World's Largest Airship will take Virtual Crop Protection to New Heights, Showcase Insurance Leader's Support for Community
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies® announces an industry-leading partnership with Zynga, the maker of FarmVille, the most popular game on Facebook with over 60 million monthly players.
The Farmers in-game integration, will use the likeness of its Farmers Insurance Airship, a 246-foot long Zeppelin. When players place the Farmers Airship on their farm, they receive free "wither protection" for the crops on their virtual farm. In a nod to the security that Farmers Insurance offer its customers, this protection means players crops won't wither for the 10 days of the promotion.
"This is the first time an insurance company will be featured within internet Social Gaming," said Kevin Kelso, Chief Marketing Office of Farmers Insurance Group Inc. "It's an innovative and exciting way to showcase our online and interactive presence."
The campaign will begin October 18, 2010 and for the first 10 days the Farmers Airship will be available for free.
"More than 60 million people a month, play FarmVille, and players are proud of the virtual farms they build," said Marc Zeitlin, Vice President of eBusiness for Farmers Insurance Group Inc. "We are thrilled to offer virtual protection which mirrors the protection we provide to millions of people everyday with our home, automobile, business and life insurance products."
Farmers recently announced a chance for FarmVille followers to experience part of their virtual life in real life, by winning a chance to ride on the Farmers Airship.
During a sweepstakes running from October 1, 2010 to November 15, 2010 on Farmers' Facebook page, fans can win a ride for themselves and a companion on the world's largest airship. To enter, log onto facebook.com/farmersinsurance.
"Zynga's mission is to connect the world through games and we look for brand partners that share our vision to create the most fun and most social game experience," said Manny Anekal, Global Director of Brand Advertising at Zynga. "Millions of people play FarmVille daily and we're excited to unveil a campaign with Farmer's Insurance that further demonstrates our commitment to delivering high quality in-game brand experiences."
About the Farmers Airship
Stretching 15-feet longer than a 747 and 50-feet longer than the largest blimp, the Farmers Airship, the Zeppelin Eureka, is the world's largest airship. Owned and operated by Airship Ventures, Inc., the airship is one of only two Zeppelins commercially flying in the world today and features the largest logo ever used in Farmers' history. Larger than most homes, the decal is comprised of 697 sheets of vinyl totaling almost 4,850 square feet and measuring approximately 185-feet long by 30-feet high on either side of the Zeppelin. Farmers iconic blue and red shield measures 30-feet high by 50-feet wide, while the 17-foot tall letters spelling out the company name stretch over 105-feet. When not flying in support of Farmers events in communities around the country, the Farmers Airship is based in California and offers passenger flightseeing tours above San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Monterey, Sacramento, San Diego and Los Angeles. http://www.FarmersAirship.com
About Farmers Insurance Group Inc.
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 website at http://www.farmers.com or http://www.Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance .
Contact: Michelle Levy 512.791.7445 or email:
michelle.levy@farmersinsurance.com
Entertainment Benefits Group and BestOfVegas.com Announce Exclusive Backstage Experience With Cirque du Soleil
New partnership announces the Exclusive 'Insider Access' Experience at Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Entertainment Benefits Group (EBG) is proud to announce an exciting new experience brought to you by Cirque du Soleil that will include exclusive backstage experiences at The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage and "O" at Bellagio. The packages will include a premium ticket and a special backstage tour for one of these Las Vegas production shows, creating an intimate experience for a select number of guests. The "Cirque Insider Access" package will be available for select performances starting October 29th and will be exclusively sold through BestOfVegas.com and select retail partners of Entertainment Benefits Group.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Cirque du Soleil to allow fans to experience something so special and that has never been available before now," said Brett D. Reizen, President and CEO for Entertainment Benefits Group. "Cirque du Soleil is known throughout the world for creating some of the most beautiful and amazing experiences for their audiences. Now, with BestOfVegas.com, we can take the audience even further into the creative world of Cirque du Soleil by giving customers an upfront and exclusive behind-the-scenes look at two of the most spectacular shows in the world."
The "CirqueInsider Access" package will include an exclusive and intimate backstage tour of either show. A limited number of guests each night will hear the history of the show's production, get a peek behind the scenes, receive a special Insider Access VIP lanyard, plus a special limited edition bag with Cirque du Soleil merchandise items. Most important, guests will enjoy the show from special reserved seating from the best seats in the theaters and enjoy front of line concession passes. After the performances, guests who enjoyed The Beatles LOVE will receive special access with a Front-of-Line VIP Pass for Jet Nightclub at Mirage, while the guests that enjoyed "O" will be given a Front-of-Line VIP Pass for Bank Nightclub at Bellagio. Special offers will also be included for The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge at Mirage and Caramel at Bellagio.
The "Cirque Insider Access" package will be available for purchase exclusively through BestOfVegas.com and go on sale October 13th at 10am EST for select performances starting on October 29th. The price per person for this experience is $260, plus service fees, all inclusive for the package. There will be a limited number of "Cirque Insider Access" packages available for certain performances. For more information please visit http://www.BestOfVegas.com or call 1-800-947-1081.
About Entertainment Benefits Group
Entertainment Benefits Group (EBG) is one of the largest privately held travel and entertainment providers in the United States. The company is headquartered in Miami with offices in Orlando, Florida and Las Vegas, NV. The company features the largest and most comprehensive corporate benefits program featuring travel and entertainment. The company's network of consumer and B2B businesses has a proven track record of developing successful and innovative website portals. EBG owns 100% of its technology and has developed a customized event ticketing and administration system that supports a continuously growing infrastructure and its reach of more than 20 million users. EBG brands include BestOfVegas.com, Showtickets.com, TicketsAtWork.com, BestOfOrlando.com and Tickets & Tours.
About Cirque du Soleil
From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is now a major international organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. Since its founding, Cirque du Soleil has thrilled over 100 million spectators in close to 300 cities on five continents. In Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil presents seven unique and innovative productions. These productions include Mystere at Treasure Island, "O" at Bellagio, Zumanity, the Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil at New York-New York Hotel & Casino, KA at MGM Grand, The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage, CRISS ANGEL Believe at Luxor, and Viva ELVIS at ARIA Resort and Casino at CityCenter. For more information, visit the Cirque du Soleil website at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/lasvegas.
SOURCE Entertainment Benefits Group
Entertainment Benefits Group
CONTACT: Ken Langdon, ken@langdonflynn.com, or Steve Flynn, steve@langdonflynn.com, both of Langdon Flynn Communications, +1-702-889-2705, for Entertainment Benefits Group
Summit Business Media's AdvisorOne.com Launches Comprehensive Suite of eNewsletters for Investment Advisors
NEW YORK, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Summit Business Media announced today the launch of a comprehensive suite of eNewsletters delivering breaking news and targeted, topical content for investment advisors. The eNewsletters are a part of AdvisorOne.com, Summit Business Media's recently launched Website that changed the information landscape in the investment advisory community by providing all of the content important to today's advisors in one online destination.
AdvisorOne's eNewsletters provide information for every advisor, from market updates and breaking news, to proven strategies in portfolio construction, wealth management and retirement income planning to career advice.
"We launched AdvisorOne.com to help advisors become more efficient, by providing them a single online resource that met all their information needs," said James J. Green, group editor-in-chief. "Our eNewsletters are a natural extension of that mission, delivering breaking news and market trends every day, and providing more in-depth product news, trends and insights covering everything from practice management to managing the portfolio."
The new suite of AdvisorOne eNewsletters include:
-- AdvisorOne Daily Wire: All the news advisors need to stay on top of the
industry in one concise format, including market updates, regulatory and
company news. This eNewsletter contains best practices, relevant
statistics and timely industry trends that impact the investment
industry - and analysis, commentary and advice to help advisors grow
their business.
-- Portfolio Builder: The latest products, innovations, trends and
performance data in ETFs, mutual funds, hard assets and alternative
investments. Experts offer practical suggestions and clear insights into
correlated and non-correlated assets in portfolio management.
-- Retirement Report: Updates on portfolio protection, insurance and
annuities, retirement income strategies and behavioral finance, and
details on how top advisors are structuring retirement-income plans for
clients.
-- Inside Wealth Management: Insights on building, preserving, and endowing
wealth, as well as features on top wealth managers and women and wealth
are offered in this weekly eNewsletter. Learn advanced tax planning and
risk management strategies and the latest on estate planning and
charitable giving.
-- Career Advantage: Practical advice about practice-management and
career-transition issues for wirehouse, independent broker-dealer, and
RIA advisors. Includes tips on marketing and referrals, benchmarking
your practice, recruiting the next generation of advisors, and how to be
more efficient and profitable.
-- AdvisorOne Breaking News Alert: Released as warranted by breaking,
market-moving news.
For more information, or to subscribe, visit AdvisorOne.com/eNewsletters
About Summit Business Media
Summit Business Media is the leading B2B media company serving the insurance and investment markets. Through its Media and Reference divisions, SBM publishes 16 magazines, more than 30 targeted industry Web sites, and 150 reference titles. The Events Division hosts a dozen conferences supporting these brands. SBM's Data Division is the leading provider of group benefits and retirement prospecting tools and insurance industry financial data. For more information, visit summitbusinessmedia.com.
About AdvisorOne.com
AdvisorOne.com delivers content and data assets from Summit Business Media's Investment Advisory Group, including Investment Advisor and Research magazines, combined with contributions from industry experts, and relevant content aggregated daily from trusted partners, including Lexis Nexis, AP Financial Wire, Bloomberg, Market Watch, Quote Media, Barron's, The New York Times, Business Week, and The Wall Street Journal.
Free Access to Facebook, Google, YouTube From Vectone Mobile Until 2011
LONDON, October 13, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- Vectone Mobile, the leading mobile provider of low-cost international and
national calls announces free 10 MB mobile web access every day until 2011 to
both its existing and new PAYG customers.
Customers using more than the free allowance of the 10MB will be charged
just 10p per MB or they can subscribe for Vectone's unlimited mobile web
bundle for only GBP5 per month.
Baskaran Allirajah CEO, commented: 'Since the launch of Vectone Mobile in
the UK, we have constantly focused on providing increased value to the UK
market. This is a further example of the outstanding value we offer to the UK
mobile market.'
New customers can apply for a free Sim at http://www.vectonemobile.co.uk
and enjoy 10MB mobile web browsing for free every day.
For further information please contact:
Tahawur Jafri
Marketing Manager
Vectone Mobile
T. +44(0)2075364800
RSW/US Integrates Social Media Training for Clients Into its Agency New Business Development Services
A tiered program that recognizes the time limitations inherent in social media for agency new business
CINCINNATI, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- RSW/US announced a further enhancement to its full service agency lead generation/new business program with the integration of social media training for its clients grappling with how they can strategically build an ongoing and consistent social media program.
"The biggest obstacles to social media are also the biggest obstacles to agency new business: time and consistency. While there are limitless amounts of information on social media, too many experts (good and bad) don't take these constraints into consideration when advising agencies on how to be successful in building a social media program," says Mark Sneider, Owner/President of RSW/US.
This additional RSW/US service will embrace social media basics, breaking down key social media platforms within the context of new business. Additionally, the strategy needed to manage time and resources wisely, recommendations on how to activate a social media program and how to monitor prospect activity judiciously, will also be core to the offering.
Lee McKnight Jr., RSW/US's Director of Business Development and Social Media developed this value-added client offering and leads this training for RSW/US clients.
RSW/US is an agency new business, lead generation firm that operates like a virtual new business development group. RSW/US only works in the marketing services space, helping ad agencies and PR Firms find new business. More information can be accessed at: http://www.rswus.com or by calling 513.559.3111. Lee McKnight can be contacted at lee@rswus.com.
SOURCE RSW/US
RSW/US
CONTACT: Lee McKnight, +1-513-559-3111, lee@rswus.com
With PyCharm, Python Developers Finally Get a Powerful IDE
The Highly Anticipated Python/Django IDE - a New Link in the Chain of Productivity Development Tools by JetBrains - Hits the Market
PRAGUE, October 13, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- JetBrains, the creators of intelligent, productivity-enhancing
development tools, continues its expansion in the IDE market and releases its
next language-specific IDE - PyCharm 1.0 for Python and Django developers.
The release adds a new but already strong member to the family of
lightweight language-specific IDEs that JetBrains started in 2008 with
RubyMine, a Ruby on Rails IDE. Other installments include PhpStorm and
WebStorm IDEs for PHP, HTML and JavaScript developers.
Like all other JetBrains IDEs, PyCharm features a smart code editor which
understands the specifics of Python and offers remarkable productivity
boosters: automatic code formatting, code completion, refactorings,
auto-import, one-click code navigation, and more. Backed by advanced code
analysis routines, these features make PyCharm a powerful tool in the hands
of both professional Python developers and those who are just starting out
with the technology.
"Personally, Python has been my favorite language for quite a while now.
That's why I'm especially excited about sharing this powerful tool with other
Pythonistas around the world," said Dmitry Jemerov, PyCharm project lead.
"I'm certain that PyCharm will make their Python/Django development a real
pleasure. Built on the IntelliJ platform, PyCharm naturally inherits its
outstanding JavaScript, HTML and CSS editing features that all web developers
will appreciate. I daresay that with all these capabilities, PyCharm will
become a leading Python IDE even before its next major release."
PyCharm 1.0 also provides the following key features:
- Advanced support for Django development - including smart
code completion, inspections, refactorings and specific code
navigation.
- Integrated Python Debugger and graphical unit test runner.
- Support for the modern Python development toolchain, including
virtualenv and buildout.
- Version Control Systems integration - unified UI for most popular
VCS such as Mercurial, Git, SVN, Perforce and CVS.
- Google App Engine support - allows running and deploying your
applications to the App Engine server, while ensuring that the code
meets the requirements of the sandbox environment.
- REPL and Django consoles - with many advantages over the standard
ones: on-the-fly syntax check with inspections; braces and quotes
matching and pairs autoinsertion; and code completion.
Separate personal and commercial PyCharm licenses are available, both
affordably priced. Each includes free IDE updates for 1 year after the
purchase date, covering even major new releases.
To learn more about JetBrains PyCharm and download a free 30-day product
trial, visit the JetBrains website at http://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm.
CarWoo!, New Service to Transform Car Buying, Closes Series A Funding
Sets sights on providing the best online car buying and selling experience
BURLINGAME, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- CarWoo! (http://www.carwoo.com), a new service which will transform the way consumers buy cars, launching today at Digital Dealer and BlogWorld Expo, announces the closure of its Series A financing. Total funding received to date exceeds $6M.
The round was led by Interwest Partners with participation by Comcast Interactive Capital, Blumberg Capital, Accelerator Ventures, Raymond Tonsing and Dillon McDonald. Previously the company had obtained seed financing upon completion of the Y Combinator program in late 2009. The seed financing was led by Comcast Interactive Capital with participation from Blumberg Capital, Accelerator Ventures and a number of angels and prominent individuals, including: Paul Buchheit - Early Google employee, created Gmail, founded Friendfeed; Joshua Schachter - Founder of Del.icio.us; Aydin Senkut - Felicis Ventures; Founders Fund Angel - Dave McClure.
"Seeing CarWoo! grow from what we knew was a good idea to being a thriving and expanding enterprise assisting over 3,000 dealers nationwide and thousands of buyers per month in the car buying and selling process, while not unexpected given our offering, has nonetheless been exciting," says co-Founder and CEO Tommy McClung.
CarWoo! is the first online service that allows buyers to receive firm offers on new cars anonymously from multiple competing dealers, ensuring the best possible offer on the car they want to buy. The first of its kind nationwide, new car buying marketplace, CarWoo! enables consumers to interact with multiple dealers online, get their best offers without needing to haggle with dealerships on-site, or to make endless phone calls to find a dealer with the car they want at the price they're willing to pay.
Erik Landerholm, co-Founder and CTO added, "Emerging from stealth operations with our launch and with this funding allows CarWoo! to really begin serving a community of 12 million new car buyers a year and 20,000 new car dealers while we continue to enhance and expand the CarWoo! service."
With veteran industry advisors and board directors that include Rob Chesney, former VP/GM of eBay Motors, Dillon McDonald, former COO of Jumpstart Automotive, Tom Taira, CEO and founder of Honk.com and co-founder of Zag and TrueCar, Jeff Fluhr, founder and former CEO of StubHub, Tim Weaver, Vice President of Sales for ResponseLogix, Niall Hay, E-Commerce Director for a major automotive group, and Michael Yang, former VP/GM of Yahoo! Autos, CarWoo! is well positioned to revolutionize the new car buying process.
"In CarWoo!, we see an innovative company that is effectively addressing a critical need for a very large market," said Doug Pepper, General Partner at Interwest. "We are excited that this financing will accelerate the rapid growth already being executed at CarWoo!"
While other internet services and properties have served to make large markets such as travel more efficient, the very large automotive industry has been a laggard in this area. CarWoo! was created to bring internet efficiencies to the car buying and selling process.
"Over 80% of consumers use the Internet to help them with their new car shopping process and there is no shortage of auto-related information online. However, most third party automotive sites have failed to help the consumer during the negotiation process. CarWoo! brings this missing component to the puzzle which is why Vehix is excited to be their partner," said Derek Mattsson, CEO Vehix.com.
Available Immediately:
Consumers have the option of two plans with which to negotiate anonymously with dealers with availability today at http://www.carwoo.com and coming soon to its online partners. CarWoo! executives will be available at Digital Dealer, BlogWorld Expo, and J. D. Power and Associates Automotive Internet Roundtable.
About CarWoo!
CarWoo!, simply the best way to buy a new car, was founded in 2009 by serial entrepreneurs, Tommy McClung, Erik Landerholm and Michael Young. It is the first online service that allows buyers to negotiate anonymously with multiple dealers, ensuring the best offers on the car they want. With early funding by Y Combinator, CarWoo! is based in Burlingame, CA and is now funded by Blumberg Capital,Comcast Interactive Capital, and Interwest Partners. Find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com and on Twitter at twitter.com/carwoo.
CarWoo.com Transforms Car Buying; The Best Way To Buy A New Car Online!
Patent Pending Technology Levels The Playing Field Between Buyers and Dealers Guaranteeing The Best Possible Deal & A Great Car Buying Experience
BURLINGAME, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- CarWoo! today launches the first online service that allows buyers to receive firm offers on new cars anonymously from multiple competing dealers, ensuring the best possible offer on the car they want. The first of its kind nationwide, new car buying marketplace, CarWoo! enables consumers to interact with multiple dealers online, get their best offers without needing to haggle with dealerships on-site, or to make endless phone calls to find a dealer with the car they want at the price they're willing to pay.
CEO and co-founder of CarWoo! Tommy McClung explains how CarWoo! became a reality, "when I bought my last car, the experience was horrible. I did my research online...but when it came time to actually locate and buy the car all I got was spam email and phone calls from dealers, none of whom answered my questions or listened to what I wanted. Rather than get the information I needed, I got hard pitches for me to come into their dealerships or alleged no-haggle quotes for non-existent cars." Adds McClung, "I knew there had to be a better way. We created CarWoo! to give consumers a great experience where they're not just sold off to several dealers as a lead."
"The time that it takes consumers to shop multiple dealerships, compare their incomplete quotes, negotiate and finally settle on a car is overwhelming. In the end, you're never quite sure whether you have gotten the best deal, or have just been beaten down. CarWoo! allows you to find the best deal and have fun, all from the comfort of your home," McClung said.
"We found that dealers were frustrated too," says Erik Landerholm, CTO and co-founder of CarWoo! "They are burdened with outdated systems that don't work any better for them than they do for the buyers. With CarWoo!, the entire process is open and transparent."
How it Works:
Once the buyer has described the car they want, dealers compete for their business. Built in commenting enables buyers and dealers to ask questions, communicate and negotiate, but only as and when the buyer wants. CarWoo! never reveals the buyer's personal information until they have selected the offer they want from the dealer they want to do business with. Negotiations are stress-free because they are anonymous and happen outside pressure filled showrooms.
Because the system is designed around openness and transparency, dealers know exactly what other offers the buyer is seeing, so there's no guessing game and the offers become more competitive. By not taking money from dealers, CarWoo! is able to be a true consumer advocate. CarWoo! buyers are known to be in-market in the last leg of the car buying process, so dealers are free to make better offers to 'woo' consumers to purchase the car from them, rather than wasting money, time and energy on leads that rarely result in a sale.
A Win for Dealers Too:
"There have been a lot of attempts in the past to bring buyers to the dealership's proverbial front door with mixed success. CarWoo! has a win-win approach of connecting consumers who are truly ready to purchase to dealers who are truly ready to deal. Their service brings shoppers who have real skin in the game and we can prioritize these opportunities accordingly," said Jeremy Beaver, Del Grande Dealer Group.
Transforming the Car Buying Process:
Touted as a car buyer's best friend, CarWoo! looks after the consumer's best interests. CarWoo! will never send spam or unsolicited email to car buyers, nor do they ever take money from dealers and they ruthlessly protect their buyer's privacy.
With veteran industry advisors and board directors that include Rob Chesney, former VP/GM of eBay Motors, Dillon McDonald, former COO of Jumpstart Automotive, Tom Taira, CEO and founder of Honk.com and co-founder of Zag and TrueCar, Jeff Fluhr, founder and former CEO of StubHub, Tim Weaver, Vice President of Sales for ResponseLogix, Niall Hay, E-Commerce Director for a major automotive group, and Michael Yang, former VP/GM of Yahoo! Autos, CarWoo! is well positioned to revolutionize the new car buying process.
Car Buying Haggling Be Gone:
"Over 80% of consumers use the Internet to help them with their new car shopping process and there is no shortage of auto-related information online. However, most third party automotive sites have failed to help the consumer during the negotiation process. CarWoo! brings this missing component to the puzzle, which is why Vehix is excited to be their partner," said Derek Mattsson, CEO Vehix.com.
"When I was ready to buy a new car recently, I was besieged with dealers emailing and calling me, trying to get me to come into their dealership to negotiate. I knew that I would be at a disadvantage if I stepped foot on their grounds and that my negotiations would be suboptimal because I would have to do it serially versus concurrently. CarWoo! changed that and dealers competed for my business, saving me more money than I ever expected," said CarWoo! customer, Joe Gambescia.
Available Immediately:
Consumers have the option of two plans with which to negotiate anonymously with dealers with availability today at http://www.carwoo.com and coming soon to its online partners. CarWoo! executives will be available at Digital Dealer, Blogworld Expo, and J. D. Power and Associates Automotive Internet Roundtable.
About CarWoo!
CarWoo!, simply the best way to buy a new car, was founded in 2009 by serial entrepreneurs, Tommy McClung, Erik Landerholm and Michael Young. It is the first online service that allows buyers to negotiate anonymously with multiple dealers, ensuring the best offers on the car they want. With early funding by Y Combinator, CarWoo! is based in Burlingame, CA and is now funded by Blumberg Capital,Comcast Interactive Capital and Interwest Partners. Find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com and on Twitter at twitter.com/carwoo.
SOURCE CarWoo!
CarWoo!
CONTACT: Renee Blodgett of Magic Sauce Media, +1-617-620-9664, renee at magicsaucemedia dot com, @magicsaucemedia, for CarWoo!
New XMC Module Mates Configurable Virtex-5 FPGA with High-Speed PCIe Interface and Deep Memory
For increased performance, Acromag has migrated their popular Virtex-5 FPGA module to an XMC format with a high-throughput PCI Express bus 4-lane interface and large data buffers.
WIXOM, Mich., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ --Acromag's new XMC FPGA module, the XMC-VLX, features a configurable Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA enhanced with multiple high-speed memory buffers and a high-throughput PCIe interface. Field I/O interfaces to the FPGA via the rear J4/P4 connector and/or with optional front mezzanine plug-in I/O modules. The result is a powerful and flexible I/O processor module that is capable of executing custom instruction sets and algorithms. Typical uses include hardware simulation, military servers, in-circuit diagnostics, communications, signal intelligence, and image processing. The boards start at $5750 with several options for FPGA logic capacity and extended temperature operation.
"These XMC Virtex-5 FPGA modules combine very advanced signal processing capabilities with high speed data transfer in a remarkably affordable package," remarked Joseph Primeau, Acromag's embedded sales and marketing director.
Three models provide a choice of logic-optimized FPGAs to match the performance requirements. Cards can be ordered with a Xilinx VLX85T, VLX110T, or VLX155T FPGA featuring up to 155,000 logic cells and 128 DSP48E slices. Each model is ready for use in conduction-cooled systems and offers an option to upgrade with extended temperature range parts suitable for -40 to 85 degrees C operation.
64 I/O lines are accessible through the rear (J4) connector. Additional I/O processing is supported on a separate mezzanine card that plugs into the FPGA base board. A variety of these mezzanine I/O cards are available to provide front-end 14-bit 105 MHz A/D conversions or an interface for CMOS digital I/O, RS-485 differential signals, or extra LVDS I/O lines.
Large, high-speed memory banks provide efficient data handling. Generous 32M x 32-bit DDR2 SDRAM buffers store captured data prior to FPGA processing. The data is directly accessible through the FPGA. Afterward, data is moved to the 1M x 64-bit dual-ported SRAM for high-speed DMA transfer to the bus or CPU. This memory provides direct links from the PCIe bus and to the FPGA. The high-bandwidth PCIe 4-lane interface ensures fast data throughput.
Acromag's Engineering Design Kit provides utilities to help users develop custom programs, load VHDL into the FPGA and to establish DMA transfers between the FPGA and the CPU. The kit includes a compiled FPGA file and example VHDL code provided as selectable blocks with examples for the local bus interface, read/writes, and change-of-state interrupts to the PCI bus. A JTAG interface allows users to perform on-board VHDL simulation. Further analysis is supported with a ChipScope(TM) Pro interface.
About Acromag
Acromag has designed and manufactured measurement and control products for more than 50 years. They are an international corporation with a world headquarters near Detroit, Michigan and a global network of sales representatives and distributors. Acromag offers a complete line of embedded I/O and industrial computer products for military, aerospace, manufacturing, transportation, utilities, and scientific research applications.
Razer(TM) Launches a Wireless Version of the Best-Selling Razer Naga(TM)
Razer Naga Epic MMO Gaming Mouse to feature 3 interchangeable side panels for different hand grips - Available worldwide starting November 2010
CARLSBAD, Calif., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Razer, the world's leading high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals brand, today announced the launch of an elite wireless MMO gaming mouse that's an upgrade from the original award-winning and best-selling Get Imba mouse - the Razer Naga(TM) Epic. Designed by the highly-acclaimed Razer R&D labs, the Razer Naga Epic epitomizes that fine balance between keyboard and mouse with 17 MMO-optimized buttons, and takes it to a whole new level with three ergonomic interchangeable side panels for optimal fit, the choice to customize the backglow from over 16 million colors, and a dual mode wired/wireless functionality. Gamers can now enjoy a MMO gaming mouse with no strings attached - literally.
"With the Naga Epic, Razer gives MMO gamers around the world more freedom than ever before," said Robert "RazerGuy" Krakoff, President, Razer. "We combined the MMO gaming capabilities of the original best-selling Razer Naga and took it to the next level by giving it a true gaming-grade wireless option utilizing the same technology that we developed for the ultra high-end Razer Mamba(TM)."
The final design of the Razer Naga Epic, from optimal button configuration to its form factor, was achieved through the scientific testing and screening of more than 80 different model iterations by Razer's ergonomics team.
"Every aspect of the Razer Naga Epic's design, from its ergonomic form factor to button sizes, placement and angles was rigorously tested both internally in our R&D labs in San Francisco and Singapore, and with seasoned pro-gamers," said Min-Liang Tan, CEO and Creative Director, Razer. "The Naga Epic is also one of the most comfortable mice we've ever designed, with 3 interchangeable side panels that ensure an ideal fit for various hand sizes and grip styles."
The end result is a mouse that not only provides a personalized level of comfort, but with its dual wired/wireless functionality and unique MMO-optimized multi-button thumb grid also lets gamers fully immerse in their favourite MMO games knowing they have the full range of character abilities at their fingertips.
About The Razer Naga Epic
This high-end MMO gaming mouse is an advanced version of the original and award-winning Razer Naga, combining wireless functionality, ergonomic form factor, a customizable backlight glow, and 17 MMO-optimized buttons, making it truly epic.
The Razer Naga Epic MMO gaming mouse allows gamers to easily organize their character abilities for any game by enabling them to fully remap and assign programmed macros to all 17 buttons. With three interchangeable side panels for optimal fit designed for various hand sizes and grip styles, the Razer Naga Epic allows gamers to quest, raid, or PVP in comfort for hours on end. The true gaming-grade wireless connection on the epic mouse also allows gamers a greater variety of movement without any sacrifice of mouse control or accuracy, with zero downtime as the mouse charges while in wired mode.
Razer Naga Epic
Price: US $129.99 / euro 129.99
Availability:
Razerzone.com -November 2010
Worldwide - November 2010
Product Features:
-- 17 Fully-programmable MMO-optimized buttons (including 12 button thumb
grid)
-- Wired/Wireless dual mode capability
-- Three interchangeable ergonomic side panels
-- Charging dock (also functions as a wireless receiver unit)
-- Unlimited character profiles with AddOns
-- Optional MMO-specific software AddOns
-- 16 million color backlight illumination
-- 5600dpi Razer Precision(TM) 3.5G Laser Sensor
-- 1000Hz Ultrapolling(TM) / 1ms response time
-- Approximate size: 116L x 77W x 41H (in mm)
-- Battery Life: 12hrs (continuous use); 72 hours (normal gaming usage)
Razer Naga EpicHigh Res Image Links
Black Background
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About the Razer Group:
Razer(TM) is the world's leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming products and peripherals that are designed "For Gamers. By Gamers(TM)". Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Razer's award-winning line-up of products includes desktop speakers, headsets, keyboards, mice, software, and gaming surfaces. Since 1998, Razer has collaborated with leading professional gamers to develop, manufacture and market cutting-edge gaming peripherals using proprietary technologies that give gamers the competitive edge. Razer products offer the best in precision, sensitivity, usability and distinctive product design and have a reputation for being leaders in gaming peripheral technology.
USA
Christina Gregor
Christina.Gregor@razerzone.com
Europe
Timo Helmke
Timo.Helmke@razerzone.com
Asia Pacific
Lisa Twang
Lisa.Twang@razerzone.com
China
Chris Chen
Chris.Chen@razerzone.com
(760) 579 0180
Razer - For Gamers. By Gamers.(TM)
SOURCE Razer Group
Razer Group
CONTACT: USA, Christina Gregor, Christina.Gregor@razerzone.com, or Europe, Timo Helmke, Timo.Helmke@razerzone.com , or Asia Pacific, Lisa Twang, Lisa.Twang@razerzone.com, or China, Chris Chen, Chris.Chen@razerzone.com, all of Razer Group; +1-760-579-0180
ORLANDO, Florida and STUTTGART, Germany and SHANGHAI, October 13, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- Creaform, a world-class company offering 3D technology and engineering
services, today introduced the high-end MetraSCAN 3D scanner as the logical
complement to the HandyPROBE optical CMM. Powered by the C-Track(TM)
dual-camera sensor, the MetraSCAN increases the reliability, speed and
versatility of the measurement process like no other scanner before.
Featuring Creaform's TRUaccuracy(TM) technology, the MetraSCAN ensures
highly-accurate dimensional measurements regardless of the measurement
environment (instability, vibrations, thermal variations, etc.) or operator
skills. "This is what metrologists want," stated Product Manager and former
metrologist Daniel Brown. "Scanning, probing, gap and flush analysis, shiny
part inspection and fine surface detail acquisition can be performed quickly
through an integrated and uninterrupted process that is above all compliant
with the most stringent industry standards."
"Clearly, optics is now the future of metrology; we can already see this
trend happening," indicated President Charles Mony. "Not only do optical
measurement solutions allow greater precision in real conditions, faster
set-up and less maintenance, but they are also easier to use and more
portable. Creaform remains ahead of the pack when it comes to optical
measurement. We are dedicated to providing metrologists with solutions that
will help them improve their productivity."
For more information about the new MetraSCAN or the HandyPROBE arm-free
CMM, visit Creaform's website at http://www.creaform3d.com, where you can
also watch the video featuring the MetraSCAN in action.
Did you miss the MetraSCAN launch in Orlando, Shanghai or Stuttgart?
Attend the Webinar (http://www.creaform3d.com/en/news/webinars.aspx) and
experience the launch of the metrology product of the year. See highlights of
the event, learn about the MetraSCAN and meet with our product manager on
line.
About Creaform
Creaform is a technology company offering innovative solutions that cover
the entire range of 3D applications, including 3D scanning, reverse
engineering, quality control, inspection, design and engineering, and FEA.
Our wide range of products and services as well as our advanced training
program are intended for industries such as the automotive, aerospace and
defence, consumer products, education, heritage preservation and
architecture, manufacturing, medical care and multimedia.
Creaform has developed and sells the Handyscan 3D(TM) line of scanners.
These state-of-the-art self-positioning handheld 3D laser scanners are known
for the highly-accurate 3D scanning data they generate, their true
portability and ease of use. Creaform also manufactures and sells the
HandyPROBE(TM) fully portable, arm-free and wireless CMM, a probing system
designed for inspection applications. Creaform is an international company
with offices in Quebec City, Montreal, the United States, France, Germany,
China, India and Japan.
MTV Games and Harmonix Unveil the Complete, Chart-Topping Dance Central(TM) Track List
Master Authentic Dance Routines Set to the Music of Lady Gaga, Audio Push, Dirty Vegas, Pitbull, M.I.A., Beastie Boys and More
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Harmonix, the world's premier music video game developer, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom's MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), along with distribution partner Microsoft, today released the full list of songs and artists featured on the Dance Central(TM) on-disc soundtrack. Completely free from any controller, every routine features fun choreography and authentic routines for beginners and experts alike of all ages to master, alongside a killer soundtrack that spans a great sampling of pop, funk, hip-hop, Latin and R&B artists, including Cascada, Kool & The Gang, Kylie Minogue, No Doubt, Salt-N-Pepa, Nelly Furtado, Christina Milian and more.
Dance Central, exclusive for Kinect(TM) for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, will be available Nov. 4, 2010 in North America and Nov. 10, 2010 in Europe.
"We felt it was very important to launch Dance Central with a balanced selection of the latest, greatest and all-time classic tracks," said Paul DeGooyer, Senior Vice President of Music, Electronic Games and Programming for MTV Networks. "The setlist on the disc really achieves that goal, offering everything from "jerking" to disco, from Rihanna to Young MC. Whatever your jam, we think you'll find something to get you moving in this contagiously fun soundtrack."
Dance Central fullon-disc track list:
Audio Push - "Teach Me How To
Jerk" Lady Gaga - "Just Dance"
----------------------------- ------------------------
Basement Jaxx - "Rendez-vu" Lady Gaga - "Poker Face"
--------------------------- ------------------------
Beastie Boys - "Body Movin'
(Fatboy Slim Remix)" Lipps Inc - "Funky Town"
--------------------------- ------------------------
Beenie Man - "King Of The
Dancehall" M.I.A. - "Galang '05"
------------------------- ---------------------
Bell Biv DeVoe - "Poison" Nelly Furtado - "Maneater"
------------------------- --------------------------
Benny Benassi - "Satisfaction Nina Sky - "Move Ya Body"
----------------------------- -------------------------
Cascada - "Evacuate the
Dancefloor" No Doubt - "Hella Good"
----------------------- -----------------------
Christina Milian - "Dip It Pitbull - "I Know You Want Me (Calle
Low" Ocho)"
-------------------------- -------------------------------------
The Commodores - "Brick Quad City DJ's - "C'mon N' Ride It (The
House" Train)"
----------------------- ----------------------------------------
Craig Mack - "Flava In Ya Ear
(Remix)" Rihanna - "Pon de Replay"
----------------------------- -------------------------
Dirty Vegas - "Days Go By" Salt-N-Pepa - "Push It"
-------------------------- -----------------------
Eric B. & Rakim - "Don't Snoop Dogg/Pharrell - "Drop It Like
Sweat the Technique" It's Hot"
------------------------ ------------------------------------
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em - "Crank That
Fannypack - "Hey Mami" (Soulja Boy)"
---------------------- ----------------------------------
Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne -
"Down" Technotronic - "Pump Up the Jam"
------------------------ --------------------------------
Kool & The Gang - "Jungle
Boogie" Wreckx-n-Effect - "Rump Shaker"
------------------------- -------------------------------
Kylie Minogue - "Can't Get
You Out of My Head" Young MC - "Bust A Move"
-------------------------- ------------------------
Dance Central will feature downloadable content beginning Nov. 4, 2010. Each song will not only deliver fresh music, but also completely new routines that will keep dance parties going for months to come.
Winner of the E3 Game Critics Best Original Game and Best Motion Simulation Game, as well as more than 30 additional awards and nominations, Dance Central is a controller-free dance video game with fun choreography for beginners and experts. Whether rehearsing in Break It Down or owning the dance floor in Perform It!, players will be introduced to more than 600 moves in the game and more than 90 dance routines created by professional choreographers. In addition, players can earn achievements, unlock new character outfits and venues and progress through the dance ranks. In Dance Battle, players can challenge friends to an epic living room showdown.
Developed by Harmonix, the world's premiere music videogame developer, published by MTV Games and distributed by Microsoft, Dance Central will be available Nov. 4, 2010, in North America exclusively for Kinect for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft (U.S. ERP: $49.99) and Nov. 10, 2010 in Europe (UK ERP: 39.99 Pounds Sterling/ EU ERP: euro 49.99).
The new Dance Central trailer is available for download in the following formats:
MTV Networks, a division of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of entertainment content, with brands that engage and connect diverse audiences across television, online, mobile, games, virtual worlds and consumer products. The company's portfolio spans more than 150 television channels and 350 digital media properties worldwide, and includes MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Harmonix, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Noggin, The N, AddictingGames, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Atom, Gametrailers and Xfire.
About MTV Games
MTV Games is dedicated to creating, marketing and publishing high-quality, innovative interactive products that are relevant to the MTV audience and complement the core values of the MTV Networks brands.
About Harmonix Music Systems, Inc
Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., based in Cambridge, MA, and established in 1995, is the leading developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix was founded by Alex Rigopulos and Eran Egozy, who formed the company to invent new ways for non-musicians to experience the unique joy that comes from making music and have pioneered music and rhythm gaming in the US. For more information please visit http://www.harmonixmusic.com.
CONTACT: For MTV Games/Harmonix, Mariana Agathoklis, +1-212-846-5755, Mariana.Agathoklis@mtvstaff.com, or Stephanie Myers, +1-617-491-6144 ext 111, stephanie.myers@harmonixmusic.com; or For Microsoft, Jessica Lange, +1-503-471-6831, Jessica.lange@edelman.com
Provides Most Complete Service Content in the Industry for Dealer Websites
BURLINGTON, Vt., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Dealer.com (http://www.dealer.com), the global leader in online marketing solutions for auto dealers, today announced the launch of its new Service Marketing Package, an automated solution that delivers the industry's most extensive service content for dealers' websites and empowers them to retain and recapture more service customers, enhance customer satisfaction and build profitability - without a drain on dealership resources.
While fixed operations are a critical dealer profit center, several trends are converging and causing a growing number of consumers to defect to independent service providers. The Dealer.com Service Marketing Package combats these trends by enabling dealers to build stronger customer relationships through cutting-edge website content as well as customized communications delivered more frequently and at a lower cost than conventional direct mail.
"We are pleased to introduce this turnkey, 'set it and forget it' solution that helps dealers increase their service business by providing rich, relevant content to the right customers at the right time," said Dean Evans, Chief Marketing Officer of Dealer.com. "This is the ultimate in fixed operations marketing - it requires minimal maintenance or human intervention, yet delivers a proven, trackable ROI."
Evans continued, "We are setting a new industry benchmark for website service content, which is critical because the number of Internet searches for vehicle service is growing rapidly, and about 60% of the visitors to a dealer's website are going to the service page."
With the Service Marketing Package, each of a dealership's sales and service customers gets a free Online Garage, powered by DriverSide - the leading online vehicle ownership service - and integrated with the dealer's DMS, so it automatically includes personalized service and repair information. It also includes hundreds of proprietary articles and videos, community features, and information and reviews about new vehicles. Customers receive customized emails such as service reminders (based on their service histories and OEM maintenance schedules), recall alerts and newsletters. The solution also includes functionality developed by Dealer.com that enables dealers to automatically send promotional offers or coupons - adjusted based on the customer's response over time - which are designed to improve search engine performance as well as service sales.
In pilot stores, the solution has significantly enhanced dealer revenues and profitability by delivering a 12 percentage point improvement in recapturing "lost" customers; a 19 percentage point improvement in customer loyalty; and a 27% increase in customer service frequency.
Dealer.com is the global leader in online marketing solutions for the automotive industry, providing award winning e-marketing solutions to OEMs, auto dealers and media companies. The company's innovative websites and integrated online tools significantly lower the cost of customer acquisition, enhancing dealers' efficiency and profitability. More dealerships use the Dealer.com platform than any other platform in the world.
Recent national and international accolades include: Inc. magazine's 2010 Top Small Company Workplaces and Inc. 5000, The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, top ranking in The Net Promoter® Score Survey of customer satisfaction, Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 and the Web Marketing Association's Automobile Standard of Excellence. In addition, Dealer.com was the 2009 Top Rated Website Provider on DrivingSales.com, and won the 2010 Dealers' Choice Diamond Award for Best Website Solution and the 2009 Most Comprehensive Search Marketing Platform Award from the Automotive Search Marketing Association. For more information visit: http://www.dealer.com/promo/look-inside.htm
For additional information contact:
-----------------------------------
Tom Pratt
RF|Binder Partners
(212) 994-7563
tom.pratt@rfbinder.com
SOURCE Dealer.com
Dealer.com
CONTACT: Tom Pratt, RF|Binder Partners, +1-212-994-7563, tom.pratt@rfbinder.com
OSLO, October 13, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- Zeus is posing the main cyber threat towards online banking services
today. The Zeus Trojan is a sophisticated and highly adaptive malware
toolkit. Infection typically takes place through drive-by-downloads and
phishing attacks. Recent reports from NetMediaEurope mention Zeus being
responsible for a loss of $70 million for US banks and GBP6 million for UK
banks.
Conventional security solutions experience problems stopping Zeus.
Several articles on the internet mention that over 50% of the Zeus infected
systems run with updated Anti-virus software. Earlier this year it was
discovered that Zeus is also targeting SMS-TAN authentication solutions on
mobile phones.
While the end user starts the online banking session, Zeus enters the
browser and gains control over the user's bank account. Zeus then invisibly
changes the communication between user and bank; he can steal data and
manipulate transactions without the end user noticing it. Promon Shield
protects the user against Spyware and Trojans like Zeus by stopping it from
entering the browser.
Without browser access, Zeus is not able to grab and manipulate the
necessary data to perform a successful attack. Promon Shield is a small,
dedicated, security module which is automatically delivered by the service
provider (typically the bank) without bothering the user. Every time the user
enters the online bank account, Promon Shield provides a secure browser
session which is kept Trojan free.
The Promon solution is unique because of its
- integrated protection as part of the web service
- proactive and real time protection
- automatic (on demand) delivery to the user without bothering the user;
small overhead
- non-intrusiveness; no other programs on the client are affected
Promon will present this technology at the Itsa in Nuremberg from 19.10
- 21.10 on the stand 356 and in several live hacking sessions.
About Promon
Promon is a Norwegian company that develops and distributes technology
designed to detect and foil attacks against computer systems. Its patent
pending developments have been successful in combating a wide range of
attacks including malware that causes financial fraud as well as identity and
data theft. http://www.promon.no
Contact Promon AS
Stephan Gäbler
Vice President Business Development
Tel: +47-22-02-11-33
stephan.gaebler@promon.no
PR contact:
Janina Rogge
Kafka Kommunikation GmbH & Co KG
Tel.: +49(0)89-74747058-11
jrogge@kafka-kommunikation.de
Harris Private Bank Launches YouTube Channel to Engage Baby Boomers on Topic of Elder Care Planning
Channel brings together health, legal and financial services experts
CHICAGO, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Harris Private Bank today announced the launch of the Harris enCircle® Channel on YouTube, featuring nationally recognized experts in the field of elder care planning. The channel is designed to provide comprehensive information to the nation's 76 million baby boomers, most of whom currently have no plan for meeting the needs of aging parents or loved ones. Experts such as Dr. Alexis Abramson, author and national broadcast personality and expert gerontologist, will engage baby boomers to help them understand the trends, needs, desires and challenges mature adults and their caregivers face. Experts on the channel will also explore the critical health, legal and financial decisions that should be considered before a crisis occurs.
"I have repeatedly seen family members making decisions in extremely stressful situations after an initial health crisis erupts, with little understanding of the resources available to help them with the health, financial and legal planning they will have to address," said Debbie Korompilas, Senior Vice President, Head of Trust & Estate Settlement Services, Harris Private Bank. "Our goal in launching this channel is to help baby boomers understand it's never too late to plan, but it's also never too early."
The complex issues facing baby boomers and their aging parents continue to escalate.
-- 44 million people age 18 and older are providing unpaid care for others
age 50+. That number represents 19% off all American adults. *
-- The fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population is over the age of
65. As that segment continues to age and stay in their homes, 44
million adult children are finding themselves taking on the equivalent
of a second full-time job as they devote the hours needed to care for
their parents. **
-- There are approximately 7 million long-distance caregivers. On average,
they miss 15 million days of work annually. The number of long-distance
caregivers is expected to double in the next 15 years. On average, a
person functions as a caregiver for four years, providing an average of
20 or more hours per week. ***
-- By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million individuals 65 or older in our
society - more than double from 2000. They have an average life
expectancy of an additional 18.6 years. ****
"Harris enCircle® is an innovative, comprehensive service designed to assist clients seeking elder care solutions and is a logical extension of our commitment to serving as a trusted financial advisor," said Terry Jenkins, President and CEO, Harris Private Bank. "Bringing the experts and information to a broader online audience is both timely and practical for boomers trying to navigate the information they need to develop their family plan."
Harris enCircle® is located at http://www.youtube.com/user/harrisencircle. The channel features enCircle® client specialists, advisory board members, and external subject matter experts in the field of elder care for a dialogue on integrating heath, financial, and legal planning.
The channel will launch with information targeting individuals and families who may be addressing issues related to the care of aging loved ones. Viewers will learn the lifecycle of creating a plan, from how to convene that first family meeting, to defining care giving roles and responsibilities. New content will be uploaded to the channel on a regular schedule.
Current segments include:
-- Channel overview: Dr. Alexis Abramson, author, gerontologist and Harris
enCircle® Advisory Board Member.
-- Panel discussion on integrated health care, financial, and legal
planning: Dr. Sherry Kotsman, licensed clinical psychologist and
executive director of Senior Bridge; Joe Monahan, elder law attorney at
Monahan & Cohen and Harris enCircle® Advisory Board Member; Debbie
Korompilas, Senior Vice President, Head of Trust & Estate Settlement
Services at Harris Private Bank.
-- Tips on relieving caregiver guilt: Dr. Alexis Abramson.
-- Tips on involving family members; how to have a family meeting: Dr.
Alexis Abramson
-- Tips on avoiding caregiver burnout: Dr. Alexis Abramson.
-- Tips on avoiding conflicts with aging parents: Dr. Alexis Abramson.
"As seniors living with multiple chronic conditions represent the fastest-growing segment of our population, the act of caring for our parents as they age is perhaps the most inevitable yet least talked about complexities of our time," said Eric C. Rackow, M.D., President and CEO of Senior Bridge, a national care management agency that helps people with complex chronic health conditions remain in the comfort of their homes as long as possible.
"Harris enCircle®'s YouTube channel responds to the clear need for a highly personalized and unbiased approach to helping boomers navigate the intricacies of elder care to ultimately improve the quality of life of their loved ones while maintaining their own well-being," he said.
"Families must initiate conversations today, talk to their parents, understand their needs and wants, and create a family plan," said Alexis Abramson, Ph.D. and advisory board member of Harris enCircle®. "Utilizing an expert based online resource like the Harris enCircle® channel on YouTube makes it much easier to take those first steps. Families can easily learn about the resources they need, identify how to bring other family members into the care plan, and discover how to effectively prepare for the care-giving journey."
Harris Private Bank's enCircle® service provides individuals and families across the U.S. with expert advice and integrated solutions for the complex health, legal and financial issues associated with elder care planning.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Sources:
*National Alliance for Caregiving, in collaboration with AARP (2004).
**MetLife Caregiving Cost Study: Productivity Losses to U.S. Business (2006).
***National Alliance for Caregiving (2010).
****Administration on Aging, U.S. Health & Human Services Dept (2010).
About Harris Private Bank
Harris Private Bank offers a comprehensive range of wealth management services that include investment advisory, trust, banking and financial planning to meet the financial needs of high net worth clients. Through integrated teams of experienced financial professionals, Harris Private Bank helps its clients realize their financial and lifestyle goals with solutions that are custom tailored and delivered with the highest level of personalized service. Harris Private Bank is a member of the Harris family of wealth management services.
About Harris
Harris is an integrated financial service organization providing more than 1.2 million personal, business and corporate clients with banking, lending, investing and wealth management solutions. The organization is a member of the BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), which also provides corporate and investment banking services in the U.S. under the BMO Capital Markets name.
Harris® is a trade name used by various financial service subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp. Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A., The Harris Bank, N.A. and their bank affiliates, Members FDIC. Investment Products: ARE NOT FDIC INSURED, MAY LOSE VALUE, CARRY NO BANK GUARANTEE
Through Harris enCircle®, Harris does not engage in rendering care management services or tax preparation. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location. Estate planning requires legal assistance, which Harris does not provide; consult your personal counsel.
SOURCE Harris Bank
Harris Bank
CONTACT: Susana Leyva, +1-312-658-0445, mobile, +1-312-339-5125, sleyva@jaynethompson.com, for Harris Bank
IBM Helps Organizations Boost Business Performance With New Informix Database Software
- DHL, Rol Manufacturing, Oncor and M Systems International reduce costs, work more efficiently -
ARMONK, N.Y., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today unveiled new Informix database software designed to help clients cut costs and respond quickly to market trends. The new version of IBM Informix software helps clients and partners speed the deployment of critical business solutions at lower cost while boosting performance by as much as 50%.
Companies worldwide are recognizing the need to use information more effectively. A global IBM study of more than 2,500 Chief Information Officers showed that 83% of survey respondents identified analytics - the ability to see patterns in vast amounts of data and extract actionable insights - as the way they will enhance their organizations' competitiveness.
New performance capabilities in IBM's Informix software make it easier and faster to power business analytics along with transactional applications - boosting performance by as much as 50%. Higher performance means clients need fewer servers, and less space, power, and cooling resources. To handle the ever growing volume of data, the new software also includes innovative time series data management and data compression - minimizing storage space by as much as 66% compared to competitive solutions.
IBM is also introducing the new IBM Informix Flexible Grid that gives clients the flexibility to scale data management across regional or global clusters while mixing different hardware and operating systems. Previously, distributed clusters required maintaining consistent hardware and software levels. The new Informix capability reduces cost of operations for businesses.
The Informix Flexible Grid keeps data available to applications at all times, even during planned maintenance and upgrades, without the need for temporary hardware. This easy-to-deploy and manage innovation lowers operating costs by reducing the need for new hardware, and reducing administration time up to 80%.
"The new Flexible Grid capability lets us re-use old equipment and combine it with the use of new equipment to scale out across a grid that uses different types of hardware and operating systems. This is a real innovation that lowers our operating costs with less investment in hardware, and lets us leverage existing investments and resources," said Hector De Santiago Ramirez, IT Infrastructure Manager at DHL.
Client and Partner Momentum
Clients and partners are already benefitting from the new capabilities of the new Informix software across a wide range of industries including retail, manufacturing, and energy.
"The performance of IBM's new Informix database software is outstanding. Queries are running five times faster compared to the other database we were using," said Hal Maner, CTO at M Systems International Inc. "The enhanced self-optimization capabilities let us easily identify the source of any performance degradation without involving the applications or database teams. This reduces the time it takes to troubleshoot an issue by more than 60%. And since storage provisioning is automatic, we no longer have to manually provide extra space for users, which saves us an additional 5% in administration costs with each occurrence."
Because of low administration costs and a small footprint, Informix is also a cost effective platform for midmarket companies that require high availability and the ability to scale in a cost efficient way. Midmarket customers across industries, including healthcare, retail and manufacturing, can take advantage of instantaneous access to information with analytical capabilities to understand market and customer trends.
"Informix delivers an unbeatable value proposition for mid-market customers. It offers enterprise class data warehousing features and performance that match or exceed other leading data warehousing platforms, plus it delivers self-management and ease of use capabilities that are unparalleled. The combination of capability, performance and ease of use delivers the lowest possible true cost of ownership for mid-market customers," said Gary Quirke, Principal & CEO at QueBIT.
"Oncor is committed to improving energy efficiency by adopting the latest digital technologies providing Smart Metering solutions to our customers. Our major challenges are the significant storage space and performance required to manage the data collected by the smart meters. With Informix and its native support for time series data, we believe we will meet both of these challenges. Our initial testing has shown that with an Informix based solution we are able to reduce the storage requirements by two thirds and speed the query performance up to 60 times compared to the existing solution," said Donny Helm, Director Technology, Strategy, & Architecture at Oncor.
Gillani, an IBM Premier Partner for more than 14 years, is a leading provider of ERP solutions. Using Informix software, Gillani has been able to provide retail and manufacturing businesses with customized solutions that offer greater flexibility, management and system availability.
Rol Manufacturing is a major North American automotive parts manufacturer. The company needed to respond more dynamically to customer demands and optimize its business processes to stay ahead in a very competitive market. The company now uses an IBM and Gillani solution to deliver fast and accurate transaction processing, more responsive budgeting and forecasting and faster execution for real-time reporting. By integrating the financial and distribution systems from its four divisions, Rol has lowered inventory costs 6% overall and increased order fill rates by 21%.
"We've been able to improve operations across the board and we now get a consistent view of how our business is performing," said Ralph Callisto Vice President of IT at Rol Manufacturing. "The IBM and Gillani solution helps us deliver the right number of parts to the right location at the right time, which means we're able to fill orders right away and keep our operating costs low."
IBM now offers low-cost Informix editions for clients and for partners to integrate and sell with their solutions. In addition to a free developer edition of Informix, the new Innovator-C Edition is free to download and deploy - with a redistribution option available for partners. This enables use of Informix on-demand by removing the initial cost barrier while offering optional fee-based support when needed. All new editions run on Windows, Linux, Unix, and MAC OS operating systems. The new Informix Choice Edition for Windows and Mac OS X is a low-cost, feature-rich edition that offers enterprise-class functionality, high availability and a low price point suitable for the mid-market.
AT&T Expands Security Consulting Service With PCI Approved Vulnerability Scanning
With Addition of AT&T SureScan, AT&T Becomes Single Source Vendor for PCI Compliance Services
DALLAS, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* today announced the availability of AT&T SureScan PCI Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) and automated vulnerability scanning services primarily for Level 1 Merchants and Service Providers, designed to assess and identify weaknesses in operating systems, services, and devices that could put an organization's network and data at risk for attack from hackers.
With the addition of AT&T SureScan to the AT&T Consulting portfolio, customers can now access all the services required to become PCI compliant - annual assessments, compliance program management, remediation consulting services, compliance health checks, compliance readiness assessments and approved scanning vendor (ASV), and Qualified Incident Response Assessor (QIRA) - from a trusted industry leader.
"A lot of clients want a 'one-stop-shopping' experience for their PCI services," said Todd Waskelis, Vice President, Security Consulting Services, AT&T Consulting Solutions. "With this scanning capability AT&T Consulting adds to our highly reputable PCI service offering, making us a single source Trusted Advisor for all their PCI compliance and security needs."
AT&T Consulting adds PCI scanning to their service portfolio as an Approved Scanning Vendor. AT&T SureScan will be available as Software as a Service offering with scans provided across the internet sourcing from the AT&T Consulting infrastructure.
AT&T delivers a suite of security, business continuity and Consulting services to help assess vulnerabilities, protect infrastructure, detect attacks and respond to suspicious activities and events on customer premises and in the network cloud. AT&T SureScan is part of an exciting and growing portfolio of security consulting and risk management services from AT&T.
*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 @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.
Whrrl Launches Amazon-Like Recommendations Engine for the Real World
SEATTLE, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Pelago, makers of Whrrl, today announced they have launched the first Amazon-like recommendations engine for the real world. Starting now, Whrrl will offer personalized recommendations to users about new and highly relevant places to go and specific things to do based on their real-world activity, interests and Whrrl's unique social graph. This new release is now available on the iPhone.
This release represents a significant innovation in the location-based social space. Currently, location-based social services are primarily used as friend-finders. Whrrl has gone beyond checking in and friend finding to continuously work on the user's behalf unearthing highly relevant discoveries in the world around them. This is made possible by Whrrl's Society model and algorithms. Based on a person's physical world patterns, users join Societies, which are groups of people with similar interests, tastes and passions. There are already over 4,000 Societies created by Whrrl's community.
Whrrl's algorithms take into account a user's check-ins and recommendation activity, as well as the activity of Society members and friends to compute new, personalized recommendations. Recommendations appear on the home page of the mobile application and are also sent via email in a weekly digest. Whrrl's unique "influence loop," in which users earn points and level up in Societies by influencing others, assures the best recommendations get exposure to the right people in the community. Examples of recommendations include, "People who go to the places you've gone also go to..." "89% of members in the Foodie Society want to do this recommendation." "A Level-10 VIP in the Wasabi Society recommends the following sushi dish."
"Pelago was founded with the goal of bringing Amazon.com-like recommendation technology to the real world," said John Kim, Vice President of Products for Pelago. "Jeff Holden, Pelago's founder, CEO and ex-senior executive from Amazon, is the foremost expert in this space. It is an advantage that no one can match."
"This news isn't a surprise coming from Whrrl, who already has the most advanced segmentation strategy in the location-based space," said Mike Schneider, Senior Vice President, Director Digital Incubator at Allen and Gerritsen. "Why should people check in? It goes far beyond just points and badges. The more information you share, the more you should receive in return. Whrrl is the first location-based service to offer the ideal marriage of content, context and place that enables them to give users the best recommendations at the most relevant time. This has the potential to be a total game changer."
In addition, Whrrl is also launching integration with Facebook Places. Now, when users check in on Whrrl, they have the option to syndicate their check-ins, photos and notes to their Facebook Places feed.
About Pelago, Makers of Whrrl
Pelago was founded to revolutionize the way people experience and explore the physical world. Whrrl, the company's flagship product, is a real-world game with a purpose - to help people escape from behind their computers and patterned lives, to get back out into the physical world with the promise of compelling, highly relevant new experiences. The company was founded in 2006, is based in Seattle, and is led by an executive team from companies including Amazon.com, RealNetworks and Yahoo. Pelago is backed by pioneering Internet and mobile investors including Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Bezos Expeditions, T-Venture, Trilogy Equity Partners and Reliance Technology Ventures. For more information, visit http://www.pelago.com.
SOURCE Pelago
Pelago
CONTACT: Heather Meeker of Pelago, +1-310-435-3535, heather@pelago.com
Ricoh Announces G700SE Digital Camera with Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi
WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment and advanced document management solutions and services, today announced the release of its newest solution-enabled (SE) digital camera, the G700SE. The ruggedized, water and dust proof camera is an improvement on the G500SE, continuing in the tradition of Ricoh SE products.
Complete with wireless data communication capabilities (Wi-Fi) and Bluetooth®, the G700SE uses Global Positioning System (GPS) functions and laser barcode readers. The camera also features a Scandisk card (SD-1), which provides a higher level of security with password-enabled access. By sliding the card into the camera, a user can only read information by entering the correct password.
Among the improvements found in the G700SE is a more robust and advanced GPS option, with an increased accuracy from six to three meters. This provides more reliable position and direction information. The camera has the ability to migrate information online to various mapping applications such as Google Maps, Google Earth and ESRI's ArcGIS solutions, which in turn can aid in pinpointing location with satellite imagery that is useful in forestry, geological studies and wildlife preserves, to name a few applications.
"The G700SE is the present and future of solution-enabled cameras and will be our flagship model," said Yuki Uchida, Vice President of New Business Development. "We have already received interest from healthcare organizations and law enforcement communities to use the G700SE, and we are thrilled to be a part of this cutting edge technology"
The laser barcode reader unit makes it is possible to do rapid recognition of linear barcodes. This capability makes the G700SE a powerful tool for a wide range of operations, including facility maintenance of electric, gas, and water utilities. Ricoh owns the unique memo patent that allows users to collect memo data while taking images from the G700SE, along with a time, date and location stamp, which can be transferred wirelessly or directly among departments within an organization. The barcode option is especially useful in data management, such as warehouse logistics, where damaged items can be documented for insurance purposes, utilizing images and onboard memo data.
The previous 500SE version has been used by various industries in the public and private sectors. One example of the SE camera capabilities is the GEO tagged photos that facilitated efforts related to the recent oil clean-up in the Gulf of Mexico. The camera's GPS option helped to expedite the deployment process by providing exact GEO location data along with critical time stamp information and embedded images taken on land or in the air.
The G700SE offers 12 megapixels resolution, with a 5x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom. The flash has a maximum range of 10 m and it has a 28 to 140 mm wide-angle zoom lens. It has a compact body size of 118.8 mm (W) x 71.0 mm (H) x 41.0 nm (D) and weighs about 286 g.
Ricoh Americas Corporation, headquartered in West Caldwell, N.J., is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company, Ltd., the 74-year-old leading provider of advanced office technology and innovative document imaging products, services and software, with fiscal year 2009 sales in excess of $21 billion.
Ricoh's fully integrated hardware and customizable services and software help businesses share information efficiently and effectively by enabling customers to control the input, management and output of documents.
Ricoh Americas Corporation, directly or through its network of authorized dealers, markets and distributes products in North, Central and South America.
CONTACT:
Linda Montefusco
Ricoh Americas Corporation
(973) 882-2172
linda.montefusco@ricoh-usa.com
Paul Merchan
Peppercom
(212) 931-6172
pmerchan@peppercom.com
SOURCE Ricoh Americas Corporation
Ricoh Americas Corporation
CONTACT: Linda Montefusco, Ricoh Americas Corporation, +1-973-882-2172, linda.montefusco@ricoh-usa.com, or Paul Merchan, Peppercom, +1-212-931-6172, pmerchan@peppercom.com
Blackboard and K12 Inc. Partner to Develop Innovative Online Solution to Improve College Remediation
Effort Aims for More Engaging, Effective Courses at Lower Cost to Institutions
WASHINGTON and HERNDON, Va., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With an estimated 60 percent of all first year community college students needing at least one remedial course, the cost of re-learning basic skills is a growing problem for students, their families and institutions of higher education. To help address the issue, Blackboard Inc. (Nasdaq: BBBB) and K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN) today announced plans to develop an innovative and flexible solution to cut the cost of delivering remediation courses while increasing their overall quality and effectiveness.
Under the agreement, Blackboard and K12 will develop a solution that delivers K12's adaptive courses through Blackboard Learn(TM), the leading online teaching and learning platform. The combination will reduce the cost of delivering remediation opportunities while enabling institutions to offer a wider range of both self-paced and teacher led opportunities online.
By moving at their own speed, students can save time and money by completing courses more quickly once they've mastered required content, enabling them to begin degree credit courses sooner. Institutions can offer an engaging, learner-focused remediation experience to help retain and graduate more students over time.
Blackboard and K12 will jointly develop the solution, which will be made available in 2011 to any higher education institution - not just those that are already working with Blackboard to support learning management.
"This partnership is about using technology to create a more engaging and effective experience for remediation courses that can be used at any institution that is facing a challenge in this area," said Ray Henderson, President of Blackboard Learn. "We think an innovative approach to this problem can make remediation a better experience for students and save money for institutions in the process."
"We face a significant challenge as a nation to help more students achieve a postsecondary education so they can compete and succeed in today's economy," said Ron Packard, founder and CEO of K12 Inc. "The K12 and Blackboard partnership will give educators a high quality and innovative solution to help them reach a larger number of students more effectively and efficiently. Students will benefit with greater flexibility and access to high quality course options to prepare them to earn a higher education degree. It will be an exciting and one of a kind offering."
The Obama administration, major foundations, and other leading education and policy leaders have focused attention on community colleges where remediation is a pressing issue. General remediation courses cost students, colleges and taxpayers billions each year while drawing significantly on limited instructional resources, sometimes at the expense of degree courses. Research also suggests that students required to take the catch-up courses are far less likely to earn a degree than those who do not.
"This is the kind of innovative thinking and fresh approach we need if we're ever going to seriously attack this issue," said Katherine Boswell, Executive Director of the Community College Policy Center, a collaboration of AED, the Education Commission of the States and Iowa State University, which has conducted extensive research on community college remediation policies and practices. "Institutions can't cut costs and improve remediation without new ideas and new options."
Improving remediation is among the most important ways for institutions to help meet ambitious targets for increasing the number of U.S. students who earn postsecondary degrees and succeed in the workforce. According to a U.S. Department of Labor estimate, half of all U.S. jobs will require some college level skills by 2016.
Blackboard Inc. (Nasdaq: BBBB) is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities. Founded in 1997, Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
About K12 Inc.
K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), a technology-based education company, is the nation's largest provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs for students in kindergarten through high school. K12 provides its curriculum and academic services to public and private online schools, traditional classrooms, hybrid school programs, and directly to families. K12 also operates the K12 International Academy(TM), an accredited, diploma-granting online private school serving students in 59 countries plus the U.S.
Founded in 2000, K12 has provided over 1.5 million courses - core subjects, AP®, world languages, credit recovery, and electives - to more than 200,000 students worldwide. Over 95 percent of parents surveyed are satisfied with the K12 program and agree that their children have benefited academically with K12. Students graduating from K12 online schools have been accepted to hundreds of higher education institutions including many of the nation's top-ranked colleges and universities.
Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard and other statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2010 with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of October 13, 2010. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to October 13, 2010.
SOURCE Blackboard Inc.
Blackboard Inc.
CONTACT: Matthew Maurer, Blackboard Inc., +1-202-463-4860 ext. 2637, matthew.maurer@blackboard.com, Jeff Kwitowski, K12 Inc., +1-703-483-7281 or jkwitowski@k12.com
IGT to Showcase the Future of Gaming at the Global Gaming Expo 2010 With More Than 270 Products and Over 70 New Games
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT), a global leader in creating the major games players love and the casino network systems that improve the player experience, will display the latest ground-breaking games and network systems products in booth 910 at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2010 on Nov. 16-18, 2010. This year IGT will show how "It's a Whole New Game" with more than 270 total products on display, including the highly anticipated premiere of more than 70 new games, plus 35 systems products and applications, and the latest mobile and online gaming offerings.
"Our participation at this year's Global Gaming Expo will again prove that we're the industry leader, now and for the future," said Eric Tom, chief operating officer for IGT. "We're delighted to showcase and demonstrate for our customers the products that provide players valuable, thrilling experiences that will change the industry."
IGT focuses on the big-brand titles synonymous with success and the best player experience. The Company offers attention-grabbing, exhilarating game play on the biggest and best platform in the industry, as well as the latest products and technologies for unprecedented differentiation between casino floors and their competition. Players of IGT games discover unexpected, industry-first games that continue to push the envelope. IGT is dedicated to the legacy of the brands and games that players love and casinos need, opening the door to new realms and opportunities in the gaming industry. Follow IGT's news and activities from G2E at http://www.IGT.com/G2E2010.
The Center of Attention
For close to thirty years, IGT has delivered revolutionary gaming experiences and this year is no different as players are invited to take to the stage with IGT's show-stopping Center Stage Series. After installing just once, operators can refresh content with the latest games featuring big, bold titles on the most eye catching platform in the industry. Flanked with incredible sound chairs, oversize screens, and big bonuses, this MegaJackpots® platform demands to be the center of attention on any casino floor.
The Dark Knight(TM) emerges on the flexible 103-inch and 70-inch Center Stage platform. This box office phenomenon is poised to gather a tremendous following. Players can choose to play Batman or Joker, immerse themselves in both individual and group play bonuses and enjoy a thematic film experience. Get ready to visit Gotham City as this explosive, good-versus-evil experience unfolds.
American Idol® MultiPLAY video slots on the Center Stage Series delivers unique MegaJackpots® entertainment that is packed with action. Players can try out for the group play Audition Bonus or select their lucky numbers and Vote 4 Cash, plus enjoy memorable clips and songs from the show.
The one and only Wheel of Fortune® slots family has expanded with a fresh lineup of new themes, including Wheel of Fortune® Triple Spin and Wheel of Fortune® Experience 2, both on the Center Stage Series.
Big Titles and Big Brands
IGT is known for bringing the most recognizable and powerful names in popular culture to the casino floor. And this year, the games and brands are guaranteed to resonate with both casino operators and player audiences alike. From an amazing MegaJackpots® lineup to the new Core Player Affinity Suite, the big titles embody IGT's dedication to bringing thrilling moments to casino players.
The hilarious blockbuster hit comes to the casino floor with The Hangover Slots(TM). This new MultiPLAY features cast favorites Alan, Phil, Stu and Doug each with their own game, music and Progressive Pick bonus. Relive movie moments with the Stun Gun bonus, the Deal in the Desert bonus and the Photo bonus.
The epic Star Wars Droid(TM) Hunt is poised to become the most popular Star Wars game ever released. Through an understanding of what excites players combined with highly creative game design, the game play is simple yet highly immersive, and it delivers results with an achievable cost to cover. The game comes with four galactic bonuses, an exciting Star Destroyer wild feature and a MegaJackpots® top award.
Your favorite characters are back and ready for more with the debut of Sex and the City(TM) Big Diamonds(TM). This new game combines MLD® bling with exciting MultiPLAY action. Each game features a specific character with themed bonuses such as Samantha's Shimmer Ring bonus and Carrie's Right to Shoes bonus.
Earthshaking action from one of the biggest characters of all time is combined with entertaining game play and amazing 3D graphics on the new Godzilla(TM) MultiPLAY MegaJackpots® game. Interactive base games, monster battles with Godzilla vs. King Ghidorha, MLD® graphics and classic movie clips -- this game is beyond big.
Ghostbusters Slots(TM) asks the classic question "Who ya gonna call?" and answers it in an entertaining MegaJackpots® game with high-frequency bonuses and low-demon appeal. Video game-esque bonus experiences and Slimer will keep things interesting with random wilds, multipliers and more.
Players will be sure to get a lift with the new Dirty Dancing Slots(TM) featuring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. This MegaJackpots® game is infused with nostalgia, famous songs and clips, as well as the new Spin Magic feature that turns minor symbol outcomes into wilds.
Core Products
IGT's Core games offer an unmatched library of video and spinning-reel slots. The new Player Affinity Suite brings strong, recognizable brands to the casino floor, which is sure to generate player interest. Get ready to join the circus as the world-famous Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey(TM) comes to G2E with two new Player Affinity video games: 5 Reel Circus(TM) and The Greatest Show on Earth(TM). With beautiful widescreen MLD® presentations, these games immerse players in both modern and traditional circuses and are packed with thrilling game play.
Wild Bill(TM) video slots boast MLD® effects, a pioneering re-spin feature that repays all payline wins and popular free games. Slingo® Advance is a groundbreaking video slot concept with more than a million games played online every month. It features brilliant MLD® video and a chance to spin five symbols to try and match the game board.
And the MLD® action continues with 3D video slots and MLD® spinning reel games. The new games include the Hot Roll(TM) series, Puppy Stampede(TM), Wild Reef(TM) and the Reel MultiPLAY series featuring Ten Times Pay®, Triple Double Dazzle(TM), and Bells of Ireland(TM).
Make your floor work for you
IGT continues to lead the industry by providing the tools that create the competitive edge needed in today's constantly changing gaming industry. From our Network Systems offerings to the technology that powers our games, IGT has the right products for operators to differentiate their casino floor from the competition.
Adding to the award-winning sbX® Experience Management system family, IGT offers new Service Window applications that provide players with customized gaming experiences and operators with access to the extensive IGT game library.
Applications such as Taxable Accrual give players the ability to process their own jackpots with minimal game play interruption. Operators cancreate and deploy intelligent Bonusing with Point Pursuit to drive incremental play, increase loyalty and engage players. The powerful new Bonusing application allows operators to award random or fixed amounts of promotional money based on a wide variety of qualifying criteria.
With sbX® Media Manager, operators can organize and deploy content more efficiently. This application allows operators to send Bonusing, marketing or advertising messages straight to the players through the Service Window or sb NexGen® II, and it uses plasma screens and AVP® digital top glass to create customized, property-wide, in-house billboards.
Original thinking
Expect the unexpected from IGT. Groundbreaking games such as Texas Hold'em Heads Up Poker(TM), the skill-based Reel Edge(TM) games and the M-P Series® of electronic table games deliver the industry's best experiences. IGT continues to push the boundaries and explore the future of gaming through extensive market research and development to attract the emerging demographic and evolving player base.
The game has changed as IGT brings skill to the casino floor with the Reel Edge(TM) series. For the first time, spinning-reel players can stop the reels to attempt to create wins and use an arcade-style joystick to control the outcome of the bonuses in the top box. Choose from themes such as the vampire-inspired Blood Life(TM) or the classic Red White & Blue Falling Stars(TM) as the Reel Edge(TM) game library continues to grow.
One-of-a-kind games such as Texas Hold'em Heads Up Poker(TM) showcase IGT's out-of-the-box thinking by bringing unprecedented technology to the floor. This advancement in gaming gives players -- both beginners and experts -- an experience that lets them hone their skills. Pick from fun "good luck" tchotchkes, like lucky charms and beverages, and turn up winnings witha bonus 7-card stud game on the top box. Leverage the popular Texas Hold'em explosion today.
Triple Towers® Greyhound Racing brings community play to dog racing. Players enjoy simplified betting options, on-screen odds for each greyhound and real-time race results -- all with amazing 3D graphics. Using Philips' 52-inch Intelligent Display Solution monitor, the game brings 3D graphics to life without the need for 3D glasses. The races make things exciting, and betting on a common outcome makes things exhilarating.
A legacy that continues and evolves
IGT's unprecedented history in gaming continues with a heritage of performers and new games for the next generation. From novel video poker themes to a new spin on Megabucks, these games will attract the evolving gaming audience.
The Megabucks® Wild Sapphire(TM) MultiPLAY Multi-Level Progressives game continues the momentum by offering players life-changing jackpots. This special 3-up game features 13 progressive levels and a wide-area progressive top award, plus the game is hosted by Bill Cash for added entertainment. This game is also the first from IGT to showcase MegaJackpots® winners in the attract mode to tell the story of dreaming and winning big.
Build A Wheel Poker is the next generation of the wildly successful video poker wheel games. Players enjoy an individualized experience and are rewarded for continued play. As they are playing and winning, players earn slices in their awarded jackpot categories on a video wheel, the first-ever dynamic video wheel used in video poker. And when players fill in the wheel segments or are dealt a full house, they get to spin their wheel and collect a big win.
New global markets, new opportunities
With more than a decade in the business, IGT leads the way in online and mobile gaming with top-performing game content and end-to-end gaming platforms. IGT is accelerating efforts around the world to partner with operators to take advantage of emerging opportunities. See the latest online and mobile gaming solutions from IGT at G2E.
About IGT
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of gaming machines and systems products worldwide. More information about IGT is available at http://www.IGT.com.
SOURCE IGT
IGT
CONTACT: Jaclyn March, +1-775-448-8377, Jaclyn.March@IGT.com, or Shelle Murach, +1-775-448-0221, Shelle.Murach@IGT.com, both of IGT Public Relations
Fotolia Partners with deviantART for Microstock Offering
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Fotolia LLC and deviantART, Inc. announced today their plans to blend the international microstock business of Fotolia.com with deviantART's worldwide social network of artists by launching the "deviantART Stock Project with Fotolia." This new offering is part of deviantART's plans to establish an integrated commercial stock offering within its network and serves Fotolia's goal of expanding its footprint in the U.S.
DeviantART is currently home to 15 million members around the world and represents the largest online aggregation of microstock users. The Stock Project marks the first time a microstock provider is tapping the power of community for greater distribution and participation.
"DeviantART is the purest of all artist communities throughout the world. It works on democratic philosophy that complements our goals with Fotolia. We believe that the stock industry should be an open even-playing field for all artists and not set up elitist barriers to entry. We see a lot of synergies with how deviantART has democratized art and created a safe and welcoming environment," said Oleg Tscheltzoff, founder and CEO of Fotolia. "The success of deviantART goes far beyond its impressive member base. When you take a look at the site you can see a community working together to make things happen for artists. The culture of sharing and learning is a natural magnet."
"Our community uses microstock in high volumes. We wanted to introduce a solution with affordable purchase options, simple licensing terms and without heavy subscription costs. But it was more important to have a partner like Fotolia that understands the importance as a business of developing community as resource," said Angelo Sotira, founder and CEO of deviantART. "We talked with all the major stock houses and Fotolia was the only partner for us. They offer an extensive collection of commercial stock assets and expertise; They consistently offer the best prices for stock and the best split for artists who want to contribute to the stock catalog; and Fotolia has a strong international presence that serves our global membership."
The initial offering will increase the amount of stock already available on deviantART.com and provide members with commercial tools to facilitate an image-licensing program. The fully integrated product, expected next year, will provide members with seamless on-site access to microstock assets and create a unique deviantART collection from the community's resources.
DeviantART was created to entertain, inspire, and empower the artist in all of us. Founded in August 2000, deviantART is the largest online social network for artists and art enthusiasts with over 15 million registered members, attracting 35 million unique visitors per month and serving up 2 billion page views. As a community destination, deviantART is a platform that allows emerging and established artists to exhibit, promote, and share their works within a peer community dedicated to the arts. The site's vibrant community environment receives more than 140,000 daily uploads of original art works ranging from traditional media, such as painting and sculpture, to digital art, pixel art, films and anime. Visit: http://www.deviantART.com.
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
SOURCE deviantART, Inc.
deviantART, Inc.
CONTACT: Nicole Jordan of DeviantART, Inc., +1-323-645-6043, Nicole@deviantart.com
EMC Introduces Breakthrough 'Big Data' Computing System
New EMC Greenplum Data Computing Appliance Delivers Industry's Fastest Data Loading and Performance
HOPKINTON, Mass., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) today introduced the new EMC® Greenplum® Data Computing Appliance, an integrated data warehouse system using the breakthrough Greenplum massively parallel processing (MPP) architecture. It enables organizations to more efficiently make sense of the massive amounts of data they generate from various sources such as always-on networks, the Web, consumers, surveillance systems and sensors. With twice the data loading speed of its nearest competitor and the industry's best performance, the EMC Greenplum Data Computing Appliance enables more data to be analyzed faster and at lower costs.
The new system was developed and is shipping just 75 days following EMC's acquisition of Greenplum and comes at a time when IDC predicts that the amount of data over the next decade will grow 44-fold. The disruptive data warehousing technology from Greenplum is a key enabler of "big data" clouds and self-service analytics, allowing organizations to store, manage and closely analyze terabytes of detailed data for faster business insight, conclusions and revelations. Greenplum is the foundation of EMC's new Data Computing Products Division, which is developing the analytic tools to address the "big data" phenomenon.
Highlights:
-- The new EMC Greenplum Data Computing Appliance is built using Greenplum
Database 4.0. Its innovative, parallel-everything architecture delivers
data loading performance of 10 terabytes (TB) an hour, twice as fast as
Oracle Exadata systems and five times as fast as systems from Netezza
and Teradata.
-- As a purpose-built, parallel system, the EMC Greenplum Data Computing
Appliance offers up to 3x more scalability and up to 4x as many database
cores than competitive systems for the industry's best price/performance
ratio. It integrates database, compute, storage and network into an
enterprise class, easy-to-implement system and is available in flexible
half-rack, full-rack, and multiple-rack appliance configurations for
terabyte to petabyte-scale requirements. It is integrated with EMC's
replication, backup and recovery and deduplication technologies for
information protection.
-- Greenplum Database 4.0 is also shipping and available as a licensed
software-only solution for deployment on industry standard x86 hardware
and integrated infrastructure solutions such as the Virtual Computing
Environment (VCE) coalition Vblock Infrastructure Packages. The free
Greenplum Database Single-Node Edition is available for download.
Greenplum Database 4.0 is regarded as the industry's most scalable,
mission-critical analytical database and is in use at more than 100
leading enterprises worldwide.
-- EMC also today announced consulting, professional services, support and
training for data warehousing and business analytics. EMC Global
Services professionals will help customers deploy and optimize the new
EMC Greenplum Data Computing Appliance and use extensive "big data"
expertise to design an environment for complex correlation across
massive data sets. In addition, EMC will help customers migrate and
consolidate from their Oracle, Teradata and other existing database
systems onto the EMC Greenplum Data Computing Appliance.
-- The EMC Data Computing Products Division is empowering organizations of
all sizes to better evaluate, analyze and utilize the "big data" they
generate by developing solutions that move processing power closer to
the data and the end-user data analysts and data scientists.
Customer and Analyst Quotes:
"As an early Greenplum customer, we are impressed with EMC's integration and expansion of the Greenplum product line," said Steve Hirsch, chief data officer and senior vice president of Global Data Services at NYSE Euronext. "The new appliance gives us greater flexibility in how we approach our ever-growing needs to apply sophisticated analytics to big data."
"Organizations today are transforming their data warehouse strategy to enable real time access and advanced analytics on data across the enterprise," said Steve Duplessie, founder and Senior Analyst at ESG. "I am impressed how quickly EMC has moved to bring new versions of the Greenplum software and this new appliance to market. It will provide organizations powerful solutions for extracting meaningful insight from their massive amounts of data."
Executive Quotes:
"The amount of data that businesses have at their disposal is greater than ever before and new tools are required to gain business insight from it," said Bill Teuber, EMC Vice Chairman. "The EMC Greenplum technology provides the deep analytic processing that enables customers to leverage all of their data, taken from many sources, to make smarter decisions, faster."
"EMC and Greenplum represent a natural and powerful combination," said Scott McNealy, executive advisor, EMC Data Computing Products Division. "EMC is a major infrastructure player with data large and small, casual and critical - all over the world. Greenplum offers next-generation data analytics technology allowing customers to monetize this data. That's what the big data era is about."
"In short order, EMC has become a driving force in the dramatically evolving data warehouse market," said Pat Gelsinger, President and COO, EMC Information Infrastructure Products. "The EMC Greenplum Data Computing Appliance redefines the enterprise data warehouse paradigm for customers and will be a key element of private clouds, enabling even more business agility and unlocking new sources of economic value from existing data streams."
"The 'big data' era is here. For our customers, this flood of information from varied sources is clearly impacting all aspects of their operations and is transforming business models as they look to efficiently mine that information for business advantage," said Bill Cook, senior vice president and general manager of EMC's Data Computing Products Division. "As we introduce this new class of data warehousing and data analytics technology for big data, we are delivering a comprehensive, purpose-built business analytics platform that gives our customers the performance, flexibility and reliability they require."
Availability:
The EMC Greenplum Data Computing Appliance is available immediately worldwide from EMC.
About Greenplum and the Data Computing Products Division of EMC
EMC's new Data Computing Products Division is driving the future of data warehousing and analytics with breakthrough products including Greenplum Data Computing Appliance, Greenplum Database, Greenplum Database Single-Node Edition and Greenplum Chorus - the industry's first Enterprise Data Cloud platform. The division's products embody the power of open systems, cloud computing, virtualization, and social collaboration - enabling global organizations to gain greater insight and value from their data than ever before possible.
About EMC
EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) is the world's leading developer and provider of information infrastructure technology and solutions that enable organizations of all sizes to transform the way they compete and create value from their information. Information about EMC's products and services can be found at http://www.EMC.com.
EMC and Greenplum are trademarks or registered trademarks of EMC Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Federal Securities Laws. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risk factors, including but not limited to: (i) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; (ii) delays or reductions in information technology spending; (iii) our ability to protect our proprietary technology; (iv) risks associated with managing the growth of our business, including risks associated with acquisitions and investments and the challenges and costs of integration, restructuring and achieving anticipated synergies; (v) competitive factors, including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions; (vi) the relative and varying rates of product price and component cost declines and the volume and mixture of product and services revenues; (vii) component and product quality and availability; (viii) the transition to new products, the uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and rapid technological and market change; (ix) insufficient, excess or obsolete inventory; (x) war or acts of terrorism; (xi) the ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees; (xii) fluctuating currency exchange rates; and (xiii) other one-time events and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in EMC's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. EMC disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release.
Upgrade enables users of ZScanner handheld 3D laser scanners to more easily scan parts of any size, at any resolution within the scanner's range.
BURLINGTON, Mass., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Z Corp. today announced a powerful software upgrade that simplifies use of its ZScanner® handheld 3D laser scanners. The new release, ZScan® 5.0:
-- Enables users to choose any scanning resolution without limits on part
size, enabling worry-free scanning of very large objects. ZScanner users
simply choose any resolution within the scanner's range and go.
-- Allows raw data generated by different scans of the same reference model
to be easily merged - not simply stitched together as a chain of files.
This capability, which reconstructs surfaces along the way, is
invaluable when more than one scanner is used on the same object or when
computer limitations restrict file size.
-- Automatically fills holes. Controlled with a simple slider interface,
this new feature gauges the texture that was originally scanned and then
applies that texture onto the filled hole, giving users more accurate
.stl files.
"The new ZScan release simplifies and accelerates scanning to make users more productive as they capture data for conversion to CAD or physical models," said Z Corp. Vice President of Marketing Kevin Lach. "The result is streamlined development of new and increasingly superior products."
Included with every ZScanner, ZScan software automatically produces an .stl file from scan data for import into 3D CAD software or output to a 3D printer.
ZScan 5.0 will be available on October 20 at no cost, exclusively to Z Corporation customers subscribed to Standard Maintenance or Software Maintenance service programs. The upgrade is accessible via the company's ZCentral customer portal. For a limited time, ZScanner customers not yet subscribed to a maintenance program can join at a reduced rate as much as 50 percent off standard service pricing.
About Z Corporation
Z Corporation 3D technologies help product designers, engineers and architects create the right designs the first time. Professionals use ZPrinter® 3D printers, ZBuilder(TM) Ultra rapid prototyping machines and ZScanner 3D laser scanners to compress the design cycle, generate new concepts, communicate clearly, foster collaboration, and reduce errors. These solutions span the entire 3D CAD/BIM design process from concept through design verification. For more information, visit http://www.zcorp.com.
CONTACT: JULIE REECE ED MARSHALL
Z CORPORATION BEAUPRE & CO. PUBLIC RELATIONS
+1 781-852-5058 + 1 603-559-5816
JREECE@ZCORP.COM EMARSHALL@BEAUPRE.COM http://www.ZCORP.COM WWW.BEAUPRE.COM
CONTACT: Julie Reece of Z Corporation, +1-781-852-5058, jreece@zcorp.com; or Ed Marshall of Beaupre & Co. Public Relations, +1-603-559-5816, emarshall@Beaupre.com, for Z Corporation
4Videosoft Blu-ray Ripper: The Best Software to Convert Blu-ray to Various Video/Audio Formats Compatible on Many Devices
BEIJING, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Being a new, fantastic form of home entertainment, Blu-ray is obviously a great success in consumer electronics history. Blu-ray supports various high-definition video and wonderful audio which brings users a far superior viewing experience than DVD. It is certain that Blu-ray could be overwhelming in the electronic entertainment market. However, while enjoying your favorite movies, you will always find that some formats are not supported by some portable players. The number of movies available in Blu-ray is much smaller than standard DVD, and some even have some language obstacles.
Now the time for you to remove all of those bottlenecks is coming, for 4Videosoft Studio, a professional multimedia software provider, introduces 4Videosoft Blu-ray Ripper, a powerful Blu-ray Converter and deciphering tool which has the full capability to decrypt Blu-ray discs with the MKB level up to 19, and to convert to various video and audio formats, such as MKV, MP4, AVI, WMV, TS and others, and audio formats such as MP3, M4A, WMA, WAV, and AC3, as well as various portable devices like PSP, PS3, Xbox 360, iPod, iPhone and more. Users can freely customize the output as they like with its powerful editing functions.
This versatile Blu-ray Converter has been newly upgraded with the ability to add subtitles. This function has met customers' demand to choose or add their favorite subtitles to enhance enjoyment of the movie. Generally speaking, not all audiences can speak or are familiar with the same language as the actors in the movie, which can cause some language obstacles. With the capability of providing several default subtitles for choice and adding customers' own subtitles, 4Videosoft Blu-ray Ripper removes these language obstacles. It enables the users to choose the subtitle they like or add their own subtitles to each Blu-ray video chapter with ease.
4Videosoft Studio is a professional multimedia software provider, which aims to constantly produce excellent multimedia desktop applications for all Windows and Mac users, so as to give 4Videosoft users an unparalleled digital life. With advanced technologies, a dedicated R&D team and a progressive spirit, it can always bring multimedia users various surprises and excellent audiovisual experiences. For more information, please visit: http://www.4videosoft.com
Introducing the Buzz Killer Card Designed to Eliminate that Annoying Buzz From Cell Phones
NEW YORK, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Buzz Killers (http://www.TheBuzzKillers.com) announces the revolutionary Buzz Killer Card, a new, easy-to-use cell phone accessory that eliminates buzzing interference that audio devices - such as conference call speakerphones, desktop lines, desktop speakers, baby monitors, and clock radios - pick up (and buzz!) when a mobile device is nearby.
The Card, which is slightly larger than a standard cell phone, is designed with a proprietary, patent-pending alloy technology that neutralizes cell phone radio interference.
That annoying buzz occurs when an electrical audio device amplifies a cell phone radio signal. The buzzing problem is so common because 80 percent of the world's cell phones rely on GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) technology. GSM phones transmit at a pulse rate that, when picked up and converted by a speaker in an audio device, is transmitted as audio noise - that annoying buzz.
"Driven absolutely crazy alongside millions of other cell phone owners, we were determined to find a solution - once and for all - to the buzz problem," said Stephen Mellert, Chief Executive Officer of The Buzz Killers. "We conducted months and months of in-depth research on cell phone transmission frequencies and a range of trials, and errors, on various materials until we arrived at the perfect solution."
Two primary reasons for the Buzz Killer Card success to date are its ease of use and customizable design.
The Buzz Killer Card users simply need to place their cell phone on the Card to eliminate the interference. Like a mouse-pad for your phone, the Buzz Killer Card can be used virtually anywhere including meeting rooms with conference phones, offices and cubicles, trading desks, home offices, cars, audio studios, baby nurseries, etc.
Second, businesses have found that the Buzz Killer Card's customizable design provides a perfect platform for customer-directed corporate marketing and branding, making it an ideal corporate give-away for conference events and exhibitions. Businesses using the Buzz Killer Card, have described it as an ideal marketing tool that provides a great "ice breaker" moment that creates a bond between presenter and recipient.
"Our research has shown that the Buzz Killer Card has a high-perceived value and is rarely discarded by the recipient. Thus, your businesses' brand is reinforced with high visibility and constant attention," said Adam Sloan, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, The Buzz Killers. "Our corporate clients have also purchased Cards for internal use and praise the Card's effectiveness by adding to productivity in the workplace."
Each Buzz Killer Card is 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" and comes individually wrapped. Custom shapes are available at additional cost. For branded requests the Card can imprinted with any graphic using 4-color process (CMYK). The minimum order for custom branded requests is 250 Cards and is produced and shipped in two weeks.
Additional facts regarding the Buzz Killer Card:
-- It does not interfere with phone calls, emails or texts;
-- It works seamlessly with all Bluetooth devices;
-- It does not have an effect on cell phone battery life; and
-- It lasts forever - the patent-pending alloy will not degrade over time
so your Card will not "wear out".
About The Buzz Killers:
In April 2009, The Buzz Killers (http://www.TheBuzzKillers.com) developed a patent-pending alloy that effectively eliminates the annoying buzz problem. The team worked diligently to create a single, universal product that would work on all phones, regardless of make and model. The finished product, only slightly larger than a cell phone, has proven to be an effective corporate brand product and the firm has grown into a consumer products company. The Buzz Killers is a privately-held firm based in New York City.
The Best Soundtrack in Entertainment to Expand With New, Exclusive Downloadable Mixes for DJ Hero® 2
Chart-Topping Hits and Legendary Anthems from World-Renowned Artists Usher, Rihanna, LMFAO, Big Boi and Marvin Gaye Getting the DJ Hero® Mashup Treatment in November; More To Be Announced Soon
Free Compatibility Update To Make Existing DJ Hero® Downloadable Content - Including Mixes Featuring Music from JAY-Z, Eminem, David Guetta, Lady Gaga, Pussycat Dolls and many others - Playable in DJ Hero 2
DJ Hero 2 Premium Themes Available Now with Hot Avatar Items Dropping Next Week
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Living room legends and singing sensations who pick up DJ Hero® 2 on October 19 will soon be able to expand upon their 83 mix set list with original, exclusive mixes featuring some of the biggest hits from the hottest artists shaking dance floors and dominating airwaves, as Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced two upcoming downloadable Mix Packs.
Hit Makers Mix Pack (available starting November 2):
-- Usher ft. will.i.am - "OMG" (Remix by FSG)
-- Rihanna ft. JAY-Z - "Umbrella" Mixed With Marvin Gaye - "Let's Get It
On"
-- Big Boi & Cutty - "Shutterbug" Mixed With Mark Morrison - "Return of the
Mack"
Electro Hits Mix Pack (available starting November 16):
-- LMFAO - "I'm In Miami Trick" Mixed With Green Velvet - "Shake & Pop"
-- Steve Aoki ft. [[[Zuper Blahq]]] - "I'm In The House" (Remix by FSG)
-- SMD - "Hustler" Mixed With Technotronic - "Pump Up The Jam"
Also available in November will be a free compatibility update enabling gamers to purchase and play existing downloadable content from DJ Hero in DJ Hero 2 includingmixes featuring music fromJAY-Z, Eminem, David Guetta, Lady Gaga, Pussycat Dolls and many others. Consumers who already own previous DJ Hero downloadable content will be able to play their mixes in DJ Hero 2 without re-purchasing.
Gamers can put a spin on their dashboards with premium DJ Hero 2 themes, currently available for both Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Additionally, coming exclusively to Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for Xbox 360 with the launch of DJ Hero 2 are a host of super cool, DJ themed Avatar items including the Deadmau5 mau5head, RZA's mask and a Tiesto t-shirt - as seen being worn by the turntable legends in-game.
The Hit Makers Mix Pack will be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 on November 2, 2010 for 640 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStation®Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 on November 4, 2010 for $7.99. The Electro Hits Mix Pack will be available on Xbox 360 for 640 Microsoft Points on November 16, 2010 and PLAYSTATION 3 system on November 18, 2010 for $7.99. All mixes will be released as downloadable singles for Wii(TM) for 300 Wii Points each. Premium Themes are currently available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 for 240 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStationStore for $1.99; Avatar items will be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 on October 19, 2010.
Available now as DJ Hero downloadable content, also playable in DJ Hero 2 via the free compatibility update when available are: JAY-Z vs. Eminem Mix Pack with exclusive mashups of "Shake That" by Eminem feat. Nate Dogg Mixed With "Show Me What You Got" by JAY-Z, "Without Me" by Eminem Mixed With "Encore" by JAY-Z and "Can I Get A..." by JAY-Z feat. Amil & Ja Rule Mixed With "Lose Yourself" by Eminem; Dance Party Mix Pack with club shakin' mixes: Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" Mixed With "Girls On Film" by Duran Duran, Pussycat Dolls' "Buttons" (Remix by FSG) and Rihanna's "S.O.S." (Remix by FSG); the David Guetta Mix Pack 01 containing remixes of his hot tracks "When Love Takes Over" featuring Kelly Rowland, the chart-topping "Sexy Chick" featuring Akon and "On The Dance Floor" featuring will.i.am and apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas; Domination Mix Pack with a trio of electrifying electronic mixes of "Sandstorm" by Darude Mixed With "Higher State of Consciousness" by Josh Wink, Wolfgang Gartner's "Wolfgang's Fifth Symphony" (Remix by FSG) and Danny Byrd's "Red Mist VIP" (Remix by FSG); and DJ Hero Extended Mix Pack 01, featuring two party rockin' grooves: 50 Cent featuring Mary J. Blige "All Of Me" mixed with Queen's "Radio Ga Ga" and "DARE" by Gorillaz vs. Public Enemy's "Can't Truss It."
The ultimate mixer of music and friends, DJ Hero 2 will deliver the definitive way for players to come together and party with a host of new multiplayer modes - including DJ Battles that pit DJ against DJ in mixes produced specifically for battle gameplay - and invite vocalists into the spotlight with integrated on-screen singing and rapping of lyrics and rhymes while bringing the party to life with jump-in/jump-out Party Play gameplay. Featuring the biggest dance, pop and hip-hop hits by the hottest artists everyone knows and loves remixed by world-class DJ's in an all-new way, the game's soundtrack delivers 83 unique creations only available in DJ Hero 2. Further immersing players into the music, the game offers a heightened level of creative input and allows everyone to add their own touch, directly impacting the beats they're spinning with freestyle scratching, crossfading and sampling. The game will also feature an all-new career-based Empire Mode where players start out as an up-and-coming DJ on the road to becoming the head of a major entertainment empire, all of which is founded solely on their success as a DJ.
Dropping on October 19, DJ Hero 2 will invite a wave of new digital disc jockeys to the turntables as the game will be available as a Party Bundle which will include a copy of the game, two turntable controllers and a microphone, offering the ultimate "party-in-a-box." Gamers who experienced DJ Hero®, the #1 new videogame intellectual property of 2009, can pick up DJ Hero 2 as a Turntable Bundle featuring one turntable controller and a copy of the game or as standalone software. The gameis in development by FreeStyleGames for Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION 3 and the Wii(TM) system from Nintendo. The game is rated "T" (Teen - Mild Suggestive Themes, Lyrics) by the ESRB. For more information about DJ Hero 2, please visit http://www.djhero.com, http://www.facebook.com/djhero and http://www.twitter.com/djhero.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as "outlook," "will," "could," "would," "might," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes," "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimate," future," "plan," "positioned," "potential," "project," "remain," "scheduled," "set to," "subject to," "upcoming" and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing's titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing's ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing's products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition including from used games and other forms of entertainment, litigation risks and associated costs, rapid changes in technology, industry standards, business models including online and used games, and consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as music, first-person action and massively multiplayer online games, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors, and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and developers that can create high quality "hit" titles, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities and potential challenges associated with geographic expansion, and the other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
DJ Hero and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc.
"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. All rights reserved.
SOURCE Activision Publishing, Inc.
Activision Publishing, Inc.
CONTACT: Jordan Dodge, Publicist, Guitar Hero, +1-650-930-1258, jdodge@guitarhero.com, for Activision Publishing, Inc.
Is Your Service Business Listed on Booktime.me Free Freelance Directory Yet?
CHICAGO, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- More service-oriented businesses and freelance professionals are turning to Booktime.me for their newest feature, a FREE business profile listing on Booktime.me Freelance Directory. A free profile listing in addition to the very popular FREE client appointment scheduling tool? Booktime.me is THE solution for service businesses and freelancers with its popular, free and user friendly online calendar system located at http://www.booktime.me which also allows its users to list their independent service business profiles on the new Freelance Directory. Future enhancements will include a mobile phone application, Google & Outlook integration, Google Checkout and ability to send a user's directory profile link thru email or social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter.
How does Booktime.me work and how it can benefit you? With a growing subscriber base and already showing constant innovation. For their free client appointment online calendar, Booktime.me allows the user to be paid by the client for their scheduled time in advance at the booking stage of the actual appointment; particularly important in case the client is an unannounced last minute 'no show'. Only prepayment to the user by the client for the allocated time on the user's online public calendar confirms a scheduled appointment.
Users are required to have a PayPal account established in order to be paid and scheduled by clients. This assures secured payment to the user for the scheduled appointment on their online calendar, which automatically emails appointment details to both parties.
For job seekers and those looking to promote their service businesses, Booktime.me benefits those users with a great new feature, the site's FREE Freelance Directory. Users post their business profile listing, areas of expertise and logos/pictures (ie. 'advertise' their services). Because of its global reach, Booktime.me helps connect its users with clients anywhere. Any service business looking to increase their professional visibility will find the free directory listing benefit extremely useful. Current web search results have shown Booktime.me as providing more benefits and free services than its nearest competitors, which provide only free short trial periods, expensive subscription fees and no free directory listings.
The Freelance Directory and client scheduling tool from Booktime.me has greatly benefited numerous service business providers, including a Chicago-based user, Tax Servicers LLC. As its name suggests, Tax Servicers LLC http://www.taxservicersllc.com provides tax preparation and filing services for individuals and businesses. In a recent interview, company accountant Jason Andrew stated "Tax Servicers LLC goes beyond preparing and filing tax returns. Among other services, we also provide IRS tax dispute assistance, IRS Offers in Compromise and quickbooks bookkeeping assistance. Our free business listing has resulted in one client bringing us a $6,000 tax project." Asked what features he likes best about Booktime.me, Jason Andrew replied "the user-friendly ease of navigating the online calendar system, getting prepaid for my appointments and my ability to promote Tax Servicers LLC in the Freelance Directory at no cost."
Glowpoint Announces Automated Monitoring and Notification Service
Cloud-Based Service "NOTIFY(TM)" Provides Real-Time Notification of Operational Status of All IP-Addressable Devices in Business Video Environments
HILLSIDE, N.J., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Glowpoint, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: GLOW), a global provider of managed services for telepresence and video conferencing, today announced the launch of "NOTIFY," an automated monitoring and notification service for use with any IP-addressable devices deployed in business video environments.
NOTIFY continuously monitors and provides real-time notifications to businesses, and designated maintenance providers, regarding the status of all components in their video environments. NOTIFY complements Glowpoint's suite of automated, cloud-based managed service applications, including Video Room Sweep (VRS), announced earlier this year, that are designed to ensure overall telepresence and video conferencing room reliability and availability.
NOTIFY was previously available to VNOC managed service customers exclusively, but can now be easily integrated into any existing or new video deployment regardless of whether or not a full-service VNOC managed service is engaged. According to Wainhouse Research, the total number of video endpoints sold in 2010 has increased by 17 percent over 2009, with more than 126,000 units sold through Q2 and video-related infrastructure spending in Q2/10 is nearly $130 million, a 26 percent increase over 2009. NOTIFY has been made more readily available to accommodate this growing market demand for unified communications.
NOTIFY Highlights
-- 24/7 monitoring for video endpoints, control panels, routers,
gatekeepers, IP PBX, gateways, switches, bridges, and other
IP-accessible devices
-- Real-time notifications for readiness of IP network and any
telepresence, video conferencing or VoIP infrastructure device
-- Automatic notification to business technology maintenance providers to
initiate remediation processes
-- Access to web portal for historical reporting
-- Affordably priced at $49/month per device
Michael Brandofino, executive vice president of video and unified communications at AVI-SPL, the largest global audio video systems integration and services firm, said "The timing could not be better for this service. We are deploying telepresence, video conferencing, and associated infrastructure devices at a rapid pace, and will now be able to offer our clients a cost-effective solution to maximize their up-time and provide the fastest possible response to any issues faced."
Glowpoint Senior Vice President of Product Development Anil Balani said, "Video is a critical component of any UC infrastructure. NOTIFY holistically monitors all of the supporting elements to ensure the greatest possible up-time and delivery of trouble-free meetings. NOTIFY monitors all components of a video infrastructure and automates what would otherwise be a labor-intensive process. NOTIFY can easily be bundled into the maintenance agreement offered by our partners."
NOTIFY will be commercially available in the 4th quarter of 2010. Complete details and specifications are available on request.
Glowpoint currently provides a full suite of VNOC managed services to more than 840 telepresence / video rooms and has produced more than 68,000 video conferences for its clients during 2010. In addition, more than 580 unique enterprises - and thousands of video systems with mixed video environments - are connected to Glowpoint's Telepresence interExchange Network (TEN), which enables business-to-business video calling across the globe.
Supporting Resources
-- Wainhouse Research Videoconferencing SpotCheck - Q2 2010
-- Recent Glowpoint News and Events
-- Glowpoint on Twitter
About Glowpoint
Glowpoint, Inc. (OTCBB: GLOW) enables video users to effortlessly and securely call one another regardless of their video technology or network. With unlimited, "open" access to Glowpoint's cloud-based, hosted-video infrastructure and services, video calling within - and between - companies is dramatically simplified. From full-featured telepresence and video conferencing suites to desktop video, Glowpoint supports customers around the world with 24/7 managed services that allow business professionals to enjoy "in-the-same-room" intimacy and cost savings. To see a video-in-the-cloud demonstration, and to learn more about how cost-effective and easy telepresence and video conferencing can be for your business, email us at contactme@glowpoint.com or visit http://www.glowpoint.com.
INVESTOR RELATIONS
MEDIA CONTACT: CONTACT:
Cheryl Cink, for
Glowpoint Jonathan Brust
Glowpoint, Inc.
+1 312-235-3888,
+1 530-756-4630 ext. 2052
ccink@comunicano.com jbrust@glowpoint.com http://www.glowpoint.com www.glowpoint.com
CONTACT: Media, Cheryl Cink, +1-530-756-4630, ccink@comunicano.com, for Glowpoint; or Investor Relations, Jonathan Brust of Glowpoint, Inc., +1-312-235-3888, ext. 2052, jbrust@glowpoint.com
Multi-Brand Website is a First in Luxury Home & Lifestyle Products Category
NEW YORK, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton (WWRD), the leading provider of luxury home and lifestyle products worldwide, today announced the launch of the company's new multi-brand website which features a sophisticated e-commerce platform for its global customer base.
"As consumer shopping behavior continues to evolve, our new online presence addresses the growing demand for an engaging way to browse, research and purchase our products - whether shopping our e-tail store or finding a local retailer," said Pierre de Villemejane, Chief Executive Officer of WWRD. "By integrating our three brands onto a single technology platform, we'll be able to streamline our web operations to achieve a greater return on investment moving forward."
Digitally-forward in both design and functionality, the stylish web portal delivers a fresh and modern look, optimized with bold colors, graphics and rich product images. A seamless interface allows visitors to use a single shopping cart to purchase any product from the three brand lines - Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton - providing an effortless and efficient way to browse and purchase the most beautiful hand-crafted crystal and fine china in the world.
"Our goal was a more engaging online shopping experience that conveys the beauty and craftsmanship of our products while still being highly functional," said Leisa Glispy, group director, global e-commerce at WWRD. "We now have the ability to utilize a more robust set of technology tools to better inform and inspire our customers as they shop online."
Blended with rich and illustrative content, the new website can be accessed by visiting http://www.waterford.com, http://www.wedgwood.com or http://www.royaldoulton.com where customers will gain more direct access to product information and imagery, including a high resolution zoom-in function that shows intricate details up close.
Harnessing the power and popularity of social media, shoppers can safely access their personal social media accounts through the WWRD portal - such as Facebook, Twitter and hundreds more - where they can choose to publish the items they purchase or recommend products on their wall for others to see. Videos also play a prominent role, with a comprehensive multimedia library spanning from product usage "how to's," to the House of Waterford Crystal grand opening in Ireland, and a 50th anniversary tribute to Waterford's Design Director and master craftsman, Jim O'Leary.
Launching immediately in the United States, the website will provide customers with a consistent, contemporary and easily-accessible online shopping destination.
About WWRD: WWRD, the leading provider of luxury home and lifestyle products worldwide, manufactures, distributes and sells well-recognized brands, including Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Royal Albert, and Johnson Brothers. WWRD maintains unique licensing arrangements with some of the most high-profile innovators in the home and lifestyle market, including Vera Wang, Jasper, Jasper Conran, Monique Lhuillier, John Rocha, Gordon Ramsay, and Michael Aram. WWRD products are distributed through premium department stores and independent retailers and wholesalers around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Australia and Ireland. The company employs more than 3,000 people worldwide.
SOURCE WWRD
WWRD
CONTACT: Michelle Westcott Richards of WWRD, +1-212-725-9419, michelle.richards@wwrd.com; or Alexis Freeman of Current PR, +1-312-929-0504, afreeman@talktocurrent.com, for WWRD