users struggling with performance issues during snowboard, skateboard and fitness gaming now have a simple, fun and affordable solution to improve their experience -- the DEK stabilizing platform.
Launching just in time for the holidays, the DEK ($29.99) is available at http://www.getdek.com. The DEK is tailored for PlayStation® and Nintendo Wii(TM) skate, snowboarding and fitness games, including Tony Hawk(TM): RIDE® and Tony Hawk®: SHRED. It provides increased stability while playing or working out and improves board to controller connectivity on any floor surface. Street-savvy graphic designs enhance the experience while the ShurFoot(TM) texture provides needed traction and an authentic street feel.
The DEK will also improve the virtual experience of the new Kinect(TM) for Xbox 360® games by simulating an actual skate or snowboard.
"Our online research revealed millions of comments regarding stability and communication consistency between the board and console," said Tim Beres, co-creator of the DEK. "We're huge fans of Wii and Xbox and saw a fun way to improve the gaming experience."
Pro rider Pat Milbery uses the DEK during board gaming and will be featuring it during the SO-GNAR Mighty Midwest Snowboard Camp Tour this season. "My board control was greatly improved with the DEK," said Milbery. "The DEK graphics make me stoked to play."
About DEK
DEK LLC is a Minnesota-based company focused on improving video game experiences through highly designed stabilizing platforms and other gaming accessories. The company is affiliated with Stillwater, MN based Modernistic, Inc., a national printing and graphics provider.
Disclaimer
DEK is patent pending, Consumer Products Safety Commission compliant and was tested by Environmental Monitoring and Technologies. PlayStation®, Nintendo Wii(TM) and Kinect(TM) are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC, Nintendo of America Inc. and Microsoft®, respectively. This product is not sponsored, endorsed or approved by PlayStation, Nintendo® or Microsoft.
FamilyFinds.com Enters $1B Local Social eCommerce Space
Backed by $5.75 Million Investment, Leading Internet Veterans Launch Vertical Family Daily Deal Site
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- FamilyFinds.com, an online daily promotions site exclusively focused on services and experiences for families, officially launched today. This community-suggested and expert-curated destination advances the online daily deal space by combining a family focus with hyper-local geo targeting. The company also announced that it recently closed on a $5.75M Series A funding round backed by Split Rock Partners, strongly positioning them to be involved in of one of the fastest growing industries of all time.
FamilyFinds is led by Internet industry veterans who founded and ran several successful consumer businesses valued at over $1 billion, including the founder of FamilyFun magazine, who also ran the Disney Internet Group, and the founder of LowerMyBills. The team, all of them now parents, have created an online destination that will not only offer member families great deals on new and favorite neighborhood merchants, but will also provide information and resources to help them discover the best family activities in their own and nearby communities.
According to a recent study of moms*, over 70% use the Internet to find deals and discounts (the most popular activity) and 62% go online for entertainment and family activities. FamilyFinds addresses this trend by directly creating a single destination for moms and dads seeking deals and family activity ideas.
"Families, local and national brands, and member-based deals is a great combination for a big vertically focused business, and one that we believe is untapped," said Matt Coffin, chief executive officer, FamilyFinds.com. "As parents and consumers ourselves, we know the key to unlocking this market is relevance, which means being local, curating deals and fun discoveries that create family memories, and delivering great value-based pricing."
Through consumer testing and an early beta, FamilyFinds learned that consumer demand, especially for busy families, while value influenced, is also heavily influenced by proximity to the merchant. The company will follow a hyper-local model, offering great finds not just within specific cities around the United States, but within specific neighborhoods. For launch, prior to the nationwide roll-out in 2011, FamilyFinds will serve numerous communities across Los Angeles, including neighborhoods in the Valley, Pasadena, South Bay, City Central, and the Westside.
"We know that moms and families are social and use the Internet not just to find great opportunities for themselves, but also to share and coordinate these opportunities and their experiences with other families, friends and neighbors," said Brian Barnum, president. "FamilyFinds is building a social layer over everything we do to infuse our core value proposition with insight and access to the larger community of families in our customers' extended networks."
FamilyFinds is the collaborative effort of Internet industry veterans and parents, including:
-- CEO Matt Coffin, founder of LowerMyBills.com (sold to Experian) and
active Internet investor including Demand Media, Buscape (sold), Rubicon
Project, Mahalo, Machinima and social eCommerce companies Hautelook,
ShoeDazzle and ecoMom.
-- Jake Winebaum, who was co-founder of eCompanies, which launched
Business.com, Jamdat and Boingo, and founder of FamilyFun magazine and
led Disney's entry to the Internet as Chairman of the Disney Internet
Group.
-- Doug Hirsch, who was VP of Product at Facebook, GM Yahoo Entertainment
and Founder of DailyStrength.org.
-- President Brian Barnum who was the President of RHD Interactive (a
division of R.H. Donnelly, now Dex One Corp.) and both COO and CFO of
Business.com and CFO of Rent.com (sold to eBay).
-- Leading content and merchandising is Elizabeth Hurchalla, previous
editor of BlackboardEats and co-founding producer of Yahoo! Food.
-- Leading editorial is Julie Taylor, previous editor-in-chief at Momlogic.
-- Leading sales is Terry McGovern, previous Director of Interactive Sales
at Los Angeles Times and sales at AT&T local.
About FamilyFinds.com
FamilyFinds is an online daily promotions site exclusively focused on services and experiences for families. Currently, the site delivers daily deals and information on family experiences for neighborhoods across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including offers on family-friendly local activities, restaurants, products and services. Through its members-only daily email, the company shares deals on hand-picked local merchants and insider info on unique family experiences in their community. FamilyFinds is powered by Internet veterans from Facebook, Family.com, Disney.com, LowerMyBills, Business.com, Shopzilla, BlackboardEats, Rent.com, Yahoo! Food and Momlogic. For more information, please visit FamilyFinds.com.
About Split Rock Partners
Split Rock Partners, with offices in Minneapolis and Menlo Park, seeks emerging opportunities in software, and Internet services as well as healthcare. Split Rock closed a $275 million inaugural fund in April of 2005, and a $300 million second fund in May, 2008. Representative internet services companies backed by Split Rock's team include Alvenda, Compete, eBureau, Flycast Communications, HireRight, Internet Broadcasting, LowerMyBills, MyNewPlace, Nexxo, and QuinStreet. Additional information about the firm can be found at http://www.splitrock.com.
*Disney Online's M.O.M. - Mom on a Mission research study
SOURCE FamilyFinds.com
FamilyFinds.com
CONTACT: Jonathan Cutler, jonathan@verseinc.com, or Tracy Rubin, tracy@verseinc.com, both of Verse Communications, +1-818-981-3023, for FamilyFinds.com
Kodak Launches New Designer Collections and Writeable Designs for Personalized Greeting Cards Printed Instantly In-Store
Photo-sharing leader introduces new Customizable Greeting Card Designs on Picture Kiosks, Enabling Consumers the Ultimate Personalization Experience
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK), a world leader in photo systems and inventor of the photo kiosk category, today introduces KODAK Personal Greeting Cards, which can be used with or without a photo, and provide consumers a more creative, unique and personal experience when creating the perfect card for any occasion - whether it's for a child's first birthday or best friend's engagement party. In addition to new, designer styles, Personal Greeting Cards also bring writeable designs, allowing users to write names in the sand or send a personal message in the sky.
KODAK Personal Greeting Cards are a new category that marries designer greeting cards and high quality printing with easy custom personalization. The new options give consumers a variety of ways to quickly customize and print personal cards in seconds. Users can select from top name designs, including BONNIE MARCUS COLLECTION, SHADE TREE GREETINGS and FRAVESSI GREETINGS, as well as customizable and writeable designs which allow for the placement of a personal photo on that almost-never-used, inside cover of the folded card.
"Kodak has embraced personalization and made it easy to create beautiful cards with a personal flare. My designs within the KODAK Picture Kiosk are representative of a more personal look and feel, and I'm excited to bring consumers closer to their loved ones through my work," said Bonnie Marcus, founder of BONNIE MARCUS COLLECTION. "The greeting card has evolved from a standard fold and message to an emotional sharing experience. Whether sending thanks or saying 'happy holidays', personalization is the latest in greeting card design."
KODAK Personal Greeting Cards are the ultimate in convenience; simply touch the screen on the kiosk, select an occasion and the style of card you prefer and begin the personalization process. Available on select KODAK Picture Kiosks around the country, the new experience offers a variety of cards to choose from and edit, letting users add their own photos to many of the cards right from FACEBOOK(TM), PICASA Web Albums® and the KODAK Gallery.
"We are really excited to announce our new KODAK Personal Greeting Cards, which enables consumers to personalize their greeting cards and have them professionally printed in seconds," said Rowan Lawson, Director of Worldwide Marketing, Retail Systems Solutions, Eastman Kodak Company. "With this new solution and with our industry leading designer partners such as Bonnie Marcus, we're transforming the experience of creating a greeting card, moving from a static message to one that conveys true emotion and embraces the creativity of each consumer's individuality. Now you can make a professional greeting card as unique as you, for any event, at any time, and in no time at all!"
Creating your personalized greeting card takes only three easy steps:
1. At a KODAK Picture Kiosk in a participating retailer, choose the
occasion, style of card and design. To find a participating retailer near
you, go to:
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=7965&pq-locale=en_US
&_requestid=15262
2. Edit the sentiment if you wish - even add your own photo!
3. Push print and the card is printed and ready to go in seconds.
The new feature of the KODAK Picture Kiosk contains three card categories from which users can tell their story:
-- Stationery: Say it your way. Add your own words, or a photo if desired,
to cards and invitations. Designs are available for all occasions.
-- Writeable Designs: Showcase your message in style. Write your message in
fun spaces - words in the sand, names in the clouds and more! Customize
cards and invitations for any occasion.
-- Photo Greetings Collection: Say it with a photo. Create meaningful cards
and invitations with your own personal photo and message.
To find a KODAK Picture Kiosk in your area, or for more information on KODAK Personal Greeting Cards as well as many other new, fun and easy ways to tell your story with pictures and words, please visit http://www.kodak.com/go/kiosk
About Kodak
As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives. To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.
Trend Micro(TM) Adds a New Twist on Security Education with the Release of Titanium Power Up
Video game lets consumers win prizes daily while highlighting Internet security concerns in a fun and unexpected way.
CUPERTINO, Calif., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in Internet security, released Titanium Power Up, an online video game designed to challenge negative perceptions of Internet security with unexpected humor and personality.
Titanium Power Up is reminiscent of classic arcade games like Super Mario Bros and Pitfall. There are multiple levels within the game that players must complete, with each level set in a unique environment with fun characters and challenges. The game serves as a metaphor for the things people dislike about Internet security, such as slow speeds, annoying pop-ups and scary warnings; but instead of feeling intimidated and confused by such things, the game gives people the ability to overcome them.
The game also includes a sweepstakes component called the Titanium Power Up Giveaway. These instant prizes are awarded on a daily basis and there will be one Grand Prize awarded at the end of the sweepstakes, which ends on December 31, 2010. Players get one chance to win instantly each day; in addition, each day they play the game again gives them an extra entry into the grand prize drawing. Sweepstakes available to U.S. and U.K. residents only.
"Titanium Power Up is a fun way to engage with our customers on a relevant platform," said Natalie Sezerino, Director of Consumer Product Marketing at Trend Micro. "Our job at Trend Micro is to protect families and individuals from real-world threats so they don't have to spend time thinking about them. This game will help raise awareness about everyday online risks and expose a younger demographic that might not otherwise taking the time understand some of the treats associated with the Internet."
Players use their space bar and arrow keys to control a character with the objective being to avoid a variety of threats and obstacles, and defeat the "bad guy" at the end of each level. Points are earned in a variety of ways and a player's final score can easily be shared with friends via Facebook and Twitter.
Prize Details
Instant Prizes (On a daily basis)
-- One-year subscription for Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security
Grand Prizes
-- Toshiba - Qosmio Laptop / 18.4" Display / 6GB Memory / 500GB Hard Drive
-- Bose® - Companion® 3 Series II Multimedia Speaker System (3-Piece)
-- 27" Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD Monitor
About Trend Micro
Founded in 1988, Trend Micro Inc., a global leader in Internet content security has over 20 years of experience creating a safer world for consumers and businesses to exchange digital information. Based in Tokyo and employing more than 4,400 people in 23 countries, Trend is both a pioneer and industry vanguard. The company is advancing integrated threat management technology to protect operational continuity, personal information, and property from malware, spam, data leaks and the newest Web threats.
Visit TrendWatch to learn more about the latest threats.
Trend Micro's flexible solutions are supported 24/7 by threat intelligence and analysis experts around the globe.
Many of these solutions are powered by the Smart Protection Network infrastructure, an Internet cloud-based innovation that combines sophisticated reputation technology, feedback loops, and the expertise of TrendLabs (SM) researchers to deliver real-time protection against rapidly emerging threats. Trend Micro's trusted security solutions include products ranging from single PC consumer solutions to enterprise-level security and threat management. Trend's products are sold through business partners worldwide. Please visit TrendMicro.com to learn more.
SOURCE Trend Micro Incorporated
Trend Micro Incorporated
CONTACT: Alan Wallace of Trend Micro Inc., +1-425-522-3180, pr@trendmicro.com
Broadvox to Leverage Covad Wholesale's IP Backhaul Aggregation Service and Ethernet Portfolio
SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Covad Wholesale, a leading national provider of IP broadband services, and Broadvox, a recognized leader in the VoIP industry for almost a decade, announced today that the companies are extending their partnership. Broadvox will now leverage Covad's IP Backhaul Aggregation Service and Ethernet access services to deliver, prioritize and segment voice traffic to meet the demanding needs of their business customer base, which includes professional services and healthcare-related business customers.
"We've partnered with Covad Wholesale since 2007, which has enabled us to offer our customers quality products that help them attain their business goals," said David Byrd, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Broadvox. "By interconnecting through Covad's IP Backhaul Aggregation service, we can now offer our customers the highest class of service that results in increased voice clarity at a competitive price point, which is a defining factor in any voice solution's success."
Covad Wholesale's IP Backhaul Aggregation Service provides its wholesale partners a high-speed connection to Covad's nationwide private IP network. By bypassing the public Internet, Broadvox is better able to manage their customers' experience by providing them with the control to deliver the highest quality network in support of real-time voice applications along with the added benefit of security. Ideal for growing businesses, the service is also scalable to allow for network expansion as demands increase with upgrade options from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps in 100-Mbps increments. In addition to the aggregation service, Broadvox is integrating Covad's Ethernet services for nationwide reach of their voice and data solutions in a cost-effective manner. Broadvox is leveraging Covad Wholesale's QoS/ CoS capabilities to ensure advanced management of voice and data traffic through prioritization.
"At Covad Wholesale, we're focused on providing our partners with cost-effective, high-quality products and services to enable market-leading solutions," said David Williams, Vice President, Marketing, Covad Wholesale. "By tightening our relationship through an interconnection and fast growing Ethernet access services, Broadvox can continue to evolve their solutions by providing their customers with a way to improve operational efficiencies and remain competitive without sacrificing on performance and quality end-to-end."
About Broadvox
Founded in 2001, Broadvox is a worldwide leader in providing integrated managed VoIP services to SMBs, enterprises and carriers. It has deployed one of the largest, full-featured global VoIP networks and is trusted by more than 300 telecommunications carriers, CLECs, ISPs and several thousand enterprises to terminate and originate over twelve billion minutes annually. The Broadvox network operations center provides the reliability, security and quality of service required by the world's most discriminating customers. Broadvox offers SIP Trunking, SIP origination and termination services and a hosted virtual IP PBX solution. Broadvox is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Please visit http://www.Broadvox.com for additional information.
About Covad Wholesale and MegaPath Inc.
Covad Wholesale is a business unit within the MegaPath brand dedicated to providing solutions to the carrier and service provider markets through one of the largest end-to-end networks in the country. In 2010 Covad combined with Speakeasy and MegaPath to form a single company providing a full range of nationwide IP voice, security, and VPN and Internet services. Covad Wholesale manages a robust, next-generation IP/MPLS network that efficiently delivers integrated voice, video, and data solutions. With an expanded footprint supported in part by more than 4,400 COs, Covad Wholesale broadband services are available in 240 markets across 45 states addressing over 60 percent of all U.S. businesses. To learn more about Covad Wholesale, please call us at 408-856-6712, or visit http://www.covadwholesale.com. To learn more about MegaPath, please visit http://www.megapath.com or call 1-877-MegaPath (634-2728).
SOURCE Covad Wholesale
Covad Wholesale
CONTACT: Malachi Threadgill, Internet Marketing Manager of Broadvox, +1-214-646-8014, Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Broadvox; or Kristine Gager of Welz & Weisel Communications, +1-703-218-3555, kristine@w2comm.com for MegaPath
UNIT4 Promotes Route to 'Independence' Through Enterprise Software Agility/Interoperability
SLIEDRECHT, The Netherlands and BOSTON, December 1, 2010/PRNewswire/ --
- Introduces New Products, Plug-ins and Cloud Options for
Optimizing Business Change
UNIT4, the world's leading provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP)
and financial management software for fast changing organizations, today
announced that it is releasing a new array of software products, partner
plug-ins and cloud deployment options for both its Agresso Business World ERP
solution and its Coda financials software line over the next two years. With
these products, UNIT4 is promoting a new global technology strategy called
'Independence', aimed at helping corporate and government agencies transform
business change into business opportunity.
UNIT4 has more than 6000 customers using its Agresso and Coda software
solutions in more than 100 countries and is well known for architectural
strengths that are well suited to a segment of the market the company
describes as "Businesses Living IN Change" or BLINC(TM). The Independence
strategy builds on the post-implementation change capabilities of Agresso's
Vita(TM) architecture, and the interoperability strengths inherent in Coda's
Link(TM) architecture. UNIT4 primarily targets mid-market organizations
facing frequent change. Its mission is to help these organizations embrace
change, both by reducing the costs associated with software changes needed to
support business change, and by using the technology to react faster and more
efficiently to business opportunities that typically accompany changing
circumstances.
As part of the Group's Independence strategy, UNIT4 is planning three key
product announcements:
- A new cloud deployment option for Coda Financials, called 'Coda Cloud
Rebel'.
- A radical new product release roadmap for the Agresso Business World
ERP line, branded 'Route 66;' and,
- A new BLINC e-learning partner plug-in for both the Agresso and Coda
Financials products, named 'Topaz,' which will be part of UNIT4's
next-generation compatibility program entitled 'Color Your App'."
All three announcements fundamentally address the dissatisfaction
expressed by a fast-growing segment of enterprise software buyers who are not
comfortable with gambling their entire business success on the "all or
nothing" approaches of ERP giants Oracle and SAP. "The reason why UNIT4
license revenue is growing faster than the market giants is because
executives at mid-sized companies are turning away from these behemoths,"
explains Ton Dobbe, who heads UNIT4's global product strategy and product
marketing. "Software buyers' past experiences with these companies has
clearly shown that changing circumstances - such as merger/acquisition
activities, new financial/tax regulations, reorganizations/restructurings,
etc. -- are not healthy experiences for customers on other ERP
architectures."
The Agresso Vita architecture has always provided business users the
ability to easily perform needed ERP software changes themselves, without IT
support, as often as necessary after the initial installation. UNIT4's new
Independence strategy continues to widen the competitive differentiation
between UNIT4, which allows "post-implementation" software change, and other
ERP offerings that focus primarily on addressing "agility" before and during
implementation.
Coda's Link architecture provides limitless freedom of choice for
companies wanting to combine Coda's best-of-class financials with superior
interoperability to other best-of-class solutions. For 30 years, Coda Link
has been the benchmark of the optimum architecture for linking and optimizing
data storage, flows and processes to operate harmoniously with other
solutions -from specialist software packages to in-house developments. Coda's
new Cloud Rebel deployment option again extends the freedom of choice for its
customers.
About UNIT4
UNIT4 (http://www.unit4.com/) is a global business software and services
company aimed at helping dynamic organizations to embrace change simply,
quickly and cost effectively in a market sector it calls 'Businesses Living
IN Change' (BLINC)(TM). The Group incorporates a number of the world's
leading change embracing software brands including Agresso Business World and
Coda financial management software.
Agresso Business World ( http://www.unit4.com/products/agresso-business-world) is our flagship ERP
suite for mid-sized services intensive organizations. It is widely
acknowledged for delivering ongoing, post-implementation changes without the
typical external IT costs and services that cost firms huge sums of money
each year. This is achieved thanks to its powerful VITA(TM) architecture
which is unmatched in the ERP world.
Coda Financials (http://www.unit4.com/products/coda) is our award-winning
suite of best-of-class financial management software designed to integrate
with your industry- and company-specific applications. Coda's LINK(TM)
architecture sets it apart from ordinary accounting systems by providing a
financial information backbone for companies with fast-changing and mixed
application environments. It is a global accounting solution for mid-to large
sized organizations, offering a "no compromise" approach to financial
modeling, process control and application choice.
UNIT4 is a top six mid-market ERP software player globally and the 2nd
largest European ERP supplier. With offices in 17 European countries, as well
as 7 countries across North America, Asia Pacific and Africa and sales
activities in several other countries, a revenue of EUR379.4 million was
realized in 2009. UNIT4 is headquartered in Sliedrecht, the Netherlands. The
company has 4,160 employees.
UNIT4 is listed on Euronext Amsterdam by NYSE Euronext and is included in
the Amsterdam Midcap Index (AMX). For more information on UNIT4 or any of its
operating companies, please visit the website at http://www.unit4.com.
Electric Cloud Speeds Software Build-Test-Deploy Cycle with Direct Integration for Microsoft Visual Studio 2010
Updated add-ins across Electric Cloud's product portfolio enable faster builds and release workflow automation for developers using Visual Studio 2010
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric Cloud®, the leading provider of software production management (SPM) solutions, today announced updated add-ins across its product portfolio with support for Microsoft Visual Studio 2010.
The new add-ins put fast builds and release workflow automation from ElectricAccelerator® and ElectricCommander® at the fingertips of developers who work with Visual Studio 2010, without requiring them to learn a new user interface or leave their integrated development environment (IDE). Developers can now build eight to ten times faster and enjoy end-to-end build-test-deploy automation. ElectricAccelerator is the only solution for fast, parallel Visual Studio 2010 builds, and ElectricCommander provides fast, frequent feedback on changes. Meanwhile, managers benefit from the centralized release process reporting and organization-wide visibility provided by Electric Cloud's reporting and dashboards.
"For the many developers who spend their days in Visual Studio, the newly enhanced ElectricAccelerator and ElectricCommander add-ins mean faster, more efficient workflow without sacrificing the comfort and ease of working within an IDE they know well," said Usman Muzaffar, vice president of product management for Electric Cloud. "At Electric Cloud we have made it a design priority to minimize disruption and context-switching for developers using our solutions. We believe that the benefits of acceleration and automation are magnified when individual developers can integrate them into their everyday development activities."
The ElectricAccelerator Visual Studio IDE add-in fully integrates with Visual Studio, providing patented dependency management technology to give developers the only tool for fast, parallel Visual Studio 2010 builds. The add-in allows developers to build solutions and projects using the Visual Studio user interface they are already familiar with, while harnessing the power of Electric Make® (eMake) via an ElectricAccelerator menu and toolbar for efficient, simultaneous builds. The ElectricAccelerator Visual Studio add-in includes support for metadata and F# projects, MSBuild and Xbox development, as well as the ability to monitor live builds through ElectricInsight®.
Electric Cloud's enhanced ElectricCommander add-in for Visual Studio also lets developers take advantage of a fully automated build-test-deploy process with fast, frequent feedback on their changes, while working within the Visual Studio user interface. For example, the ElectricCommander add-in for Visual Studio enables developers to initiate pre-flight builds, or builds that validate individual changes without impacting the rest of the team, saving time and preventing costly mistakes, without leaving the Visual Studio UI. In addition, the add-in helps drive the application lifecycle by complementing Visual Studio, providing real-time monitoring of automated jobs and access to downstream development processes such as automated work item updates based on build output.
About Electric Cloud
Electric Cloud is the leading provider of software production management (SPM) solutions. Electric Cloud solutions automate, accelerate and analyze software build-test-deploy processes to optimize both physical and virtual IT environments. The company's patented and award-winning products help development organizations to speed time to market, boost developer productivity, and improve software quality. Leading companies across a variety of industries, including semiconductors, enterprise IT, ISVs, mobile devices, and transactional Web sites rely on Electric Cloud's Software Production Management solutions to transform software production from a liability to a competitive advantage. For customer inquiries please contact Electric Cloud at (408) 419-4300 or http://www.electric-cloud.com.
Micro Strategies Simplifies Storage Management With Latest IBM Midrange Innovation
DENVILLE, N.J., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Micro Strategies Inc. is among the first IBM partners with technical expertise to implement and support the innovative new midrange storage management system, IBM Storwize V7000. Micro Strategies is demonstrating new applications made possible with the technology, such as disaster recovery, at its two Technology Solutions Centers in the New York Metro and mid-Atlantic regions.
The IBM Storwize V7000 system is designed to help businesses simplify the set-up and management of storage for virtual and physical server infrastructure. It can reduce storage rack space requirements by up to 67 percent, offers seamless migration support, and can be used to virtualize and reuse existing disk systems. The new IBM midrange technology is optimized for transaction processing or business analytics. It supports solid state drive (SSD) technology, making it ideal for applications that demand quick access to data and support for tiered storage environments.
"Many midsize enterprises have struggled with an inability to share storage among their physical and virtual servers, as well as the management complexity and cost associated with supporting isolated storage resources," says Anthony Bongiovanni, president of Micro Strategies. "IBM Storwize V7000 represents a breakthrough in storage simplicity for midsize businesses."
Micro Strategies was one of four IBM Business Partners that worked closely with IBM on real-world tests of the technology before its commercial introduction in October 2010.
IBM Storwize V7000 will be featured in demonstrations and proof-of-concept implementations at Micro Strategies Technology Solution Centers in Denville, N.J., and Malvern, PA. With two solution centers more than 100 miles apart, Micro Strategies can demonstrate disaster recovery capabilities and business continuity services made possible by IBM Storwize V7000. The two solution centers also allow Micro Strategies clients to test other distributed applications based on their unique requirements.
About Micro Strategies Inc.
Micro Strategies Inc. extends the value of business information and intellectual assets through innovative technology solutions. We combine intimate knowledge of business processes and applications with sophisticated skills in mission-critical information technology infrastructure. Established in 1983, many of our clients have been with the company for our entire existence, and our customer satisfaction rating exceeds 96 percent. Our strategic business partnerships include a keen focus on IBM and Microsoft solutions. Learn more about our company and its solutions online at http://www.microstrat.com.
For additional information:
Rosary De Filippis, (973) 625-7721, ext. 6413, rdefilippis@microstrat.com
SOURCE Micro Strategies Inc.
Micro Strategies Inc.
CONTACT: Rosary De Filippis, +1-973-625-7721, ext. 6413, rdefilippis@microstrat.com
Aricent Expands Its Testing Portfolio With 'Total Testing'
Comprehensive testing services for telecom equipment manufacturers and device manufacturers powered by state-of-the-art lab facilities, best practices, and highly qualified domain experts
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J., Dec 1, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- Aricent®, a global innovation, technology, and services company focused exclusively on communications, today announced the expansion of its industry-leading telecom testing services portfolio with "Total Testing." The first and most comprehensive service of its kind, "Total Testing" helps telecom equipment manufacturers, communications service providers (CSPs), and mobile device makers save significant resources by providing a world-class test facility along with highly qualified domain experts. As a result, companies interested in testing products for the "deployment readiness" can resolve problems before they go into a live network.
"We have been using Aricent's 'Total Testing' solution since February 2010 to test products and services deployed in our UK network. The service is truly comprehensive both in terms of the network scope and the testing offering that it encompasses," explained Phil Green, head of core networksat Vodafone UK and a key user of Aricent's "Total Testing" service. "Aricent has a highly skilled team of telecom professionals who manage and deliver all our testing requirements from recommending the optimal test strategy, to setting up the environment, to executing the test cycles."
"Total Testing" unites Aricent's leading Testing and Certification Services and Wireless Infrastructure Practice with an advanced Network Test Environment (NTE) based in Newbury, United Kingdom. The result is one of the most comprehensive mobile network testing offerings in the world, capable of testing 2G/2.5G/3G/3.5G networks. With this announcement, Aricent now provides comprehensive testing services for applications, mobile devices, and telecom equipment, including:
-- Interoperability Testing: Testing for the interoperability of any
network equipment element with access, backhaul, core and other
applications in a real 2G/2.5G/3G/3.5G network
-- Integration Testing: Ensuring complete integration of the equipment
being tested with all 3rd party components that need to be directly
connected in the core and access networks, as well as with external
systems
-- End-to-end Testing: Identification and evaluation of end-to-end key
performance indicators (KPIs) in a live multi-vendor environment
-- Device Certification: Network acceptance testing and certification, as
international roaming capability testing of new mobile devices
"We are in the midst of a significant mobile network upgrade cycle globally, and ensuring products are well tested and interoperable with the existing communications ecosystem is a top priority for all players in this exciting space," said Patrick Joggerst, executive vice president and general manager at Aricent. "With 'Total Testing' we provide significant innovation in the critical area of testing and look forward to helping mobile device makers and equipment manufacturers deliver high quality and differentiated products in a cost-effective manner."
Aricent is a global innovation, technology, and services company focused exclusively on communications. Aricent combines the leading innovation capabilities of frog design with unparalleled domain expertise in communications as a strategic supplier to the world's foremost infrastructure, application and service providers. The company's investors include Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Sequoia Capital, The Family Office, and The Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board.
Aricent® is a trademark of Aricent Inc., in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE Aricent
Aricent
CONTACT: Steve Manuel, AVP, Corporate Marketing of Aricent Inc., steven.manuel@aricent.com; or in the Americas, Jay Nichols of Sterling Communications, +1-415-992-3210, jnichols@sterlingpr.com; or in Europe, Kathryn Darling of AxiCom, +44 208 392 4076, aricent@axicom.com; or in India, Shikha Singh Sehrawat of Text 100, +91 981 175 7369, shikhas@text100.co.in, all for Aricent Inc.
Vida Vacation Club Launches Online Destination Portal for Travel Aficionados
New web site includes popular brands such as The Grand Mayan, Mayan Palace, Grand Luxxe as well as new brands The Grand Bliss, The Bliss and Ocean Breeze
NUEVO VALLARTA, Mexico, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Vidanta, Mexico's leading developer of hotels and resorts, today announced the unveiling of the new online web portal for Vida Vacation Club. The web site, http://www.vidavacationclub.com, is a one-stop destination of the finest resorts, spas, and golf courses in Mexico.
Located in Mexico's most beautiful and exotic destinations, the Vida Resorts enjoy the very best of all that Mexico has to offer. From adventure to culture, relaxation to sport, Vida Resorts has what you seek in a vacation.
Vida Vacation Club's new online portal provides an entry into the world of travel for such distinguished brands as The Grand Mayan, Mayan Palace and Grand Luxxe. 2010 and 2011 welcome new resorts including Ocean Breeze, The Bliss, The Grand Bliss and Grand Luxxe Riviera Maya. Rich in graphics and photos, the portal gives visitors a taste of what luxuries await them.
"The new Vida Vacations online portal is a gateway to an entire world of luxury travel," says Michel Beuffe, Chief Operating Officer for Grupo Vidanta. "The visitor is immediately greeted with lush, beautiful photographic images taken from Vida Resorts properties throughout Mexico. Interaction is encouraged through downloadable images and sharing through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
"Each brand from Vida Vacations Club is accessible in one convenient location, perfectly communicating the pleasures that await the prospective traveler. As we continue to expand with new openings and exciting promotional offers, travelers can rely on the Vida Vacations portal to provide them with the latest information."
Founded by Daniel Chavez Moran in 1974, Grupo Vidanta has evolved for more than 35 years into one of Mexico's leading developers of hotels and resorts, golf courses, vacation ownership, and tourism infrastructure, including Mexico's first privately built and owned international airport at Puerto Penasco. For American travelers, Grupo Vidanta offers a choice of full-service luxury beach resorts in Mexico's finest beaches, under the Grand Luxxe, Ocean Breeze, Sea Garden, Mayan Palace and The Grand Mayan brands. In the near future, new hospitality brands will include The Bliss, The Grand Bliss and Mansions of the World. Grupo Vidanta's Mayan Island has built and sold over 2,000 second homes. For further information see http://www.grupovidanta.com.
About Vida Vacation Club
The Vida Vacation Club is a collection of the finest resorts, spas and golf courses located in Mexico's most beautiful and exotic destinations. Formerly Mayan Resorts, the Vida Vacation Group owns the best of traditional Mexico and includes some of the top brand names in the business, including the Grand Mayan, Mayan Palace, Grand Luxxe, Sea Garden, Ocean Breeze, The Bliss and The Grand Bliss. Visit us at http://www.vidavacationclub.com.
Store Offers Hands-On, Interactive Retail Experience for Customers in Vermont
RUTLAND, Vt., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- As people's lives become increasingly mobile and fast-paced, and to address the growing demand for advanced wireless data products and services, AT&T* today announced the opening of a new wireless retail store in Rutland.
"It would be hard to understate the vital role that wireless technology plays in driving our economy and in how we live our lives," said Rutland County Senator Kevin Mullin. "I'm pleased that AT&T - through the opening of this new Rutland store - is making it easier for our citizens to have access to some of the most advanced wireless devices available anywhere."
The store, located at 476 Holiday Drive, replaces AT&T's older location on Main Street and has a state-of-the-art, hands-on design to engage customers and provide a "try before buy" service experience. Trained sales consultants will provide demonstrations of a wide range of wireless products. Shoppers can also test out various advanced wireless data applications including GPS navigation, mobile social networking or mobile television.
The new Rutland store is led by Brian Tursi and has a staff of nine employees who are trained to assist customers -- both business and consumer -- with purchasing decisions, customer service and technical support. Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The store will celebrate its grand opening today with an 8 a.m. ribbon cutting.
There are nine AT&T-owned retail locations in Vermont. AT&T's products and services are also available at a number of other authorized dealers and national retail locations.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE®magazine.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. Find us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at http://www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.
SOURCE AT&T Inc.
AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Kate MacKinnon of AT&T Inc., +1-508-271-8442, kate.mackinnon@att.com
CallFire Announces DIY Real Estate Lead Gen Webinar
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- CallFire is hosting a Do-It-Yourself lead-generation webinar series for real estate businesses and agents on Tuesday, December 7th and Wednesday, December 8th. Both days, sessions will begin at 11:00 am PST, and Tuesday's session will be followed by a 12:00 pm short session. One of CallFire's experienced real estate consultants will show participants how to use Cloud Call Centers, Power Dialing, IVR, and Voice and SMS Broadcasts to broaden their reach quickly and simply.
The Tuesday 11:00 am PST session will cover how to use Cloud Call Centers and Power Dialing. This includes instructions on how to create an easy-to-use virtual call center that will quickly connect agents to customers; You will also learn how to upload an Excel list of existing and potential customers, and how to monitor agents and hit customer contact and sales quotas.
The Tuesday 12:00 pm PST session will cover Voice Broadcasting. This will include instructions on how to upload an Excel list of existing and potential customers, how to set up special event and appointment reminders, and how to let potential clients know about homes that would be a good fit for them.
The Wednesday 11:00 am PST session will cover IVR (Interactive Voice Response). IVR can be used in conjunction with advertising to set up services such automated answering machines that allow callers to enter property numbers they are interested in, listen to further information about the property, and leave contact information for follow-up purposes.
To sign up, e-mail sales@callfire.com with "Real Estate Webinar" in the subject field, or sign in on our Webinar page on the day of, right before the webinar begins. Feel free to include any questions you want answered during the webinar in your e-mail. For more information, please call 877.897.FIRE.
About CallFire:
CallFire is an industry leader in cloud telephony services that makes using VoIP simple. CallFire specializes in providing high-availability systems, beautiful user interfaces, furious developer support, and unparalleled customer care. Our products include hosted power dialing for agents, voice and SMS broadcasts, toll free numbers, call tracking analytics, and voice APIs. Our tools help developers, carriers, and publishers build useful telephony applications. CallFire is located in downtown Santa Monica and is comprised of a friendly group of intellectuals with aspirations to revolutionize how companies do business.
Contact:
Jacob Weiss
sales@callfire.com
877.897.FIRE
SOURCE CallFire
CallFire
CONTACT: Jacob Weiss of CallFire, +1-877-897-FIRE (3473), sales@callfire.com
LONDON and STOCKHOLM, December 1, 2010/PRNewswire/ --
- Revolutionary Gaming Device and Leading Virtual World Join Forces to
Unveil Kinect to Teen and Tween Audience
Stardoll, the world's largest virtual entertainment and social gaming
site for teens interested in fashion, celebrity and entertainment, today
announced a promotion with Kinect for Xbox on Stardoll.
Running over the next two months, Stardoll have developed an evolving,
branded journey that deeply integrates into some of the core user
experiences. The campaign kicks off this week with a virtual wide screen
television streaming Kinect video content directly into all user's personal
suites - a Stardoll UK first. Central to the promotion is a branded Kinect
Club (http://www.stardoll.com/en/clubs/home.php?id$11383) page that
regularly updates to showcase the Kinect device and three games (Kinectimals,
Dance Central and Sports). Each release comes with matching Stardoll
activities so members get a feel for the game's content within their own
environment.
- Phase I Kinectimals: targeting the younger audience, the Kinectimals
Scenery Contest (http://www.stardoll.com/en/contest/view.php?idw3)
allows members to create their very own version of a key scene from the
Kinectimals game, which they submit for the community to vote for their
favourites.
- Phase II Dance Central: aimed at the older, teenage Stardoll users,
members will be asked to create, host and attend Kinect Dance Central
parties with their friends, take photos, share and save the experience
to their social networks. Dance Central parties will appear in Stardoll
Parties (http://www.stardoll.com/en/party-chat/index.php)
- Phase III Kinect Sports: reaching the broader youth audience, Sports
plays out on Stardoll when members are asked to design their own Kinect
Sports sportswear range. Stardoll Fashion Design ( http://www.stardoll.com/en/starDesign.php?brandIdC)
All activities are bespoke and branded for Kinect device and each game,
along with virtual gifts, contests and video content.
"Kinect for Xbox has its finger on the pulse of teen gaming. Stardoll
research shows that Kinect is the must have gaming device among our
community," said Stephen Molloy, Commercial Director at Stardoll Network.
"This relationship allows Stardoll to bring in-world the games and activities
our user base are already excited and talking about to merge their real lives
with virtual ones."
More about Stardoll
The Stardoll Network is the world's leading group of websites
devoted to young women and teens. Launched in 2009, the network includes:
Stardoll.com - the entertainment destination for young women focused on fame,
fashion and friends; Piczo.com - the original platform devoted to social self
expression and visual blogging; and PaperDollHeaven.com - a simpler game-play
environment for the younger, female demographic. The Stardoll Network works
with the world's biggest brands as they look to engage with an increasingly
elusive teen audience. The network is the number one publisher in ComScore's
teen category, both in Europe and globally. The business is headquartered in
Stockholm, Sweden with offices in the US, UK and Germany, and is backed by
two of the world's top venture capital firms: Sequoia Capital and Index
Ventures.
Source: Stardoll
For more information, contact: Joan Lockwood, Head of Global PR, Stardoll Network, Tel: +44-020-7292-7143, Email: joan@stardoll.com
Fotolia Acquires Clients of Microstock Agency Polylooks
NEW YORK and BERLIN, December 1, 2010/PRNewswire/ --
- Polylooks Ceases Operations and Transitions Customers to Europe's
Leading Microstock Agency
In the wake of Deutsche Telekom's decision to shutdown their online
microstock photo agency Polylooks, Europe's leading microstock agency Fotolia
is offering clients of Polylooks a way to seamlessly transition their
accounts. From December 1st to 15th, all active clients of Polylooks can
convert their accounts, including all credits, into a Fotolia account. This
partnership agreement was made in consideration of Polylooks' decision to
discontinue their services as of December 31st, 2010.
Commencing January 1st, 2011, visitors of the Polylooks website will be
redirected to Fotolia.com. Image buyers have the opportunity to switch their
accounts in a smooth and straightforward fashion from Polylooks to Fotolia,
to transfer their credits without any loss or charge, and to continue image
buying without interruption. As clients of Fotolia, they will be able to
access over 11 million royalty free photos, vectors and videos.
"We want our clients to enjoy the best possible continuity and quality
when buying images - even after we discontinue our service. That is why we're
recommending Fotolia", says Norbert Weber, head of Polylooks.
"We are very excited to offer this to the Polylooks community" adds Oleg
Tscheltzoff, CEO, Fotolia LLC. "Not only does it strengthen our position as
the leading stock photography marketplace in Europe, but we are convinced
that all new clients will be thrilled by our service and our unparalleled
selection of high quality images and videos."
About Fotolia
Over 2 million people prefer Fotolia, LLC for affordable, royalty-free
images, graphics and HD videos. With the introduction of the Infinite
Collection, Fotolia became the first worldwide microstock organization to
offer both crowd-sourced and professional images on one site. Founded in New
York City in 2004, Fotolia spans the globe with websites in 11 languages and
offices in 13 countries. With over 10,000,000 images to choose from, find it
on Fotolia. http://www.fotolia.com
Media Contact:
Daniela Reissmann
Director of Operations
UK and Europe
Fotolia, LLC
Direct: 020.8816-7284
Daniela@fotolia.com
Made in IBM Labs: Breakthrough Chip Technology Lights the Path to Exascale Computing
IBM Silicon Nanophotonics uses optical signals to connect chips together faster and with lower power
ARMONK, N.Y., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) scientists today unveiled a new chip technology that integrates electrical and optical devices on the same piece of silicon, enabling computer chips to communicate using pulses of light (instead of electrical signals), resulting in smaller, faster and more power-efficient chips than is possible with conventional technologies.
The new technology, called CMOS Integrated Silicon Nanophotonics, is the result of a decade of development at IBM's global Research laboratories. The patented technology will change and improve the way computer chips communicate - by integrating optical devices and functions directly onto a silicon chip, enabling over 10X improvement in integration density than is feasible with current manufacturing techniques.
IBM anticipates that Silicon Nanophotonics will dramatically increase the speed and performance between chips, and further the company's ambitious Exascale computing program, which is aimed at developing a supercomputer that can perform one million trillion calculations--or an Exaflop--in a single second. An Exascale supercomputer will be approximately one thousand times faster than the fastest machine today.
"The development of the Silicon Nanophotonics technology brings the vision of on-chip optical interconnections much closer to reality," said Dr. T.C. Chen, vice president, Science and Technology, IBM Research. "With optical communications embedded into the processor chips, the prospect of building power-efficient computer systems with performance at the Exaflop level is one step closer to reality."
In addition to combining electrical and optical devices on a single chip, the new IBM technology can be produced on the front-end of a standard CMOS manufacturing line and requires no new or special tooling. With this approach, silicon transistors can share the same silicon layer with silicon nanophotonics devices. To make this approach possible, IBM researchers have developed a suite of integrated ultra-compact active and passive silicon nanophotonics devices that are all scaled down to the diffraction limit - the smallest size that dielectric optics can afford.
"Our CMOS Integrated Nanophotonics breakthrough promises unprecedented increases in silicon chip function and performance via ubiquitous low-power optical communications between racks, modules, chips or even within a single chip itself," said Dr. Yurii A. Vlasov, Manager of the Silicon Nanophotonics Department at IBM Research. "The next step in this advancement is to establishing manufacturability of this process in a commercial foundry using IBM deeply scaled CMOS processes."
By adding just a few more processing modules to a standard CMOS fabrication flow, the technology enables a variety of silicon nanophotonics components, such as: modulators, germanium photodetectors and ultra-compact wavelength-division multiplexers to be integrated with high-performance analog and digital CMOS circuitry. As a result, single-chip optical communications transceivers can now be manufactured in a standard CMOS foundry, rather than assembled from multiple parts made with expensive compound semiconductor technology.
The density of optical and electrical integration demonstrated by IBM's new technology is unprecedented - a single transceiver channel with all accompanying optical and electrical circuitry occupies only 0.5mm(2) - 10 times smaller than previously announced by others. The technology is amenable for building single-chip transceivers with area as small as 4x4mm(2) that can receive and transmit over Terabits per second that is over a trillion bits per second.
The development of CMOS Integrated Silicon Nanophotonics is the culmination of a series of related advancements by IBM Research that resulted in the development of deeply scaled front-end integrated Nanophotonics components for optical communications. These milestones include:
-- March 2010, IBM announced a Germanium Avalanche Photodetector working at
unprecedented 40Gb/s with CMOS compatible voltages as low as 1.5V. This
was the last piece of the puzzle that completes the prior development of
the "nanophotonics toolbox" of devices necessary to build the on-chip
interconnects.
-- March 2008, IBM scientists announced the world's tiniest nanophotonic
switch for "directing traffic" in on-chip optical communications,
ensuring that optical messages can be efficiently routed.
-- December 2007, IBM scientists announced the development of an
ultra-compact silicon electro-optic modulator, which converts electrical
signals into the light pulses, a prerequisite for enabling on-chip
optical communications.
-- December 2006, IBM scientists demonstrated silicon nanophotonic delay
line that was used to buffer over a byte of information encoded in
optical pulses - a requirement for building optical buffers for on-chip
optical communications.
The details and results of this research effort will be reported in a presentation delivered by Dr. Yurii Vlasov at the major international semiconductor industry conference SEMICON held in Tokyo on the December 1, 2010. The talk is entitled "CMOS Integrated Silicon Nanophotonics: Enabling Technology for Exascale Computational Systems" co-authored by William Green, Solomon Assefa, Alexander Rylyakov, Clint Schow, Folkert Horst, and Yurii Vlasov of IBM's T.J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. and IBM Zurich Research Lab in Rueschlikon, Switzerland.
Boeing and IBM Research Pilot Experimental Air Traffic Management Initiatives
ARMONK, N.Y., Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced today that they have successfully completed a pilot research project designed to show how officials from multiple organizations can have more timely, consistent and complete information to resolve fast-changing or unpredictable aviation events.
The quicker availability of better information potentially can help authorities make more informed decisions to protect passenger and national security when airspace anomalies are detected, such as when an aircraft is found to be traveling off course. The project has demonstrated that advances in software can accelerate and orchestrate the flow of information from sensors and networks on a nationwide scale.
To better assess and manage these events, officials have been striving to implement "network centric operations" -- the quick exchange of information from a variety of electronic sources -- to gain better "situational awareness" of the many aspects of an aviation event. These situations require the sharing of updated and detailed information about temporary or ongoing airspace restrictions, flight plans, reports about weather and natural phenomena such as volcanoes, radar and beacon tracks, or the track of an aircraft sent to investigate an unfolding, midair event.
The Boeing-IBM project involves the research and development of new technology to overcome the technical challenge of assembling and delivering such a variety of information at a moment's notice. The team has applied "Responsive, Reliable and Real-Time" (R3) Messaging, which can help ensure that complex data gathered from distributed sensors -- located on aircraft, radar and other ground locations -- can arrive at a specific time and in a sequence. Additional software can then correlate and analyze the information efficiently.
"One can well think of the R3 Messaging technology as a kind of mail carrier, train conductor, telephone switchboard operator and traffic police officer, all rolled into one, synchronizing nationwide -- or even worldwide -- logistics," said Paul Giangarra, an IBM Distinguished Engineer who linked IBM's messaging technology with Boeing's business needs. "It moves information gathered from sensors in a secure, predictable manner."
Added IBM Researcher Dr. Hui Lei, who managed the project team: "R3 Messaging exploits novel techniques to discover routing paths and schedule message deliveries with remarkable dependability. It is quite useful for moving critical and time-sensitive information between the physical and digital worlds. By integrating those two spheres, it makes it easier to make better and smarter decisions."
The project was part of IBM Research's First-of-a-Kind Program, leveraging internal research and development performed by Boeing Research & Technology's Advanced Air Traffic Management group. The program pairs IBM researchers with clients to explore how emerging technologies can solve real-world business problems.
"R3 messaging is directly applicable to the work we do in aviation information management," said Paul Comitz, Boeing Advanced ATM chief architect, System-Wide Information Management. "It provides capabilities that we need."
Enterprise messaging technology, and the ability to manage a barrage of large amounts of data, has existed for some time. But until now, it has only been able to ensure the routine delivery, at an unspecified time, of electronic information within a self-contained computer network. Using new, patent-pending algorithms, IBM computer science researchers have now taken it further: For the first time, messaging technology ensures the synchronization of rapidly changing business events on a massive scale, with the ability to handle diverse and complicated systems.
CONTACT: Kendra R. Collins, IBM Research, collinsk@us.ibm.com, +1-914-945-1801; or Daryl Stephenson, Boeing Engineering, Operations & Technology, Boeing Research & Technology, Daryl.1.stephenson@boeing.com, +1-314-497-9036
MedeFile Introduces Emergency Response App for iPhone and iPad
BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- MedeFile International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MDFI), a leader in portable electronic medical records management, announced today the introduction of its Emergency Response Apple iPhone and iPad application, available exclusively at the Apple App Store.
Offered free to all MedeFile members, the application includes an unprecedented emergency response feature that immediately alerts MedeFile who then notifies local EMTs of an emergency involving the MedeFile customer, at the touch-of-a-button. The application operates using Apple's Geo-Positioning feature to instantly notify MedeFile and in turn, local EMTs of the customer's location while simultaneously communicating vital medical information to caregivers in the field.
The custom-designed application allows iPhone and iPad users the ability to instantly access and implement changes to their self-populated information stored on MedeFile's servers directly from their iPhone or iPad.
"The launch of the MedeFile Emergency Response App is very exciting," Kevin Hauser, CEO of MedeFile said. "This invaluable service, in an emergency situation, 1) locates the member using Apple's Geo-Positioning system, 2) calls for dispatch of emergency personnel and 3) may provide the member's critical emergency information to the first responders ideally before they even arrive at the scene. MedeFile collects, digitizes and stores a member's medical records but more than that we are putting life-saving control in our clients' hands. The addition of this App creates even more added value for each MedeFile member."
Apple has sold over 70 million iPhones and 7.5 million iPads since their introduction, and is now the 4th largest mobile phone vendor in the world.
About MedeFile International, Inc.
Headquartered in South Florida, MedeFile has a proprietary system for gathering and digitizing medical records so that individuals can have a comprehensive record of all of their medical visits. MedeFile's primary product is the MedeFile system, a highly secure system for gathering and maintaining medical records. The MedeFile system is designed to gather all of its members' actual medical records and create a single, comprehensive medical record that is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about MedeFile and its annual subscription-based programs, please visit http://www.medefile.com.
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995
With the exception of historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The actual future results of MedeFile could differ significantly from those statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as the inability to finance the Company's operations or expansion, inability to hire and retain qualified personnel, changes in the general economic climate, including rising interest rates, and unanticipated events such as terrorist activities. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue," the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, and such statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any other person, that such forward-looking statements will be achieved. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of the foregoing, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. For further risk factors associated with our Company, review our SEC filings.
Regions, executive assignments to become effective upon CenturyLink and Qwest merger completion in 2011
MONROE, La., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) announces the regional structure that will become effective when the company's merger with Qwest clears all state and federal regulatory approval processes and upon the legal closing of the transaction. The merger is expected to be completed during the first half of 2011.
The combined company's 37-state service area will be organized into six regions and led by region presidents. The region presidents are responsible for revenue, customer retention, customer satisfaction and service delivery throughout their local markets. The regions, region presidents, region headquarters locations, and states within each region are:
-- Eastern Region
-- President: Todd Schafer, currently president of CenturyLink's
Mid-Atlantic Region
-- Headquarters: Wake Forest, N.C.
-- States: Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
-- Midwest Region
-- President: Duane Ring, currently president of CenturyLink's
Northeast Region
-- Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minn.
-- States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
-- Mountain Region
-- President: Kenny Wyatt, currently president of CenturyLink's South
Central Region
-- Headquarters: Denver, Colo.
-- States: Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming
-- Southern Region
-- President: Dana Chase, currently president of CenturyLink's Southern
Region
-- Headquarters: Orlando, Fla.
-- States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas
-- Northwest Region
-- President: Brian Stading, currently vice president of network
operations and engineering for Qwest
-- Headquarters: Seattle, Wash.
-- States: California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
-- Southwest Region
-- President: Terry Beeler, currently president of CenturyLink's
Western Region
-- Headquarters: Phoenix, Ariz.
-- States: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada
Each region will be segmented into several local markets, each of which will be led by a vice president/general manager who will be responsible for the market's financial and operational performance. CenturyLink will name these executives and their locations in the near future.
"Through this regional and local approach, we place leadership and decision making as close as possible to our customers," said CenturyLink Chief Operating Officer Karen Puckett. "The headquarters of the six regions of the combined company will be located where we will have the highest concentration of customers and employees. Our presence in these cities, combined with the local market knowledge we will have throughout our service areas, will allow us to compete more effectively and deliver the best possible customer experience across all of our markets whether rural, urban or metropolitan."
As of Sept. 30, 2010, CenturyLink served approximately 2.4 million broadband customers, 6.6 million access lines and 588,000 satellite video subscribers. On the same date, Qwest served approximately 2.9 million broadband customers, 9.1 million access lines, 960,000 video subscribers and more than one million wireless customers.
For more information about the merger, visit centurylinkqwestmerger.com.
About CenturyLink
CenturyLink is a leading provider of high-quality broadband, entertainment and voice services over its advanced communications networks to consumers and businesses in 33 states. CenturyLink, headquartered in Monroe, La., is an S&P 500 company and is included among the Fortune 500 list of America's largest corporations. For more information on CenturyLink, visit http://www.centurylink.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this communication, including statements regarding the expected timing and benefits of the acquisition such as efficiencies, cost savings, enhanced revenues, growth potential, market profile and financial strength, and the competitive ability and position of the combined company, and other statements identified by words such as "estimates," "expects," "projects," "plans," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are beyond our control. Actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected if one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect. Factors that could affect actual results include but are not limited to: the ability of the parties to timely and successfully receive the required approvals of regulatory agencies and their respective shareholders; the possibility that the anticipated benefits from the acquisition cannot be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the possibility that costs or difficulties related to the integration of Qwest's operations into CenturyLink will be greater than expected; the ability of the combined company to retain and hire key personnel; the timing, success and overall effects of competition from a wide variety of competitive providers; the risks inherent in rapid technological change; the effects of ongoing changes in the regulation of the communications industry; the ability of the combined company to effectively adjust to changes in the communications industry and to successfully introduce new product or service offerings on a timely and cost-effective basis; any adverse developments in commercial disputes or legal proceedings; the ability of the combined company to utilize net operating losses in amounts projected; changes in our future cash requirements; and other risk factors and cautionary statements as detailed from time to time in each of CenturyLink's and Qwest's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). There can be no assurance that the proposed acquisition will in fact be consummated. You should be aware that new factors may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to identify all such factors nor can we predict the impact of each such factor on the acquisition or the combined company. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this communication. Unless legally required, CenturyLink and Qwest undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Gen-Probe Launches PANTHER(TM) System, Fully Automated and Integrated Molecular Testing Instrument, in Europe
System Offers Revolutionary Productivity and Flexibility for Laboratories
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Gen-Probe Incorporated (Nasdaq: GPRO) announced today that the Company's PANTHER(TM) system, a fully automated and integrated molecular testing system designed with the flexibility to handle a wide range of testing needs, has been CE-marked and is available for sale in Europe.
"After three and a half years of active development, launching our PANTHER system in Europe a month ahead of schedule is a significant milestone in Gen-Probe's history and a testament to the scores of talented and dedicated employees who made it happen," said Carl Hull, Gen-Probe's president and chief executive officer. "We believe the PANTHER system will revolutionize molecular diagnostics by offering customers high levels of productivity and instrument flexibility that were once reserved for high-throughput clinical chemistry and immunoassay systems."
Key features of the PANTHER system include:
-- Fully integrated "sample-in, result-out" automation. A single operator
can process 275 samples in eight hours on the PANTHER system. Hands-on
time is less than an hour, yielding seven hours of walk-away freedom.
For larger customers, the PANTHER system can continue running
unattended, processing 500 samples in 12 hours.
-- Primary tube sampling with random access loading for maximum flexibility
and productivity. Multiple assays can be run from a single sample, and
operators have continuous access to samples, reagents and consumables.
-- A customer-driven design, intuitive software for ease of use, and remote
diagnostics capabilities.
-- Extensive process controls that include positive sample identification,
liquid level detection, reagent dispense verification, and radio
frequency identification (RFID) tags on fluid containers.
-- A small footprint with a width of 122 cm, a depth of 81.5 cm, and a
height of 175 cm.
In Europe, the PANTHER system can initially be used to perform Gen-Probe's nucleic acid tests for the common sexually transmitted infections Chlamydia and gonorrhea. These include the APTIMA Combo 2®, APTIMA® CT (Chlamydia) and APTIMA GC (gonorrhea) assays. Several other qualitative and quantitative assays are in development.
The PANTHER system builds on the success of Gen-Probe's TIGRIS® instrument, which was the first fully automated, high-throughput molecular testing system for large laboratories. Since its launch in 2004, more than 500 TIGRIS systems have been installed at clinical diagnostic and blood screening laboratories around the world.
The PANTHER system is CE-marked for sale in the European Union, but has not been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration and is not commercially available in the United States. For more information on the PANTHER system and available assays, European laboratories can contact Gen-Probe customer service in Wiesbaden, Germany, at +49 6122 7076451, or customerservice@gen-probe.eu.
About Gen-Probe
Gen-Probe Incorporated is a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of rapid, accurate and cost-effective molecular diagnostic products and services that are used primarily to diagnose human diseases, screen donated human blood, and ensure transplant compatibility. Gen-Probe has approximately 27 years of expertise in nucleic acid testing (NAT), and received the 2004 National Medal of Technology, America's highest honor for technological innovation, for developing NAT assays for blood screening. Gen-Probe is headquartered in San Diego and employs approximately 1,300 people. For more information, go to http://www.gen-probe.com.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements in this news release about our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are forward-looking statements. These statements are often made through the use of words or phrases such as believe, will, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend, plan and would. For example, statements concerning possible or expected results of operations, regulatory approvals, future sales, growth opportunities, and plans of management are all forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Some of these risks include: (i) the risk that the PANTHER system will not be cleared for marketing in the United States; (ii) the risk that other assays will not be approved for use on the PANTHER system; (iii) the possibility that the market for the sale of our PANTHER system or other new products may not develop as expected; (iv) the risk that our intellectual property surrounding the PANTHER system will be invalidated; and (v) the risk that we may not be able to compete effectively. This list includes some, but not all, of the factors that could affect our ability to achieve results described in any forward-looking statements. For additional information about risks and uncertainties we face and a discussion of our financial statements and footnotes, see documents we file with the SEC. We assume no obligation and expressly disclaim any duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent events.
Contact:
Michael Watts
Vice president, investor relations and
corporate communications
858-410-8673
Giving Water Its Rightful Place: Smart Builders and Homeowners Add Dispensers to the Design
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Carol and Bill True are less than a year away from an empty nest. When their youngest child leaves for college next fall, they'll have a family-sized home all to themselves. "We're thinking about finally finishing the basement," Carol said. "It would make a nice new living space with a smaller second kitchen so we're not rattling around the whole house."
"We were looking at little refrigerators in the appliance departments, and I kept noticing those new hot and cold water dispensers. Bill likes the taste of bottled water better than our tap, and it just seems to make sense to incorporate space for one into our design."
"Our dispensers are the next must-have appliance," said Kelly Lockwood-Primus, VP of Marketing for Primo Water Corporation. "They're stylish and fully featured, offering instant hot and cold purified water at the touch of a button."
Primo is the top in-home water dispenser supplier in the nation, commanding 60% of the market since the company entered the category in 2008. A recent model was named a Better Homes and Gardens Best of 2009 Editor's Pick. It's similar to the Primo model the Trues are leaning toward for their new basement living area. "It just looks nice," Carol True said. "And because it's a bottom loader, I don't have to lift the bottles. Besides, Bill's a 'foodie'," she said of her husband. "He's really picky about how things taste, and he uses bottled water a lot when he's cooking. I think a five gallon bottle in a built-in dispenser would be a whole lot easier than the case of bottles we use now."
Lockwood-Primus says convenience is only part of the reason that demand for in-home dispensers is up 75% over the last decade; one of few appliance categories actually seeing gains. "Twenty-five percent of bottled water is consumed in 5-gallon containers these days," she said. "Our bottle exchange program makes it easy for consumers."
Carol and Bill True aren't alone in integrating a water dispenser into their home design. Contractor Brian Haire, owner of HMH Construction, says placement of in-home water dispensers seems to be evolving much like microwave ovens did years ago. "Microwaves started out as something you put on your counter," he said. "These days, it's a mistake if you don't draw the microwave in your plans as a built-in."
Haire says most of the built-in dispenser applications he's seen are part of higher-end home designs. "I've seen them most often when someone is designing a really nice master bedroom suite with a kitchenette," he said. "It's nice to be able to get hot water there for a cup of tea before bed or something like that. I like designing for them because the homeowner can get hot and cold water where they want, and I don't have to pay a plumber to tap the water line," Haire said.
Media Contact: Jay Rickerts, +1-336-724-1766
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Kelly Lockwood-Primus | https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei104
SOURCE Primo Water Corporation
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101130/CL09075 http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Primo Water Corporation
IDriveSync More Than Doubles Free Storage From 2GB to 5GB
CALABASAS, Calif., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Pro Softnet Corporation, creator of IDriveSync (http://www.idrivesync.com) and long-time leader in online backup, cloud storage and remote access, today announced it now offers 5GB instead of 2GB absolutely free.
IDriveSync (http://www.idrivesync.com) is a Sync and Share application that offers Sync up to 5 PCs and Share functionality up to 50 PCs with unlimited Sync storage for only $4.95/month. The technology behind Sync is based on the popular IDrive Online Backup service (http://www.idrive.com). IDrive, a leading player in the online backup space is possibly the only online backup service that provides backup for multiple devices including PCs, Macs, iPhones, BlackBerries and Android based phones.
"Digital information is growing exponentially and the 2GB free offer does not provide the users a true taste of what a Sync and Share service can do. We recently addressed this shortcoming to our IDrive Online backup service (http://www.idrive.com) by increasing the free offer to 5GB and now we are extending the same 5GB free offer to IDriveSync as well," says Shweta S., COO at Pro Softnet Corp.
IDriveSync is gaining momentum and is possibly the fastest Sync and Share product in the market today. A recent review by Downloadsquad called IDriveSync more powerful and cheaper than Dropbox, a leading player in the sync space. We hope that our generous 5GB offer will spread some holiday cheer during this festive season. Additionally, our top notch support is available for both our free user base as well as paid. Our team's dedication to all areas of IDrive is evident in the value and support we're known for and are proud of.
About IDriveSync:
IDriveSync (http://www.idrivesync.com) is a new Sync and Sharing service launched by Pro Softnet Corp.
About IDrive:
IDrive (http://www.idrive.com), a service of Pro Softnet Corp., is one of the leading services in the field of online backup and combined with IBackup (http://www.ibackup.com) offers one of the most popular online backup services for both Windows and Mac. PC World recently named it as one of the Best 101 Freebee products. The technology behind IDrive has received many accolades, the latest being Best of the Bunch rated by PC World, the PC Magazine Editor's Choice pick and the PC Pro award winner.
SOURCE IDrive
IDrive
CONTACT: Shweta Sachdeva, +1-818-251-4200, ext. 107, shweta@pro-softnet.com, for IDrive
Washington-Based Retailer Expands Product Line for Holiday Gift Shopping
CARSON, Wash., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington-based online electronics retailer, Gorge Concepts Incorporated, has announced an expansion in their product line found at http://www.bowtronics.com.
Founder and CEO of Gorge Concepts Incorporated, Eugene Bowen, said, "We've increased the number of items available on our Web site so that there is something for all ages and occasions! With the holidays just around the corner, http://www.bowtronics.com makes shopping faster and easier."
Bowtronics.com operates as an electronic commerce (e-Commerce) retail business. The site offers a wide range of consumer electronics, including digital cameras, portable DVD players, speakers, televisions, radios, gaming products and more.
The expansive variety of products found on the Web site eliminates a customer's need to shop on multiple sites, therefore saving them time and money for holiday shopping. With customer satisfaction in the forefront, Bowtronics.com offers high quality electronics at affordable prices.
Bowen added, "Technology is a field that keeps growing and our purpose is to provide our customers with the latest products for affordable prices. Our products are from known manufactures such as Coby, Canon, Kodak, Fuji, Haier and many more."
New products are added to the site frequently and items purchased can be shipped anywhere in the United States. In addition to online sales, a customer service team is available during normal business hours for customer support and can be contacted by filling out a form on the Web site.
For more information on Gorge Concepts Incorporated or http://www.bowtronics.com, visit their Web site, or call (509) 427-5035.
Tasktop 1.8 Connects Development to Agile ALM With New Support for HP Quality Center, Microsoft Team Foundation Server and IBM Rational Team Concert 3.0
From Agile point solutions, to open source tools and enterprise ALM platforms, Tasktop has created the de-facto standard for ALM system interoperability and IDE integration
VANCOUVER, British Columbia and BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- At the HP Software Universe conference in Barcelona, Tasktop Technologies (http://www.tasktop.com), creators of the Eclipse Mylyn project and a leader in Agile Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) integration and productivity, today announced Tasktop Enterprise 1.8. The new product further integrates its Agile ALM partner offerings, open source solutions and thriving ecosystem of Mylyn extensions. It is the first commercial and full-featured release of Eclipse IDE-based developer tooling for accessing HP Quality Center and HP ALM, as well as Microsoft Visual Studio Team Foundation Server based on Eclipse Mylyn. In addition, Tasktop Enterprise has been updated to support the recently released IBM Rational Team Concert 3.0. Tasktop is also proud to announce it is now an HP Gold Partner, a Microsoft Visual Studio Premium Partner and is IBM "Ready for Rational" validated.
"ALM has become increasingly complex as organizations rely on a growing number of best-of-breed and open source solutions to compete, while remote teams, employee churn and outsourcing make developer collaboration and tracking of progress more and more difficult," explained Mik Kersten, CEO of Tasktop and creator of the open source Eclipse Mylyn project. "In this new ALM landscape organizations need improved transparency and coordination more than ever, but the heterogeneity of the typical ALM stack makes it very challenging. With this latest release, Tasktop has emerged as the leader in federating enterprise ALM systems that help organizations scale the benefits of Agile across the enterprise."
Tasktop created its task management tools to help developers be more productive by making it effortless for them to organize their work around tasks. Serving as an ALM integration suite, Tasktop Enterprise has become the de-facto standard for integrating disparate development tools and platforms that are the reality within today's enterprise software development organizations. By providing traceability and knowledge sharing between tools and platforms that are often provided by separate companies, Tasktop helps reduce the complexity and challenges of successfully scaling Agile programs beyond small teams. Organizations using Tasktop are able to integrate and gain added value from heterogeneous systems, improve the happiness and productivity of development teams, and integrate and manage emerging technology platforms, such as cloud computing and mobile applications, into existing development practices.
"Enterprise software development organisations have processes baked into a wide range of tools and platforms, and avoid rip and replace," said James Governor, co-founder and industry analyst at RedMonk. "Tasktop is an ALM stack that works with existing tooling and testing environments, providing full traceability and reporting for management, without affecting the most important aspect - developer flow and productivity."
Pricing and Availability
Tasktop Enterprise 1.8 is available immediately. Pricing for the Tasktop Enterprise subscription is $199-per-user per year and includes enhanced support, advanced productivity features, automated time tracking and integration for IBM Rational ClearQuest, ClearCase and Team Concert, HP ALM and Quality Center, and Microsoft Visual Studio Team Foundation Server. For a guided evaluation of Tasktop Enterprise, please call 778-588-6896, or visit (http://tasktop.com).
About Tasktop Technologies
Tasktop Technologies is the company behind the Eclipse Mylyn ALM integration framework and its revolutionary task-focused interface technology. The task-focused interface is proven to make developers more productive by showing only the relevant information for each task, dramatically reducing search time and facilitating multitasking. Tasktop Enterprise is the company's commercial product based on Mylyn, with task-focused support for web browsing, time tracking, documents, email, calendars and commercial ALM components. Tasktop also provides consulting, connector development services and training to the growing number of companies adopting the task-focused paradigm and tools. For more information please visit http://www.tasktop.com.
21st Century Insurance® Introduces New Customer iPhone® App; New App Provides Greater Functionality for On-the-Go Consumers
WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- In its quest to offer its customers the latest in mobile technology, 21st Century Insurance today introduced a new application for the iPhone®. The new app will allow 21st Century customers to quickly and easily access auto policy information, while giving them the ability to perform a number of valuable functions - all from the convenience of their iPhone.
"21st Century Insurance is excited to provide our customers this new application to help enhance their overall service experience," said Tony DeSantis, president of 21st Century Insurance. "The introduction of this customer tool demonstrates our commitment to providing leading-edge mobile functionality for our policyholders."
With the new app, 21st Century Insurance customers will be able perform a variety of functions relating to their auto insurance policy, including:
View and pay their bill - 21st Century customers can view their current insurance bill and pay electronically via debit or credit card, or transfer from a bank account.
View policy information - Customers will have 24/7 access to view policy information, and will even be able to view a copy of their ID card.
Access to claims services - Customers can report a claim and document claim details, as well as other functions.
In addition, the app offers 21st Century customers access to other convenient services such as roadside assistance via the 21st Century Security Advantage program; assistance with locating gas stations, hotels, stores and restaurants; helpful safety tips, articles and videos; and immediate contact via phone or e-mail to a 21st Century representative.
"With the faster pace of life and focus on technology, there are more and more people using their iPhone to perform daily tasks," said Bryan MacDonald, vice president of eBusiness. "The new 21st Century iPhone app was created with today's 'on the go' person in mind."
21st Century customers can easily download the iPhone application free-of-charge by visiting the App store on their iPhone.
Consumers can learn more about the app and other products from 21st Century Insurance by visiting 21st.com.
About 21st Century
21st Century Insurance is a trade name for a leading group of direct-to-consumer auto insurers in the United States. 21st Century is dedicated to providing customers with excellent coverage and award-winning service and helping them save on auto insurance. Insuring over 2 million vehicles across 49 states and Washington, D.C., 21st Century is also a proud part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies®, the third largest personal lines insurer in the country. For more information, visit 21st.com or call (877)310-5687 for a quote.
About Farmers
Farmers is a trade name and may refer to Farmers Group, Inc. or the Farmers Exchanges, as the case may be. Farmers Group, Inc., a management and holding company, along with its subsidiaries, is wholly owned by the Zurich Financial Services Group. The Farmers Exchanges are three reciprocal insurers (Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange), including their subsidiaries and affiliates, owned by their policyholders, and managed by Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at http://www.farmers.com or at http://www.Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance.
Contact: Luis Sahagun
818-584-0574
luis.sahagun@farmers.com
AT&T Sets Black Friday and Cyber Monday Online Traffic Record, More Shoppers Visited Retail Stores to Ring Up Savings
Start to Holiday Shopping Underscores Increased Consumer Demand for Smartphones, Quick Messaging Devices and More
DALLAS, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Record online traffic on Black Friday combined with more total shoppers visiting att.com on Cyber Monday than any previous year - and year-over-year traffic increase in AT&T stores nationwide - created one of the busiest post Thanksgiving shopping weekends in AT&T history.
With compelling holiday deals beginning Black Friday, AT&T saw record customer traffic. Results include:
-- Record online traffic at http://www.att.com for Black Friday - up more than 14
percent year-over-year
-- Record number of online shoppers at http://www.att.com for Cyber Monday - up
more than 22 percent year-over-year
-- Wireless device upgrades and U-verse TV sales in AT&T stores increased
significantly year-over-year
-- Overall and same-store traffic in AT&T retail locations nationwide
significantly up year-over-year
"Consumers are looking for value, savings and choice now more than ever and we're eager to deliver on that demand," said Phil Bienert, vice president, ATT.com. "In addition, more consumers want the convenience of shopping online - this has been a trend building over the last several years and why we offered such a robust line up of deals to kick off the holiday season."
AT&T's wireless customers benefit from access to the nation's fastest mobile broadband network and the ability to talk and surf at the same time, plus unlimited access to AT&T's entire nationwide Wi-Fi network - the nation's largest - for both smartphone customers and qualified AT&T broadband customers.
Shoppers can still take advantage of sweet holiday savings online and in their local AT&T retail store, including:
-- Some of the best prices ever on the most popular touch screen devices
(online only)
-- AT&T's Windows Phones available buy-one-get-one free in AT&T retail
locations.
All offers require a two-year service agreement. Some restrictions and other charges may apply. All smartphone offers require AT&T voice and minimum $15 per month data plans; select devices only, while supplies last.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at http://www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.
Honoring Texas Victims of Domestic Violence: 111 Women Were Killed Last Year - 20 in DFW Metroplex
Join Us in Remembering Victims at a Special Showing of 'Telling Amy's Story,' a Documentary Focused on the Tragic Death of a Domestic Violence Victim
LAS COLINAS, Texas, Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) and Verizon are teaming up today to launch a special program focusing on domestic violence awareness, with a special screening of the documentary "Telling Amy's Story" at Verizon Headquarters (600 Hidden Ridge) in Las Colinas.
Texas State Representative Linda Harper Brown will be the keynote speaker at the event. Dallas police detective Jon Lumbley of the department's Family Violence Unit, Verizon External Affairs Vice President David Russell and TCFV President Gloria Terry will participate in the panel discussion of the issue, following the screening. The program begins at 5 p.m.
"Telling Amy's Story," hosted by actress and advocate Mariska Hargitay of NBC-TV's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and told by Detective Deirdri Fishel, presents an emotional story about America's pervasive and largely unreported epidemic --domestic violence.
"This story is especially poignant to Verizon and its employees because Amy was a member of the Verizon family," said Shawne Angelle, president of Verizon's Texas region. "The Verizon Foundation funded the creation of this documentary because sharing Amy's story and its important lessons will, hopefully, save lives."
Amy was shot in the head at point blank range by her husband while her parents and children waited in their car in the driveway as she was picking up her belongings and leaving the violent relationship. Amy was a Verizon Wireless employee.
"The story of Amy McGee is tragic and, sadly, not uncommon. Raising awareness about the pervasiveness of domestic violence in our communities is an important part of prevention," said Frank Antonacci, region president for Verizon Wireless. "Through programs like 'Telling Amy's Story,' HopeLine and others, Verizon and Verizon Wireless are taking steps to engage the community in the fight against domestic violence in all its forms."
TCFV President Gloria Terry said: "Domestic violence impacts every segment of our community. A scared child cannot learn; the businesscommunity is impacted with lost wages, sick leave, absenteeism and lost productivity; and from a health perspective, partner violence impacts eight out of 10 leading health indicators.
"In the past 30-plus years, Texas has made significant progress in creating safe havens, gaining greater legal protections, and establishing remarkable transitional services. However, family violence persists. We must continue to examine and strengthen strategies that build on these key foundational services."
According to a new report released by the Texas Council on Family Violence and compiled from data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas law enforcement agencies and media reports, 111 women in the state were killed by an intimate partner in 2009.
The report lists the victims' names and gives brief accounts of their deaths. Details revealed in the report include:
-- In 2009, there were 27 cases in which one or more children witnessed the
death of their mother. The youngest witness was a 9-month-old baby in a
bassinet.
-- 38 percent of the women were killed in a murder-suicide.
-- 110 children are now without a mother or orphaned.
-- The victim's ages ranged from 13 to 83. The majority of victims were
between 20 and 40 years of age.
-- Three counties with large urban cities had the highest number of women
killed. Harris County, which includes the city of Houston, had the
highest number of deaths (21).
-- 20 women were killed in the DFW Metroplex.
During the special Texas unveiling of "Telling Amy's Story," Texas domestic violence advocates will also showcase innovative solutions that each community in Texas can implement to decrease the horrifying statistics.
Texas Council on Family Violence is a statewide organization representing a network of domestic violence programs that provide direct services to victims and their families, and serves as the voice of victims at the state level while working with local communities to create strategies
The Verizon Foundation in the past three years has awarded more than $15 million to nonprofit organizations that assist domestic violence survivors.
Through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine® program more than 7 million no-longer-used wireless phones have been collected and recycled or refurbished to support domestic violence survivors, generating $8 million that has been given to local agencies since 2001.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 93 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 217,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com.
SOURCE Verizon
Verizon
CONTACT: Angela Hale, +1-512-289-2995, angela@redmediagroup.com; or Jon Davies, Verizon, +1-805-372-6969, jon.davies@verizon.com
QNAP Enhances Its Rack-mounted Business Series Turbo NAS Lineup With 3 New Models Utilizing New Intel(R) 1.8GHz Dual-core Atom CPU
New 4- and 8-drive Models Maximize Throughput and Up-time for Corporate & Entry-level Enterprise Customers with Winning Combination of New Intel Atom D525 1.8GHz Dual-core CPUs, 1GB RAM, and Available Redundant Power Supplies
POMONA, Calif., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- QNAP Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of world class NAS servers today announced the latest refresh of its rack-mounted Business Series Turbo NAS servers which are hugely popular with corporate and entry-level enterprise customers for their sheer performance and business-ready features. Announced today are two new 4-drive units, the TS-459U-RP+ and the TS-459U-SP+ with up to 8TB of networked storage, and the TS-859U-RP+ with up to a whopping 16TB of online storage (using 2TB hard drives). These new rack-mounted Business Series TS-x59U-RP+ models incorporate the new dual-core Intel® Atom(TM) processor D525 with 1.8GHz clock speed and 1GB RAM, which can achieve up to 113MB/s transfer rates (FTP/Samba reads) via dual Gigabit LAN ports while maintaining guaranteed low power consumption.
The TS-459U-RP+ and the TS-859U-RP+ contain redundant power supplies, which ensure continuous services and maximum up-time of the NAS in the data centre even if one of the power supply units failed. The system will notify the administrator via SMS or email should any power supply failure occur. The TS-459U-SP+ contains a single power supply. The SP+ model can be upgraded to a TS-459U-RP+ by simply adding a redundant power supply, sold separately.
Businesses looking to embrace or expand cloud computing will find the new TSx59U-RP+ models exciting as they are fully VMware and Citrix ready and Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V clusters compliant. QNAP continues its industry-leading iSCSI support on all the new models for fully virtualized server clustering and virtualized environments including support for MC/S, MPIO, SPC-3, and thin provisioning. With built-in iSCSI initiator and target service, network storage can be virtually expanded by simply adding additional QNAP Turbo NAS units to the network and adding virtual volumes, up to 8 per device. Data security is built in, with volume-level AES 256-bit encryption. The TS-x59U-RP+ models even feature DOM architecture with the ability to boot from dual operating systems in the event of a failure.
"QNAP rack-mounted Turbo NAS servers have long been hailed as the perfect blending of performance and usability," said Laurent Cheng, Product Manager for QNAP Systems, Inc. "No other NAS manufacturer delivers the raw horsepower of a QNAP NAS plus real-world business applications like centralized network-wide backup, hosting of up to 32 websites, file sharing among Windows, Mac, Linux, and UNIX machines, and a whole lot more."
The new TS-x59U-RP+ models feature a host of desirable features including support for 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard drives housed in lockable, hot-swappable drive carriers, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 5+ hot spare, and 6+ hot spare (TS-859U-RP+ only) with online RAID capacity expansion, online RAID level migration, and RAID recovery. The QNAP TS-x59U-RP+ models offer a rich suite of business-ready applications including the most comprehensive centralized backup available, website hosting, printer sharing, file server/sharing, and even network video surveillance. The capabilities of the TS-x59U-RP+ units can be expanded with exclusive QPKG open-source developed for a variety of business applications including SQL database management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and even ecommerce.
The new TS-x59U-RP+ series comes with V3.3 of the QNAP NAS management software embedded as firmware. More details about the firmware V3.3 are available on http://www.qnap.com/fw_v3/
Availability
The new TS-x59U-RP+ NAS servers will be available starting in November through popular commercial distributors, resellers, and retailers globally.
To learn more about the new QNAP TS-x59U-RP+ models, please visit http://www.qnap.com.
QNAP offers the broadest lineup of NAS server enclosures currently available. QNAP Turbo NAS servers are available in 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8-bay tower & rack mount configurations to fit consumer's needs, including small/medium business, workgroups, and entry-level enterprise networks. Most QNAP NAS servers feature hot-swap removable cartridge drives with 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drive support, and offer unique features including virtual disk, and dual Gigabit LAN ports with fail-over, load-balancing and multi-IP setting capabilities for all Intel-based models. QNAP NAS servers are ideal for simple website hosting, ultra-high performance RAID storage supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 5+ hot spare and 6+hot spare (5 drive and higher models), stand-alone file downloading, network-wide backups, printer sharing, video surveillance, and a whole lot more. QNAP NAS servers are fully compatible with Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and UNIX networks and incorporate green power management technologies.
About QNAP Systems, Inc.
QNAP Systems, Inc. is a privately held company founded in 2004 and is dedicated to bringing world class NAS storage, professional NVR video surveillance, and network video players to consumer, small/medium business, and entry level enterprise market segments. QNAP leverages not only hardware design but also a growing core competency in software engineering that is precisely focused on bringing to market products that offer the highest available performance coupled with outstanding reliability, scalability, and ease of installation and use. QNAP is a multi-national company with headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan, and subsidiary offices in China and the United States.
Press contact:
QNAP Systems, Inc.
Ms. Vera Wang
Tel: +886-2-8698-2000
Email: qnap_enews@qnap.com
DeMoulin & Company
Robert DeMoulin
Tel: +925-699-5423
Email: robert.demoulin@demoulinco.com
SOURCE QNAP Systems, Inc
QNAP Systems, Inc
CONTACT: Ms. Vera Wang, QNAP Systems, Inc. at +886-2-8698-2000 or qnap_enews@qnap.com; Robert DeMoulin, DeMoulin & Company at +925-699-5423 or robert.demoulin@demoulinco.com