Borders® Advances eReading Offerings with Kobo Wireless eReader
Borders Rewards members can now earn Borders Bucks twice as fast on the purchase of the Kobo Wireless eReader and Kobo(TM) eReader
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Borders® today announced the addition of the new Kobo Wireless eReader to its digital assortment that now includes an industry leading selection of seven eReading devices. The addition of the new Kobo device advances Borders as a preferred destination for eReaders for virtually every household. Counting among its successes the recent launch of the Borders eBook store, powered by Kobo, and mobile applications -- and its rapidly growing selection of eReading devices -- Borders is poised for significant growth in the eReading market.
Borders' new Kobo Wireless eReader comes with a built-in wireless connection, upgraded hardware in three new colors and a new processor that drives faster page turns. Just .4 inches thick and 7.8 grams, the lightweight eReader is available in three sleek color combinations: onyx, porcelain with a metallic silver back and porcelain with a pearlized lilac back.
The new Kobo Wireless eReader allows consumers to browse more than 1.5 million books in the Borders eBook store and update their digital library wirelessly, directly from the eReader device, a smartphone or the Borders Desktop Application. With the intuitive control pad and a built-in library-management system, customers can easily navigate and organize their library by title, date last read and author. In addition, customers can add documents using an SD card, Adobe Digital Editions, or drag-and-drop. The eReader also supports EPUB and PDF documents, so customers can enjoy the option of borrowing and reading free eBooks from their local library.
Designed by book lovers for book lovers, the new Kobo Wireless eReader reads like print on paper with its specialized E Ink® screen for a true book-like reading experience. With 16 grey scale levels to choose from, the device offers sharp graphics and crisp text that are easy on the eyes. The device also comes pre-loaded with 100 free classics so customers can immediately begin reading.
Priced at $139.99, the device can be pre-ordered beginning today at http://www.borders.com/kobowifi and will be available for purchase in Borders stores by the end of October.
Borders' Industry-Leading eReader Selection
In addition to the new Kobo device, Borders also offers the Aluratek "Libre" eBook Pro, Velocity Micro's Android-based Cruz Reader(TM) R101, Cruz Tablet(TM) T103 and the original Kobo(TM) eReader. The Sony®Touch and Sony®Pocket round out Borders' "good-better-best" selection of devices, which are aggressively priced from $99 to $299. Customers can now test-drive and purchase eReaders as well as choose from more than 1.5 million titles from the Borders eBook store within the company's newly unveiled Area-e digital shops. Trained Area-e staff are available to assist customers through the eReader discovery experience, providing demonstrations and answering questions.
"We are committed to offering our customers the best of the physical book and eReading worlds," said Mike Edwards, CEO of Borders, Inc. "For decades readers have known Borders as a trusted destination for exploring and discovering traditional paper books -- and now as the only major book chain with a comprehensive selection of eReaders and digital content, we are meeting our customers' reading needs on all fronts. Nowhere else can you browse a selection of more than 82,000 paper books, walk over to Area-e, our new digital hub, where you test drive a variety of e-Reading devices, and then search for your next favorite book in our e-Bookstore.
"We've long believed that even as more readers transition to eReading they will continue to buy traditional books and a recent Harris Interactive poll bears this out," continued Edwards. "The poll found that readers with e-book devices are reading more - and they are also more likely than others to purchase physical books. It's exciting to be in a position to help spur what could very well prove to be a reading Renaissance in this country."
Customer Support on Facebook
Borders has created a dedicated eReading tab on its newly revamped Facebook page. The tab includes an eReading "tip of the week" as well as an eReader/eBooks "deal of the week." Understanding that eReaders are still a new concept to many customers, Borders has created an application to help readers decide which device is right for them. The application includes a series of lifestyle questions, such as "How price conscious are you?"; "How much do you read?"; and "How tech savvy are you?" After the customer completes questionnaire, the system recommends five devices and ranks them according to the customer's preferences.
Borders' Editorial Voice
For decades Borders has maintained a strong editorial voice, guiding millions of customers to enriching and entertaining books. Now Borders is applying that same authoritative voice to eBooks. When customers visit Borders.com, they immediately see eBooks grouped according to various themes for easy purchasing. For example, they may see featured memoirs, famous series, best in eBooks under $3 and Oprah's Book Club picks. The company is also redesigning its title detail pages so customers can quickly find a book and purchase it in traditional print format, eBook, audio book or in other available formats.
Special eReading Offers for Borders Rewards Members
Borders Rewards members can now earn Borders Bucks twice as fast on the purchase of the Kobo Wireless eReader and Kobo(TM) eReader in store and online. In addition, Rewards members can enter for chance to win a Velocity Micro's Android-based Cruz Tablet(TM) T103 plus a full year of eBooks in Borders' Cruz Tablet giveaway sweepstakes going on now through Oct. 19th on Borders.com. Announced earlier this month, the Cruz touch-screen device also plays video and music, and provides a full color web browsing experience. The Cruz Tablet gives consumers Wi-Fi access to the Borders' eBook store and access to the Cruz Market with downloadable apps.
Earlier this month, Borders unveiled its new Rewards loyalty program, bringing customers more choices, richer benefits and better savings. For complete information on Rewards or to sign up to become a Rewards member, visit http://www.Borders.com/Rewards
About "Powered by Kobo": Kobo, Inc.
"Powered by Kobo" is an eBook partner program from Kobo, a global eBook service backed by Indigo Books & Music, Borders Group, REDgroup Retail, and Cheung Kong Holdings. The "Powered by Kobo" program provides a flexible solution for hardware manufacturers and retailers worldwide to launch an eReader or eBook store. "Powered by Kobo" partners have access to Kobo's catalogue of more than two million titles and applications for smartphones, netbooks, laptops, tablets and dedicated eReaders. Kobo's vision is to deliver any book on any device and is a strong voice in the eBook industry supporting open standards for eBooks and eReaders. For more information, visit http://www.kobobooks.com.
About Borders Group, Inc.
Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., through its subsidiaries, Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) is a leading specialty retailer of books as well as other educational and entertainment items. The company employs approximately 19,500 throughout the U.S., primarily in its Borders® and Waldenbooks® stores. Online shopping is offered through borders.com. Find author interviews and vibrant discussions of the products we and our customers are passionate about online at facebook.com/borders, twitter.com/borders and youtube.com/bordersmedia. For more information about the company, visit borders.com/media.
Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. One can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "expected," "planning," "possibility," "opportunity," "goal," "will," "may," "intend," "anticipates," "working toward" and other words of similar meaning. One can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements are likely to address matters such as the company's future financial condition and performance (including earnings per share, profitability, liquidity, cash flows, debt levels, market share growth and other sales information, inventory levels and capital expenditures), its cost reduction initiatives and plans for store closings, and the expansion of product categories, including eBook content and eReaders. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and plans to differ materially from those included in the company's forward-looking statements.
These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, consumer demand for the company's products, particularly during the holiday season, which is believed to be related to general economic and geopolitical conditions, competition and other factors; the availability of adequate capital--including vendor credit--to fund the company's operations and to carry out its strategic plans; adverse litigation results or other claims, the performance of the company's information technology systems, the anticipated impact of our Borders Rewards and Borders Rewards Plus programs; and, with respect to eBook content and eReaders, the availability to the company of anticipated content levels and a variety of competitive devices.
The company's periodic reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission contain more detailed discussions of these and other risk factors that could cause actual results and plans to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements, and those discussions are incorporated herein by reference. The company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements.
SMC Launches Innovative DOCSIS 3.0 ISDN Primary Rate Interface Trunk Solution in North America
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- SMC Networks today launched the SMCV4702 DOCSIS 3.0 ISDN Primary Rate Interface (PRI) trunk solution in North America. The SMCV4702 enables cable operators to deliver business-class PRI trunk and high-speed data services to businesses over fiber or hybrid fiber coax networks, while also acting as a gateway between TDM-based PRI service and SIP.
"The SMCV4702 has been designed to enable North American cable operators to aggressively compete against the incumbent telcos in the high margin business services middle market by offering a complete voice and data service bundle, while leveraging their existing VoIP networks. It will allow our valued MSO customers to offer business telephony services to the large legacy PBX installed base using their existing data network and Voice Over IP infrastructure," says Todd Babic, President of SMC Networks. "This means that MSOs will be able to offer a complete voice services solution to virtually any of their current customers and to the large unaddressed market of potential commercial customers who aren't being served."
Some key features of the SMCV4702 include support for 2 T1 PRI ISDN trunks, providing the ability to connect PBXs, IP-PBXs and key systems to the switched network, 2 FXS ports for connecting analog phones/office equipment to the network, and 4 FXO ports to provide PSTN connectivity in disaster recovery scenarios. The WAN interface to the service provider data network can be a DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem, SFP-Ethernet, E-PON, or G-PON. The SMCV4702 includes a robust management function that supports configuration and set up, as well as fault and performance monitoring, of the device using SNMP or a Web-based GUI.
The SMCV4702 VoIP Gateway is now available for cable operators to demonstrate. Please contact SMC at 1-800-SMC-4YOU / 1-800-762-4968 to learn more about the SMCV4702 and our innovative Voice gateway products.
About SMC
SMC Networks is headquartered in Irvine, California. SMC is a specialist in providing high-quality, reliable Customer Premise Equipment to Service Providers. As the only approved vendor to 12 of the top 14 Service Providers in North America, we design products for both commercial and residential applications. We focus on delivering the best range of innovative wireless and wired solutions for our customers that drive revenue, are highly reliable and require little support. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.smc.com or call 1-800-SMC-4YOU.
Masternaut Launches World's First All-in-one Vehicle Telematics System
LEEDS, England, September 29, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- Masternaut has become the first telematics company worldwide to launch a
new type of vehicle tracking system based around a single intelligent mobile
communication unit. The system comprises a Mobile Communication Centre (MCC)
combining vehicle tracking, GPS satellite navigation, hands-free mobile
communications and real-time job scheduling and messaging in a single unit.
The all-in-one unit eliminates the need for separate Sat-Nav, mobile
phones and hands-free equipment. It also integrates with Masternaut's Three X
mobile workforce applications, as well as Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft CRM
providing a wireless link to important business data while on the move.
As well as breaking new ground in system design and user ergonomics, the
MCC is believed to be the most cost-effective in-vehicle solution on the
market. The unit is designed for quick and easy installation reducing vehicle
downtime. There is no software to install as the MCC links to the web-based
Masternaut service, which updates instantly and wirelessly without disrupting
the user.
The system is available with Masternaut's optional CANbus engine
management application. This monitors driving behaviour and detailed engine
activity in real time, including rpm, fuel usage, vehicle speed, journey
distance between stops and duration, and braking as well as acceleration
levels.
Two sizes of touchscreen display are available - standard 3.5 inch and a
6.5 inch version suitable for HGV applications. The MCC uses the highly
secure and virtually indestructible Masternaut mobile collection unit; this
is the brain of the MCC and continues to track the vehicle even if the
touchscreen is damaged or stolen. The touchscreens are replaced easily in the
event of accidental damage or loss.
A speaker allows drivers to continue to communicate with their HQs in the
event of an accident and loss of vehicle power. Meanwhile a handy button pad
includes a microphone for hands-free telephony and it also has a privacy
button allowing drivers to switch between personal use and business use for
mileage recording.
The MCC provides seamless wireless job scheduling and reporting using
Masternaut's web-based scheduling software. Jobs are scheduled and updated
and sent in real-time to the unit and mobile workers update the system using
the touchscreen, keeping back office systems consistently up to date.
"The new Mobile Communication Centre is a breakthrough in in-vehicle
technology. It gives fleet operators everything they could possibly need in a
single cost-effective unit. As a fully integrated system, it reduces cost of
ownership removing the need for extra equipment, installations and
maintenance. Drivers - the users - will also appreciate that they only have
to use a single device and will prefer the familiar look and use of the
touchscreen," says Martin Port, MD Masternaut Three X.
Masternaut has 150,000 telematics units installed across Europe with over
65,000 subscribers in the UK.
REALTOR.COM® REDESIGNED FOR FASTER AND EASIER PROPERTY SEARCH
Redesign, New Platform and Rich Database Position Site As New Online Real Estate Marketplace
CAMPBELL, Calif., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Move, Inc., (Nasdaq: MOVE), the leader in online real estate, launched a redesigned Realtor.com web site backed by new technology that combines multiple search capabilities into an integrated and seamless search experience to help consumers find their next property faster while connecting with greater ease to local real estate experts matching their needs.
Powered by a new platform built with proprietary technology and a new property database, the #1 homes for sale web site is now easier to navigate, and property listings and information important to the home buying process are easier to find while remaining fresh, accurate and reliable.
"A primary objective for the redesign was to create a search experience that places more information in the hands of both Realtors and consumers, supported by technology that enables Move to make fluid platform innovations that keep pace with today's rapidly changing marketplace," said Steve Berkowitz, chief executive officer of Move, Inc. "Today's launch of the redesigned site solidifies our position as the trusted source for easy to find accurate information consumers need to meet their real estate goals. The new site also empowers real estate professionals to be clearly positioned as local experts in a manner that keeps them central to real estate transactions."
Berkowitz continued by describing significant updates to the redesigned site including visibility and access to active listings, new construction, rentals and off-market (recently sold) properties, now integrated and easily discoverable from one location: the search box on the Realtor.com home page. This enhancement enables buyers and real estate professionals to search for active listings, while providing access to sales and tax history from sold listings along with other relevant property data consumers and real estate experts can use to monitor local market trends as they navigate real estate together.
"Streamlining the search experience as we've done on the redesigned site brings these once disparate search items together and vastly improves the speed at which data is surfaced in a more organized fashion," Berkowitz said. "Thus, the search experience becomes more rewarding for buyers and sellers, as well as the local real estate experts they work with to interpret and use the information as part of the buying and selling process."
Another new feature showcased on the Realtor.com homepage is the new Spotlight module, a content-driven widget continuously updated so visitors remain current on new site features, interesting market insights and information, and real estate technologies developed by Move that will enhance the search experience. Through the Spotlight module, buyers and sellers can also quickly access Realtor.com's free home valuation service for information about local market conditions and, in the process, recognize the value of working with a Realtor®.
Property listings on the new Realtor.com now presents information so prospective buyers can better evaluate, compare and locate properties of interest. As part of the redesign, the listing detail pages now provide a categorized, at-a-glance summary of each property listing that better displays price and lot size, the number and types of rooms, the interior and exterior features and more. The new listing detail pages also provide the most recent property details updated directly from Move's Multiple Listing Service (MLS) partners, as well as the number of days each property has been displayed on the site. When available, the property's sales and tax history is provided along with standard information such as school ratings, property information, virtual tours, and the agent's other listings.
A new map experience is also being unveiled and includes the same unified and integrated experience found throughout the redesigned site displaying for sale, off-market or sold properties with each category shown with a distinctive icon. The interactive maps, generated by Microsoft's Bing Maps, provides driving directions, estimated values of neighboring properties, median income, and nearby listings. The new Realtor.com mapping experience also includes nearby points of interest such as hospitals, police and fire stations, places of worship, libraries, restaurants, post offices and more. A new Nearby Schools section displays public and private schools, and school ratings.
"The integration of Move's proprietary technology with these new design changes creates an exciting opportunity for today's buyers to expand their expectations of how to search for a home on Realtor.com, what to expect as they explore neighborhoods and local market trends, and how to find the right real estate professional," said Errol Samuelson, president of Realtor.com. "In addition, Move's commitment to keep real estate professionals central to the transaction is reaffirmed on the new 'Find Realtors' landing page. By combining features from 'See My Listings" into this new experience, and making it easily discoverable from the Realtor.com homepage, we believe real estate professionals will receive greater exposure of their brands and client listings that will serve to better connect them with buyers and sellers more effectively."
Consumers interested in connecting with a local real estate expert can now use the newly enhanced Find A Realtor feature showcased prominently on the new 'Find Realtors' landing page. This new and easy-to-use sorting feature specifies desired certifications and specialties, sales areas or neighborhoods served, as well as the agent's or company's name so consumers can be quickly connected to a list of agents matching their needs. It also features links to each agent's Realtor.com 'Find Realtors' Profile page.
The new 'Find Realtors' Profile pages are free to agents and brokers and empower them to share their professional information, details on their company, information on the areas they serve, specializations, current listings, links to their company web site, open houses, contact information, headshot photo, and more with prospective clients. A new field allows users and offices to include links to Facebook Fan Pages, Twitter and other social networking sites with the added benefit of sharing their profiles with a friend, or printing the agent's profile for later access.
ABOUT MOVE, INC.
Move, Inc. (Nasdaq: MOVE) is the leader in online real estate with 12.7 million(1) monthly visitors to its online network of web sites. Move, Inc. operates: Move.com, a leading destination for information on new homes and rental listings, moving, home and garden and home finance; Realtor.com®, the official web site of the National Association of Realtors®; Moving.com; SeniorHousingNet; Top Producer Systems, and ListHub. Move, Inc., is based in Campbell, California.
ABOUT REALTOR.COM®
Realtor.com®, where the world shops for real estate online, is operated by Move, Inc., (NASDAQ:MOVE) and is the official web site of the National Association of Realtors®. Ranked as the #1 homes-for-sale site, Realtor.com® currently offers potential home buyers access to over four million property listings, as well as the most brokers and agents. It also provides Realtors® and the home sellers they represent with the Internet's largest real estate marketplace, reaching more than 10.2(2) million consumers in August 2010. Agents and companies have the power to customize Realtor.com® resources to maximize their brand and productivity.
REALTOR® and REALTOR.com® are registered trademarks of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark, which identifies a real estate professional who is a Member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. All other trademarks appearing above are the property of Move, Inc., or of their other respective owners.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management's view of Move's future expectations, plans and prospects, within the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the results of Move, its subsidiaries, divisions and concepts to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. These risk factors and others are included from time to time in documents Move files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, its Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on Move's future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Move cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, Move expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
(1) comScore Media Metrix, August 2010
(2) comScore Media Metrix, August 2010
SOURCE Move, Inc.
Move, Inc.
CONTACT: Julie Reynolds, +1-805-557-3080, Julia.Reynolds@move.com, or Richard Garcia, +1-805-557-3087, Richard.Garcia@move.com, both of Move, Inc.
LONDON, September 29, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- "Digital radio switchover is unlikely to ever happen in the UK" writes
radio specialist Grant Goddard in his new book 'DAB Digital Radio: Licensed
To Fail' published 1 October 2010 by Radio Books in the UK and US.
Goddard uncovers a secret deal struck between the government and the UK
commercial radio industry to force DAB radio upon the British public. In
return for the radio industry promising to press ahead with DAB, the
government bowed to pressure from the largest commercial group to amend the
law so that its most profitable national FM radio licence could be renewed
without a public auction.
Goddard also exposes a wealth of inaccurate and distorted data published
by radio industry lobbyists as part of their campaign to convince the
government and consumers that take-up of DAB radio has been a success in the
UK and overseas.
However, while the radio industry was assuring the government of its
commitment to DAB as 'the future of radio', Goddard's book reveals that the
largest commercial radio group was quietly closing its digital radio stations
and selling off its investments in DAB radio licences.
Goddard estimates that the UK radio industry's investment to date in the
DAB radio system is almost GBP1 billion and has contributed significantly to
the current lack of profitability in the commercial radio sector. He
concludes that UK radio's misplaced faith in European DAB technology has
destroyed the viability of much of the UK's previously profitable local
commercial radio industry.
Author Grant Goddard is a London-based media analyst specialising in the
radio broadcasting sector. For thirty years, he has worked in the radio
industry as a senior manager and consultant, in the UK and overseas, and has
written extensively about the radio business for consumer and trade
magazines.
Radio Books publishes books and reports about the radio broadcasting
industry for the consumer and professional markets. Radio Books are available
from Amazon (UK and US) and other online book retailers.
TITLE: DAB DIGITAL RADIO: LICENSED TO FAIL
AUTHOR: GRANT GODDARD
PUBLISHER: Radio Books, London
ISBN: 978 0 9564963 0 0
FORMAT: paperback 297x210 mm, 314 pages, RRP GBP19.99
PUBLISHED: 1 October 2010
SUBJECTS: media, broadcasting, radio, technology, DAB, digital radio
PRESS KIT: cover image, author photo, biography and excerpts available
online
Franklin Electronic Publishers Launches ROADIE(TM) Portable Speaker System
~Tunes to Go~
BURLINGTON, N.J., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 1st, 2010, Franklin Electronic Publishers, known for their innovative travel solutions, will release its new "Explorer" line of ROADIE Portable Speaker System: a small, portable, powered 3-module speaker system and 2-way communicator for mobile professionals and today's on-the-go generation. ROADIE Portable Speaker Systems use revolutionary technology that turns any hard flat surface into the speaker itself, minimizing the footprint while delivering the thunderous sound of much larger conventional speakers: a solution that finally allows portability to not compromise sound.
The three-piece modular design allows the user to stack and tailor the device to their specific needs regardless of location.
-- The base ROADIE speaker, USB powered with a built-in microphone for
VoIP, plugs into any audio device such as a mobile phone, MP3 player,
computer, etc.
-- A second module consisting of rechargeable battery, SD card slot, and
MP3 Player for a self-contained listening experience not requiring any
separate audio device.
-- A third module consists of an equalizer and a hi frequency tweeter plus
AC power to enable a second amplifier stage for an even more thunderous
sound.
On its own, the base ROADIE Portable Speaker System EVS-2000 will retail for US$49.99. Combined with the second center module, ROADIE Unplugged Portable Speaker System EVS-3000 will retail for US$79.99. And all three modules together, ROADIE Amp'd Portable Speaker System EVS-4000 will be sold for US$99.99.
Franklin's Explorer line up of ROADIE Portable Speaker Systems overcomes the shortfalls typically inherent in single speaker system as it radiates the sound 360 degrees!
"At Franklin, we have always been known for our development of innovative travel products such as translators. We're always thinking about how we can better serve our travelers. This flexible, robust, and portable communication system is our answer," says Barry J. Lipsky, Franklin's president and chief executive officer. "It not only means I can take my audio tunes with me be it music or movies but I can use it with my weekly SKYPE conference calls as a portable speaker phone," he added.
With the traveler in mind, Franklin designed this modular product to save space and to allow the traveler to take only what is needed on the road. The system is source agnostic (i.e., not just built for the iPod) and enhances the experience for a traveler with multiple sound sources such as VoIP, multimedia presentations, MP3 player, etc. Franklin's new line of "Explorer" Products built for the mobile professional is spearheaded by this innovative, rugged, aluminum constructed system, built to last even through the expected wear and tear of business travel. The ROADIE system comes with a carrying case and a variety of cables and international adapters to allow its use no matter where one might be "Explorer" of.
Franklin's ROADIE Portable Speaker System is perfectly suited for travelers, college dorm rooms, multi-media presentations, parties, and much more. Not only does the ROADIE system bring sound performance to the user; it brings sound performance WITH the user.
For more information about Roadie, please visit: http://www.franklin.com/roadie. For any press inquiries please contact Alyson Campbell at AMP3 Public Relations via 646.827.9594 or roadie@AMP3pr.com.
About Franklin
Franklin Electronic Publishers Incorporated is a world leader in electronic handheld devices, having sold approximately 42,000,000 electronic books. Current titles available directly or through partners number more than 116,000 in sixteen languages, under license from world-class publishers such as Merriam-Webster, Oxford University Press, Larousse, Langenscheidt, PONS, and HarperCollins, and are focused in four areas: language expansion, language learning, reading enhancement, and writing enhancement. The Company also licenses its underlying technology to an array of partners, which include Adobe and Sun Microsystems. Franklin's products are available at 49,000 retail outlets worldwide, through catalogs, and online at http://www.franklin.com.
SOURCE Franklin Electronic Publishers
Franklin Electronic Publishers
CONTACT: Alyson Campbell at AMP3 Public Relations, +1-646-827-9594, roadie@AMP3pr.com
Mobile Community mig33's New Distribution Program Opens Thriving Virtual Economy to VAS, Handset Manufacturer Partners
With 30 Million Virtual Goods Sold in 2010, mig33 Outlines Program to Share the Wealth and Continue its Explosive Growth
SINGAPORE, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- mig33, the world's largest mobile-first community, today rolled out a powerful new distribution program that gives top VAS (mobile content) and handset manufacturers access to its thriving virtual economy -- and its associated revenue -- and introduced the program's first key partners at the MobileMonday Summit 2010 in Finland.
The program is the latest in a series of moves that have pushed mig33 to the forefront of mobile Social Entertainment Services and created an exploding virtual economy that has seen nearly 30 million virtual goods purchased in 2010 alone.
Among mig33's first new distribution partners are PT Numedia Global, a top Indonesia platform provider and mobile VAS company; India's Olive Telecom, a leading provider of mobile devices and solutions to both consumers and operators; and, Philippines-based ThumbMOB, a new consultancy specializing in digital media arbitrage, with in-house applications development, distribution and publishing capabilities.
mig33's new distribution program is unique in that it delivers revenue streams to the distributor partners, rather than requiring partners to pay fees to the mobile service. The company, which has successfully modeled itself on popular East Asian social networking services such as DeNA's Mobagetown and China's multi billion Tencent QQ (QQ), has consistently generated healthy ARPU and monetization rates from outside the traditional mobile ecosystem. That vitality enables mig33, with 40 million registered users worldwide, to forge partnerships that share revenue -- and provide a vital consumer channel, as well.
The program dovetails, too, with mig33's relentless push of new mobile social entertainment features. In 2010 alone, mig33 has launched over a thousand virtual goods, avatar items and games. Its members purchase more than four million virtual gifts per month, and exchange nearly one billion mig33 messages every day.
"mig33 has become the world's biggest mobile-first community by relentlessly focusing on entertainment and access -- bringing the best stuff to the most people," said Steven Goh, CEO and co-founder, mig33. "With our new distribution program, we are focused on dramatically expanding access through a series of partnerships with some of the world's premier mobile companies. Moreover, we're forging those partnerships in an innovative way, with new revenue streams for our partners in return for access to one of the most vibrant and fast-growing mobile communities in the mobile-first world."
New mig33 Distribution Partners
"PT Numedia is thrilled to officially engage with mig33, as it is inarguably the hottest mobile community in the mobile-first world," said Andy Zain, CEO, PT Numedia Global. "Our strengths include both first-rate platform and mobile content services and solutions, and mig33 has recognized these strengths by prioritizing this relationship. mig33 is especially popular in Indonesia, of course, and we look forward to doing more business with them."
"Our endeavor has always been to provide the consumer with on the move connectivity solutions," said Arun Khanna, Chairman, Olive Telecom. "We believe that the market has immense potential for such innovative applications. As one of the fastest growing communities in India, mig33 offers social games, virtual gifts and avatars, and is very popular among young consumers. As such, we are well-positioned to be a key mig33 distribution partner and we look forward to delivering on that value proposition."
"It's great to be part of the mig33 family," said Patricia Mulles, Managing Director, ThumbMOB Philippines, Inc. "We are confident that mig33 will appeal to many Filipinos who will not only appreciate its sticky and fun mobile social networking apps, but will also love its potential to earn them extra income. ThumbMOB also looks forward to working with local carriers and OEMs to promote the growth of the mobile internet in the Philippines through mig33."
mig33's new distribution model is designed specifically for top VAS companies and handset manufacturers. In a typical engagement, handset manufacturers would bundle mig33's software on their phone and earn a fee for new mig33 signups and a revenue stream for the consumption of mig33 credits used to purchase virtual content, goods and games. The program would work similarly for global VAS providers.
mig33's device software works on all mobile devices and is optimized for more than 2,000 different handsets worldwide. The company plans to release new versions including an Android build, in coming months.
mig33 was recently named a top 10 application in Asia at SingTel's Accelerate 2010 conference in Singapore. In July, Bharti Airtel announced that mig33 was the most-downloaded free application in Airtel's new App Central mobile application store.
About mig33
mig33 is the world's largest mobile-first community, delivering communications and social entertainment to more than 40 million members. Everyday, members in over 200 countries engage in chat, share photos, join groups, send gifts, play games, create avatars, call friends, email and much more. The service is available worldwide and optimized for more than 2,000 handsets. Launched in 2005, mig33 is backed by Silicon Valley venture firms Accel Partners, Redpoint Ventures and DCM. For more information, please visit http://www.mig33.com.
SOURCE mig33
mig33
CONTACT: Mei Lin Ng of mig33, +65 8522 6173, meilin.ng@mig33global.com
'OneTravel iPhone Travel App' Contest Starts Today on the OneTravel Blog
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- OneTravel, one of the nation's oldest and most recognized travel sites, announces its latest endeavor, the OneTravel Blog, which officially launched on August 12, 2010. Readers can find valuable travel information, news, planning tips, and fun things to do while on vacation. Key features include:
-- Immediate searching and booking for flights, hotels and cars
-- OneTravel Featured Travel Deals
-- City Spotlight Daily Specials
-- News and Feature Articles
-- Reader Comments
-- Option to receive blog posts via email or RSS feed.
In celebration of the new blog (http://blog.onetravel.com/), OneTravel is launching a "OneTravel iPhone Travel App" contest with two Grand Prizes to be given away just for interacting with OneTravel's Wanderlust iPhone travel application.
From September 28th through October 28th customers who download or upgrade Wanderlust and enter the contest via the in-app entry form will have a chance to win two roundtrip tickets to Brazil (courtesy of TAM airlines). Also, customers who make an airfare purchase during the promotional period directly from the Wanderlust application will be entered for a chance to win two roundtrip tickets to South Africa (courtesy of South African Airways).
Winners will be announced on the OneTravel Blog 7-10 days after the contest period ends.
Wanderlust features a simple user interface to easily find great flights and book them directly on the iPhone or iPod Touch via the application. Powerful sorting and filtering of search results paired with user-friendly features, like prominent displays, enables simple comparisons of flight options and ensures that users get the best priced airfares in a practical format.
Wanderlust allows users to:
-- Search for one-way, round-trip, or multi city flight options
-- Find great airfares sorted for adults, seniors, children, and infants
-- Browse economy, business, and first class fares
-- Expanded search to find flights near desired departure and/or
destination
-- Book flights securely and conveniently from anywhere
-- Manage and e-mail booked flight itineraries
-- Find contact information for hundreds of airlines
-- Create profiles for multiple billing/shipping addresses
-- Set up travel details including seat/meal preferences, frequent flyer
numbers, special services and more.
Wanderlust requires a US or Canada billing address and credit card for bookings. Learn more about Wanderlust and contest rules at OneTravel.
OneTravel offers flights, hotels, and packages to top destinations throughout the world. Launched in the mid-nineties in a barn in Pennsylvania, OneTravel has grown to be one of best recognized online travel brands in the US and internationally. This top online travel provider is celebrated for its incredibly low airfares, last minute flight deals, cheap business class flights and affordable first class fares, discount hotels, the best car rental deals and attractive vacation package. Recently, OneTravel has added 84,000 negotiated hotel rates to their offering.
This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.Send2Press.com
SOURCE OneTravel
OneTravel
CONTACT: Chloe Gallo of 5W Public Relations, +1-212-584-4315, cgallo@5wpr.com, for OneTravel
Credit Sesame Gives Consumers Control Over Credit and Debt
Free Online Tool Helps People Manage Debt with Unbiased Advice, Smarter Loans and Monthly Monitoring; Beta Launches Today At TechCrunch Disrupt
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Credit Sesame (http://www.creditsesame.com), a free online tool that helps people take control of their credit and save money with smarter loans, launches in beta today at TechCrunch Disrupt. Credit Sesame founders spent years developing the analytics that banks use to make their lending decisions - and are now using that knowledge to help people make better choices about their own credit and debt. Using technology and analytics previously only available to big banks, Credit Sesame creates 5,000 scenarios to find the best-suited loans for each user and lets people apply directly for those loans online. Credit Sesame finds that the average homeowner can save up to $600 each month by simply optimizing their current loans.
"Banks invest millions of dollars in technology each year to make lending decisions that are best for them," said Adrian Nazari, CEO and founder of Credit Sesame. "We've leveled the playing field by creating technology that lets you save the most money for you. Credit Sesame puts bank-level analytics in your hands. In just minutes, our tool evaluates your current financial situation and identifies ways to save you money now and in the future."
Credit Sesame uses complex analytics that lets users figure out all possible scenarios to best understand, optimize and manage their credit and debt. Unique to Credit Sesame, the technology looks at a person's entire debt portfolio holistically - evaluating how your loans are doing by themselves, and how they could be working better together. Consumers explain what they want to do with their money, and whether it's to make a big purchase or refinance a mortgage, Credit Sesame finds the best pre-qualified loans for their needs.
Optimize for a Better Future
Credit Sesame's easy to use website only takes a couple of minutes to register for and gives a lifetime of benefits. Consumers get a complete picture of their debt and credit in a way they can use and understand. Users learn what is good and bad about their situation, and receive unbiased advice on how to improve their financial picture instantly with pre-qualified, objective and forward looking options online.
-- Easy as 1-2-3: Users set up a Credit Sesame profile and give permission
to build their free credit portfolio
-- The big picture: Users get a comprehensive overview of their credit
worthiness and current debt picture
-- Money in your pocket: Credit Sesame analyzes thousands of loans, across
all the major banks, to find the three best-matching, pre-qualified
options and lets users apply for them instantly online
-- Key financial goals: Set additional goals and Credit Sesame gives a
recommendation for the best loans you can get - whether you want to
refinance your mortgage, buy a new home, borrow money or pay down debt
-- "What if" calculator: If you want to explore different credit and debt
scenarios, Credit Sesame's calculator answers questions about potential
savings or loans for when your financial situation changes
-- Open sesame: Once registered, Credit Sesame tracks your financial
profile on an ongoing basis, and alerts you when something changes in
your profile, when the market changes or when a new bank product becomes
available. Monthly reports eliminate your worry about monitoring credit
and debt
-- Security is a priority: Credit Sesame is even safer than online banking
- using the same security technology and encryption methods as banks and
financial institutions
"The average Americanspends 40 percent of their monthly income on paying off debt and loans," said Nazari. "While other personal finance services are devoted to managing consumers' overall cash flow, Credit Sesame's technology is dedicated to optimizing credit and debt - the largest chunk of that cash flow. We see our tool as the missing piece of the online personal finance puzzle."
Credit Sesame is a free online tool that helps consumers take control of their credit and save money with smarter loans using the same complex technology the banks use. Launched in September 2010, Credit Sesame's founders and scientists from Stanford University and UC Berkley developed the patent-pending algorithm that analyzes 5,000 scenarios per user to uncover best-suited financial advice. As the first company to aggregate consumer, product and market intelligence all in one place, Credit Sesame gives consumers access to the technology tools formerly available only to banks. Credit Sesame's innovation lies in its patent-pending analytics platform and insider knowledge of the banking industry, empowering users with easy-to-use tools to take control of finances with smarter loans. From first login, Credit Sesame finds that the average homeowner can save up to $600 each month by simply optimizing their loans. For more information on Credit Sesame's free online tool, please visit http://www.creditsesame.com and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/creditsesame. You can also follow Credit Sesame on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/creditsesame.
About TechCrunch Disrupt
TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco (http://disrupt.techcrunch.com), is being held Sept 27-29 2010, at the San Francisco Design Center Concourse http://www.sfvenues.com/concourse/overview.html . TechCrunch Disrupt attracts over 1,500 leading technology innovators and investors and over 150 new startups. The format combines top thought-leader discussions with new product and company launches. Morning executive discussions debate the most timely disruptions in media, advertising and technology. Afternoons host the Startup Battlefield where 25 new companies will launch for the first time on stage, selected to present from more than 500 applications received from around the world. Another 100 early-stage startups will exhibit in Startup Alley. TechCrunch will award a $50,000 grand prize along with other award recognitions at the conclusion of the conference.
TechCrunch (http://www.techcrunch.com) is a leading technology media network, dedicated to obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies. Founded in 2005, TechCrunch and its network of websites reach over 8 million unique visitors and more than 25 million page views per month. TechCrunch operates a global network of websites including dedicated properties in Europe and Japan as well as specialized industry websites including MobileCrunch, CrunchGear, and TechCrunchIT. TechCrunch's CrunchBase, is the leading, open database about start-up companies, people and investors. In addition to Disrupt, TechCrunch hosts other conferences and events, including The Crunchies Awards and various meet-ups worldwide serving as community platforms for industry conversation and collaboration.
SOURCE Credit Sesame
Credit Sesame
CONTACT: Jennifer Parson of Atomic PR, +1-415-593-2433, jennifer.parson@AtomicPR.com, for Credit Sesame
CALABASAS, Calif., Sept 28 /PRNewswire/ -- RemotePC (http://www.remotepc.com) announced today that you can now control your PCs via iPad from anywhere with an internet connection. The application is called RemotePC Remote Access and is free.
RemotePC not long ago released a remote access product for the PCs and Macs on a local network for the iPad called RemotePC Lite which is for access within a local Wi-Fi network and LAN.
"The iPad is a great media consumption device, and the RemotePC Remote Access App makes it even better by making it a flexible computing device by providing easy access to PCs from anywhere," says Manu T., Team Lead for the RemotePC product line.
RemotePC Remote Access gives full access to PCs on which the host application is installed; from anywhere on the internet. This application is targeted for both consumers and small businesses.
To know more about the product/service and the associated features/benefits, please visit: http://www.remotepc.com.
About RemotePC:
RemotePC is a service of Pro Softnet Corporation. RemotePC's mission is to provide secure, easy and fast remote access solutions from consumers to businesses using Internet media by combining the most sophisticated technology pieces from hardware, software, networking, storage, Operating Systems, security and Internet technologies, using any web enabled device. Other services from Pro Softnet Corp include Online Backup services IDrive (http://www.idrive.com), IBackup (http://www.ibackup.com) and IDriveSync (http://www.idrivesync.com).
SOURCE RemotePC
RemotePC
CONTACT: Shweta Sachdeva of Pro Softnet Corporation, +1-818-251-4200 ext. 107, shweta@pro-softnet.com, for RemotePC
TED Issues Open Challenge to the Global Advertising Community: Create an Ad Worth Spreading
NEW YORK, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspired by the viral success of TEDTalks and expanding on the conference's mission of Ideas Worth Spreading, TED today announces its Ads Worth Spreading Challenge, a contest that serves as an open invitation to the global advertising community to reinvent, inspire and engage audiences with a new definition of what advertising can mean in the digital age, using TED.com as its platform.
"We want to encourage development of ads-with-a-difference," says TED's curator, Chris Anderson. "Ads that engage our audience authentically, intelligently, delightfully. Ads that people will want to share because, like the rest of TED, they encapsulate ideas worth spreading."
TED invites the business community to submit their most forward-looking video campaigns to the contest by January 10, 2011. A judging panel will select up to 10 winning video campaigns, which will premiere at TED2011, February 28-March 4, 2011, for the gathered audience of 1500+ thought leaders, and will appear on TED.com for free for one week in March.
During the week of March 21-27, 2011, the winning campaigns will occupy every available postroll ad space on TED.com, garnering roughly nearly 7M in free advertising impressions. In addition to appearing as post-roll after TEDTalks, each ad will also have a permanent page on TED.com, allowing the ad to be rated, shared, commented on and linked to, perhaps earning large numbers of additional views.
Submissions to the Ads Worth Spreading Challenge must be made in the form of a video, which can vary in length from 30 seconds to 5 minutes, and submitted in a common digital, downloadable format as detailed in our submission guidelines.
Videos must be promotional in nature, but can promote a company, cause, product or idea. It can promote a product, company or cause, but is likely to do so indirectly rather than directly -- for example, by showcasing the values, motivations and questions of the organization's people. The ads may be commercial, PSAs or self-promotion.
The campaign should be new -- created between January 2010 and January 2011. Ideally, it should be new creative, but it is possible to submit campaigns that appeared elsewhere. Submissions must be received by midnight EST, January 10, 2011.
All entrants into the Ads Worth Spreading Challenge will be notified as to whether their video has been selected by Friday, February 25, 2011.
Full details and submission guidelines may be found here:
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 26 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. At TED, the world's leading thinkers and doers are asked to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes. Talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Benoit Mandelbrot, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Two major TED events are held each year: The TED Conference takes place every spring in Long Beach, California (along with a simulcast, TEDActive, in Palm Springs), and TEDGlobal is held each summer in Oxford, UK. TED's media initiatives include TED.com, where new TEDTalks are posted daily, the Open TV Project, bringing TEDTalks to global broadcast networks, and the Open Translation Project, which provides English subtitles and interactive transcripts and allows any TEDTalk to be translated into any language by volunteers worldwide. TED has established the annual TED Prize, where exceptional individuals win "one wish to change the world"; TEDx, which supports individuals and groups in hosting local, self-organized events around the world; and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to become part of the TED community and amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.
Follow TED on Twitter at twitter.com/TEDTalks, or on Facebook at facebook.com/TED
TEDWomen, "Shaping the Future," will be held December 7-8, 2010, in Washington DC, with partner events worldwide. TED2011, "The Rediscovery of Wonder," will be held February 28-March 4, 2011, in Long Beach, California, along with the TEDActive simulcast in Palm Springs, California. TEDGlobal 2011 will be held in the UK in July 2011.
Contact:
Laura Galloway
Galloway Media Group
212.260.3708
laura@gallowaymediagroup.com
SOURCE TED Conferences
TED Conferences
CONTACT: Laura Galloway, Galloway Media Group, +1-212-260-3708, laura@gallowaymediagroup.com
When it comes to notebook coolers, most manufacturers stick to the smaller sizes of notebooks. They rarely expand their range to support notebooks larger than 15.6 inch models. Those with larger laptops are usually left out in the cold. They are forced to either stick with whatever internal cooling system their laptops have or come up with DIY solutions. Thermaltake sees the market for full-size notebook coolers. The Massive23 LX targets this market. Next Page »
LARK Introduces Revolutionary Silent Waking System at TechCrunch Disrupt
Available via iPhone and a Comfortable Wristband, LARK Up Provides A Peaceful Wakeup Without Disturbing Partner's Sleep
MENLO PARK, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- LARK Technologies, Inc., an award-winning mobile and consumer technology provider that helps couples sleep better together, today launched its flagship silent waking system, LARK Up. Underscoring LARK Up's ground-breaking technology and promise to revolutionize the way consumers wake up each morning, the company was selected from a competitive pool of more than 500 to debut the product at TechCrunch Disrupt, the event that highlights the start ups, executives and trends creating disruptions in media, advertising and technology.
LARK Up awakens consumers without a jarring alarm and without disturbing the sleep of a loved one. LARK Up wakes one person silently and peacefully using the iPhone and an innovative mobile accessory, the LARK wristband, allowing consumers start their mornings right by providing a more natural and peaceful experience. As a result of experiencing wake up challenges in her own relationship, MIT student and LARK founder Julia Hu worked with a team of engineers and designers from Stanford and MIT and Harvard sleep expert, Dr. Jo Solet, to create LARK Up.
"Getting out of bed in the morning is never easy, but LARK Up takes some of the pain out of the process. It provides healthy, restful mornings with a silent and natural wake-up that leaves you feeling amazing while your partner rests undisturbed," said Hu, CEO and founder, LARK Technologies, Inc. "We are thrilled to introduce LARK Up at TechCrunch Disrupt and look forward to soon finding our way into bedrooms across America."
LARK Up wakes users through its thin, comfortable wristband and an iPhone application. Users set the LARK Up mobile alarm application on the iPhone for the desired time and put it onto the custom bedside stand. They then slip on the lightweight LARK Up wristband, designed specifically for nighttime use with breathable and comfortable fabric and no hard edges, buttons, clasps or screens. When the alarm goes off in the morning, it emits a gentle but incredibly effective patented vibration that wakes users from all phases of sleep. This light nudge awakens the Lark Up sleeper but allows loved ones to continue to sleep uninterrupted.
LARK Up is available for pre-orders online beginning today. The cost is $99 per LARK Up and requires a $10 deposit to reserve. There is a limited pre-order quantity of 500 and the first shipment will come in early 2011. For more information or to place your order, go to http://www.ourlark.com.
About LARK Technologies, Inc.
LARK Technologies, Inc.'s (http://www.ourlark.com) mission is to help couples sleep better so they can have happier and healthier relationships. Founded in 2009 by Julia Hu, CEO, (MIT MBA, Stanford MS/BS), LARK was created to improve her relationship with her own boyfriend, Jeff, while they were both sleep-deprived graduate students at MIT. With their different sleep schedules and her boyfriend's snoozing habits, Julia ended up losing hours of sleep every day until Jeff started sleeping on the couch. Instead of trying to change her partner, she decided to help all couples with different sleep schedules by creating a new solution for the mornings - LARK Up was born. LARK Up today and share a great morning.
About TechCrunch Disrupt
TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco (http://disrupt.techcrunch.com), is being held Sept 27-29 2010, at the San Francisco Design Center Concourse. TechCrunch Disrupt attracts over 1,500 leading technology innovators and investors and over 150 new startups. The format combines top thought-leader discussions with new product and company launches. Morning executive discussions debate the most timely disruptions in media, advertising and technology. Afternoons host the Startup Battlefield where 25 new companies will launch for the first time on stage, selected to present from more than 500 applications received from around the world. Another 100 early-stage startups will exhibit in Startup Alley. TechCrunch will award a $50,000 grand prize along with other award recognitions at the conclusion of the conference.
The Force of DROID(TM) is Strong for Star Wars(TM) Fans at DROID R2-D2(TM) Smartphone Launch, Costume Events in Florida
Special Collector's Edition Phone To Be Unveiled To Alliance Of Loyalists, September 29
TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- To give the most loyal alliance of Star Wars and DROID smartphone fans a sneak peek and chance to win or buy the limited edition DROID R2-D2 smartphone, Verizon Wireless is hosting a Star Wars costume contest/party September 29 in four select Florida locations just before the phone goes on sale online across the country.
Locations include:
Hialeah - 1599 West 49th Ave.
(305-819-6443)
Orlando - 3742 E. Colonial Drive
(407-894-5770)
Saint Petersburg - 4870 Park
Street (727-544-4676)
Jacksonville/Orange Park -
1911-1 Wells Road (904-214-9444)
About 150 to 200 phones will be available for purchase at each event (first come, first-served with a limit of two per person, one of which must be activated on a new two-year contract). Other fans also will win phones in a Star Wars costume contest, trivia games, raffles and other activities. Special Star Wars prizes and giveaways, refreshments, special offers and other entertainment also will be featured.
The phone and the events are generating great amounts of buzz with Star Wars enthusiasts. Full-costumed members of the 501st Battalion and Rebel Legion fan groups will be appearing at all Florida events, which begin at 9:30 p.m. Online sales begin at midnight.
"We created these events because there was so much interest and anticipation by Star Wars and DROID fans who love to display their allegiance," said Pam Tope, Florida region president of Verizon Wireless. "We're glad to give them this opportunity with the special sneak peek, and also with a fantastic new phone."
The special edition DROID R2-D2 by Motorola will feature all the latest specifications and capabilities of the Motorola DROID 2, plus special Star Wars markings, start-up sequence, wallpapers and displays, applications and widgets, exclusive content and more. The collector's edition phone is a collaboration of Verizon Wireless, Motorola and Lucasfilm, the creator of the Star Wars series.
The DROID R2-D2 will be available for $249 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will need to subscribe to a Nationwide Talk plan or a Nationwide Talk & Text plan (beginning at $39.99 monthly access) and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan (beginning at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access). Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 92 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
New IonWorks Barracuda Automated Patch Clamp System Meets Need for Affordable, Accelerated Screening of Ligand- & Voltage-Gated Ion Channels Via Direct Electrophysiology Assays
Ideal technology for cardiovascular, metabolic, central nervous system, immune function, and other drug discovery programs
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Molecular Devices, Inc., a leader in bioanalytical systems for drug discovery & development, life science research, and bioassay/test development, today announced that it is taking orders for its new IonWorks Barracuda(TM) Automated Patch Clamp System.
Following the tradition of IonWorks® Systems before it, this new system delivers the highest throughput for automated electrophysiology analysis available at the lowest cost per data point. It also incorporates the patent-pending Population Patch Clamp(TM) (PPC) Recording Technology that revolutionized ion channel screening and has become the standard for directed library and hit-to-lead applications.
The IonWorks Barracuda System can screen both voltage-gated and rapidly-desensitizing ligand-gated ion channels due to the unique design of the Patch Plate Consumable and an electrode plate that enables researchers to add compound while recording. In addition, the system can generate more than 1,100 data points per hour as a result of being able to add compounds and record from 384-wells simultaneously.
Measuring from 384 wells in parallel means that researchers can now complete a screening experiment in as little as 20 minutes, making the new IonWorks Barracuda System the technology of choice for drug discovery programs focused on ion channel targets. No other system on the market today can provide the same combination of throughput and low cost per data point for screening large, directed compound libraries against ion channel targets via direct electrophysiology assays. Because of the low running costs of IonWorks platforms the system can pay for itself in as few as three directed library screens compared to other automated electrophysiology platforms. The system is also well suited for follow-on studies, such as hit-to-lead, compound profiling, and safety assessments.
"This System is the ideal screening solution for cardiovascular, metabolic, central nervous system, and immune function drug discovery programs," said Mark Verheyden, President of Molecular Devices. "Ion channels have long been implicated in these disorders, yet they remain a largely unexplored target class due to a historical lack of practical technologies that provided the required throughput. Now, with the IonWorks Barracuda Platform, drug discovery researchers can screen large, directed libraries against both types of ion channels via direct electrophysiology assays affordably, giving them the technology they need to discover new chemical entities that could one day be used to improve the lives of people afflicted with these debilitating disorders."
About Molecular Devices: At Molecular Devices we have one focus--our customers. When you become our customer, your needs drive our actions and your success is our concern. Our instruments offer a full spectrum of detection technologies and meet all throughput and content needs. Our goal is to deliver highly relevant bioanalytical products to detect biology, decode data, and drive discovery.
a la mode Launches New Services as High Volume Mortgage Originators Transition to eSignatures
OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ --Expanding its commitment to industry-leading customer service, a la mode today announced a dedicated client service team for enterprise users of its document eSigning solution, SureDocs. This expansion is a response to rapid SureDocs adoption among large lenders and originators, who have selected SureDocs because of the unlimited usage pricing policy and the built-in automation needed for larger scale operations.
All SureDocs clients, regardless of volume, have unlimited 24x7x365 phone support from a la mode's headquarters in Oklahoma City, access to a large training library, and free online classes. Now SureDocs enterprise customers will gain even more services, including access to a personal account representative who will assist them with integration, training, and other needs unique to larger clients.
"We're excited to provide this new level of service to SureDocs enterprise customers," said Adam Calvery, president of the a la mode's Mortgage Services Division. "We're proud of our long standing reputation for excellent service and around the clock live expert help, and this new level of service is a natural evolution for our growing base of enterprise customers."
SureDocs is the document eSigning solution designed specifically for the mortgage lending industry, both in features and in pricing policies. Unlike error-prone solutions that require manual signature tagging, SureDocs recognizes disclosure forms and automatically places signature tags. This automation eliminates the wasted time associated with resending documents for additional signatures or initials. And since SureDocs supports "hand-written" signatures with its Variable Signature System, (VSS) there's no worry about forms like IRS 4506. As opposed to other eSignature solutions, SureDocs has no per-document or per-envelope fees, so larger lenders and originators can budget for a whole year of service - no matter their volume. ROI is immediately apparent as documents which previously required overnight shipping are transitioned to SureDocs.
Clients who have 50 or more licenses of SureDocs will receive an e-mail with the name of their personal account representative. All SureDocs customers will continue to receive the best 24x7 support in the mortgage industry, free at the toll free number 1-800-252-6633. For more information on SureDocs, visit http://www.alamode.com/SureDocs.
About a la mode
Celebrating 25 years as a technology leader, a la mode develops desktop, mobile, and Web tools for the real estate and mortgage industries. a la mode's mission-critical products are used by hundreds of thousands of appraisers, agents, inspectors, and lending professionals to complete the nation's real estate transactions. a la mode's state-of-the-art offices are located in Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, and Washington, DC. For more information, visit http://www.alamode.com.
Press inquiries, contact:
Molly Dowdy
EVP, Marketing
Mortgage Solutions Division
a la mode, inc.
(405) 359-6587 x 339
Sales inquiries, contact:
Chris Sullivan
VP, Sales
Mortgage Solutions Division
a la mode, inc.
(405) 359-6587 x 708
SOURCE a la mode, inc.
a la mode, inc.
CONTACT: Press inquiries, Molly Dowdy, EVP, Marketing, Mortgage Solutions Division, +1-405-359-6587 x 339, or Sales inquiries, Chris Sullivan, VP, Sales, Mortgage Solutions Division, +1-405-359-6587 x 708, both of a la mode, inc.
HD Radio(TM) Technology Offered in Subaru's 2011 Forester
Digital Radio Upgrade Provides Drivers with Superior Sound Quality, More Local FM Channels, Program Service Data, & iTunes® Tagging
COLUMBIA, Md., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, today announced that Subaru of America, Inc. will offer HD Radio Technology on the Premium Radio package in the 2011 Forester, making the automaker the first Japanese brand to offer the digital technology. The benefits for drivers are significant, which include crystal-clear sound quality (AM sounds like FM, FM sounds like a CD), additional local digital only FM channels (HD2/HD3/HD4), and program service data (name of songs and artists displayed on the radio screen). In addition, Subaru will be one of the first automakers to offer iTunes® Tagging.
"We are extremely pleased that a high-quality and growing brand such as Subaru has committed to offering their drivers the best in digital entertainment with the popular Forester model," said Jeff Jury, Chief Operating Officer of iBiquity Digital, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology. "Subaru has differentiated itself from the competitive Japanese automotive landscape by being the first to offer HD Radio Technology, along with iTunes Tagging, and we're confident that their customers will enjoy the expanded radio experience."
HD Radio Technology is available nationwide, with more than 2,000 digital stations on-air, and an additional 1,250 HD2/HD3/HD4 digital only channels that broadcast fresh new content that can only be heard with an HD Radio receiver. A sampling of the formats on these extra channels, which vary in different markets around the country, include Dance/Electronica, Bluegrass Country, Comedy, Local Music, Chill/Coffee Shop Music, South Asian, Talk, News, Sports and so much more.
iTunes Tagging enables consumers to capture information about a song they hear on the radio and store it on their iPod. When you hear a song you like on an HD Radio station, simply push the "Tag" button on your HD Radio receiver. The next time your iPod is connected to iTunes, a list of tagged songs will appear which can be previewed, purchased and downloaded.
The 2011MY Forester will go on sale in early November. To locate your nearest Subaru dealership, visit http://www.subaru.com.
About iBiquity Digital Corporation
iBiquity Digital Corporation is the developer of HD Radio(TM) Technology, which is fueling the digital radio revolution in the United States and around the world. The digital technology enables broadcasters to offer new and unique FM content via HD2/HD3 channels, crystal-clear sound and data services on both the AM and FM bands - all free, with no subscription fee. Leading broadcasters, consumer electronics manufacturers, automakers and retailers are committed to HD Radio Technology. iBiquity Digital is a privately held company with operations in Columbia, MD, Auburn Hills, MI, and Basking Ridge, NJ. For more information, please visit http://www.hdradio.com and http://www.ibiquity.com.
To arrange interviews or for additional information, please contact:
Note to editors: HD Radio(TM) and the "HD Radio" logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corp. The "HD" in HD Radio(TM) is part of iBiquity Digital's brand name for its advanced digital AM/FM system. It does not mean hybrid digital or high-definition digital; both of these are incorrect.
SOURCE iBiquity Digital
iBiquity Digital
CONTACT: Scott Cianciulli, cianciulli@braincomm.com, or Nancy Zakhary, nancy@braincomm.com, +1-212-986-6667, both of Brainerd Communicators
Ford Evolves Digital Marketing With Launch of Pandora Campaign Featuring Jewel, John Legend
NEW YORK, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ --
-- Ford, Internet radio leader Pandora and artists Jewel and John Legend
are matching up to launch an integrated digital marketing campaign that
enhances the Pandora user experience and benefits charities
-- The fourth-quarter campaign marks a transition in Ford's digital
advertising strategy, focusing on working with digital content creators
upstream to integrate Ford products and services into their medium
rather than pushing out company-generated ads that interrupt content
-- Similar Ford SYNC® digital campaigns have shown great purchase
consideration power, tripling unaided SYNC recall among listeners
Ford announced a new campaign on Internet radio leader Pandora to show consumers what's possible when content, technology and worthy causes come together.
The two joined up at the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) MIXX Conference and Expo in New York to share the details of a new fourth-quarter 2010 digital advertising campaign that allows Pandora visitors to use the social share feature to share a "mixtape" from playlists compiled by either Jewel or John Legend. When a song is shared, Ford and Pandora will make a donation to the artist's charity of choice.
This latest Ford campaign on Pandora is part of a larger trend at Ford to shift its digital marketing strategy away from using primarily company-generated advertising that interrupts - the banner ad - to marketing that embraces and engages digital content creators to help tell the Ford story. It also builds on the company's multipronged relationship with Pandora, which has more than 60 million registered users. Earlier this year, Ford announced Pandora would be more seamlessly integrated into the Ford SYNC experience through AppLink, a software program that allows owners to access and control selected smartphone apps, such as Pandora, through SYNC voice commands.
"We've found the most valuable digital marketing doesn't interrupt the user experience but instead complements it," said Matt VanDyke, director of U.S. Marketing Communications, Ford Motor Company, and a speaker at the IAB conference. "By partnering with content creators, we're able to support niche programs that audiences truly enjoy. That helps Ford spend its marketing dollars more wisely, while creating user-advocates, rather than just bombarding potential customers with banner ads and 30-second spots."
Featuring Jewel and John Legend, the new Ford campaign on Pandora seamlessly incorporates original video content and radio station mix options that let listeners broaden their music library while benefiting worthwhile causes in the process. Jewel's song sharing will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation, while Legend listeners help out the Show Me Campaign, a nonprofit organization promoting equal access to quality education.
Along with Pandora, Ford is working with other content creators from emerging digital broadcasters such as This Week in Tech (TWiT) podcasts, Podtrac, and Revision3 internet television to seamlessly weave in Ford products and services into their viewers' worlds. With Revision3, for example, Ford gave the hosts of its tech culture show, Diggnation, a 2011 Ford Fiesta equipped with Ford SYNC and asked them to enjoy the in-car connectivity system with their audience - no script and freeform.
So far, the results have been encouraging. In an ad-effectiveness study performed after podcasts like the one featured on This Week in Tech and Diggnation, 21 percent of listeners reported being much more likely to purchase a Ford vehicle with SYNC after the broadcast. Unaided recall of SYNC tripled, while aided recall doubled.
Perhaps most telling, however, is that one-third of listeners claimed the SYNC advertising actually increased their enjoyment of the online shows overall.
"It's encouraging, particularly in this day of commercial-skipping DVRs, to have consumers claim advertising actually added value to their content," said VanDyke. "The strength of Ford technologies such as SYNC gives us powerful leverage. Our goal is to continue to develop smart advertising solutions around our products that reach customers and keep them engaged and entertained more than ever before."
About Pandora
Pandora gives people music they love anytime, anywhere, through connected devices. Personalized stations launch instantly with the input of a single "seed" - a favorite artist, song or genre. The Music Genome Project®, a deeply detailed, hand-built musical taxonomy, powers Pandora's personalization - using musicological "DNA" and constant listener feedback to craft personalized stations from a growing collection of hundreds of thousands of recordings. Tens of millions of people in the U.S. turn on Pandora to hear music they love. http://www.pandora.com.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
CONTACT: Alan Hall, Ford Motor Company, +1-313-594-3744, ahall32@ford.com, or Mollie Starr, Pandora, +1-510-842-7934, mstarr@pandora.com
Sony Online Entertainment's Hit Online Virtual World Now Playable in Seven Languages
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced its family-friendly virtual world, Free Realms(TM) is now available in Portuguese. With over 14 million registered users already accessing Free Realms in six languages, SOE continues to expand the appeal of the successful online world to a diversity of audiences.
"Free Realms continues to engage players of all ages around the world," said John Smedley, president of SOE. "Since launching in April 2009, we've seen tremendous growth in the Portuguese and Brazilian markets. We recognize their bond with the virtual world and are excited to provide Free Realms to these players in their native language."
With its free-to-play and microtransaction business model and low-cost monthly Membership options, Free Realms overcomes the high-cost of games that prevents many other developers from entering the territory successfully. Along with language support, the Brazilian currency, the Real, is now available as a payment option in Free Realms.
Free Realms is an online, virtual world that offers an array of quests, activities and minigames for players to enjoy. From ninja fighting to demolition derby to raising pets, Free Realms offers a safe, family-friendly environment to connect with old and new friends. Free Realms is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and up with content descriptors of Crude Humor and Fantasy Violence. To play Free Realms, visit: http://www.FreeRealms.com.
About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games which have entertained millions of players around the globe. SOE creates and delivers compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchise EverQuest®, its successfulonline trading card game Legends of Norrath®, as well as the recent kids' phenomenon Free Realms(TM), SOE continues to raise the bar for online gaming and players worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, with additional studios in Austin, Seattle, Denver and Tucson, SOE has a slate of engaging, high-quality games currently in development across new genres for all platforms and audiences.
SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. Free Realms and Legendsof Norrath are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC.
All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.
SOURCE Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment
CONTACT: Jordan Fraser of Sony Online Entertainment, +1-858-577-6238, JFraser@soe.sony.com
Toshiba Offers Bidirectional Diodes for ESD Protection for Mobile Phones, Portable Audio Applications and LED Matrices
Low leakage, low voltage diodes for electrostatic discharge protection available in three package types
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., (TAEC)* has added a series of bidirectional diodes in three package types for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection in mobile phones, portable audio devices and LED matrices. The Toshiba DF2B6.8 series helps protect digital and mobile equipment such as cell phones, smartphones and mobile audio players from electrostatic discharge energy that may be generated from positive or negative signals from displays or audio signals.
The series of three devices provides a choice of three packages, each with a high bidirectional ESD protection level with a reverse breakdown voltage of 6.8V and high ESD immunity level of +/-8kV (min.) @ IEC61000-4-2 (contact discharge). The Toshiba DF2B6.8E is offered in an ESC package that measures 1.6mm x 0.8mm x 0.6mm, and is suitable for LED matrices and exogenous dataline noise rejection. The Toshiba DF2B6.8FS is offered in an fSC package that measures 1.0mm x 0.6mm x 0.48mm, and is targeted for use with LEDs or mobile phone audio lines. For even more space constrained applications, such as portable audio players or audio in thin mobile devices, the Toshiba DF2B6.8CT is offered in an CST2 package that measures 1.0mm x 0.6mm x 0.38mm.
"These low-leakage bidirectional ESD protection devices support AC signals that can be positive or negative, and save space and cost compared to use of two unidirectional diodes," said Talayeh Saderi, business development engineer, RF and small signal devices, for TAEC.
Characteristics
---------------
Part
Number DF2B6.8E DF2B6.8FS DF2B6.8CT
------- -------- --------- ---------
Package
Type ESC fSC CST2
------- --- --- ----
Package
Size 1.6 x 0.8 x 0.6mm 1.0 x 0.6 x 0.48mm 1.0 x 0.6 x 0.38mm
------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------
Reverse
Breakdown
Voltage
(V(R)) 6.8V (typ.) @ I(R)=1mA
---------- ----------------------
Reverse
Current
(I(R)) 0.5 microamperes (max.) @ V(RWM)=5V
-------- -----------------------------------
ESD
Immunity
Level Greater than or equal to +/-8kV (min.) @
(Min.) IEC61000-4-2(contact discharge)
--------- -----------------------------------------
Total
Capacitance 15pF (typ.) @ V(R)=0V
------------ ---------------------
Availability
The Toshiba DF2B6.8 series Bidirectional ESD protection diodes are available now. Budgetary pricing begins at $0.05, with volume discounts available.
Toshiba's Discrete Products
Since 1986, Toshiba Corp. has ranked as the top discrete supplier on a worldwide basis, based on annual revenue from international shipments of total discrete products. According to the most recent annual report from market research firm Gartner Dataquest (San Jose, CA), Toshiba remained the top discrete semiconductor supplier. (Source: "2009 Worldwide Semiconductor Market Share Report," Gartner, released April 2010). More specifically, Toshiba is a leading supplier in a number of discrete product categories, including power transistors, rectifiers and thyristors, LMOS logic, CMOS logic, photocouplers, Toslinks(TM), LEDs, small signal diodes and transistors. The company's discrete devices are designed to meet the growing demand for high-performance and lower voltages in today's wireless telecommunications and consumer electronics applications, while emphasizing its strength in the automotive and industrial markets.
*About Toshiba Corp. and TAEC
Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, distributors and fabless chip companies worldwide. A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, discrete devices, displays, advanced materials, medical tubes, custom SoCs/ASICs, digital multimedia and imaging products, microcontrollers and wireless components that make possible today's leading cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics and more.
Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan's largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world's third largest semiconductor manufacturer (Gartner, 2009 WW Semiconductor Revenue, April 2010). Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 740 companies, with 204,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing $68 billion.
Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice. Technical and application information contained here is subject to the most recent applicable Toshiba product specifications. In developing designs, please ensure that Toshiba products are used within specified operating ranges as set forth in the most recent Toshiba product specifications and the information set forth in Toshiba's "Handling Guide for Semiconductor Devices," or "Toshiba Semiconductor Reliability Handbook." This information is available at http://www.chips.toshiba.com, or from your TAEC representative.
SOURCE Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.
Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.
CONTACT: Rebecca Bueno of Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., +1-949-623-3099, rebecca.bueno@taec.toshiba.com
UrFilez Announces DRM-Free MP3 Music Service in the Gulf Region With Content From the Major Record Labels of the World
Academy and Grammy Award-Winner Jennifer Hudson, Grammy Award-Winner James Ingram and other Top Global Artists headline event
Ceremonial Signing and launch with the Major Labels at the Ritz Carlton, the Kingdom of Bahrain
NEW YORK, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ --http://www.myprgenie.com -- UrFilez, (http://www.urfilez.com), a leading digital music service for the Middle Eastern, African and Asian markets, has announced an MP3 service in Bahrain with content from all four major record labels: Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and EMI Music. UrFilez celebrated the launch of its enhanced music service including major label content with a red carpet event at the Ritz Carlton in the Kingdom of Bahrain on Sunday night.
"UrFilez will provide a service that's much better than piracy and is very attractive to consumers. We are honored to have the participation of the world's major music companies in bringing a 21st century entertainment experience to the Middle East and other emerging markets," said Hassan Miah, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UrFilez. "The involvement of the major labels will enable regional artists to reach broader audiences while music consumers will be able to pursue their passions across a variety of genres. Music has the power to bring people together and touch their hearts and souls. We are proud to play a part in bringing music into people's lives in new and exciting ways."
UrFilez has launched its enhanced service with major label content in Digital Rights Management (DRM)-free MP3 format, on-demand streaming, and personalized radio mobile applications for Blackberry, iPhone and Android users. Consumers can use their MP3 downloads without restrictions across the full array of playback devices, including PCs, mobile phones, and portable media players. The streaming services and mobile applications give consumers portability and access to the full library for affordable prices.
UrFilez was created to capitalize on the tremendous growth opportunity in the next generation of digital entertainment: providing the broadest possible range of legitimate music and video content to emerging markets. The company's mission is to integrate the world's best technologies to create a first-class media-download and social-networking service targeted for Middle East, Africa and Asian markets.
Academy and Grammy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson headlined the UrFilez inaugural launch event which showcased a variety of Arabic, African and Bollywood stars as well as international notables. Antonio "L.A." Reid, the Chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group and three-time Grammy Award-winning record executive, songwriter, and record producer, was the guest speaker. The UrFilez launch event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
ABOUT URFILEZ
Based out of New York City, USA and founded in 2007 by established digital entrepreneurs, UrFilez is the leading digital media download community providing music and video content over broadband and mobile networks to emerging markets around the globe. The company is integrating the world's best technologies and partnering with the most innovative international telcos. For more information, please visit, http://www.urfilez.com.
CONTACT: Tim Mullen, Bell Pottinger, Middle East, +973-16-536-142, TMullen@Bell-Pottinger.co.uk; or Claire Mercuri, Claire Mercuri Public Relations, +1-212-535-7189, Claire@clairemercuri.com
Crohn'sAdvocate(TM) Educates and Inspires those Impacted by Crohn's Disease
Brett Cavalli will share his story, tips and advice to further connect, educate and empower others living with the disease
ATLANTA, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB today announced the first installment of the Crohn'sAdvocate(TM) Online Forum Series, a succession of interactive programs designed to connect, educate and empower those who are affected by Crohn's disease.
Crohn's disease is a chronic, progressive and debilitating inflammatory bowel disease that results in an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Many Americans living with Crohn's disease often feel isolated and limit social activities because of the constant pain and fatigue they experience, as well as the fear of an urgent and immediate need to find a public restroom. Those with the condition often battle Crohn's disease alone, as people find it difficult to share their experiences with others.
On Thursday, October 7, 2010, at 7:00pm ET and 9:00pm ET, Brett Cavalli - a restaurant owner who suffers from Crohn's disease - will share his personal journey with Crohn's disease, which began when he was 13 years old. After years of silently suffering the symptoms of the disease and enduring the pain without any clear diagnosis or effective treatment, he was finally diagnosed with the condition when he was 29 during an emergency surgery that removed nearly a foot of his small intestine.
As a self-professed lover of food, coming to terms with the realities of Crohn's disease was particularly difficult for Brett. In fact, when Brett was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, he distanced himself from his family and friends because of the constant pain and fatigue he experienced. The Crohn'sAdvocate program helped educate Brett about Crohn's disease and gave him the strength to reconnect with his family by talking to them openly about his diagnosis.
Today, as a manager of an Italian grill, Brett uses his love of food to encourage others in the Crohn's community to learn more and speak out about their own disease. Through the Crohn'sAdvocate Online Forum, Brett will share with others his time-tested recipe for successful Crohn's disease management - including diet modification, favorite recipes, and medications.
Accompanying Brett in this first installment of the Online Forum Series will be registered dietician Tamara Duker Freumann, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. Tamara will address the unique dietary concerns of Crohn's patients and offer helpful advice for finding balance in your diet.
To access the Crohn'sAdvocate Online Forum Series, participants will need to register at CrohnsAdvocate.com. After doing so, further instructions will be made available. Following each live event, the content will be available for download and made accessible in an archived library on CrohnsAdvocate.com.
About Crohn'sAdvocate Program
Developed as a support and advocacy program for the half a million Americans affected by Crohn's disease, the Crohn'sAdvocate(TM) program was launched nearly a year ago by UCB. The program takes a 360 degree approach to connecting people with Crohn's disease with experts and Advocates; educating those affected by the condition and empowering the community to take an active part in managing their treatment and care. Through Crohn'sAdvocate(TM), those living with Crohn's disease are provided resources, guidance and support locally, nationally and online at CrohnsAdvocate.com.
About Crohn's Disease
Crohn's Disease is a chronic, progressive, destructive disorder that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most commonly at the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and beginning of the large intestine (the colon). If not effectively treated, it may result in the need for surgery and hospitalization. Crohn's Disease has been estimated to affect as many as half a million Americans. People with Crohn's can experience an ongoing cycle of flare-up and remission throughout their lives.
About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (http://www.ucb.com) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative medicines with a focus on the fields of central nervous system and immunology disorders. Employing more than 9 000 people in over 40 countries, UCB produced revenue of EUR 3.1 billion in 2009. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).
Contact:
Bert Kelly
Communications and Public Relations Manager, UCB
404-784-6303
Bert.Kelly@ucb.com
Rich Ferreira
Cooney/Waters Group
212-886-2202
Rferreira@cooneywaters.com
SOURCE Crohn'sAdvocate Program
Crohn'sAdvocate Program
CONTACT: Bert Kelly, Communications and Public Relations Manager, UCB, +1-404-784-6303, Bert.Kelly@ucb.com, or Rich Ferreira, Cooney/Waters Group, +1-212-886-2202, Rferreira@cooneywaters.com
High Speed, Large Capacity Supports UDMA Mode 6; Complements Performance of High-End Digital SLRs
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 28/PRNewswire/ --Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the release of its CompactFlash (CF) Ultimate 600x memory card. The CompactFlash Ultimate 600x supports UDMA mode 6 and offers read and write speeds of up to 90MB/sec. making it Kingston's fastest card to support high-end digital cameras and other devices.
"The Kingston CF Ultimate 600x cards are great for photographers shooting in burst mode. For example, in a situation like a wedding or sporting event where the ability to rapidly take successive shots could make the difference between capturing the perfect shot or just missing it," said Mike Kuppinger, Flash card product manager, Kingston®. "We are pleased to add the 600x card to our CompactFlash family of products which also includes the 266x Ultimate and 133x Elite Pro(TM) cards."
The CF Ultimate 600x is available in 16GB and 32GB capacities to support the large file sizes created when shooting in RAW mode or HD video. If paired with UDMA mode 6 enabled cameras and readers, the 600x speed allows for data to write to and read from the card at a faster rate than previous generations of cards. For added peace of mind, the CF Ultimate 600x includes free downloadable data recovery software from MediaRECOVER®.
Kingston's CompactFlash Ultimate 600x cards (part #: CF/XXGB-U3) are backed by a lifetime warranty and 24/7 live technical support. For more information visit http://www.kingston.com/flash.
-- Capacities*: 16GB, 32GB
-- Dimensions: 1.43" x 1.68" x 0.13" (36.4mm x 42.8mm x 3.3mm) -- CF Type I
-- Speed**: 90MB/sec. read, 90MB/sec. write
-- Recovery Utility: data recovery software download from MediaRECOVER
(Windows/Mac compatible)
-- Operating Temperature: 32 degrees to 140 degrees F (0 degrees to 60
degrees C)
-- Storage Temperature: -4 degrees to 185 degrees F (-20 degrees to 85
degrees C)
-- Standardized: complies with CompactFlash Association specification
standards
-- Easy: plug and play
-- Guaranteed: lifetime warranty
-- Economical: autosleep mode preserves system battery life
*Some of the listed capacity on a Flash storage device is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage. As such, the actual available capacity for data storage is less than what is listed on the products. For more information, go to Kingston's Flash Guide at kingston.com/flash_memory_guide.
**Speed may vary due to host and device configuration.
Kingston CompactFlash Ultimate 600x
Part Number Capacity and Features MSRP (U.S. only).
CF/32GB-U3 32GB 600x CompactFlash Card $270.00
---------- --------------------------- -------
CF/16GB-U3 16GB 600x CompactFlash Card $154.00
---------- --------------------------- -------
About Kingston Digital, Inc.
Kingston Digital, Inc. ("KDI") is the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world's largest independent manufacturer of memory products. Established in 2008, KDI is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please visit http://www.kingston.com or call 800-337-8410.
Kingston and the Kingston logo are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. All other marks may be the property of their respective titleholders.
Cirago USB 3.0 Portable Storage Delivers High-Performance Storage in Ultra-Portable Form Factor
Pocket-size Drive Offers SuperSpeed USB Transfer Rates and up to 640GB of Storage in Durable, Lightweight Design with Frustration-Free Packaging and Affordable Price
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Cirago International, a leading manufacturer of multimedia centers, storage and wireless solutions, today announced the debut of its ultra-compact CST6000 Series USB 3.0 portable storage drive that offers SuperSpeed data transfers in a durable, pocket-sized, lightweight form factor for optimum portability.
The 3 1/4" by 5 1/3" drive is just 1/2" thick, making it one of the slimmest USB 3.0 drives on the market. Leveraging this latest interface technology, the CST6000 series can achieve up to 10-times the transfer speed of USB 2.0. The product is available in 250GB, 320GB, 500GB and 640GB capacity with enough storage to host a substantial multi-media collection.
Unlike other similar products, the CST6000 features a durable iPhone-like aluminum case that is not only lightweight, but also stands up to heat and shock better than typical plastic shells. Specially designed for portability, the CST6000 comes complete with a carrying pouch to offer added protection when dropping the drive into a laptop bag, briefcase or backpack.
"This ultra-portable drive delivers the latest USB 3.0 technology with plug-and-play ease that is also backward compatible with existing 2.0 technology," said Patrick Lo, President of Cirago. "Even if your current PC doesn't offer USB 3.0, with this device you'll be ready to take advantage of the faster transfer capacity when you upgrade to a USB 3.0 machine down the road."
The CST6000 is also one of the most affordable on the market, making it an economical way to quickly and easily upgrade or expand storage options for digital media libraries, backup storage and more. MSRP ranges from just $69.99 for 250GB capacity to $99.99 for a 640GB model. Each model comes with its own USB 3.0 cable, auxiliary power cable and carrying pouch and is compatible with PC, Mac and Linux systems.
The CST6000 also features Cirago's unique frustration-free packaging that eliminates cumbersome clamshell wraps that are not only difficult, but sometimes dangerous, to open. Its eco-friendly packaging includes warranty and registration information printed right on the cardboard carrier, eliminating extra paper waste.
The CST6000 Series of USB 3.0 portable storage solutions is available at major electronics retailers including NewEgg.com, MicroCenter, Amazon.com and TigerDirect.com. For more information, visit http://www.cirago.com.
About Cirago International
Cirago International, headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a leading manufacturer of multimedia centers, storage and wireless solutions. Incorporated in 1996, Cirago consistently provides products with innovative technology, delivering outstanding functionality and capability. With manufacturing capabilities in the United States and China, Cirago offers products with the quality, service and value that consumers demand. For more information, visit http://www.cirago.com.
SOURCE Cirago International
Cirago International
CONTACT: Kristin Miller of SS|PR, +1-719-634-8292, kmiller@sspr.com, for Cirago International
Reformtheproxysystem.com Launched to Convey the Importance of the SEC's Review of the Proxy System
It's time to modernize the proxy 'plumbing!'
NEW YORK, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Computershare Limited (ASX: CPU), a leading financial services provider for the global securities industry, in conjunction with a number of its US peers, today launched a website that illustrates the shareholder communications challenges that US corporations face as a result of the outdated mechanics underlying the current proxy system.
Reformtheproxysystem.com provides access to information about the existing and alternative proxy mechanics (sometimes referred to as the proxy 'plumbing') put forth by the SEC in a concept release issued July 14, 2010. Proposed changes, if adopted, will provide greater choice to issuers in terms of their shareholder communications and engagement with their investors, including choice of provider and lower costs. Shareholders, in turn, will be able to receive more direct and effective proxy communications through which they can make their voices heard.
The reformtheproxysystem.com website draws on a number of core recommendations put forth by the Shareholder Communication Coalition. As part of the overall awareness and industry education goal of reformtheproxysystem.com, the site also includes a short animated video depicting the challenges of today's system.
Computershare joined with major industry peers and its specialized proxy solicitation firm, Georgeson, to launch the website.
"Today, issuers still cannot identify all of their shareholders, a legacy of a system that was created in the 1970's and 1980's. In 2010, the practical and technological reasons for maintaining the current system are either no longer valid or can be readily remedied," said Paul Conn, President, Computershare Global Capital Markets. "The SEC has given everyone, from issuers to investors until October 20 to comment on the concept release."
To date, Computershare has surveyed over 1,200 of its small-to large-cap U.S. public company clients. Nearly 60 percent of these companies support reforms relating to increasing transparency of share ownership and facilitating more direct communications to shareholders, described in the SEC's concept release. Only 5 percent of corporations were not in agreement with these reforms.
Of the companies surveyed, more than 400 small-cap issuers say they are in support of the reforms outlined in the SEC's release, along with more than 300 mid- to large-cap companies. Significantly, more than 350 companies say they plan to comment on all or certain portions of the SEC's concept release.
Other aspects of proxy mechanics under review include broker share reconciliation methods, vote confirmations for investors and processes generally intended to improve the overall transparency of the voting system and the integrity of the vote.
In the current environment of rapidly changing regulations, it is vital that companies and shareholders press for a highly-efficient and robust proxy system that will enhance corporate governance and effectively position the US capital markets for the next thirty years. Reformtheproxysystem.com provides background and resources on these issues.
About Computershare
Computershare (ASX: CPU) is a global market leader in transfer agency and share registration, employee equity plans, proxy solicitation and stakeholder communications. We also specialize in corporate trust services, tax voucher solutions, bankruptcy administration and a range of other diversified financial and governance services.
Founded in 1978, Computershare is renowned for its expertise in data management, high volume transaction processing, payments and stakeholder engagement. Many of the world's leading organizations use these core competencies to help maximize the value of relationships with their investors, employees, creditors, members and customers.
Computershare is represented in all major financial markets and has over 10,000 employees worldwide.
Juli Bark
EVP, Marketing
Tel: 1 312 588 4249
juli.bark@computershare.com
Jeff Stein
Media Relations
Tel: 1 212 805 7271
jeff.stein@computershare.com
SOURCE Computershare Investor Services LLC.
Computershare Investor Services LLC.
CONTACT: Juli Bark, EVP, Marketing, +1-312-588-4249, juli.bark@computershare.com, or Jeff Stein, Media Relations, +1-212-805-7271, jeff.stein@computershare.com, both of Computershare
Majesco Entertainment Announces the Shipment of 'Greg Hastings Paintball 2' for Xbox 360 and Wii(TM)
The #1 Name in Paintball Returns with the Most Authentic Paintball Game to Date
EDISON, N.J., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Majesco Entertainment Company (Nasdaq: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced the availability of Greg Hastings Paintball 2 for Wii(TM) and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. As an added bonus, each version of the game includes a paintball pass (valued at $300) good for free entry and rental at select paintball fields across the country.
The latest release from the most successful name in paintball videogames, Greg Hastings Paintball 2 features more than 10 single and multiplayer game modes each staged in 62 all-new paintball fields based on actual locations around the world. Featuring three new event branches--Tournament Speedball, Recball, and Tournament Woodsball--the game arms players with loads of classic and cutting edge gear and guns, including paint grenades and rocket launchers.
Serious "ballers" can even become general manager of their own 10-player team composed of professional and amateur paintball players. Gamers can trade players, issue commands and use their earnings from the field to build each player's individual stats, so the overall team is that much more competitive. The better the team assembled, the more tournaments a player stands to win, providing him or her with added cash to buy new gear, players and skill upgrades. Players can also take their team online and compete with up to 20 players via Xbox LIVE® or up to 8 via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection on Wii.
Greg Hastings's Paintball 2Tour of Duty is on the road now with upcoming tour stops in Upton, MA and Charleston, SC. Swing by to play the game, meet Greg and score some autographed freebies. Check the official site for additional details: http://www.gregredhastings.com.
Developed by Super X Studios in collaboration with Greg Hastings himself, Greg Hastings Paintball 2 is rated E10+ and is available now for the suggested retail price of $39.99. The game will also be available on PlayStation®Network in early 2011. To view the trailer and find out more, please visit http://www.gregredhastings.com.
About Greg Hastings
During Greg Hastings' 23 year paintball career, he has competed all over the world and notched many wins with championship teams such as Ground Zero, Bob Long's Ironmen, XSV and Smoke. He is a true master of speedball, woodsball, and every format in between. Greg's passion for video games started in the late 1970's while mastering coin operated shooting games such as Asteroids, Defender and Centipede. This passion came to a pinnacle while being stationed on the nuclear powered fast attack submarine USS Gato, where he mastered "real" video games as a medal winning SONAR Supervisor during his six year tour in the US Navy. Greg earned two Southwest Asia Campaign Medals for his time spent in the combat zone during the first Gulf War, and also received a medal for being "The best SONAR operator ever inspected." Since then, Greg has dedicated himself to creating the best-selling paintball video game franchise that bears his name.
About Majesco Entertainment Company
Majesco Entertainment Company is a provider of video games for the mass market. Building on more than 20 years of operating history, the company is focused on developing and publishing a wide range of casual and family oriented video games on Wii(TM), Nintendo DS(TM) and other leading systems. Product highlights include Cooking Mama(TM), TETRIS® Party Deluxe, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel and Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum. The company's shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol: COOL. Majesco is headquartered in Edison, NJ and has an international office in Bristol, UK. More information about Majesco can be found online at http://www.majescoentertainment.com. @Majesco is on twitter or at http://www.twitter.com/majesco.
Wii(TM) and Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection are trademarks of Nintendo.
Recently launched online newspaper hopes to highlight issues that traditional media have missed
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- 505stop.com is a unique online newspaper that opened in June 2010 with the purpose of improving communication across New Mexico, strengthening New Mexico communities and bringing awareness to issues that traditional media often overlook.
"New Mexico has many communities scattered over wide distances," said Lily Ribeiro, Editor in Chief of 505stop.com. "We have ongoing struggles with nepotism and shoddy practices in our state government. The obesity epidemic has hit our youth hard. Our state is home to the most endangered mammal in North America - the Mexican Gray Wolf. We have abundant oil and gas, but are also in a prime location for solar energy. Many media outlets in New Mexico focus on one particular community, or one specific topic, such as southwestern art. At the 505stop, we hope to bring some of these communities together, to raise awareness of issues that affect us all."
505stop.com can be seen as part of the larger 'hyperlocal' movement, which is providing fresh new leadership in the way news is reported and gathered in communities throughout the country. Hyperlocal sites tend to turn the traditional "top down" media model on its head - gathering news stories from a variety of venues and relying on community members for contribution and comments.
"Americans have grown comfortable with this idea that the media's function is to tell us what is going on and how it is important," Ribeiro continued. "The media's role is seen as trickle-down, reactionary, and providing just another commodity. At the 505stop, we want to take news reporting out of the hands of global corporations, empower citizens to make a difference, and ultimately guide public awareness of emerging and ongoing trends. Events such as September 11 and the Financial Crisis have caught the media sleeping. We hope to assume the 'watchdog' role that has been lacking for too long. Our state has too many needs for us to continue the business as usual model."
It is the hope of the 505stop editors and writers that New Mexico business owners, local politicians, community leaders, and anyone else with something to say will recognize the unique opportunity that 505stop.com provides. Ideally it will become a publication filled with content written by a variety of players who want to see New Mexico flourish.
NetDragon Announces the First Expansion Pack 'The Awakening of Justice' for Disney Fantasy Online
HONG KONG, Sept 28 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- NetDragon Websoft Inc.
("NetDragon" or the "Company"; Stock Code: 777), a leading online game
developer and innovator in China, announces that Disney Fantasy Online's first
expansion pack "The Awakening of Justice" was released on 27 September, 2010.
As the world's first Disney-themed MMORPG created in collaboration with
Disney Interactive Media Group, Disney Fantasy Online has enjoyed the fervent
support of players due to the excellent quality of its classic Disney content
since its opening of beta test in May 2010. The EP "The Awakening of Justice"
will add two new professions "charmer" and "nobleman", which will help to
better improve and balance the game's profession system. In addition, players
can experience novel features such as strengthened weapons after evolution and
partner weapon system.
Additionally, NetDragon will soon introduce the "Fourth Generation
Chatting System" which knocks down the walls that previously confined players
to a game-specific chatting room. The new chatting system enables a player to
reach players in other NetDragon games and to interact via this cross-game
platform. NetDragon believes that this design innovation will enhance users'
stickiness and extend products' life cycle.
About NetDragon
NetDragon Websoft Inc. is a leading innovator and creative force in
China's online gaming industry. Established in 1999, NetDragon has been
operating and developing a broad range of MMORPGs since launching its first
self-made title Monster & Me in 2002. In addition, NetDragon is China's
pioneer in overseas expansion, having directly operated its titles in overseas
markets since 2004 in English, French, Spanish and other foreign languages.
NetDragon's game portfolio comprises a range of massively multiplayer online
games that cater to various types of players and gaming preferences. Current
offerings include the games Eudemons Online, Conquer Online, Zero Online, Way
of the Five, Heroes of Might & Magic Online, Disney Fantasy Online and Tian
Yuan. NetDragon also has multiple games currently in development, including
Dungeon Keeper Online, TRANSFORMERS Online, Doomsday, Cross Gate, Legend of
the Dark and a new version of Ultima Online.
SOURCE NetDragon Websoft Inc.
NetDragon Websoft Inc.
CONTACT: NetDragon Websoft Inc.: Ms. Maggie Zhou (Investor Relations Department) at +86-591-8754-3120, maggie@nd.com.cn or ir@nd.com.cn
- 400 Participants Across the World Attended the Company's 2010 User
Conference
Tagetik, a global provider of enterprise software solutions for
Performance Management, Governance, Risk & Compliance and Business
Intelligence, welcomed over 400 customers, analysts, partners and industry
experts to its 2010 User Conference from September 23-24, 2010 in Lucca,
Italy. During this 2-day event, Tagetik shared its vision for making
Business Intelligence and Performance Management processes as collaborative
as possible, a concept which the company calls 'Collaborative Performance
Management'. This year's conference, hosted at the historical Auditorium
San Romano, boasted a strong international turnout of over 55%.
During the first-day sessions, members of Tagetik's senior management
team introduced the 'new' CPM in the featured presentation 'From Corporate to
Collaborative Performance Management'. Other day 1 highlights included
analyst, partner and customer speeches:
- Rita Sallam, Research Director at Gartner, explained how to improve the
quality and transparency of budgeting and forecasting processes with
collaborative decision-making tools.
- Will Golding, Director of Business and Marketing Organization at
Microsoft Italy, and Bob Baker, Director of BI Partner Strategy at
Microsoft Corporation, spoke about delivering next-generation
business solutions through its strategic partnership and strong
technological integration with Tagetik technology.
- Tory Baker, Chief Financial Officer at NORDAM (http://www.nordam.com),
and Jamie Lane, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis,
presented how they are implementing Tagetik 3.0 to integrate financial
planning and drive collaboration, transparency and accountability.
- Evan Rosen (http://www.thecultureofcollaboration.com), an
internationally recognized collaboration and communication strategist,
introduced his book, 'The Culture of Collaboration(R)', in a keynote
speech tied to the conference theme.
The first day ended with a panel discussion on 'The Rise of Collaboration
in Managing Business Performance' where influential speakers debated their
points of views and shared experiences from the field. Day 2 of the
conference featured four breakout sessions for Collaborative Performance
Management, Governance, Risk & Compliance, solutions for the financial
services industry as well as sponsor offerings.
"Attendees gained a sneak preview of our new vision for CPM, experienced
our new Tagetik 3.0 Enabled by Microsoft SharePoint
(http://www.tagetik.com/software) and Tagetik 3.0 Collaborative Disclosure
Management (http://www.tagetik.com/events-news/press-releases/cdm) solutions
in action and saw new features to facilitate budgeting, planning and
forecasting as well as governance, risk and compliance processes," explains
Manuel Vellutini, Chief Operating Officer at Tagetik. "In addition to
learning about our industry offerings for banking, financial services and
manufacturing, they also gained best practices from case studies hosted by
Askoll Group, Costa Crociere, OCLC, Carige Group and other customers.
Attendees also had the opportunity to liaise with conference partners and
sponsors such as KPMG, Microsoft, Age Consulting, Altea, Excent, Sysdata,
AIVE Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Reply Cluster, SDG Group and Twinergy."
"We are truly honored by the great turnout and active participation at
our fourth annual user conference," adds Pierluigi Pierallini, President &
CEO at Tagetik. "I hope that these two days were not only enjoyable but also
inspired ideas, discussion and reflection. At Tagetik, we believe that
effective teamwork is more important than ever in Performance Management and
Business Intelligence. And with today's collaborative and communication
technologies, companies can add value to the way they manage and control all
business areas down to operational decision-making levels."
Tagetik partners and system integrators also had the opportunity to
attend a one-day international partner summit on Wednesday, September 22,
2010. Here, partners received a special vision and strategy briefing, learned
details on the new Tagetik Partner Program and discovered how to leverage new
business opportunities with Microsoft. Guest speakers, Chris Dial,
Application Platform Marketing Lead at Microsoft's Western Europe
headquarters, and Bob Baker, Director BI Partner Strategy at Microsoft
Corporation, guided the session on opportunities for Microsoft partners in
the Tagetik community.
As an informal end to the annual user conference, Tagetik organized the
first Tagetik Golf Cup on Saturday, September 25th at the Versilia Golf Club
in Forte dei Marmi. This event provided an excellent opportunity for Tagetik
customers, partners and employees to recharge after two days of intense work.
Matteo Manassero, who at the tender age of seventeen is already one of the
world's most promising young professionals, was a guest star at the event.
"Tagetik identifies with the professional achievements that Matteo has made
in such a short time. His rapid ascent into a successful career shares many
parallels with our own corporate history. Although we started from scratch
just a few years ago, we also have been able to compete and thrive in a
market dominated by a few major global players. And, like Matteo, we
attribute this success to our undying determination and passion," concludes
Manuel Vellutini.
Tagetik - a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner - delivers a unified
software solution to support Performance Management and Enterprise
Governance, Risk & Compliance, plus extended Business Intelligence,
Collaboration and Communication. Tagetik 3.0 creates value by simplifying
complex business processes for CFOs and CIOs: budgeting, planning and
forecasting, consolidation and reporting, financial governance, strategy
management, profitability modeling, working capital analysis and
compliance/industry requirements. Tagetik 3.0 is the solution to translate
strategy into operations, manage and control overall performance down to
business transactions, and improve decision-making across the whole
organization while achieving faster ROI and lower total cost of ownership
(TCO).
Tagetik operates in 13 countries leveraging a close partnership with
Microsoft. Its market experts are totally committed to the success of 400
worldwide customers, including some of the largest Fortune 1000 companies and
representing all industries, as well as to foster synergies with system
integrators, technology leaders and local consulting specialists. To learn
more: http://www.tagetik.com
AT&T Announces Industry-First Financing Initiative to Help Small Businesses Secure 'Game-Changing' Wireless Solutions
AT&T Capital Services Provides Cash-Strapped Small Businesses With Loans For AT&T Wireless Devices, Wireless Data Plans, and Mobile Applications
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- With access to capital among their biggest challenges, cash-strapped small businesses got some good news today from AT&T*. Through its financing subsidiary, AT&T Capital Services, the company is now providing loans to small businesses looking to deploy new wireless solutions or upgrade existing ones.
Cathy Martine, AT&T Executive Vice President - Small Business Solutions, AT&T Business Solutions, made the announcement during her keynote speech at the annual Women Impacting Public Policy Conference in Washington DC this morning.
Until recently, AT&T Capital Services financing had focused on traditional wired communications solutions, including office phone systems and equipment, high speed Internet, maintenance and associated software.
"With more than 25 years experience in communications financing, we know the challenges that small businesses face and understand that today, perhaps more than ever before, access to capital is critical to sustaining their operations," Martine said. "Our goal is to provide small businesses with access to new options for funding game-changing wireless solutions, to help them innovate and grow and, ultimately, to serve as a catalyst to jumpstart this critical engine for U.S. economic recovery."
Since recently introducing wireless solutions financing, AT&T Capital Services has closed loans totaling several hundred thousand dollars, with deals totaling several million dollars in the pipeline. The organization finances transactions as small as $1,000 in support of organizations purchasing AT&T business solutions.
AT&T Capital Services was established in 1984 to finance business customer purchases of AT&T products and services by converting one-time, upfront costs into monthly payments.
To date, the organization has recorded more than $6 billion in contract originations for more than 5,000 commercial and municipal customers. Benefits of AT&T financing include:
-- Minimal capital outlay - allows customers to avoid down payments and
make easy monthly payments that fit their budgets
-- Lifecycle management - minimizes risk of technological obsolescence
-- Packaged solution - offers one-stop shopping and a simple contracting
process
-- Reliability -AT&T Capital Services does not sell its loans, holding and
servicing them for their entire term
-- Alternate source of credit to preserve bank credit line
-- Competitive rates
"In recent months, we've made loans to small businesses to meet a variety of needs," said Anthony Lewis, President of AT&T Capital Services, "ranging from smartphones and other mobile devices equipped with fleet management or GPS tracking applications to the rollout of netbooks and laptops embedded with mobile broadband and Wi-Fi capabilities. Bottom line, AT&T is in a position to meet the communications needs of small businesses that are challenged by tight budgets."
Small businesses interested in finding out more about opportunities afforded by AT&T Capital Services, should contact their authorized AT&T Sales representative. If they don't have an authorized AT&T representative, they can call 866-323-6955.
Small businesses looking to find information about other AT&T products and services can visit the AT&T Small Business page. For free business resources such as webinars, white papers, training, case studies and best practices, they can visit http://www.att.com/smallbusinessinsite.
Additionally, real-time information can be found on the AT&T Small Business Facebook page and AT&T Small Business Twitter channel.
*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.