We are advised by LINE that journalists and other readers should disregard the news release, LINE Adds New Dimension to its Messaging Platform with LINE Play, issued 19-Feb-2013 over PR Newswire.
Badgeville and Get Satisfaction Partner to Gamify World-Class Community Platform
Industry's leading gamification and community platform providers helped Koodo Mobile grow peer-to-peer support response rate by 557 percent year-over-year
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. and SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Badgeville, The #1 Gamification Platform, and Get Satisfaction, a community platform for delivering engaging customer experiences, today announceda partnership that brings world-class gamification solutions to Get Satisfaction customers, driving greater consumer engagement and business value from their community investments.
Companies of all sizes such as Intuit, Kellogg's and Sonos rely on the Get Satisfaction community platform to acquire new customers, provide better customer service and enhance their products. By integrating with Badgeville's award-winning Behavior Platform, Get Satisfaction customers can leverage Badgeville's robust game, reputation and social mechanics to deliver more engaging and profitable customer experiences within their communities.
"Badgeville's gamification platform enables companies to further increase engagement across their Get Satisfaction communities, and reward customers in their communities for specific user behaviors and contributions," said Azita Martin, VP of Marketing, Get Satisfaction.
The Badgeville integration blueprint for Get Satisfaction provides companies with an easy path to connect their Get Satisfaction community with The Behavior Platform, driving even greater engagement.
"Customer communities are essential to increasing customer loyalty and engagement," said Chandar Pattabiram, VP of WW Marketing, Badgeville. "Get Satisfaction deeply understands the value of further increasing loyalty across their customer base. The Badgeville partnership enables Get Satisfaction customers to offer relevant rewards and status to customers who engage with the platform, share and find information, and participate in the brand's community."
"We use our community to improve the customer experience and reduce operating costs. Badgeville and Get Satisfaction provide world-class offerings for both gamification and customer communities, allowing us to engage with our customers in a very effective way while positively impacting our bottom line," said Nathan Roth, Community Strategist, Koodo Mobile. "Using both Badgeville and Get Satisfaction, we have been able to grow our peer-to-peer support response rate by 557 percent year-over-year."
Companies can purchase the Get Satisfaction Community directly from Get Satisfaction and the Badgeville Gamification Platform directly from Badgeville. For more information on how to integrate the combined solution, refer to the documentation available in the Get Satisfaction community.
About Badgeville
Badgeville, the #1 gamification and behavior management platform, enables companies in virtually every industry to influence and measure user behavior. World-class businesses in more than 20 countries use Badgeville's Behavior Platform, an award-winning Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution to increase customer loyalty, user engagement, and employee performance across an organization's websites, mobile apps and enterprise applications. With over 180 customers, Badgeville brings Game Mechanics, Reputation Mechanics, and Social Mechanics to industry leaders and innovators including Deloitte, EMC, Oracle, Autodesk, Bell Media, NBC, Universal Music, VMware, and more. Founded in 2010, Badgeville is based in Redwood City, Calif. and has offices in New York and Europe. (To learn more follow @Badgeville or visit http://www.badgeville.com.)
About Get Satisfaction
Headquartered in San Francisco, Get Satisfaction helps companies create engaging customer experiences by fostering online conversations about their products and services at every stage of the lifecycle. Companies of all sizes such as Intuit, Kellogg's and Sonos rely on the Get Satisfaction community platform to acquire new customers, provide better service and build better products. Today, Get Satisfaction powers 70,000 active customer communities hosting more than 35 million consumers each month.
SOURCE Badgeville
Badgeville
CONTACT: Sarah Hilmer, +1-719-634-1180, shilmer@sspr.com
Brazzlebox will launch website Brazzlebox.com in April 2013
SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Brazzlebox, a community focused social network for small and home based business has announced it will be launching Brazzlebox.com in April 2013. It will initially launch in New York in the cities of Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Utica, Albany and the surrounding suburbs. It will then launch nationally soon after. It is expected to fill the current B2B and B2Consumer social networking void within the social media sphere.
Brazzlebox was created for small business by small business. Glen Zinszer, CEO of Brazzlebox, has been a successful small business owner in Syracuse, NY for over 10 years. "Starting and running a small or home-based business takes passionate and dynamic individuals," said Zinszer, "We know how hard you work and the sacrifices you make for your business. That's why we have created a site that makes it easy for you to instantly connect to your communities, speak directly to your customers and form customizable groups and business networks with other like-minded industry professionals within your area."
Other social networks like Facebook and Google+ allow you to share information between family and friends, Linked In has networks designed for professionals and Twitter discusses interests. Now there is Brazzlebox, a full featured social network made exclusively for small and home-based business owners. It is free for users to sign up but Brazzlebox is one of the few social networks with multiple revenue streams from day one.
"Our goal is to empower small business to help them succeed and grow," said Zinszer. "This is going to do great things for so many people who have sacrificed so much to make their small business successful and we are here to help." Brazzlebox has partnered up with large businesses to offer deals and discounts on products and services small businesses use every day. We are also looking to partner with the chamber of commerce and business development groups everywhere to further assist businesses with important information relevant to their needs.
When you join Brazzlebox, you become a member of a unique community of small and home business owners. Brazzlebox gives you access to hundreds of local area business networks and connects you instantly to your local community. Brazzlebox is also aiming to be the most trusted and reliable source for people looking to start their own business.
Consumers will be able to join to receive local deals and discounts plus view community events, local causes and more.
It is community focused, meaning businesses within a community can connect with each other, share information and discuss topics that are relevant to their area. Community functions and charity events can also connect with businesses and consumers to increase awareness and gain exposure. We are also working on multiple ways through our site and on the ground to assist small business recovery in communities devastated by disasters and tragedy.
On March 1(st), Brazzlebox is launching a small and home-based business photo contest on the Brazzlebox Facebook page. Facebook fans of Brazzlebox can submit a photo of their business or service on the contest page to try and win a cash prize of $1000.
Brazzlebox, established and headquartered out of Syracuse, NY, is expected to add 30 jobs within the community by the end of 2013. Additional information can be found at http://www.brazzlebox.com.
New iPhone App Allows Expecting Moms to Create Personal Time-Lapse Pregnancy Video
CineMama Helps March of Dimes Share Healthy Pregnancy Information
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Women can create a time-lapse video of their pregnancy - and get health tips along the way - through a new, free, interactive iPhone app called CineMama available from the March of Dimes.
Time-lapse pregnancy slideshows and videos are an emerging trend among expecting parents as a way of creating a digital keepsake of their pregnancy to share with loved ones. Through CineMama, the March of Dimes will tap into that trend to share its important health information.
"CineMama is a fun way for us to reach women and let them know that healthy babies are worth the wait," said Patricia Goldman,March of Dimes vice president and chief marketing officer. "Moms-to-be will be rewarded with a complete video diary of their pregnancy when they use this app."
CineMama allows expecting moms to take and upload their photos to the web, easily turn the still pictures into a video, and share it all through social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. CineMama will prompt women to record the ups and downs of their pregnancy, as well as important milestones in a diary that can easily be shared.
The app can be downloaded from iTunes at: http://bit.ly/VMtwWc . It links to the March of Dimes free, interactive iPad magazine "My 9 Months" available from the iTunes store at: http://itun.es/isc7SZ. It also links to http://www.marchofdimes.com/healthymombook where the new March of Dimes "Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby" book can be ordered.
CineMama is an expansion of the March of Dimes "Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait" public awareness and consumer education campaign, which focuses on the importance of a full term pregnancy.
The campaign encourages women to wait for labor to begin on its own and health care providers to not schedule a delivery before at least 39 weeks of pregnancy, unless there is a medical necessity. Important development of the brain, lungs and other organs occur during the last weeks of pregnancy. Additional information is available at marchofdimes.com/39weeks.
Rising rates of scheduled inductions of labor and cesarean sections have been linked to increases in the rates of babies born just a few weeks too soon, between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
CineMama was created in partnership with BBDO NY, March of Dimes' pro bono agency. "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to put our creativity to work for such a great cause," said Troy Ruhanen, BBDO, Chairman and CEO BBDO, The Americas. Additionally, Uncorked provided digital production support; music was donated by Analogue Muse and digital PR strategy donated by Fanscape.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
SOURCE March of Dimes
March of Dimes
CONTACT: Elizabeth Lynch, +1-914-997-4286, elynch@marchofdimes.com, or Todd Dezen, +1-914-997-4608, tdezen@marchofdimes.com
C3/CustomerContactChannels Releases Two New Apps for Clients
Features Include: Real Time Views of Productivity and Metrics
PLANTATION, Fla., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- C3/CustomerContactChannels, a global provider of customer management solutions, announced that its C3 Labs team has just released two new apps for internal and client use that redefines real time monitoring of its operations.
The C3 Analytics app, available for both iPhone and Android devices, provides updates on all key performance metrics delivered straight to managers' smartphones in real time. Tied directly to the C3 Analytics platform, the app gives clients and leaders the flexibility of monitoring the operations from virtually anywhere. This app presents the data by client, by enterprise, line of business, or site.
C3 Pulse, the second app launched to add another layer of data to the analytics platform, provides a visual representation of the call center floor allowing managers to drill down to an individual seat/agent to view performance or view the center as a whole. The call center floor view is color coded and can display metrics such as average handle time, customer satisfaction, and service level which can help leaders spot the effects of environment on performance and make real time decisions to improve it.
"Our technology team began using C3 Pulse in late 2012 as a means of monitoring technology needs in our centers and quickly spotted the benefits of applying it to the operations as a whole," said Rick Ferry, C3 president and COO. "The C3 Labs team is always seeking ways to make our operations better and more efficient. This type of innovation is one of C3's key differentiators and we are very excited about both of these apps and their effect on our clients and their overall satisfaction with us."
Although the current use for C3 Pulse is internally for C3 centers, it can be customized for client centers as well. The system receives a standard feed of data that is agnostic to the underlying source system.
"Expanding C3 Pulse to an operational audience has been transformational as the teams are no longer dependent on static reports," added Ken Condren, C3's vice president of technology. "The ability to easily spot trends that are not accessible in traditional analytics reports delivers key levers for managers to adjust as needed to further enhance performance for our clients and their customers."
About C3
C3/CustomerContactChannels is a global provider of contact center services unlike any other in the market today. Services include Sales, Service, Performance Optimization, Reputation Management and complete customer interaction management via traditional, web, and emerging communication channels. C3 positively engages and promotes our clients' brands with every contact we make with their customers. With a global team that is thousands of employees strong, the company is headquartered in Plantation, FL. More information can be found at http://www.c3connect.com.
Brandchats.com to Host Strategies in Social Business Webinar Series with Pioneers in Social Media Strategies
Focused educational sessions for leaders in sales, marketing and service sharing best practices in making the transformation to a social media enabled business.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Brandchats, the globally focused social media monitoring solutions provider today announced that it will host an eight week series focused on best practices in social business strategies as they are shared by some of the great minds in social media.
The events are on Thursdays at 10 am pacific standard time (1pm EST) and begin on February 21st. The events:
-- 2-21-2013 - Building a Social Selling Culture with Kurt Shaver founder
of The Sales Foundry and a recognized pioneer in Social Sales.
-- 2-28-2013 - Building great social profiles for sales and service with
Irfan Jafay CEO of myKozmo.com
-- 3-07-2013 - Igniting Engagement and Driving Collaboration -The Keys to a
Viable Social Network with Noreen Poli CEO and principal consultant at
Ready, Set, Go Social!
-- 3-14-2013 - 7 Ways to Turn LinkedIn into a Lead Generation Machine with
Viveka von Rosen founder of LinkedIntoBusiness.com
-- 3-21-2013 - How the Best Companies are Increasing their Revenue by
Analyzing, Socializing and Mobilizing their Communities with Mark
Fidelman the Managing Director of Evolve! - the Social Business Agency,
and the Socialized and Mobilized Columnist on Forbes
-- 3-28-2013 - Using Social Media to Attract and Hire Top Talent with Stacy
Zapar founder of Ten Fold Social
-- 4-04-2013 - Strategies in addressing buzz in Social Media with Karl
Goldfield, VP of Social Sales at Brandchats
-- 4-11-2013 - Making Customers Love You: The Real Secret to Delivering a
Legendary Customer Experience - with Jeb Blount founder of
SalesGravy.com and author of best seller 'People Buy You.'
Seating is limited to the first 100 attendees for each session, so do not put off this opportunity to getting advice from the people that have helped build the foundation of the social business culture.
About Brandchats:
Brandchats focuses on gathering and sorting every bit of information relevant to your brand. Everything from brand mentions and the competition to the keywords that are related to the business is monitored and measured in real time. You can monitor anywhere people are talking about what matters to you, whether it is Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Youtube, or blogs, forums and news sites.
Brandchats monitors like no other system. Not only does Brandchats deliver a lower false positive count than any other Social Media Monitoring tool, it detects the language of content, analyzes the influence of the user, and focuses on content by its geographical location. The unique Brandchats system also rates the feeling or tone of the content, the subject matter, and the relevant semantic entities that it contains.
Tennessee's Federal Benefit Check Recipients Must Act Now to Comply with U.S. Treasury's Electronic Payment Rule
Check recipients are required to switch from paper checks to direct deposit or the Direct Express® card by March 1, 2013
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With less than two weeks remaining until the March 1, 2013, deadline for all federal benefits to be paid electronically, the U.S. Department of the Treasury reports that Tennessee seniors and other Social Security recipients are still receiving nearly 101,000 paper checks each month.
"If you or a loved one haven't yet made the switch, please take note of this new law and sign up for electronic payments today," said David Lebryk, commissioner of the Treasury Department's Financial Management Service. "Our friendly, knowledgeable call center agents are available to answer questions and assist seniors and others with the switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express(®) card."
Use of electronic payments is widespread
In Tennessee today, more than 1.4 million monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are already made via direct deposit to a bank or credit union account, or to the Direct Express(®) Debit MasterCard(®) card. The card allows federal benefit recipients to pay bills, withdraw cash and make purchases without paying check-cashing fees. The money on the Direct Express(®) card is FDIC-insured, and many card services are free.
"By switching to direct deposit or the Direct Express(®) card, you will receive your money in a safer, easier and more reliable way. With electronic payments, your check can't be stolen out of your mailbox, and you don't need to go to the bank or credit union to deposit or cash your check every month. It's in your account on time, every time," Lebryk said. "Plus, by making the switch, you will help save American taxpayers $1 billion over 10 years."
The Treasury Department's Go Direct(® )public education campaign is working with more than 1,800 partner organizations throughout the country to spread the message about the electronic payment rule and educate federal benefit recipients about their options. The Treasury Department encourages beneficiaries who have questions about electronic payments to visit http://www.GoDirect.org to view several educational videos and print materials that explain how electronic payments work and how to use the Direct Express(®) card.
Making the switch is easy
Check recipients can sign up for direct deposit or the Direct Express(®) card by calling toll-free 1-800-333-1795 or by talking to their local federal paying agency office. People can also sign up for direct deposit online at GoDirect.org. The process is fast, easy and free.
-- By taking a few minutes to gather the necessary information ahead of
time, most federal benefit recipients can sign up for electronic
payments with one brief phone call.
-- Individuals will need their Social Security number or claim number,
their 12-digital federal benefit check number and the amount of their
most recent federal benefit check. If choosing direct deposit,
recipients also will need their financial institution's routing transit
number (often found on a personal check), account number and account
type (checking or saving).
-- There are no sign-up fees or monthly fees to receive benefits
electronically.
Anyone already receiving federal benefit payments electronically will continue to receive their money as usual on their payment day. No action is required.
The Go Direct(®) campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks. The Go Direct(®) and Direct Express(®) logos, Go Direct(®) and Direct Express(® )are registered service marks of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service (used with permission). The Direct Express(®) Debit MasterCard(®) card is issued by Comerica Bank, pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard(® )and the MasterCard(®) Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.
SOURCE U.S. Department of the Treasury
U.S. Department of the Treasury
CONTACT: Melody Barrett or Bradley Benson, Financial Management Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury, +1-202-874-6750
Advanced Trading Relaunches as Trading Community Site
New Peer-Based Site Will Foster and Facilitate Engagement Among Traders
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- UBM Tech's Advanced Trading relaunched today as a new community-based site to help traders and technologists navigate the dynamic electronic trading landscape. The new community site is designed explicitly to facilitate and foster dialogue between industry influencers, innovative traders and Advanced Trading's editors. Advanced Trading is an award winning brand that has earned the trust of thousands of leading trading executives for more than seven years. Visit the new community at http://www.advancedtrading.com/.
"Advanced Trading's shift to a community-based site stems from market demand for a better way to connect with peers," said Greg MacSweeney, Editorial Director, Advanced Trading. "The very edge of automated trading - is among the most innovative - but also most complex markets in the world, from market structure issues to the latest in trading technology. The people who best understand the market and have the most compelling points of view are the actual market participants."
Unique to Advanced Trading are the site's Thought Leaders, who will drive discussion and commentary on the site. The Thought Leaders, over 30 of the industry's most experienced market participants, have been hand selected by Advanced Trading's editorial team to share their ideas with the community. The Thought Leaders feature is unique to Advanced Trading and will help Advanced Trading's mission to be the destination for finding the true pulse of the trading community. It is a forum for insightful market voices to be heard, shared and connected. Advanced Trading Editor at Large Ivy Schmerken will provide editorial oversight to guide and nurture the conversations on the new site.
Thought Leaders and contributors to the community site include: Tim Christiansen, Sawgrass Asset Management; Mark Kuzminiskas, Robeco Investment Management; Michael Levas, Olympian Capital Management; Timothy Olsen, ICM Asset Management; Alexander Fleiss, Rebellion Research Partners; and Rob Hegarty, Thomson Reuters. For a full list, visit http://www.advancedtrading.com/thought-leaders.
In 2012, Advanced Trading's parent company, UBM, was the recipient of 38 industry awards for the community sites it developed, including best community platform and best community sites.
Advanced Trading offers technology marketers fully integrated marketing programs to engage and activate buyers of buyside technology products and services. These marketing solutions range from broad-based branding and awareness to targeted lead generation programs focused on specific topics and technologies. For more information, contact Martha Schwartz, Chief Sales Officer, at martha.schwartz@ubm.com.
About Advanced Trading
Advanced Trading, a multimedia outlet with digital media, online community, digital issues, newsletter and live events, is part of the InformationWeek Business Technology Network. Advanced Trading helps traders and technologists navigate the dynamic electronic trading landscape through its in-depth coverage of algorithmic trading, exchanges, market structure, dark pools, high-frequency trading, transaction cost analysis, trading regulations, market data, trading tools and technology infrastructure. Advanced Trading reaches the most senior and influential trading and business executives, including C-level executives, business line management, and IT executives from buy- and sell-side firms as well as exchanges and other trading venues. Advanced Trading's editorial mission is to arm financial-services executives with the critical information they need to succeed in the quickly changing world of trading. When it comes to the world of electronic trading, there's no media brand that covers it as intelligently as Advanced Trading.
About UBM Tech
UBM Tech is a global media business that provides information, events, training, data services, and marketing solutions for the technology industry. Its media brands and information services inform and inspire decision makers across the entire technology market-- engineers and design professionals, software and game developers, solutions providers and integrators, networking and communications executives, and business technology professionals. UBM Tech's industry-leading media brands include EE Times, Interop, Black Hat, InformationWeek, Game Developer Conference, CRN, and DesignCon. The company's information products include research, education, training, and data services that accelerate decision making for technology buyers. UBM Tech also offers a full range of marketing services based on its content and technology market expertise, including custom events, content marketing solutions, community development and demand generation programs. UBM Tech is a part of UBM (UBM.L), a global provider of media and information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion.
For More Information:
Contact Winnie Ng, VP of Marketing, winnie.ng@ubm.com
Real-Time Lead Retrieval, Rich Prospect Intelligence, and Social Integration Help Newly Launched atEvent Transform Events for Corporate Marketers
Mobile event app suite provides marketers with easy-to-use solutions enabling them to maximize the impact of their corporate events.
SAN RAMON, Calif., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly launched mobile event apps company atEvent, today introduced an innovative suite of mobile solutions that enable corporate marketers to maximize the impact of their events. The apps provide corporate marketers with easy-to-use, event-specific solutions that drive customer engagement and have real-time lead retrieval and lead nurturing functionality.
atEvent enters the market during a transformational time in the corporate event space. Marketing spend in the event space is projected to rise at double the pace of the U.S. economy¹ and 30 percent of marketers over the past year alone have indicated that they've seen the highest ROI from events and seminars².
However, despite this acceleration marketers continue to face the challenge of being unable to retrieve event-driven leads quickly and take action on them. Lead decay resulting from events is at an all-time high with 71 percent of companies indicating they are unable to take advantage of leads they generate, and only 27 percent of leads ever being contacted at all³.
This has created a greater demand than ever before for an easy-to-use mobile event solution that corporate marketers can depend on to improve engagement, retrieve and nurture leads quickly leveraging their CRM solutions to drive higher ROI from their events.
atEvent apps are tailored to help corporate marketers maximize the impact of their events by driving engagement utilizing industry leading mobile event functionality and enabling real-time lead retrieval and nurturing. atEvent apps deliver enhanced attendee experiences with relevant, real-time information, connections and a range of interactive features at every step of the way -- pre-event, during-event, and post-event.
The apps are being used by corporate marketers to add another dimension to all kinds of events, including sales and marketing events, partner events, product launches, developer events, training events, recruiting events, fund raising events and webinars.
Among the many features of atEvent apps that are being leveraged by corporate marketers include:
-- Real-Time Prospect Follow-Up: atEvent apps provide real-time lead
retrieval and enhance prospect profiles via CRM and marketing automation
integration with leading technology vendors, enabling corporate
marketers to improve prospect follow-up and conversions after their
event. For a list of CRM and marketing automation vendors that are
fully integrated with atEvent please visit http://www.at-event.com.
-- Social Media Integration: Corporate marketers are using atEvent apps to
connect their social media channels and drive mobile app engagement
before, during and after their event. atEvent apps are fully integrated
with the most comprehensive list of social platforms available on the
market today, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr,
Google+, Instagram and Foursquare.
-- Mobile Event Marketing Platform: atEvent apps allows companies to use
pre-approved mobile event templates (legal, brand, privacy and IT
approved) in multiple languages and integrated into their CRM, marketing
automation and event registration systems.
-- Real-Time Prospect Feedback: With real-time communications, polling
functionality and event buzz features, corporate marketers can use
atEvent apps to completely transform how they engage with attendees at
their events.
-- Rich Prospect Intelligence: atEvent apps provide corporate marketers
with detailed insights around prospect needs and interests, allowing
them to optimize their follow up strategies after the event.
"With the launch of atEvent, corporate marketers can look forward to taking their events to an entirely new level of customer engagement and bottom line impact," said Uzair Dada, CEO of atEvent. "With atEvent apps, event planners, marketers and sales personnel now have a fully-integrated mobile solution that enables them to drive meaningful interactions with targeted content and capture real-time leads and prospect feedback at their events."
For more information on atEvent, including feature descriptions, customer listings, and product demo requests, please visit http://www.at-event.com.
About atEvent
atEvent creates tailored apps designed to maximize the impact of your next event. atEvent apps provide corporate marketers with event-specific solutions that have real-time lead retrieval and lead nurturing functionality. They empower event marketers to optimize attendee experiences with relevant, real-time information, connections and interactive features.
Bourns Expands Line of Non-Contacting Rotary Position Sensors
New Models Designed to Help Increase Product Life and Provide High Reliability for Applications Operating in Rugged Environments
RIVERSIDE, Calif., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bourns, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, today announced it has expanded its line of non-contacting rotary position sensors with two new models. Designed to help increase the product lifespan and reliability of applications that operate in rugged environments, the Bourns(®) Model AMS22U and Model AMM20B utilize magnetic Hall Effect (HE) technology that helps increase operational life and reliability even in harsh environments. Bourns(®) non-contacting rotary position sensors offer an ideal solution for applications such as patient platform position feedback, pneumatic control valve position feedback, actuator motor position feedback, lift/shuttle suspension systems, and tilt control feedback. These applications are used in a wide range of industrial, commercial, medical, and automotive applications.
"In response to evolving requirements for higher performance and product longevity for applications that must operate in harsh or rugged environments, Bourns' new non-contacting position sensors offer a cost-effective solution that meets stringent reliability standards," said Chuck Manzano, Application Engineer for Sensors and Controls at Bourns, Inc. "In addition, our customers are finding non-contacting sensing technology much more attractive due to its consistent performance over life and excellent performance in harsh environments resulting in reduced component replacement costs."
The Bourns(®) Model AMS22U is a single-turn, non-contacting rotary position sensor that offers a rotational life of up to 100 million cycles for superior longevity and reliability. The new sensor features a 1/8-inch shaft supported by dual ball bearings and a factory programmable electrical angle from 10 to 360 degrees.
The Bourns(®) Model AMM20B is a multiturn, non-contacting rotary position sensor that features a rotational life of up to 50 million cycles, depending on the product and particular application. The new sensor features a slim profile package for space constrained applications, 12-bit resolution and a factory programmable electrical angle from 1080 to 3600 degrees.
Pricing and Availability
The new non-contacting rotary position sensors are available now in samples and production quantities. As a pricing reference, the Bourns(®) Model AMS22U is priced at $35 each in 1,000 piece quantities. The Bourns(®) Model AMM20B is priced at $24 each in 1,000 piece quantities. Both models are available through Bourns' distribution sales channels.
About Bourns
Bourns, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of automotive sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic products, microelectronic modules, trimming and precision potentiometers, panel controls and encoders and resistive products. Headquartered in Riverside, CA, Bourns serves a broad range of markets, including telecommunications, computer, industrial, instrumentation, automotive, consumer, non-critical life support medical, audio and various other market segments. Bourns(®) products are manufactured according to ISO-9000 and ISO 14001 standards under Six Sigma quality programs. Bourns(®) automotive products are manufactured in accordance with the TS16949 standard. Additional company and product information is available at the company's website at http://www.bourns.com.
Bourns(® )and the Bourns logo are registered trademarks of Bourns, Inc. and may be used only with the permission of Bourns and proper acknowledgement. Other listed names and brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Agency Contact:
Annette Keller
Keller Communication
(949) 640-4811
annettekeller@sbcglobal.net
Company Contact:
Mikelyn Bridges
Bourns, Inc.
(951) 781-5397
mike.bridges@bourns.com
Avella Takes the Mystery Out of Specialty Pharmacies
Leading specialty pharmacy develops online video
PHOENIX, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Avella Specialty Pharmacy announces it has developed an online video titled, "What is a Specialty Pharmacy?" that explains the role of specialty pharmacies and how they serve their patients. The 1-minute, 45-second video utilizes animation to describe the differences between specialty pharmacies and traditional retail pharmacies. It also articulates the types of medical conditions treated and clinical support provided by specialty pharmacies. In addition, viewers learn how Avella provides expert clinical support to their patients.
"Consistent with our mission of optimizing patient health, the video was developed for patients so they can quickly understand how specialty pharmacies can assist them in managing their various disease states," stated John Musil, Pharm.D., founder and CEO of Avella.
Specialty pharmacies play a key role in providing patients with complex medical conditions access to medications and in monitoring those patients to ensure correct usage. The video may be found at http://youtu.be/u8ZVCuZet7I or http://www.avella.com.
About Avella Specialty Pharmacy
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Avella Specialty Pharmacy (formerly operating as The Apothecary Shops) is a National Accredited Specialty Pharmacy, providing individualized care and support to patients since 1996. Avella's clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care. The company offers a nationwide distribution service to complement its retail locations. Avella reached 1,064th on Inc. magazine's list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country, up more than 500 places from 2011. In addition, The Arizona Corporate Excellence Awards has named Avella Specialty Pharmacy as the fastest-growing private company based in the state. For more information, please visit Avella.com.
Digital Rapids Transcends Transcoding with Release of Highly-Anticipated Media Processing Upgrade and Platform
MARKHAM, Ontario, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Rapids - the trusted provider of innovative media transformation and workflow solutions for bringing content to wider audiences - today announced the immediate availability of version 2.0 of the Digital Rapids Transcode Manager(®) automated media processing software, powered by the ground-breaking Kayak(®) dynamic workflow platform.
The enterprise-class Transcode Manager 2.0 software goes far beyond transcoding and workflow orchestration, seamlessly blending media file transformation and workflow processes while offering unparalleled efficiency and agility for applications from post production and archive to multi-screen distribution. Building on the unique benefits of the Kayak platform, version 2.0 of Transcode Manager combines its robust management tools and hallmarks of superior output quality and format flexibility with powerful new advances including adaptive, logic-driven workflow automation with rich metadata support; intuitive, visual workflow design tools; dynamic deployment; fast, easy integration of new and emerging technologies; and a deep ecosystem of third-party technology partners.
Digital Rapids Transcode Manager is deployed in a distributed architecture, with dynamic allocation ensuring that the right workflows are available at the right scale to match job requirements and volumes at any given time. A Transcode Manager Server manages and deploys customized tasks across processing Engines on multiple computing resources, optimizing resource utilization and bringing the scalability, flexibility, and transparency of the cloud to on-premises operations. Transcode Manager Server 2.0 can manage both new Kayak Engines and earlier-generation Transcode Engines, providing a smooth transition for existing Transcode Manager users.
The new Kayak Engines also expand Transcode Manager's extensive capabilities with new format support - including the UltraViolet(TM) Common File Format (CFF) - and new processing features such as Dolby(®) loudness correction with Dolby Dialog Intelligence(TM) for compliance with audio regulations such as the United States' CALM (Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation) Act.
"Digital Rapids Transcode Manager 2.0 has been our most anticipated new release to date, and we're thrilled to be putting its power into the hands of our customers," said Darren Gallipeau, Product Manager at Digital Rapids. "Transcode Manager 2.0's logic-driven automation and flexible process design capabilities give users unmatched control of their media transformation workflows while maximizing their efficiency. Meanwhile, its catalog-based, modular architecture and dynamic deployment model enable users to rapidly integrate new capabilities, scale seamlessly and adapt quickly to new opportunities and market trends."
Digital Rapids Transcode Manager 2.0, Kayak and the complete range of Digital Rapids solutions will be showcased in booth number SL5624 at the 2013 NAB Show, April 8-11 in Las Vegas. For more information about Digital Rapids, please visit http://www.digitalrapids.com.
About Digital Rapids Corporation - Digital Rapids provides market-leading content transformation and workflow solutions that empower the world's leading media organizations to reach wider audiences more efficiently, more effectively and more profitably. Recipients of more than two dozen prestigious awards for company and product excellence, Digital Rapids combines innovative technology with proven expertise and visionary insight to help our customers expand their audiences, increase their revenues, and reduce their costs. Digital Rapids Corporation (http://www.digitalrapids.com) is headquartered in Ontario, Canada with offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Australia and Argentina.
Copyright 2013 Digital Rapids Corporation. All rights reserved. Digital Rapids, the Digital Rapids logo, Digital Rapids Transcode Manager and Kayak are trademarks or registered trademarks of Digital Rapids Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Xyratex Advances Lustre® Initiative, Assumes Ownership of Related Assets
Xyratex plans to offer Lustre community and ClusterStor(TM) users significant value
HAVANT, United Kingdom, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Xyratex Ltd (Nasdaq: XRTX), a leading provider of data storage technology, today announced it plans to advance the global Lustre(®) portfolio by supporting the community-oriented development of Lustre as an open source file system and continuing to work in conjunction with the broader community to help chart the best path forward for this key technology. Xyratex has recently acquired the original Lustre trademark, logo, website and associated intellectual property from Oracle, and will assume responsibility for providing support to Lustre customers going forward.
"Lustre is a powerful open source file system, and Xyratex strongly believes that all members of the Lustre community need to continue to play a part in the evolution of the code and the benefits it delivers over the long term," said Steve Barber, CEO of Xyratex. "We want to ensure that current Lustre customers get the best possible feature roadmap and support, and we intend to engage the entire community to advance the Lustre technology. We also appreciate Oracle's support of Lustre, and their efforts to ensure the long-term success of the technology."
The Lustre file system, which was first released in 2003, is a client/server based, distributed architecture designed for large-scale compute and I/O-intensive, performance-sensitive applications. The Lustre architecture currently powers six of the top 10 high-performance computing (HPC) clusters in the world and more than 60 of the 100-largest HPC installations. It has emerged as a particularly popular choice in the meteorology, simulation, oil and gas, life science, rich media and finance sectors.
This purchase also gives Xyratex the opportunity to continue to leverage Lustre and provide more value through its best-of-breed ClusterStor(TM) family of scale-out HPC data storage solutions. ClusterStor delivers a new standard in file system performance, scalability and efficiency, and brings together what were previously discrete server, network and storage platforms with their own separate software layers. The results are integrated, modular, scale-out storage building blocks that enable systems to scale both performance and capacity while aggressively reducing space, power and administrative overhead.
"Cray has been using Lustre as our primary parallel file system for the past 10 years, and has deployed some of the largest and most successful Lustre installations in the world with a variety of storage products," said Barry Bolding, vice president of storage and data management at Cray. "We have recently worked with Xyratex to deploy successful Lustre installations in the government, energy, manufacturing and academic markets with the Cray Sonexion storage system, including the record-breaking NCSA installation running Lustre at over 1TB/sec. This announcement is another important step for Lustre and the OpenSFS community, and shows the promising future of the Lustre file system in supercomputing and Big Data."
"Xyratex' deep knowledge of Lustre, and ability to deploy and support it, has been critical in helping NCSA bring the Blue Waters system into production and making a new class of computational and data focused petascale system usable for our scientific and engineering teams," said Dr. William Kramer, Blue Waters Deputy Directory at the University of Illinois' National Center for Supercomputing Application, whose Blue Waters supercomputer is amongst the fastest and most efficient in the world. "With Xyratex in a leadership role and continuing to work with the broader community, we have the utmost confidence that Lustre will continue to produce significant innovation, for the benefit of computational and data focused communities."
"This strategic move by Xyratex is great news for the worldwide HPC community and the technical computing industry, because it shows a significant commitment to the future of Lustre," said Earl Joseph, program vice president of high-performance systems at IDC. "Xyratex has been an integral member of the HPC and open-source community, and has worked with many partners in the community to bring Lustre to end users and deliver tremendous value. With Xyratex in this role, I'm looking forward to see what's next for Lustre in terms of innovation and value, especially as we race towards exascale solutions."
"Our organization is committed to facilitating collaboration and support for Lustre in the open file system community," said Hugo Falter, director of European Open File System (EOFS). "Time and time again Xyratex has demonstrated its commitment to move Lustre forward with the rest of the open source community and make it more reliable for end users. I have complete confidence that Xyratex will remain true to this commitment over the long term."
"OpenSFS actively supports the HPC open source file system community of which Xyratex is an active Member," said Norm Morse, CEO at OpenSFS. "This acquisition gives Xyratex a great opportunity in concert with other members of the Lustre community to continue the stability needed to ensure Lustre remains a vital part of HPC going forward. We look forward to working with Xyratex in the future."
"Xyratex, through this purchase, puts Lustre into the hands of a company that is focused on the needs of High Performance Computing, which is a good thing for the HPC community," said Addison Snell, CEO at Intersect360 Research. "Over the past few years the community has made significant progress in addressing these concerns, and Xyratex is well-positioned to facilitate the continued development and evolution of Lustre in the years ahead."
"Xyratex's knowledge of Lustre, and ability to deploy and support it, is of tremendous value to the Lustre community," said Tommy Minyard, director of advanced computing systems at Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC). "With Xyratex continuing to play an active role going forward, we have the utmost confidence that the Lustre community will continue to produce significant innovation, for the benefit of everyone."
"Xyratex' acquisition of the Lustre assets secures the trust the community needs to continue investing in Lustre as a critical data access technology," said Peter ffoulkes, research director for servers, virtualization and cloud computing at 451 Research. "Lustre is an integral component of some of the fastest and largest data storage systems in production today, a requirement that is only going to increase as the 'Internet of Things' feeds the proliferation of 'Big Data' in both private and public cloud environments. As the largest supplier of OEM data storage offerings, Xyratex has taken a strategic step to ensure the continued adoption of Lustre as a preferred solution for the most demanding data storage and access environments."
Xyratex is active and plays an integral role within several Lustre and HPC community organizations, including: OpenSFS; European Open File System (EOFS); the Exascale I/O Workgroup (EIOW); and the European Technology Platform for High Performance Computing (ETP4HPC).
About Xyratex
Xyratex is a leading provider of data storage technology, including modular solutions for the enterprise data storage industry and hard disk drive (HDD) capital equipment for the HDD industry. Xyratex enterprise data storage platforms provide a range of advanced, scalable data storage solutions for the Original Equipment Manufacturer and High Performance Computing communities. As the largest capital equipment supplier to the HDD industry, Xyratex enables disk drive manufacturers and their component suppliers to meet today's technology and productivity requirements. Xyratex has over 25 years of experience in research and development relating to disk drives, storage systems and manufacturing process technology.
Founded in 1994 in an MBO from IBM, and with headquarters in the United Kingdom, Xyratex has an established global base with R&D and operational facilities in North America, Asia and Europe.
Lustre is a registered trademark of Xyratex Ltd. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE Xyratex Ltd
Xyratex Ltd
CONTACT: Brad Driver, Vice President of Investor Relations, +1-510-687-5260, bdriver@xyratex.com, or Mike Stolz, Vice President of Marketing and Alliances, +1-952-303-4780, mstolz@xyratex.com
Razer Re-Releases StarCraft® II Peripherals In Advance Of Impending Swarm For A Limited Time
Critically acclaimed Razer StarCraft® II Peripherals Are Back for Heart of the Swarm(TM) expansion, giving players the competitive edge
CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Razer(TM), the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, announced the re-release of its peripheral lineup for Blizzard Entertainment's StarCraft® II: Heart of the Swarm(TM) expansion, the highly anticipated next installment of the acclaimed StarCraft franchise. The entire suite of StarCraft II peripherals, designed specifically for the prestigious real-time strategy (RTS) game, is once again available in all its glory. The line includes the Razer Spectre(TM) StarCraft® II Gaming Mouse, the Razer Marauder(TM) StarCraft® II Gaming Keyboard and the Razer Banshee(TM) StarCraft® II Gaming Headset.
"The initial response we received on the announcement of the original StarCraft II peripherals was simply amazing and, as a way of giving back to our diehard fans and the StarCraft community, we want to make these products available once more," said Min-Liang Tan - co-founder, CEO and creative director of Razer. "These peripherals speak to the quality of Razer products as a whole and give StarCraft players the edge they crave on the battlefield."
The Razer Spectre, Razer Marauder and Razer Banshee all feature custom-backlighting to match any gaming rig and are able to electrify StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm gameplay through an APM (Actions-Per-Minute) Lighting System. The APM Lighting System offers a fully integrated gaming experience that responds directly to a player's maneuvers and speed, providing vibrant performance feedback that gamers can see. Each peripheral also features a gaming-optimized design with an emphasis on portability for tournament play and is stylized with design elements from the StarCraft® universe.
The announcement comes in the wake of StarCraft II's successful 2012 tournament season.
Additionally, fans of the popular RTS title can enter for a chance to win each of the StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm peripherals by going to http://www.razerzone.com/HOTSsweepstakes.
About the Razer Spectre(TM) StarCraft® II Gaming Mouse
Tournament-ready and designed for StarCraft® II, the Razer Spectre(TM) StarCraft® II Gaming Mouse is a lightweight, five-button mouse designed to provide precision and control for RTS gamers. The Razer Spectre features the newly developed APM Lighting System with a multicolor LED that provides real-time performance feedback through changing lighting hues and adjustable mouse button force settings for optimal mouse click speed and control. Equipped with a powerful 5600 dpi Razer Precision 3.5G laser sensor and a 1000 Hz Ultrapolling/1 ms response time, the Razer Spectre StarCraft II Gaming Mouse gives gamers exactly what they are looking for in an RTS mouse.
PRICE: US $59.99; Europe EUR59.99
FEATURES:
-- StarCraft II®-inspired Design
-- Lightweight, Fingertip-Grip 5 Button Mouse
-- 5600 dpi Razer Precision 3.5G Laser Sensor
-- Backlit Mouse with APM Lighting System
-- Mouse Click Button Force Adjustment
-- 1000 Hz Ultrapolling/1 ms Response Time
-- Hardware Configuration Utility
IMAGES:
Black Background
White Background
Transparent Background
AVAILABILITY:
Available now
About the Razer Marauder(TM) StarCraft® II Gaming Keyboard
Designed for StarCraft® II, the Razer Marauder(TM) StarCraft® II Gaming Keyboard is a full-featured, tournament-ready keyboard maximized for compact design. The Razer Marauder features a multi-color backlit keyboard with an APM Lighting System that provides real-time performance feedback through changing color hues to complement the gaming experience. Enhanced with elevated keys for rapid command input and improved gaming performance and a dedicated on-the-fly macro recording system, the Razer Marauder is built with a gaming-optimized design inspired by the StarCraft universe.
PRICE: US $99.99; Europe EUR99.99
FEATURES:
-- StarCraft II®-inspired Design
-- Optimized Key Travel Distance
-- Backlit Keyboard with APM Lighting System
-- Optimized Spacing with Laser-etched Keys
-- Razer Hyperesponse Technology
-- 1000 Hz Ultrapolling/1 ms Response
-- Hardware Configuration Utility
IMAGES:
Black Background
White Background
Transparent Background
AVAILABILITY:
Available now
About the Razer Banshee(TM) StarCraft® II Gaming Headset
Designed for StarCraft® II, with a focus on maximum performance, comfort and sound isolation, the Razer Banshee(TM) StarCraft II Gaming Headset features a newly developed, multi-color APM Lighting System that provides real-time feedback on player performance. The Razer Banshee is equipped with a configuration utility for customized adjustments of equalizer, pitch and volume. Other special features include a detachable microphone boom for easy transport and a comfortable circumaural construction, all in a gaming-optimized design inspired by the StarCraft universe.
PRICE: US $89.99; Europe EUR89.99
FEATURES:
-- Gaming-Optimized Performance & Comfort
-- StarCraft II®-inspired Design
-- Backlit Headset with APM Lighting System
-- Circumaural Design with 50 mm Driver Units
-- Built-in Volume & Mic Control Buttons
-- Detachable Microphone Boom
-- Unified Software Configurator
IMAGES:
Black Background
White Background
Transparent Background
AVAILABILITY:
Available Now
About the Razer StarCraft® II Zerg Edition Messenger Bag
The Razer StarCraft® II Zerg Edition Messenger Bag features artwork from the game and is designed to protect gaming gear in style.
PRICE:
US $79.99; Europe EUR79.99
FEATURES:
-- Tear-resistant, weather-proof heavy duty 1680 DEN ballistic nylon outer
shell
-- Single shoulder sling design for added mobility
-- Easy, one-handed release chest clasp enables quick and convenient access
-- Built-in compartments for laptops, gaming peripherals and portable
gaming device
-- Padded inner lining protects electronic devices and provides ample shock
absorbency while on the road
About the Razer Group:
Razer(TM) is the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems. Founded in 1998, with its headquarters in Carlsbad, California, the company has offices in nine cities around the globe. Used by the most demanding professional gamers who compete in global tournaments, Razer provides gamers with the unfair advantage of cutting-edge technology and award-winning design. We live by our motto: For Gamers. By Gamers.(TM)
CONTACT: USA/Latin America, Kevin Scarpati, Kevin.Scarpati@razerzone.com, or Europe/Africa, Henrike Rohloff, henrike.rohloff@razerzone.com, or Asia Pacific, Jarieul Wong, Jarieul.Wong@razerzone.com, or China, Chris Chen, Chris.Chen@razerzone.com, or Global, Alain Mazer, Alain.Mazer@razerzone.com
Knetik Media and Digital Development Management Join Forces to Offer Gaming Platform Solutions Worldwide
Partnership will connect video game developers and publishers with cutting-edge digital content delivery
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Knetik Media and Digital Development Management (DDM) announced today they are partnering to offer video game developers, publishers, and the industry at large digital content delivery for online and mobile games via Knetik Media's state-of-the-art turnkey platform. Today's announcement was made by Knetik Media Chief Executive Officer Shane Robinett, DDM Founder & Managing Partner Jeff Hilbert and DDM President Joe Minton.
Knetik Media's advanced gaming platform allows pro and casual gamers to benefit from the multitude of gaming related entertainment features, such as social media integration, tournaments, clans, achievements and in-game micro transactions across any PC, tablet or mobile device worldwide. It provides these features within a secure framework that has support for billing using multiple payment options, integrated SSO, and a robust administrative system for managing users, games, and devices.
"This is an exciting growth opportunity for our company that allows us to reach a whole new type of gamer," said Knetik Media Chief Executive Officer, Shane Robinett. "It's important that innovative companies like Knetik and DDM maintain strong relationships to provide customers with the best possible gaming experience." Knetik Media's experience operating in both the Over-The-Top (OTT) Gaming and Video/TV industries provides for a robust platform with proven scalability and high availability. Knetik Media has delivered over a billion assets to over 50 million unique consumers world-wide.
As the leading consultancy and agency for video games and digital entertainment, DDM represents some of the most prominent independent development studios in the gaming industry including Ninja Theory (DmC Devil May Cry), Yager (Spec Ops: The Line), Slant Six Games (Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City), and Zombie Studios (Blacklight: Retribution). In addition to its Game Studio Representation division, DDM offers industry guidance for successful expansion in the video game business through Game Industry Services (GIS), and facilitates production needs to handle all aspects of bringing a game to market through Game Production Services (GPS). DDM will help source opportunities to deliver rich gaming content to a broader, global audience using Knetik Media's platform through its GPS division.
Red Stallion Interactive (RSI), a new world-class publisher in the Middle East region and the first client from the collaboration between DDM and Knetik, will provide a superior platform to the Arabian Gulf video game industry's growing customer base. RSI plans to offer the feature-rich gaming platform, which enables users to earn points, rewards and engage in micro transactions, throughout seventeen Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
"Knetik Media's advanced gaming platform provides a complete solution that includes the integration of current gaming systems, social media features and in-game billing components that all work together to provide users with the high quality gaming experience they demand," said RSI Managing Director Faisal Alireza.
"DDM is pushing the door open, allowing us to move into new markets and service a new class of opportunities around the globe as we move from servicing telecoms and operators to game developers and publishers," said Robinett.
"With their gaming platform, Knetik offers a complete turnkey solution that would ordinarily take a company well over a year to build and Knetik does it at a fraction of that cost," said Minton. "We're proud to have Knetik on board as a production services partner and excited about the opportunities this opens up for both our companies."
About Knetik Media (http://KnetikMedia.com)
Knetik Media is a leading platform development firm delivering energized multi-purpose web based online gaming services. Knetik Media's solutions benefit gaming consumers, developers and distributors alike by providing services such as game localization, community management, partnership management and system integration. Both casual and pro gamers benefit from the multitude of online gaming related entertainment features that allow for a more advanced game playing experience, while developers and distributors benefit from using the platform solutions to reduce marketing time and cost of ownership for these gaming services. Knetik Media also focuses on the successful deployment of dynamic video-on-demand (VOD) and over-the-topology (OTT) solutions, which are assisting telecommunication companies, among other industries, around the globe. For more information about Knetik Media visit http://KnetikMedia.com
About Digital Development Management
Created in 2005 by Founder & Managing Partner Jeff Hilbert and President Joe Minton, Digital Development Management (DDM) is the leading consultancy and agency for video games and digital entertainment. With an accomplished team of industry veterans, DDM maintains three core practice areas: Game Studio Representation, Game Industry Services, and Game Production Services. Each of these areas provides an important service to companies that are involved in every aspect of video game production, development, and distribution. Headquartered in Massachusetts, DDM's worldwide footprint includes offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information about DDM visit http://www.ddmagency.com/.
Break the Mold: The New HTC One from AT&T Brings Your Mobile World to Life
DALLAS, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, AT&T* announced its plans to carry HTC's global flagship smartphone, the new HTC One®. The HTC One offers a new perspective on smartphones with HTC Sense innovations that allow you to use your smartphone in ways you never could before - bringing your memories, experiences and interactions to life.
The HTC One is 4G LTE enabled, allowing customers to take advantage of the latest wireless technology to achieve ultra-fast speeds. AT&T has the nation's largest 4G network covering 288 million people.** At launch, AT&T will offer the HTC One in silver and black, and customers will have the option to choose between 32GB or 64GB memory variants.
"As our lives become increasingly mobile, our smartphones play the vital role of keeping us connected to the things we value most in life," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president-Devices, AT&T. "The HTC One's revolutionary way of tapping into your day-to-day activities and creating a truly personalized experience, combined with AT&T's lightning fast 4G LTE network, makes sure you have access to the information you want, when you need it."
Real-Time Connections
While a typical app may pique your interest, HTC BlinkFeed(TM) engrosses you in customized content and real-time updates streamed live on your home screen. HTC BlinkFeed aggregates your content from a variety of media sources, serving up fresh content all in one place, without the need to jump between multiple applications and web sites.
A Living Photo Gallery
Anyone can take a photo, but HTC Zoe(TM) on the HTC One lets you grab the entire moment and bring it to life in three-second snippets. Special moments like birthdays and sporting events can be captured in Zoes, photos and videos then uniquely displayed in a living gallery that you can set to music and special effects. AT&T Locker helps you hold onto those memories no matter where you are. You can automatically store photos, videos and documents securely in the cloud, so you can access and share from your smartphone or computer. The HTC UltraPixel Camera with a breakthrough sensor gathers 300 percent more light than traditional smartphone camera sensors and delivers outstanding low-light performance.
Raw Power, Beauty and Fine Detail Sound Quality
Boasting a powerful 1.7 GHz quad-core processor, and zero-gap aluminum unibody with a 4.7-inch full HD (1080p) screen, the HTC One helps you run games and other applications easily. Dual front-facing speakers and a built-in amplifier bring music, movies and games alive in a way unrivaled by other smartphones. Since the speakers are on the front of the device, you no longer have to worry about muffled sound when setting your phone down. HTC BoomSound(TM) on the HTC One provides richer, clearer sound with less distortion, as well as the authentic sound experience you expect from built-in Beats by Dr. Dre Audio.
Entertainment World at Your Fingertips
Not only does HTC One let you take your favorite music, movies and TV shows with you anywhere, but it also serves as your interactive TV Guide and remote control. HTC SenseTV(TM) can be set up in a few simple steps and gives you the ability to access electronic program guides and control a set-top box, including AT&T U-verse®, and home theatre right from your phone's screen. Not sure what you want to watch? With SenseTV, you can search for content by categories including movies, TV shows, sports, social media and more.
The HTC One features AT&T DriveMode®, an app that helps curb texting and driving. The app can be set-up to automatically send a customizable reply to incoming messages once a vehicle starts moving 25 mph. The auto-reply message is similar to an "out-of-office alert" and can reply to texts, emails and wireless callers letting your friends know that you are driving and unable to respond.***
Setting up your new HTC One is a snap with AT&T Ready2Go, a free service that helps you to easily set up and personalize your device in minutes from the comfort of your personal computer. With Ready2Go, it's easy to set up your email accounts, import your contacts, connect to your social networks and more.
*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.
**4G speeds not available everywhere. Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network.
***Data and text messaging charges may apply for download and app usage. Standard messaging rates apply to auto-reply messages. AT&T DriveMode is free to AT&T customers only. Compatible device required.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's largest 4G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, 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.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.
Introducing The New HTC One®, A New Perspective On Smartphones
HTC BlinkFeed(TM), HTC Zoe(TM) and HTC BoomSound(TM) Deliver HTC One's Unprecedented New Smartphone Experience
LONDON and NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced its new flagship smartphone, the new HTC One. Crafted with a distinct zero-gap aluminum unibody, the new HTC One introduces HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Zoe and HTC BoomSound, key new HTC Sense(®) innovationsthat reinvent the mobile experience and set a new standard for smartphones.
"People today immerse themselves in a constant stream of updates, news and information. Although smartphones are one of the main ways we stay in touch with the people and information we care about, conventional designs have failed to keep pace with how people are actually using them," said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. "A new, exciting approach to the smartphone is needed, and with the new HTC One, we have reimagined the mobile experience from the ground up to reflect this new reality."
HTC BlinkFeed: A Personal Live Stream Right on the Home Screen
At the center of the new HTC One experience is HTC BlinkFeed. HTC BlinkFeed is a bold new experience that transforms the home screen into a single live stream of personally relevant information such as social updates, entertainment and lifestyle updates, news, and photos with immersive images so that people no longer need to go to separate applications to find out what's happening. HTC BlinkFeed aggregates the freshest content from the most relevant and interesting sources, giving it to people at a glance, all in one place, without the need to jump between multiple applications and websites.
To enable this new dynamic approach to the smartphone, HTC will provide both local and global content from more than 1,400 media sources with more than 10,000 articles per day from some of the most innovative media companies, such as the AOL family of media properties, ESPN, MTV, Vice Media, Cool Hunting, Reuters and many others. For more information on HTC BlinkFeed's content partners, visit the HTC Blog.
HTC UltraPixel Camera With HTC Zoe
The breakthrough HTC UltraPixel Camera redefines how people capture, relive and share their most precious moments. HTC Zoe gives people the ability to shoot high-resolution photos that come to life in three-second snippets. These Zoes, photos and videos are then displayed in a unique way that brings the gallery to life and transforms the traditional photo gallery of still images into a motion gallery of memories. It also automatically creates integrated highlight films from each event composed of Zoes, photos and videos set to music with professionally designed cuts, transitions and effects. These highlight videos can be remixed or set to different themes and can be easily shared on social networks, email and other services.
To enable this innovative camera experience, HTC developed a custom camera that includes a best-in-class f/2.0 aperture lens and a breakthrough sensor with UltraPixels that gather 300 percent more light than traditional smartphone camera sensors. This new approach also delivers astounding low-light performance and a variety of other improvements to photos and videos. In addition, the perfect self-portrait or video is just a tap away with an ultrawide-angle, front-facing camera, which supports 1080p video capture. Multiaxis optical image stabilization for the rear camera also helps ensure video footage is smooth whether stationary or on the move. HTC Zoe adds many other features and effects, such as enhanced 360-degree panorama, time sequencing and object removal.
HTC BoomSound
The new HTC One offers the best audio experience of any mobile phone available today. HTC BoomSound introduces, for the first time on a phone, front-facing stereo speakers with a dedicated amplifier and an amazing, full-high-definition (HD) display that immerses people in music, videos, games and the YouTube(TM) clips they love. Beatsaudio(TM) integration is enabled across the entire experience for rich, authentic sound whether you're listening to your favorite music, watching a YouTube video or playing a game.
HDR recording uses advanced dual microphones and audio processing to capture clean, rich sound that is worthy of HD video footage. Phone calls sound great on HTC One thanks to the addition of HTC Sense Voice(TM), which boosts the call volume and quality in noisy environments so that conversations come through loud and clear.
HTC Sense TV(TM)
HTC Sense TV transforms the new HTC One into an interactive program guide and remote control for most TVs, set-top boxes and receivers. Tapping the power of the cloud, Sense TV makes it simple and intuitive to see what's on and find that favorite show.
Metal Unibody Design
Wrapped in a zero-gap aluminum unibody and sporting a brilliant, 4.7-inch, full-HD (1080p) screen,the new HTC One features the latest Android Jelly Bean operating system and LTE network technology to offer blazingly fast browsing in a package that combines premium design with breakthrough build quality.
Available in stunning silver and beautiful black, the sleek and crafted aluminum unibody sits comfortably in the hand and showcases HTC's unique antenna technology, which helps people achieve a crystal-clear signal. The display also resists scratches and reduces glare, while offering incredible 468ppi resolution and rich, natural colors.
Global Availability
The new HTC One will be available globally through more than 185 mobile operators and major retailers in more than 80 regions and countries beginning in March. For more information and to preregister for the new HTC One, visit http://www.htc.com.
Asia-Pacific: China Mobile Hong Kong Company Ltd., ChungHwa Telecom, 3HK, CSL, Fareastone, M1, Mobifone, Optus, PCCW mobile, Reliance Communications, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., SmarTone, StarHub, Taiwan Mobile, Telecom New Zealand, Telstra, Vodafone Australia, Vodafone New Zealand.
China: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
North America: AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Cincinnati Bell and Best Buy in the United States and in Canada with Rogers Communications, Bell, TELUS and Virgin Mobile Canada.
Latin America: Claro Argentina (America Movil), Telecom Personal Argentina, Entel Chile, Iusacell Mexico, Telcel Mexico (America Movil), Claro Peru (America Movil), Claro Puerto Rico (America Movil), Movistar Venezuela (Telefonica)
About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC's portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by the HTC Sense(®) user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit http://www.htc.com.
NetCom Learning's New Federal Learning Division Targets Top Government, Federal and Military Agencies
NetCom Learning expects major sales growth in federal business segment
NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- NetCom Learning, the award winning learning solutions company, announce they have appointed best-proven leader, Anthony Khan, to head up new the company's new Federal Learning division. Anthony, as Director of Federal Learning, will focus on the company's federal clients. Anthony Khan has been with NetCom Learning since 2007 and since joining NetCom Learning, the company has improved its sales margins each year with 2012 reaching the top sales in the company's history. He has more than ten years of experience in enterprise learning solution sales and has been named Leader of the Month and Salesperson of the Year for NetCom Learning for three years in a row. With Khan in place, NetCom Learning is expected to reach over one million in revenues in federal sales over the next year. Government and federal agencies are expected and in some cases required to keep their staff up to date and certified in the latest in information technology in order to keep data, and information systems secure.
"We are pleased that one of our top performers will be taking responsibility for our company's federal and government clients," said Russell Sarder, CEO of NetCom Learning. "We are proud that the government turns to us to provide service for their training needs and I know that Anthony will assist our federal clients with the high level of service for which he is known and that we demand for all our clients," said Sarder.
Proven history with government clients
NetCom Learning has been working with federal, military and government clients since the inception of the business. The company has a long track record of success in providing government clients with the important training they need to do their jobs. Recently NetCom Learning provided ITIL certification and Microsoft SharePoint 2010 training for a government military client for more than 480 new recruits and staff with onsite classes. This same client has used NetCom Learning before for end user training due to the company's history of success, excellent student pass record, qualified instructors and high trust record.
IT Security Coursework
Network and IT security is especially important in the nation's capital with IBM, Lockheed Martin, and top government and military agencies. NetCom Learning is a platinum authorized partner with CompTIA which provides vendor neutral IT certifications in IT security including Security + which is an industry certification standard. NetCom Learning has also been recognized by the EC-Council as authorized training center and received the EC-Council Circle of Excellence Award. NetCom Learning offers training in IT security including preparation for CompTIA security certifications and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), the Computer Hacker Forensic Investigator (CHFI).
Department of Defense Directive 8570
The Department of Defense (DoD) has set an aggressive timetable to have its entire Information Assurance (IA) workforce fully certified in appropriate information technology applications. The department must rely on its workforce to protect the vital information, and information systems and infrastructure to keep them current and secure. The DOD directive affects any military service personnel, defense contractors, or civilian or foreign employees who have privileged access to DOD systems.
NetCom Learning has a variety of training options for both technical and management levels to meet the DOD requirements. Training options include hands on training onsite or at a NetCom Learning center, accelerated learning and intensive certification boot camps. NetCom classes include coursework to meet computing environment level requirements and other IT certification requirements. In addition, NetCom Learning offers special pricing and learning solutions specific to the US Military. NetCom Learning has years of experience in training government and military personnel and offers special government learning discount programs including a special pricing program, training vouchers packs, and a training savings pass program to optimize taxpayer dollars. Training discounts include deep discounts for training boot camps in addition to other courses.
Washington, DC metro area
NetCom Learning has made a major investment in their Arlington, Virginia business, home to much of the company's federal and government business. To increase the revenue of a growing business concern, the addition of an experienced top sales executive with a strong sales background for the Washington, DC business will add to the projections for high sales. The Arlington, Virginia office currently offers more than 1,000 courses from twenty vendor partners. NetCom Learning is committed to expanding their learning business through the launching of new products, the addition of new vendors, new locations and learning solutions.
Microsoft Event Series
NetCom Learning has been sponsoring complimentary seminar events as part of the "What's New in Microsoft Technologies". All day events have taken place in the Washington, DC area and New York and new events are scheduled through 2013 in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. These well attended seminars attended by IT professionals, IT executives and decision makers from Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, HP, Siemens, Dell, AT&T, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and top governmental agencies have focused on the latest Microsoft technologies such as Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8. The events are open to any individual or organization interested in learning about how the new Microsoft products and product enhancements can improve their skills, increase productivity and grow a business. IT professionals can also find information about new Microsoft IT certifications and upcoming courses. Speakers at the events in the Northeast have included Learning NetCom Technical trainers such as Victor Utz and Neil Masih. In addition, NetCom Learning has been proud to include IT specialists and executives from Microsoft who have also provided presentations at the technology events including Paul Schenkel, Sales Manager, Partner Hosting & Cloud Services, Alison Cunard, General Manager of Sales & Marketing for Microsoft Learning and Jose Soto, expert in Microsoft devices.
Awards and recognition
NetCom Learning was chosen as Microsoft's Learning Partner of the Year from a pool of 1400 training companies. The company has also won training awards and recognition from CompTIA, the EC-Council and other vendors. NetCom Information Technology is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner for Learning Solutions (CPLS). CPLS is the premier training channel and delivery mechanism for Microsoft training content. Microsoft recognized our commitment and ability to deliver high-quality learning services using a consultative engagement model.
NetCom Learning was named to the 2012 Top 20 IT Training Companies by TrainingIndustry.com, Company of the Year Best in Biz Awards 2012, Top 10 Asian American Business Award, and the American Business Awards for Company on the Year. The company also received a Bronze Stevie Award from the American Business Awards for its proprietary Learning CMS, and CEO Russell Sarder was honored as Executive of the Year by the same organization. Additionally, Russell Sarder's book, "Learning: Steps to Becoming a Passionate Lifelong Learner," was awarded the Motivational Category by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group.
About NetCom Learning
NetCom Learning is an innovative leader in IT, business and executive training to companies, individuals, and government agencies. Since its inception in 1998, NetCom Learning has trained over 80 percent of the Fortune 100, serviced over 45,500 business customers, and advanced the skills of more than 71,000 professionals through hands-on, expert-led training, with the organization maintaining an average instructor evaluation score of 8.6 out of 9. NetCom Learning was recognized by Microsoft Corporation as its Worldwide Training Partner of the Year and named thrice to Inc. Magazine's list of fastest growing private companies in America. The organization was also recently named to the 2012 Top 20 IT Training by TrainingIndustry.com and was named "Company of the Year" by the American Business Awards.
The purpose of NetCom Learning is to promote the values of lifelong learning.
PissedConsumer.com First Consumer Review Site to Allow Consumers to Add Reviews to PissedConsumer.com Home Page
The Most Sophisticated and Integrated Consumer Review Site on the Internet, PissedConsumer.com, Offers Home Page Review Posting
NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Market research firm Opinion Corp's consumer complaint site PissedConsumer.com announces today that it is the first consumer review site to allow consumers to move their reviews to the home page of PissedConsumer.com for a subscription fee of $5.99/month, making an industry first.
After posting a review, consumers have an option to pay a fee of $5.99 a month to have their review featured on the first page of PissedConsumer.com for as long as the subscription is valid. With more than 5 million page views per month, front page review posting allows consumers to have their complaint seen prominently.
"We have made this subscription available to customers who are passionate about their reviews and want to share their experiences prominently on the PissedConsumer.com home page," said PissedConsumer.com Executive Director, Vladimir Nardin. "No other consumer review sites offer this capability."
PissedConsumer.com is one of the largest review portals and fastest growing sites in the consumer complaints segment. The site offers many posting options and provides information for consumers in multiple dimensions: industry categories, geospatial analysis, and corporate brand and products.
About Opinion Corp
Opinion Corp. has been a leader in customer service and consumer advocacy since 2006. Opinion Corp improves the interactive relationship between corporation and consumer, thereby improving the clients' bottom line. Opinion Corp. operates the consumer review site PissedConsumer.com, one of the highest ranking and best regarded consumer review sites on the Internet.
Contact: Paula Conway
Astonish Media Group
paula@astonishmediagroup.com
203-772-8527
ACL Delivers Audit and Compliance Management on the iPad®
First Native iPad App with Full Audit Management Capabilities Now Available
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ACL, the company that is transforming audit and risk, announced today the expansion of its mobile audit and compliance management product offering with the launch of ACL(TM) Workpapers for the iPad®. ACL(TM) Workpapers for iOS, an extension of the ACL Workpapers cloud-based audit and compliance management system, is available for iPhone® and iPad® as a free download on the iTunes App Store(TM).
ACL's updated mobile software changes the day-to-day work experience for the audit and compliance professional by providing a new level of efficiency and productivity. It allows leaders to view, share and collaborate with their teams, and provides access to reports, project statuses, findings and management responses from their mobile devices. For fieldwork, ACL Workpapers for iOS enables users to enter field notes, capture photo and video evidence, manage deliverables, document requests, and track project hours.
According to Rita Cochell, Director of Internal Audit & SOX Compliance for Logitech, "I work with auditors and compliance professionals worldwide who are constantly on the go. Allowing them to access Workpapers and the capability to manage projects remotely in the cloud, regardless of their location or ability to log onto a computer, is a huge productivity boost."
Mobility enables audit and compliance leaders to stay up-to-date with projects and findings, and enables instant recall for the audit executive. "Most organizations today are not just in just one place, and neither are today's internal auditors," said IIA President and CEO Richard Chambers. "Mobile tools are helping on-the-go practitioners get their jobs done efficiently when the demands on them have never been greater."
"Since last year's release of the ACL Workpapers mobile audit management app for iPhone, we've recognized a strong demand for this type of technology on other devices as well, such as the iPad," said Dan Zitting, Vice President, Product Management and Design at ACL. "As a result of the value that our customers derive from using our cloud-based, mobile solution, we plan to continue to extend that mobility."
Attendees of The IIA's 2013 General Audit Management Conference (GAM), to be held at the ARIA Resort and Casino in Las Vegas from March 18 - 20, 2013, will be able to test-drive the iPad app under the guidance of ACL product engineers at the ACL booth.
ACL delivers technology solutions that are transforming audit and risk management. Through a combination of software and expert content, ACL enables powerful internal controls that identify and mitigate risk, protect profits, and accelerate performance.
Driven by a desire to expand the horizons of audit and risk management so they can deliver greater strategic business value, we develop and advocate technology that strengthens results, simplifies adoption, and improves usability. ACL's integrated family of products--including our cloud?based audit and compliance management solution and flagship data analytics products--combine all vital components of audit and risk, and are used seamlessly at all levels of the organization, from the C?suite to front line audit and risk professionals and the business managers they interface with. Enhanced reporting and dashboards provide transparency and business context that allows organizations to focus on what matters.
And, thanks to 25 years of experience and our consultative approach, we ensure fast, effective implementation, so customers realize concrete business results fast at low risk. Our actively engaged community of more than 14,000 customers around the globe--including 89% of the Fortune 500--tells our story best. Here are just a few. Visit us online at http://www.acl.com.
Share My Lesson & TES Connect Register 200,000 U.S. Teacher Members in Record Time
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Launched in 2012 in time for back to school in September, the free resource-sharing website for teachers, Share My Lesson, and TES Connect have recorded phenomenal success, with more than 200,000 U.S. teacher members registered in just five months. Created by teachers, for teachers and backed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and TSL Education, Share My Lesson is on track to have more than one million U.S. teachers by the end of this year.
The success of Share My lesson has mirrored the success of TSL Education's global platform TES Connect, which has established itself as the world's largest platform for teachers, with 2.4 million registered teacher members and connecting more than 46 million teachers and students in 197 countries across the globe.
The rapid growth and adoption of Share My Lesson has been so successful that Share My Lesson has hired Scott Noon, an education technology veteran, to lead the team at their brand new office in Washington, D.C. Noon joins Share My Lesson from Teachscape, where he led the company's state and federal strategy and policy agenda to develop partnerships for effective teaching, instructional leadership and human capital management systems. Prior to Teachscape, Noon was also a co-founder of Classroom Connect Inc., the first dotcom-era business aimed at helping teachers to use the Internet in the classroom.
Commenting on the success and rapid growth of Share My Lesson, TSL CEO Louise Rogers said, "We know our approach to resource sharing through TES Connect is hugely popular with teachers around the world, but we couldn't have imagined how quickly Share My Lesson would catch fire here in the U.S. We are delighted by its rapid growth and adoption by teachers in the classroom, especially around the Common Core subjects, which have proved to be the most popular resources on the site so far. Watching more than 1,000 teachers join every day is a huge endorsement of Share My Lesson."
President of the AFT Randi Weingarten said, "I'm thrilled that Share My Lesson has already established itself as one of the leading resource sites for teachers in the U.S. in such a short time. Everywhere I go throughout America, teachers are talking about Share My Lesson and how it is helping them in their classrooms. That's exactly what we hoped when we created Share My Lesson. I'm also delighted that Scott Noon has joined us. Scott is a respected and experienced leader, and I wish him great success in his new role."
About TSL Education
TSL Education exists to drive up standards of education by putting the right teachers in the right jobs and giving them the tools to be the very best that they can be. Operating under the belief that teachers are the single most important influence on a child's education, TSL Education strives to pool the vast knowledge, experience and creativity of teachers by giving them the ability to review and share the best resources to improve lessons, saving teachers valuable prep time and maximizing learning for all.
Coral to Launch Facebook Social Sportsbook Game Powered by 2BET2
Coral Interactive to launch Coral branded Facebook game for virtual money social betting powered by 2BET2. The game provides players with an exciting virtual money betting experience on both real and virtual sporting events, together with tournament and challenge betting
GIBRALTAR, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Coral Interactive, a division of Gala Coral Group, has commissioned Socialitize to develop a Coral branded Facebook game for virtual money social betting. The game provides players with an exciting and realistic virtual money betting experience on both real and virtual sporting events, together with tournament and other player versus player features. The game will be launched as "Coral Sportsplay" later this month.
"We know that many of our customers, both current and potential, are keen Facebook users," commented Matt Prevost, Marketing Director of Coral Interactive. "Giving them a Coral social gaming option on Facebook allows them to try their betting skills and test their sports knowledge without risk."
Coral Sportsplay will be completely free. Players sign up through Facebook, get a virtual money bonus for joining, and after an informative tutorial, get playing. Players can bet on real or virtual events and play in tournaments amongst themselves.
Adriaan Brink, CEO of Socialitize, is delighted that Coral have chosen 2BET2 Social Betting as their own brand sports gaming option. "We have invested considerable expertise and resources in the development of our unique and exciting Facebook social sports game. We are delighted that Coral have adopted 2BET2 Social Betting as the base for their chosen Facebook app and we see this as an endorsement of the product that we have developed."
Background Information
Socialitize is engaged in the design, origination and operation of 2BET2 Sports Betting, 2BET2 Sportsworld, 2BET2 Casino and other social gaming brands, primarily operated through Facebook, iPhone, Android and other mobile devices.
2BET2 Sports Betting is a free social sports game on Facebook. With informative up-to-date coverage of all major sports it offers players an opportunity to bet on anything from midweek European Soccer to the NFL on a Sunday evening. Signing up through Facebook users can start betting with virtual currency. Turbo Bet gives players a chance to have a quick game where events settle every minute. Tournaments give players the opportunity to play against their friends. http://www.2bet2.com
Sonata Software Announces the Launch of its Center of Excellence for Oracle Exalytics
BANGALORE, India, February 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
Sonata Software, an IT consulting and software services provider, today announced the
launch of its Center of Excellence (CoE) for Oracle Exalytics. Oracle Exalytics In-Memory
Machine is the world's first engineered system specifically designed to deliver high
performance data analysis, modeling and planning. The CoE will enable Sonata to offer an
extensive range of Business Analytics services to its clients around the globe.
The CoE will offer a comprehensive suite of capabilities that includes - Consulting
and Advisory Services, Proof of Concepts (POC) Services, Implementation and Managed
Services. By running Business Intelligence (BI) solutions on Oracle Exalytics, Sonata will
help its customers lower the total cost of ownership, reduce operational risks and provide
unparalleled analytical capabilities. The CoE will enable users to run POC to understand
the BI solution capabilities and reduce risks from a sizing, architecture and investment
perspective.
"Businesses are rapidly warming up to high performance analytics as a means to unlock
new opportunities and sustain their competitive edge. Oracle Exalytics
[http://www.oracle.com/exalytics ], the industry's first high-speed engineered system
featuring in-memory business intelligence (BI) software and hardware to deliver extreme
performance for analytical and performance management applications, is perfectly suited
for this business need," said Sunil Jose, Vice President, Applications, Oracle India.
"Sonata Software's new CoE for Oracle Exalytics marks a key milestone on our journey to
build a strong partner ecosystem that is ready to meet a growing demand for analytics.
Sonata's experience in providing cutting edge solutions on a variety of Business
Intelligence platforms makes them a great partner for us," he added.
"The global relationship with Oracle fits with Sonata's overall BI & analytics
strengths and strategy of new technology adoption. Through the CoE for Oracle Exalytics we
will offer our clients an opportunity to experience cutting edge BI technology solutions
by delivering fast, interactive and insightful analytics. This also stands as a testimony
to our long-standing relationship with Oracle and the natural evolution of our work
together." said P.V.S.N. Raju, Senior Vice President and Head - BI & Analytics Practice,
Sonata.
Sonata has a long standing association with Oracle and is currently a Platinum level
member of Oracle Partner Network (OPN) focused on Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning,
Oracle Business Intelligence and core technologies. With over 15 years of BI experience,
100+ customer engagements in BI and Analytics, Sonata offers comprehensive Business
Intelligence solutions to enable organizations to leverage their data to grow their
business. Sonata has been working with some of the largest enterprises and ISVs in the
world by designing and developing BI solutions for large volumes of both structured and
unstructured data, and has supported multiple BI implementations across the globe.
About Sonata Software Limited
Sonata Software, headquartered in Bangalore, India, is an IT consulting and software
services company delivering transformational IT solutions through customer specific
Centres of Excellence. Sonata serves Software Product Companies, and enterprises in the
Travel, Manufacturing, Retail and Distribution verticals across the globe. Its key service
lines include Business Intelligence and Analytics, Application Development Management
(ADM), Mobility, Cloud, Social Media, Testing, Enterprise Services (ERP and CRM), and
Infrastructure Management services. Sonata has strategic alliances with leading global
technology companies to deliver innovative solutions.
About the Oracle Partner Network:
Oracle Partner Network (OPN) Specialized is the latest version of Oracle's partner
program that provides partners with tools to better develop, sell and implement Oracle
solutions. OPN Specialized offers resources to train and support specialized knowledge of
Oracle's products and solutions and has evolved to recognize Oracle's growing product
portfolio, partner base and business opportunity. Key to the latest enhancements to OPN is
the ability for partners to differentiate through Specializations. Specializations are
achieved through competency development, business results, expertise and proven success.
To find out more visit: http://www.oracle.com/partners.
Trademarks
Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates.
For further information, please contact:
Swati Sengupta
Sonata Software Limited
A.P.S. Trust Building
Bull Temple Road, N.R. Colony
Bangalore 560019, India
Tel: +91-80-30971999
swati.sengupta@sonata-software.com
HONEY MAID Launches "MADE CO." Initiative To Help Kids Realize Their Creative Potential
NEW CONTEST SERIES OFFERS KIDS THE CHANCE TO WORK WITH EXPERTS TO HELP GET THEIR IDEAS MADE
EAST HANOVER, N.J., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, HONEY MAID launches the MADE CO. initiative, a unique contest series through which kids ages 6-12 will have the chance to win opportunities to have their ideas brought to life with the help of industry experts. MADE CO. was developed to encourage kids to cultivate their imagination and creativity, and inspire them to make things.
The HONEY MAID brand will work with a rotating roster of project experts from a variety of industries including clothing designers, game and toy makers, and book publishers, among others. These experts will post project briefs on the http://www.HoneyMaid.com/MadeCo site, calling for kids to submit their best and brightest ideas for consideration. Along with HONEY MAID, the industry experts will review submissions and select one winning idea per project brief to be professionally created, with the help of the winning applicant.
"As a trusted name for more than 85 years, HONEY MAID is a wholesome snack brand that has always fueled kids' creativity through everything from making graham cracker houses to making S'mores," said Gary Osifchin, Senior Marketing Director, Mondelez International. "However, lately we have noticed an emerging cultural trend of kids being less interested in making content than consuming it. MADE CO. was created as a direct response to that trend, and we are excited to re-instill a sense of creation and exploration for kids today through this new initiative."
MADE CO. launch projects include:
-- A book produced by HarperCollins Publishers
-- Kids will be asked to submit ideas inspired by the most funny or
memorable day they've ever had. One winner and his/her parent will
travel to New York City to participate in a day-long writer's
workshop with My Weird School book series author Dan Gutman at
HarperCollins headquarters. The winner will work with Gutman to turn
his/her idea into a real book, of which ten copies will be produced
by HarperCollins.
-- A Phineas and Ferb Best Day Ever animated drawing workshop by Disney
-- Kids will be asked to submit story ideas chronicling their Best Day
Ever using the Phineas and Ferb Comic Creator on the MADE CO.
website. One grand prize winner will be selected to win a digital
art tablet and a trip with his/her parent to Los Angeles for a
one-on-one drawing workshop with a Phineas and Ferb animator to
learn how drawings are brought to life through animation. Nine first
prize winners will win a digital art tablet to fuel their creativity
at home.
-- Create the Next Miniclip Hero
-- Kids will be asked to submit ideas for a heroic character that will
be designed and incorporated into an upcoming game on Miniclip.com.
The winner will learn how Miniclip turns his/her character idea into
the star of a Miniclip game, along with a prize pack including a
mobile device filled with Miniclip games and a private video game
launch party to celebrate the completed game with his/her friends
and family.
"As an innovative publisher of children's content, we consider it our mission to help facilitate kids' creativity and ignite their imaginations," says Susan Katz, President and Publisher, HarperCollins Children's Books. "We see working with HONEY MAID on MADE CO. as an excellent opportunity to introduce kids to creative book-making with our author, Dan Gutman, of the popular My Weird School book series."
"Miniclip itself began when our founders dreamed up an idea for a simple, yet entertaining game," says Eric Wachs of Miniclip America, Inc. "The rapid growth of our company is testament to the fact that when combined with the right support, creativity and passion can result in fun, entertaining games enjoyed by everyone. We're excited to encourage creativity amongst kids through MADE CO."
Developed by Droga5 New York, the launch of the MADE CO. initiative also coincides with a series of television commercials created by the agency for the brand's newest snack, HONEY MAID GRAHAMFULS Filled Crackers. In keeping with the ethos of the initiative to encourage kids to create, the national advertising campaign features real kids rather than child actors bringing their ideas to life with the help of the HONEY MAID team. One television spot made using stop-motion animation was concepted and developed by an 11-year old filmmaker and another spot features a 14-year old fashion designer who created a dress line inspired by HONEY MAID GRAHAMFULS flavors. Both spots highlight the fact that with the right support, kids can make almost anything.
HONEY MAID is as dedicated to childhood innovation as it is to innovation within its own product line. In addition to HONEY MAID GRAHAMFULS, the brand has recently expanded its range to include HONEY MAID ANGRY BIRDS(TM) Honey Grahams and HONEY MAID LIL' SQUARES. For more information about MADE CO. and for complete details and rules, as well as the entire line of HONEY MAID products, visit http://www.HoneyMaid.com/MadeCo.
ABOUT MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL
Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDLZ) is a world leader in chocolate, biscuits, gum, candy, coffee and powdered beverages. The company comprises the global snacking and food brands of the former Kraft Foods Inc. following the spin-off of its North American grocery operations in October 2012. Mondelez International's portfolio includes several billion-dollar brands such as Cadbury and Milka chocolate, Jacobs coffee, LU,Nabisco and Oreo biscuits, Tang powdered beverages and Trident gum. Mondelez International has annual revenue of approximately $36 billion and operations in more than 80 countries. Visit http://www.mondelezinternational.com and http://www.facebook.com/mondelezinternational.
ABOUT HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS
HarperCollins Publishers, one of the largest English-language publishers in the world, is a subsidiary of News Corporation. HarperCollins is a broad-based publisher with strengths in literary and commercial fiction, business books, children's books, cookbooks, mystery, romance, reference, religious and spiritual books.
ABOUT MINICLIP
Founded in 2001, Miniclip is privately owned and privately funded, with an expanding multi-national workforce distributed across ten offices in six countries. Everyone on our team, wherever they are around the globe, shares the Miniclip ethos of innovation and creativity in all that we do while of course always having fun!
Bosch Healthcare and GreatCall Form Strategic Partnership to Advance Mobile Telehealth
Bosch Healthcare and GreatCall join forces to bring innovative mobile health solutions to remote patient monitoring
Partnership underscores the changing demographics and needs of telehealth users
PALO ALTO and SAN DIEGO, Calif., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Bosch Healthcare Systems, Inc., the market leader in evidence-based telehealth solutions, and a subsidiary of the Bosch Group, and GreatCall, Inc., a leader in wireless services that help people stay connected, safe and healthy, today announced a strategic partnership to develop and market an innovative line of mobile telehealth and m-health solutions. The partnership combines Bosch's evidence-based telehealth solutions, which provide patients with valuable disease/condition knowledge and reinforcement to improve their self-management skills, with GreatCall's expertise in developing wireless health and safety solutions for older consumers and their families.
Bosch Healthcare provides telehealth solutions using over 100 health management programs in more than 30 medical conditions. These programs support the care of patients with chronic conditions, both in the important period post-hospitalization and during longer-term care coordination. With an increasing number of active adults of all ages living with chronic conditions, Bosch is convinced that mobile telehealth solutions will become indispensable in engaging and meeting the needs of this broader population, while delivering key elements that have shown to generate positive clinical and economic outcomes for its traditional user base.
Jasper zu Putlitz, M.D., president of Bosch Healthcare Systems, underscored the company's enthusiasm for the partnership with GreatCall: "Today, many older persons are active and are looking for a telehealth solution that travels. In partnering with GreatCall, we will be able to leverage GreatCall's expertise in mobile technology and Bosch's evidence-based telehealth approach in order to offer our customers mobile telehealth solutions."
GreatCall is one the first companies to understand how to provide usable technology for aging consumers, and has successfully launched innovative wireless products under the Jitterbug(®), 5Star((TM)) and GreatCall(®) brands. The company's products are widely recognized as easy to understand and use. GreatCall's wireless devices, mobile PERS, and health and safety services provide immediate access to healthcare and emergency response professionals, and timely information and reminders, and assist its customers in remaining engaged and living a quality life.
"Telehealth and m-health solutions can provide vast benefits to patients, their families and their healthcare providers," said David Inns, president and CEO of GreatCall. "Our partnership with Bosch Healthcare is a significant milestone for the industry and will help make the promise of broad adoption of these solutions a reality."
The companies anticipate their first offering will become commercially available this year.
About Robert Bosch Healthcare
Robert Bosch Healthcare Systems, Inc., is a leading provider of innovative telehealth systems. Bosch's product spectrum ranges from patient interfaces to comprehensive health management and patient evaluation software allowing healthcare professionals to efficiently evaluate the patient's health status. Bosch Healthcare strives to help improve diagnosis and treatment through systematic patient monitoring and involvement. The result is that health professionals are able to provide a higher quality of care for patients with chronic conditions, patients lead happier and healthier lives, and the cost of healthcare is reduced for payers. Robert Bosch Healthcare Systems, Inc. is a fully owned subsidiary of the Bosch Group. For more information, go to http://www.bosch-telehealth.com.
About the Bosch Group
In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy, healthcare telemedicine and software solutions. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs over 23,000 associates in more than 100 locations, with sales of $9.8 billion in fiscal year 2011. For more information, visit http://www.boschusa.com.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive technology, energy and building technology, industrial technology and consumer goods, more than 300,000 associates generated sales of 51.5 billion euros ($71.7 billion) in 2011. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and roughly 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends around 4.2 billion euros ($5.8 billion) for research and development, and applies for over 4,100 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group's products and services are designed to improve quality of life through solutions that are innovative and beneficial, as well as fascinating. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is "Invented for life." Additional information is available online at http://www.bosch.com and http://www.bosch-press.com.
The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering." The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.
About GreatCall, Inc.
GreatCall provides easy-to-use wireless health and safety products for aging consumers and their families, allowing them to enjoy a worry-free independent lifestyle. The company stands apart from other wireless services providers through its simplified, personalized and humanized approach, as well as its commitment to providing a high quality customer service experience. The company has been widely praised for its ability to deliver the benefits of innovation and technology in a meaningful and easy-to-use format. GreatCall has received prominent national media accolades from the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, The New York Times, Washington Post and major TV broadcast networks.
GreatCall's products and services, including The 5Star((TM)) and the Jitterbug(®) are sold nationwide at leading retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, Sears, Radio Shack Dealer Franchise, Fry's Electronics and ShopKo, as well as direct to consumers at 1-800-918-8543 and online at GreatCall.com. Service coverage includes the U.S. and Canada. GreatCall is located in San Diego, CA.
To learn more about all available GreatCall products and services, please visit: http://www.greatcall.com. This GreatCall news release and other announcements are available at http://www.greatcall.com/buzz. Or follow our news on Twitter @GreatCallInc and on Facebook facebook.com/greatcall. For access to company logos and high-resolution images and screen shots, please visit: http://www.greatcall.com/assets.
SOURCE Robert Bosch Healthcare Systems, Inc.
Robert Bosch Healthcare Systems, Inc.
CONTACT: Bill Broderick of Robert Bosch Healthcare, +1-650-690-9248, Bill.broderick@us.bosch.com; or Madeline Pantalone of GreatCall, Inc., +1-619-997-2942, Madeline.pantalone@greatcall.com
Innovative Lawyer-Focused Billing App Debuts on iTunes
Your Time Is Money uses bold interface to track billable hours
FREEPORT, Grand Bahama Island, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Time is money. Few professionals observe this adage as closely as attorneys. Knowing this, busy litigator Jacy Whittaker has launched Your Time Is Money, an innovative iPhone app designed to track billable hours--and convert them into invoices. The app became available on iTunes in January, 2013.
"Lawyers work long hours, often at high hourly rates," says Whittaker. "Knowing how many billable hours you've logged can be extremely satisfying. But keeping track isn't easy when you're running from meeting to courtroom, or office to taxi to dinner. I wanted to create an app that makes this crucial measurement fully portable, while creating a clear and amusing visual."
A handful of distinctive features set Your Time Is Money apart from other billing applications. The interface is simple but bold, in matte black with bright gold numbering. It tracks fractions of an hour (down to the second), in four common currencies.
Your Time is Money is the only app of its kind that does not require independent software. It can run in the background--permitting phone calls, emailing, and other functions for multi-tasking lawyers. It can also operate offline--particularly useful in signal-less courtrooms. It tracks billable time in seconds, and emails the information to the biller, his accounting department, or wherever else it needs to go.
The app turns time into money--and vice versa. The user enters his rate and currency (in Dollars, Euros, Pounds and Yen) and hits START. The hours arrive with the cheeky written message, "I just made [amount of money]. What a way to spend [amount of time]."
Your Time Is Money was designed for lawyers, but is also ideal for hourly consultants and freelancers.
About Your Time Is Money
Your Time Is Money is an innovative iPhone app from Kingston Resource Group Ltd. The app tracks billable hours to the second. Designed specifically for lawyers the app is also ideal for consultants and freelancers who bill hourly. To download Your Time Is Money, visit iTunes and search for Your Time Is Money byLoaded Response LLC.
SUNNYVALE, Calif. and EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruckus Wireless, Inc. (NYSE: RKUS) announced today a partnership with Intermec, Inc. (NYSE: IN) to deliver new wireless distribution systems that bring together best-in-class wireless scanning and Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi technologies to improve performance and streamline workflow within distribution center (DC) and manufacturing operations.
Linking Intermec solutions to backend warehouse management and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems requires consistent, reliable wireless connectivity. Because warehouses, DCs and terminals are challenging radio frequency (RF) environments, with floor to ceiling steel racks and changing inventory levels, they often suffer from RF dead spots or poor signal coverage, leading to lost information, which in turn can create lower workforce morale and performance issues when additional inventory work is required on top of already stressful workloads. Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi technology provides a solution to these challenges.
Ruckus ZoneFlex access points (APs) leverage the company's patented BeamFlex technology to deliver reliable Wi-Fi performance, extended reach and automatic adaption to changes in the physical environment--items crucial for warehouses using Intermec technology for managing their supply chains. Warehouses, distribution centers, loading docks, marine terminals and other sites around the world with mission-critical mobility requirements and limited IT resources already use Ruckus products and technology to build more robust, adaptive and affordable wireless LAN (WLAN) environments.
Modern supply chains have increasingly higher customer service level requirements while reducing costs. Intermec delivers a complete lineup of rugged, reliable and versatile solutions for the distribution center. Its bar code scanners, rugged mobile computers and Vocollect voice solutions are deployed globally by leading warehouses, distribution centers, and other enterprises that rely on accurate and timely data to track, manage and move products.
Insource Technology, the largest privately held IT integration company in Texas specializing in network infrastructure and ERP systems, has installed Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi to work with Intermec products in a number of leading warehouse and manufacturing companies such as: StarPak, Polytex, Superbag, Exel Logistics, Tifco Industries, Utex Industries and MOGAS Industries.
"The combination of Intermec scanners and Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi has proven to be highly effective in streamlining our customers' warehouse operations," said David Black, president of Insource Technology Corporation. "Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi technology was a perfect match to help provide us with better, more reliable performance in our customers' loading dock areas and have made their overall operations definitely much smoother."
As logistics facilities deploy supply chain management technology from Intermec to further streamline and accelerate their operations, there is a growing need for strong wireless connectivity. In addition to traditional AIDC terminals and mobile computers, facilities are also deploying new technologies such as voice-prompted data collection and VoIP that require even better wireless performance.
"Intermec provides a broad range of rugged mobile solutions for warehouses, distribution centers and logistics operations," said Andy Stento, senior director of Channel Sales and Strategic Alliances, Intermec. "Ruckus provides excellent Wi-Fi infrastructure that excels in challenging RF environments like these. Together, Ruckus and Intermec enable high-performance, cost-effective warehouse supply chain management, which means hassle-free operations and low TCO."
Ruckus BeamFlex Technology is Key
Ruckus BeamFlex technology, the industry's most advanced adaptive Wi-Fi antenna implementation, combines a compact internal antenna array with expert control software to continuously optimize the connection for each connected client, bypassing interference and physical barriers. Highly sensitive antenna elements also deliver the industry's most powerful Wi-Fi receiving capabilities. This dramatically increases range and performance of the Wi-Fi network while automatically adapting to constantly changing RF environments like warehouses and DCs.
Another key capability is BeamFlex+. BeamFlex+ automatically adapts Wi-Fi signals to the changing orientation of handheld devices through the use of polarization diversity with maximal ratio combining (PD-MRC). This enables Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi access points to provide better reception for hard to hear clients and more consistent performance as clients constantly change orientation. For instance, an Intermec scanner may be held upright for some tasks, and laid flat on a table for others. Because they have an array of internal antennas, Ruckus APs are uniquely able to listen better as these devices change orientation, ensuring the best connection at all times.
Ruckus ZoneFlex access points can be configured and installed in minutes, and automatically perform functions such as creating mesh networks or prioritizing voice and video traffic, making them easier to deploy and maintain, especially since fewer APs are needed. Ruckus also offers unified management and remote monitoring for indoor and outdoor APs, and can support a range of deployment models to ensure the best price/performance.
ABOUT RUCKUS WIRELESS
Headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, Ruckus Wireless (NYSE: RKUS) is a global supplier of advanced wireless systems for the rapidly expanding mobile Internet infrastructure market. With 2012 revenues of $214.7 million, the company offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor "Smart Wi-Fi" products to mobile carriers, broadband service providers, and corporate enterprises, and has more than 21,700 end-customers worldwide. Ruckus technology addresses Wi-Fi capacity and coverage challenges caused by the ever-increasing amount of traffic on wireless networks due to accelerated adoption of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Ruckus invented and has patented state-of-the-art wireless voice, video, and data technology innovations, such as adaptive antenna arrays that extend signal range, increase client data rates, and avoid interference, ensuring consistent and reliable distribution of delay-sensitive multimedia content and services over standard 802.11 Wi-Fi. For more information, visit http://www.ruckuswireless.com.
ABOUT INTERMEC
Intermec Inc. (NYSE:IN) is the workflow performance company. We design the leading data capture and information management solutions at the interface between mobile workers, assets, and customers. For more information about Intermec, visit http://www.intermec.com or call 425-348-2600.
Media Contacts
Mark Priscaro
Ruckus Wireless
mark.priscaro@ruckuswireless.com
1+ 408-604-8531
Ikomm Ensures High Availability (HA) and Scalability of Virtual Desktop Environment with Sanbolic Melio Data Management Software
Premier Application Service Provider (ASP) Leverages Melio VDI to Enable and Extend Capabilities Of Citrix Provisioning Services (PVS)
WALTHAM, Mass., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanbolic®, the market leader in distributed data management, today announced that Ikomm, one of the world's premier application services providers (ASP), has deployed its Melio(TM) VDI software solution in order to streamline management, as well as protect and extend the capabilities of its virtual desktop environment. With Melio VDI, Ikomm has eliminated single points-of-failure, enhanced server and storage utilization, and can now create highly available (HA) and scalable shared storage that enables and extends the capabilities of CitrixProvisioning Services (PVS)
Operating over 800 applications, accessed by over 12,000 clients, from more than 310 locations across Norway and Scandinavia, Ikomm's on-demand software offerings, or software as a service (SaaS), enables its business, government and personal consumer customers to plug-into specialized applications that would have previously proven far too expensive to utilize from a capital and/or operational standpoint. Its clients have come to depend on Ikomm to ensure secure access to their data, from anywhere they have Internet access, as if they were accessing it directly from their office (i.e., mail, applications, documents, desktop - everything). Moreover, clients trust Ikomm to ensure all applications and information hosted in the Ikomm data center are protected and secure with state of the art technology, methodologies and professional expertise delivered from its team of 50 highly trained, uniquely experienced professionals, each of whom are passionately dedicated to meeting and exceeding customer expectations. For Ikomm clients, outdated technology, carbon footprint/emissions/power management, as well as unforeseen IT challenges and associated business complications, are a thing of the past. IT becomes predictable, environmentally friendly and profitable.
Recently, Ikomm embarked on an endeavor to find a more efficient and cost effective method for deploying their XenApp Server farm. Citrix Provisioning Services (PVS) was chosen to deploy its 200+ XenApp Servers. This was a critical service totally dependent on two provisioning servers. Ikomm therefore needed true high availability (HA). Its first attempt to meet this goal led them to Microsoft Cluster Server, however they soon learned that this technology would require them to map the disk using the network share and this would cause the server to not cache data in memory. This of course was unacceptable. After a bit of research and conversations with peers, it turned to Sanbolic's(TM) Melio(TM) virtual desktop (VDI) management software.
"Traditional storage options for PVS HA, including replication, would have introduced data and storage management complexity that would have meant higher cost. Likewise, file shares would have introduced a single point-of-failure that would have rendered PVS HA useless should the server hosting the file share go offline for even a moment," said Kristian Helseth, Senior Konsulent Leveranse & Utvikling, Ikomm. "Sanbolic Melio has greatly simplified Ikomm's data and storage management while ensuring no single point-of-failure, and enhanced resiliency to ensure desktops and servers are able to maintain uninterrupted access in the event of a failure."
"With Sanbolic Melio VDI, Ikomm has been able to create highly available and scalable shared storage that enables and extends the capabilities of Citrix PVS. Its administrators can now create, manage, deliver and maintain virtual disks (vDisks) for HA and load balancing without the challenges typically introduced by other storage options such as replication, file shares or proprietary hardware-based file serving appliances," said Eva Helen, Co-Founder, President and COO, Sanbolic. "Moreover, additional benefits are enjoyed, such as reliable vDisk protection, improved desktop and server performance, and dynamic infrastructure scale to support environments comprised of hundreds of servers and thousands of desktops."
For further information on Sanbolic's Melio desktop virtualization (VDI) software solution and/or to request a free demo, please visit: http://www.sanbolic.com/citrix.htm.
About Sanbolic, Inc.?
Founded in 2000, Sanbolic® is a global leader in distributed data management. Its Melio(TM) software suite delivers dramatically increased levels of application availability, scalability, protection and performance while decreasing cost and management complexity across enterprise data center applications such as Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft SharePoint and Windows file-/web-serving, Citrix XenDesktop virtual desktop (VDI), and Microsoft Hyper-V private cloud environments. For further information please visit the Sanbolic website at: http://www.sanbolic.com or email: info@sanbolic.com.?? Join the conversation - follow Sanbolic on Twitter.
ClickBank Makes it Easier for "Everyday Experts" to Turn Their Know-How Into a Small Business
New ClickBank Powered Platform enables virtually anyone to build an online business around their knowledge, passions, hobbies and work experiences - with little or no technical skill required.
BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ClickBank has once again turned the traditional publishing industry on its head by empowering non-fiction authors and "how-to" content creators. Today they announced the new ClickBank Powered Platform as well as a suite of resources for starting, growing and optimizing online information businesses. These resources are designed to give everyday experts the ability to turn their knowledge into a small business and earn more from their efforts.
Sam Rodman, one of ClickBank's long-time clients weighs in, "I built a successful office cleaning business and realized that I could fund my retirement by teaching others how to start and build a business like mine. I've been selling my products on ClickBank for over 11 years, but getting started was tough. Being new to selling online, I had to overcome many technical hurdles before ever making my first sale. The new ClickBank Powered Platform removes all of those hurdles and is exactIy what new infopreneurs need. It walks you through the process step-by-step so you can get your business up and running fast. I wish it had been around when I was starting out."
Founded in 1998, ClickBank has long been the go-to platform for everyday experts to reach customers and monetize their knowledge online. Thousands of these information entrepreneurs (infopreneurs) have turned to ClickBank to sell their expertise. Collectively, they've built a portfolio of over 60,000 products across thousands of niches that teach others a spectrum of skills--from decorating cakes or making your own wine to starting your own catering business or building a chicken coop.
But being an infopreneur and building an online information business can often mean significant guesswork on how to develop products, reach and retain customers, increase conversions and grow your business. Additionally, it can require significant technical knowledge and resources to build and host an effective website and integrate technologies to deliver digital products, manage transactions and keep in touch with prospects and customers.
Late last year, ClickBank set out to lower these barriers to entry and make the information business model accessible to even more infopreneurs. With 15 years of empirical data, ClickBank likely has more insight into building profitable information businesses than any other company. The company used this data to reveal the most effective strategies and tactics and developed a blueprint for infopreneurs to follow that will give them the greatest chance of success.
The ClickBank Powered Platform is a turnkey web-based toolset built around that blueprint. This innovative all-in-one solution is designed to help infopreneurs create, grow, optimize and run their information businesses. With this new subscription-based offering, infopreneurs will no longer have to cobble together several other tools just to begin selling their products through ClickBank. Hosting, web page development, email management, product delivery and secure/member pages are packaged together in a single easy-to-use solution.
Together with the new ClickBank Powered Platform, ClickBank rolled out a new website, knowledge base and rich training materials designed to educate everyday experts about the infopreneurial business model and to give them the confidence and resources necessary to take the first step.
With the introduction of this suite of resources, ClickBank has made starting an online information business easier than ever. Never before has there been such a clear path to success, and never before has such a suite of resources been available to support it. For anyone who has ever considered starting their own online business, there's never been a better time.
About ClickBank
Since ClickBank was founded in 1998, they've helped tens of thousands of people gain more financial control and freedom by turning their knowledge, passions, hobbies and work experiences into an additional source of ongoing income. While traditional publishers focus on one-time book sales, ClickBank leverages a far more effective business model for monetizing information--one that enables repeat sales over time, across the broadest range of content delivery options and form-factors available today. ClickBank's business model isn't just changing the publishing industry -- it's helping thousands of people become successful infopreneurs.
What Clients Have to Say
"By making my training techniques available to others, I've helped hundreds of people improve their game AND paid off my student loans." Damin Altizer, Clutch Shooting
"Throughout my teaching career I created many educational games to help children learn, and saw an opportunity to share them with others outside of my classroom. Now, not only do I help children all over the world realize that math can be fun, but I have achieved a dream of mine - working from home." Teresa Evans, Making Math More Fun
"I volunteer as a youth football coach for fun, but when other coaches started asking for tips I saw an opportunity. Now my side business allows me to buy supplies for the teams I coach." Eric Saunders, Youth Football Handbook
"As a speech-language pathologist, I wanted my information and techniques to continue to be available to others when I retire. Not only have I accomplished that goal, but my online business has helped me support my family during the recession and will continue to in the future." Mary Lou Johnson, Help Your Child Speak
Pletronics Joins Symmetricom SyncWorld® Ecosystem Program
Leading crystal and oscillator supplier qualified with Symmetricom SCr and SCe SoftClocks for Small Cells
SAN JOSE, Calif. and LYNNWOOD, Wash., Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Symmetricom(®), Inc. (NASDAQ: SYMM) a worldwide leader in precision time and frequency technologies, and Pletronics, Inc., a leader in innovative frequency control solutions, announced today that Pletronics has joined Symmetricom's SyncWorld® Ecosystem Program Small Cells Category. The Pletronics temperature compensated crystal oscillators (TCXO) have been extensively tested and are qualified to be used with Symmetricom SCr and SCe SoftClocks for Network Time Protocol (NTP) and IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP).
The transition to all-IP networks and move to 4G/LTE networks demand strict timing and synchronization. Successful integration and interoperability are key to ensuring that customers' end-to-end deployments will maintain service continuity without interruption. To meet these requirements and support the transition to packetised backhaul networks and 4G/LTE mobile platforms, Symmetricom established the SyncWorld Ecosystem Program to enable interoperability and support cooperation among the manufacturers and suppliers who will deliver products for service providers' advanced networking requirements.
"Precise timing and synchronization are essential for successful deployment of small cells," said Claude Lee, President at Pletronics. "With small cells placing extreme demands on the reference oscillator for timing solutions, the strategic partnership with Symmetricom will allow us to meet industry needs as these rollouts continue."
The addition of Pletronics to the newly launched SyncWorld Ecosystem Small Cell Category will provide further benefits for network equipment and small cell manufacturers by offering state-of-the-art precision timing solutions. Specifically, the Pletronics temperature compensated voltage controlled crystal oscillators (TCVCXO) provide the precision and accuracy essential for the Symmetricom SCr/SCe software for Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP).
"We welcome Pletronics as the latest member to the Small Cells Category of our SyncWorld Ecosystem program," said Manish Gupta, vice president of marketing and business development for Symmetricom. "As small cells continue to gain momentum, it's important to have partners such as Pletronics, a leading supplier of high-quality crystals and oscillators, to meet service providers' timing and synchronization requirements."
As part of its effort to educate the mobile industry on the importance of timing and synchronization, Symmetricom will be presenting at the upcoming Mobile World Congress, taking place February 25-28, 2013 at the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain, and showcasing its comprehensive portfolio of standards-based solutions for small cells and LTE deployments. Additionally, Symmetricom will launch a new series of advanced synchronization solutions specifically designed to support small cell and LTE deployments at the show.
Since its inception in 1979, Pletronics has specialized in the development of innovative frequency control products. The company supplies a wide range of crystals and oscillators to major original equipment manufacturers and contract electronic manufacturers around the world, in markets including automotive, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and GPS, wireless and numerous consumer products. Most recently, Pletronics has introduced a series of precision TCXO's and TCVCXO's, including the OeXO(TM) Series that provides the precision and accuracies that were formerly the exclusive domain of OCXO's. In addition to its headquarters and factory in Lynnwood, Washington, the company has joint ventures and partnerships with factories in Asia, Europe and North America.
About Symmetricom, Inc.
Symmetricom (NASDAQ:SYMM), a world leader in precise time solutions, sets the world's standard for time. The company generates, distributes and applies precise time for the communications, aerospace/defense, IT infrastructure and metrology industries. Symmetricom's customers, from communications service providers and network equipment manufacturers to governments and their suppliers worldwide, are able to build more reliable networks and systems by using the company's advanced timing technologies, atomic clocks, services and solutions. All products support today's precise timing standards, including GPS-based timing, IEEE 1588 (PTP), Network Time Protocol (NTP), Synchronous Ethernet and DOCSIS(®) timing. Symmetricom is based in San Jose, Calif., with offices worldwide. For more information, visit: http://www.symmetricom.com or join the dialogue at http://www.twitter.com/symmetricom.
SYMM-G
Symmetricom Contact:
Tracy Schriver
Symmetricom, Inc.
t: 408-964-7649
tschriver@symmetricom.com
Media Contact:
Liam Rose
GolinHarris for Symmetricom
t: 415-318-4380
lrose@golinharris.com