ASE Labs

AT&T 4G LTE Expands To Chicago's South Side And Suburbs

Thu, 17 May 2012 05:07:01 GMT

AT&T 4G LTE Expands To Chicago's South Side And Suburbs

More customers to benefit from ultra-fast mobile internet on the latest LTE devices

CHICAGO, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* has expanded its 4G LTE network to Chicago's South Side and suburbs, bringing more customers the latest generation of wireless network technology. AT&T launched 4G LTE in Chicago on Sept. 19, 2011, and the expanded coverage is part of its ongoing rollout across the market.

AT&T is bringing 4G LTE coverage to several Chicago South Side locations, including many South suburbs, such as Hickory Hills, Palos Heights, Alsip, Country Club Hills, Oak Lawn and Evergreen Park, among others.

"We've seen positive response from customers on our 4G LTE launch, and as today's expansion shows, we are continuing our rollout of fast 4G LTE speeds to more areas of Chicago," said AT&T Illinois Vice President General Manager Dave Fine.

AT&T 4G LTE provides several benefits, including:

-- Faster speeds. LTE technology is capable of delivering speeds faster
than many other mobile Internet technologies. Customers can stream,
download, upload and game faster than ever before.
-- Cool new devices. AT&T offers several LTE-compatible devices, including
new AT&T 4G LTE smartphones and tablets, such as the HTC One(TM) X,
Samsung Focus® 2 (available May 20), Nokia Lumia 900, Samsung Galaxy
Note(TM), and Pantech Element(TM) tablet.
-- Faster response time. LTE technology offers lower latency, or the
processing time it takes to move data through a network, such as how
long it takes to start downloading a webpage or file once you've sent
the request. Lower latency helps to improve services like mobile gaming,
two-way video calling and telemedicine.
-- More efficient use of spectrum. Wireless spectrum is a finite resource,
and LTE uses spectrum more efficiently than other technologies, creating
more space to carry data traffic and services and to deliver a better
network experience.
AT&T's 4G Network

AT&T customers have access to the nation's largest 4G network, covering more than 260 million people. According to recent third-party speed tests by PCWorld, AT&T 4G LTE speeds are faster than the competition. Testing in 13 cities showed that AT&T's combination of 4G LTE and HSPA+ technologies delivered faster download speeds than any other carrier tested.

"The world is moving faster, and at AT&T, we're investing to give our customers mobile internet speeds that are faster, too. In fact, AT&T has invested more than $1 billion in our Illinois networks each of the last three years to help meet the explosive growth in mobile data demand for consumers and businesses. Our 4G LTE network offers the fastest mobile broadband speeds and we're excited to offer it to more customers in Chicago and in the south suburbs today," said AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza. "As mobile data has become essential to virtually all sectors of our economy ? including education, healthcare, law enforcement, transportation and manufacturing ? Illinois should adopt policies to attract more private sector investment in fast broadband networks to better compete in the global economy. The world is moving faster, and Illinois can't afford to slow down."

Even as 4G LTE expands, AT&T customers are able to enjoy widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G speeds on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you're on a much slower 3G network.

Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. Deployment ongoing. 4G LTE device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more about 4G LTE at att.com/network.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company 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 around the world. 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.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Mollie West, office, 312-696-3513, cell, 312-953-6283, mw206a@att.com

IBM Expands Global Cloud Capabilities with Advanced SmartCloud Services and New Customer Adoption

Thu, 17 May 2012 04:28:01 GMT

IBM Expands Global Cloud Capabilities with Advanced SmartCloud Services and New Customer Adoption

Cloud Services Focus on Choice, Security and Control for Enterprise computing

ARMONK, N.Y., May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As businesses embrace the transformative power of cloud computing to gain a significant advantage, IBM (NYSE: IBM) today unveiled advancements to its SmartCloud Services and announced new customers and partners that demonstrate IBM SmartCloud is a leading enterprise cloud platform for business.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

IBM has seen rapid adoption of its SmartCloud portfolio as customers and partners move to the cloud. IBM manages massive amounts of data and client transactions in itscloud environments, including:

-- 1 million enterprise application users working on the IBM Cloud
-- More than $100 billion in commerce transactions a year in the cloud
-- 4.5 million daily client transactions conducted through the IBM Cloud
Customers and partners are increasingly choosing IBM SmartCloud services, software and hardware to expand into new markets, enable their mobile workforces and develop enterprise applications more efficiently.

"Companies are starting to understand that cloud is more than just about gaining efficiencies and cost savings, it's about driving the kind of fundamental innovation that provides lasting marketplace advantage," said Paul Loftus, general manager, IBM Global Technology Services. "We are helping all kinds of clients manage enterprise applications and processes in the cloud as well as leverage new cloud centric applications while meeting their unique requirements for governance, security and portability."

Open Innovation in the Cloud
TopCoder®, Inc., the world's largest Open Innovation Community of digital creators, is moving its global community of more than 400,000 developers - the largest community of its kind - to IBM SmartCloud Enterprise. These developers help organizations succeed by efficiently and effectively supporting their entire innovation process--from ideation, software engineering and analytics to implementation, testing and support.

TopCoder provides high quality application development, mobile development, user experience and graphic design, and big data project work through this competitive, multi-disciplinary, global community of developers.

SmartCloud for SAP Applications

Ogilvy & Mather, an international advertising, marketing and public relations agency, also turned to IBM to solve its critical business need to upgrade their IT environment. The IBM team is in the process of migrating Ogilvy from its current hosted environment to the SmartCloud for SAP Applications hosted in IBM's state-of-the-art, green Smarter Data Center in Raleigh North Carolina.

The Ogilvy solution includes the latest infrastructure technology, full SAP service and is pre-built, pre-configured, requiring minimal client resources to maintain their entire production SAP landscape. IBM's SAP Cloud solution also offers Ogilvy the benefits of solution scalability, and the ability to add resources for development projects with a short term commitment.

"Given the attention to cloud-based solutions, it's easy to be overwhelmed with comparisons and multiple options. However, when it comes to critical applications like SAP, we were looking for a mature model that could scale and cater to our unique prerequisites," said Yuri Aguiar, Senior Partner and CIO, Ogilvy & Mather. "The SCE+ offering fit this need very well and had the backing of a reliable global partner."

Smarter Marketing in the Cloud
OTRUM, a leading provider of interactive TV solutions and content to the hospitality industry, utilizes the Cognos analytics tool from IBM to handle marketing campaigns and highlight repeat behavior patterns associated with guest interaction and purchasing. This solution leverages Cognos on SmartCloud Enterprise to deliver custom analytics to over 500 hotels.

OTRUM has now fully migrated all digital signage clients to the IBM SmartCloud Enterprise, a move that eliminates the need for hundreds of physical servers at customer sites. As well as reducing hardware, the cloud increases efficiency by allowing for central management and distribution of data.

Expanding IBM Platform-as-a-Service
Launched as a platform-as-a-service beta program in October 2011, IBM's SmartCloud Application Services (SCAS) is expanding to a full pilot with new customers such as CLD Partners, a leading provider of IT consulting services with a particular focus on cloud computing.

"We share IBM's vision for how enterprise customers can achieve huge productivity gains by embracing cloud technologies. SCAS allowed us to utilize world class software in a managed environment that greatly reduced the complexity of the deployment while also providing for future scalability that our customers only pay for when they need it," said Steve Clune, Founder and CEO of CLD Partners. "Ultimately, traditional infrastructure planning and configuration that would have required weeks was literally reduced to hours. And future flexibility as infrastructure needs change is virtually limitless."

Connected Healthcare in the Cloud
IBM is helping improve healthcare delivery in Haiti through its collaboration with 'Colleagues in Care' Global Healthcare Network. Colleagues in Care is using the IBM SmartCloud for Social Business to virtually connect medical workers and volunteers from around the globe. Using the IBM SmartCloud, the volunteers and those on the front lines taking care of patients are armed with an online medical knowledge system that includes treatment options, clinical pathways, and best practices specific to the situation in Haiti.

The network consists of approximately 200 doctors, nurses, and business professionals coming together virtually from all around the globe including Canada, China, Haiti, France, Ireland, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

To learn more about the work in Haiti, see the following video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWvcg08-h-w

For additional details about the project, read the following press release: http://www.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/37743.wss

Additional new clients, including RICOH Company, Ltd., Neiman Marcus, University of Texas El Paso, Hindustan Motors, Bonduelle and Apave have chosen IBM's SmartCloud to help drive social business adoption across the enterprise. Using IBM social networking tools in the cloud, these organizations are seamlessly collaborating and sharing information and ideas, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity in a security-rich and cost-effective environment.

For these social businesses, IBM is also introducing IBM SmartCloud Archive Essentials, a cost-effective email archiving solution. IBM SmartCloud Archive Essentials provides customers with the confidence of knowing their email is archived continuously and securely, while making the data accessible for compliance and e-discovery requirements in the IBM SmartCloud.

Ready for IBM SmartCloud Services
Launched in February, IBM's Ready for IBM SmartCloud Servicesvalidation continues to grow with over 30 new Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and partners,making it easier for clients to quickly find technology from Business Partners that are validated for IBM SmartCloud Services. In the new online directory, certified Business Partner technologies are divided into categories such as business applications, collaboration, development and test tools, infrastructure services, and security and monitoring.

New ISVs and partners include AppZero, Cloud Prime, Cohesive FT, Convertigo, Corent, Jaspersoft, NViso, SOASTA, Sproxil, SugarCRM, Vacava, Vision Solutions, Zementis, among many others.

Additionally, IBM is announcing new and expanded capabilities to its SmartCloud portfolio, including:

SmartCloud Enterprise 2.1

-- Offering new and enhanced functionality in a simple to deploy, robust
infrastructure-as-a-service (IAAS) for building and deploying innovative
applications that can optionally integrate with private cloud and
traditional IT elements.
-- New service level agreement (SLA) of 99.9% SmartCloud Enterprise gives
clients confidence in factoring cloud-centric applications for a broad
array of workloads.
-- Two new Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating systems; Red Hat Enterprise
Linux 5.8 will add new and improved functionality for enhanced
performance, flexibility and security while Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.2
delivers improvements in virtualization, resource management and high
availability, and offers new features in storage, file system
performance and identity management.
-- Upgrades to the persistent storage system, enabling increased speed and
performance, and upgrades to embedded KVM hypervisors providing greater
security and performance improvements.
SmartCloud Enterprise +

-- Now available in North America and Europe with plans for additional
global roll-out in 3rd quarter 2012.
-- Unprecedented support for both x86 and P-Series - running operating
systems including Windows, Linux and AIX on top of either VMWare or
PowerVM hypervisors, and delivered with the proven expertise of IBM
services.
-- Migration Services for SmartCloud Enterprise+ with patented tools and
methods to help clients speed up transition from traditional outsourcing
to cloud is projected to be available in 3rd quarter 2012.
-- SCE+ is designed to support different workloads and associated
technology platforms including a new System z shared environment that
will be available in the U.S. and U.K. later this year.
SmartCloud Application Services

-- IBM's platform-as-a-service (PaaS) will now be more widely available to
select customers moving from beta to pilot stage. Customers will be able
to take advantage of both Application Workload Service as well as
Collaborative Lifecycle Management Service to develop and deploy
applications on top of SmartCloud Enterprise to jump-start their
SmartCloud Application Services (SCAS) projects.
-- While in the pilot phase, customers will be able to use SmartCloud
Application Services at no charge, except for the underlying IBM
SmartCloud Enterprise infrastructure used by the SCAS pilot services.
-- Available in English around the world, the SmartCloud Application
Services pilot will run from May 15th until general availability
projected for 3rd quarter 2012.
-- As part of the broader IBM SmartCloud family, SmartCloud Application
Services are compatible with the newly announced IBM PureSystems family.
For example, through SmartCloud Application Services clients can rapidly
design, develop, and test their dynamic applications on IBM's public
cloud and deploy those same applications on a private cloud built with
PureApplication Systems, or vice versa.
Across both IBM SmartCloud Enterprise and Enterprise+, IBM now supports Microsoft License Mobility program. Offering new flexible options for deploying Microsoft applications, such as Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SharePoint Server, and Microsoft SQL Server on IBM's SmartCloud Enterprise, customers can choose between deploying Microsoft applications on premises or on IBM's SmartCloud leveraging the value of volume licenses with Microsoft's Software Assurance. This option can help customers lower operating costs using IBM's SmartCloud shared infrastructure.

Financing provided by IBM Global Financing, the lending and leasing arm of IBM, helps credit-qualified clients make the transition to cloud computing with low-rate financing for cloud solutions and zero percent loans for IBM software. Financing helps clients accelerates their cloud project's cash flow break-even point by spreading upfront costs over time, enabling them to utilizing cash reserves for other strategic investments.

For more information on IBM's cloud financing options, visit: http://www-03.ibm.com/financing/us/cloud/

About IBM Cloud Computing
IBM has helped thousands of clients adopt cloud models and manages millions of cloud based transactions every day. IBM assists clients in areas as diverse as banking, communications, healthcare and government to build their own clouds or securely tap into IBM cloud-based business and infrastructure services. IBM is unique in bringing together key cloud technologies, deep process knowledge, a broad portfolio of cloud solutions, and a network of global delivery centers. For more information about IBM cloud solutions, visitwww.ibm.com/smartcloud. Follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ibmcloud and on our blog at http://www.thoughtsoncloud.com.

IBM Media Contact
Steve Tomasco

IBM Media Relations

917-687-4588
stomasc@us.ibm.com

SOURCE IBM

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
IBM

Web Site: http://www.ibm.com/smartcloud

Sony's New a NEX-F3 Camera Packs DSLR-Size Sensor and Advanced Feature Set into Small, Stylish Body

Thu, 17 May 2012 04:07:01 GMT

Sony's New a NEX-F3 Camera Packs DSLR-Size Sensor and Advanced Feature Set into Small, Stylish Body

Lightweight Model Features 16.1 Megapixel APS-C Sensor, 180° Tiltable LCD, Built-in Flash, Auto Portrait Framing and more

SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony's a NEX-F3 digital camera delivers professional quality photos with a compact, pocket-sized body, allowing consumers to explore the creative world of high-quality, interchangeable lens photography in a refreshingly fun and entertaining way.

The new NEX-F3 camera features the same space-saving mirrorless design as other models in Sony's E-mount family as well as an advanced, 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor(TM) APS HD CMOS sensor, identical in size to sensors found in traditional DSLR cameras. The large sensor takes in more light during image capture, resulting in flawless, low-noise photographs and crisply detailed Full HD videos (60i/24p). Photographers can also easily create images with beautiful defocus effects, where the subject is focused sharply against a smoothly blurred background.

"Sony continues to redefine digital photography with our E-mount series, packing a large APS-C size sensor into a small, lightweight camera body to produce professional-quality images with ease," said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha business at Sony. "Featuring a diverse set of imaging technologies and offered at a great price, the new NEX-F3 model reinforces our commitment to this rapidly growing compact system camera market."

The NEX-F3 camera adds a whole new perspective to self-portraits with a 180° Tiltable LCD screen, a first for Sony's E-mount camera line. By simply holding the camera at arm's length and flipping the LCD screen vertically, users can adjust the on-screen preview image and properly frame photos.

Additionally, the new model features a useful built-in flash to broaden shooting options indoors or in low light situations. Already introduced on Sony's acclaimed NEX-7 camera, this pop-up flash handily brightens portraits and other shots without the need to carry an additional flash accessory.

The new NEX-F3 camera also includes the new Auto Portrait Framing feature for creating top-quality portraits quickly and easily. This innovative feature identifies a subject's position in a composed image, and follows the "rule of thirds" to trim the scene appropriately around the subject's face, creating a beautifully composed portrait. The cropped portrait is then boosted to full resolution using Sony's unique By Pixel Super Resolution technology, which uses pattern matching to maintain superb image detail, tones and textures in the photo. Both the original and cropped image files are saved for review.

By Pixel Super Resolution Technology is also used for the "Clear Image Zoom" feature, which digitally doubles the effective magnification of any lens attached to the camera. Ideal for travel and everyday shooting, it's a great way to boost maximum focal length without carrying extra hardware.

Other convenient essentials added to the new NEX-F3 camera include the Superior Auto mode, which intelligently recognizes a wide range of scenes and subjects and adjusts settings automatically. Battery stamina has been boosted to an industry-leading 470 shots (approx.) on a single charge - an approximate 18% improvement over its predecessor, the NEX-C3 model.

The camera is compatible with the FDA-EV1S viewfinder accessory (sold separately), which offers a high-contrast, high-resolution OLED viewfinder display and a wide viewing angle. The NEX-F3 model also features a high-quality, premium-feel grip for more comfortable handling and can be charged via either USB or a standard AC outlet.

New Lightweight 18-200mm Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony a NEX

An ideal travel partner for the NEX-F3 camera, the new SEL18200LE E18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS LE telezoom lens offers a powerful 11x zoom range and superb resolution in an easy-to-carry package. Smaller and 12% lighter than the SEL18200 lens, the new E-mount model features Optical SteadyShot to compensate for the effects of hand-shake. It also features Direct Manual Focus to give users precise control over focus settings, resulting in crisp, beautiful images.

Pricing and Availability

The new NEX-F3 compact digital camera will be available this June in silver, black and white with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) for about $600. The new SEL18200LE telezoom lens will be available this July in black for about $850.

The camera kit, new lens and a variety of compatible accessories including the LCS-EJC3 carrying case, STP-XSG1 shoulder strap and STP-WS2 wrist strap will be available at Sony retail stores (http://www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

Notes to Editors:

***For a full video preview of the new NEX-F3 camera and SEL18200LE lens, please visit http://www.sony.com/blog

***Sony will be hosting an exclusive demo of the new Alpha line at the Sony Store in New York (550 Madison Avenue, NY, NY) on Monday, May 21st and Tuesday, May 22nd from 11 AM - 4 PM. Product experts will be on hand to showcase new models.

SOURCE Sony Electronics

Sony Electronics

CONTACT: Matt Parnell, Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-7975, matt.parnell@am.sony.com

Web Site: http://store.sony.com

Sony Introduces Speedy a37 Camera with Full-time Continuous AF Powered by Translucent Mirror Technology

Thu, 17 May 2012 04:07:01 GMT

Sony Introduces Speedy a37 Camera with Full-time Continuous AF Powered by Translucent Mirror Technology

New Model Features High-Quality 16.1MP APS-C Image Sensor, up to 7 fps Shooting, High- Resolution Electronic Viewfinder and more

SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightweight, easy to use and packed with a variety of useful features, the new Sony SLT-A37 camera is an ideal choice for consumers eager to explore the world of interchangeable lens DSLR photography.

The new a37 camera is the latest to feature Sony's acclaimed Translucent Mirror Technology, which delivers a potent combination of fast shooting, non-stop phase detection autofocus and continuous live image preview during still and full HD video (60i/24p) shooting. This innovative technology also allows the new a37 camera to grab split-second action with a burst of sharply focused images. Shots can be captured at up to seven frames per second in Tele-Zoom High Speed Shooting Mode, where the central portion of the sensor's image is magnified by approximately 1.4x.

The camera has a precision 3-cross 15-point AF system with tracking autofocus that keeps faces and fast-moving subjects in sharp focus. From action-packed sports to spontaneous family portraits, it will ensure that all the drama and beauty of that special moment is captured.

"Delivering lightning-fast shooting speeds and autofocus plus advanced full HD video capture, our innovative Translucent Mirror Technology continues to serve as the backbone of our A-mount line of cameras," said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha business at Sony. "Featuring this unique technology plus a host of exciting new features and an attractive price tag, our new a37 camera brings a whole new meaning to the term 'entry level DSLR'."

Framing and focusing is easy with the camera's high-resolution Tru-Finder(TM) electronic viewfinder. With a high 1440k dot resolution, excellent contrast and 100% field of view, it matches or exceeds the abilities of many optical viewfinders. Adjustments to exposure and other creative picture settings can be previewed in real time, either via the Tru-Finder(TM) EVF or the tilt-angle 6.7 cm (2.7") Clear Photo(TM) LCD screen, making it easy to create shots with a customized, professional finish.

Additionally, the Sony a37 camera helps inexperienced photographers create top-quality portraits with ease. The new Auto Portrait Framing mode identifies the subject's position in a composed image and follows the "rule of thirds" to trim the scene and create a beautifully framed portrait. The cropped photo is then boosted to full resolution using Sony's unique By Pixel Super Resolution technology, which uses pattern matching to maintain superb image detail, tones and textures in the photo. Both the original and cropped image files are saved for review.

By Pixel Super Resolution Technology is also used for the "Clear Image Zoom" feature, which digitally doubles the effective magnification of any lens attached to the camera. Ideal for travel and everyday shooting, it's a great way to boost maximum focal length without carrying extra hardware.

The 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor inside the a37 camera captures finely detailed, low noise stills and Full HD video. It's teamed with the latest BIONZ® image processor that extends sensitivity to an ISO 100-16000 range, broadening options for low-light shooting without flash. Shared with all a A-mount cameras, SteadyShot INSIDE(TM) stabilization cuts the effects of camera shake by up to 4.0 stops for clearer handheld images with any A-mount lens.

The new a37 camera also features Superior Auto Mode, which intelligently recognizes a wide range of scenes and subjects and adjusts settings automatically.

New A-Mount 18-135mm Telephoto Zoom Lens and Accessories

A versatile match for the a37 and other Sony A-mount camera bodies, the new SAL18135 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 telephoto zoom offers a generous 8x (approx.) zoom range in a compact, go-anywhere lens that's great for travel, street photography and everyday shooting. The lens features a SAM design that assures smooth, rapid, whisper-quiet autofocus operation and Direct Manual Focus for accurate fine-tuning of focus. This sharp telephoto zoom lens will also be offered as a kit lens with the a37 and other Sony A-mount camera bodies.

Compatible accessories include the new PCK-LM11 semi-hard screen protector sheet, exclusively designed for a perfect fit with the LCD screen on the a37 camera, as well as the HVL-F43AM flash, LCS-BP2 backpack and a variety of other exciting products that complete the Alpha ecosystem.

Pricing and Availability

The new a37 digital camera will be available this June with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) for about $600. The new SAL18135 telephoto zoom lens will be available as a stand-alone product this July for about $500, and will be offered as a kit lens with Sony A-mount cameras beginning this August at the below approximate prices:

-- a37 camera kit with 18-135mm lens: $800
-- a57 camera kit with 18-135mm lens: $1,000
-- a65 camera kit with 18-135mm lens: $1,200
-- a77 camera kit with 18-135mm lens: $1,700
The camera kits, new lens and variety of accessories will be available at Sony retail stores (http://www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

Notes to Editors:

***For a full video preview of the new a37 camera and SAL18135 lens, please visit http://www.sony.com/blog

***Sony will be hosting an exclusive demo of the new Alpha line at the Sony Store in New York (550 Madison Avenue, NY, NY) on Monday, May 21st and Tuesday, May 22nd from 11 AM - 4 PM. Product experts will be on hand to showcase new models.

SOURCE Sony Electronics

Sony Electronics

CONTACT: Matt Parnell of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-7975, matt.parnell@am.sony.com

Web Site: http://www.sony.com

LivePerson to Acquire Predictive Intelligence Technology from Provider of Web Testing and Relevance Targeting Solutions

Wed, 16 May 2012 21:07:01 GMT

LivePerson to Acquire Predictive Intelligence Technology from Provider of Web Testing and Relevance Targeting Solutions

NEW YORK, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- LivePerson, Inc. (NASDAQ: LPSN), a provider of real-time chat, voice and content solutions that increase conversions and improve customer experience, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire technology and intellectual property assets of Israel-based start-up, Amadesa, Ltd. in an all cash transaction scheduled to close later in the second quarter.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110105/NY24753LOGO-a )

"Amadesa technology will provide us with sophisticated, machine-learning predictive modeling that we can leverage across multiple engagement channels, enhancing our real-time intelligent engagement platform," said Robert LoCascio, CEO and Founder of LivePerson. "We will also welcome on board Amadesa's experienced team of data scientists and programming talent. As we focus on organic product innovation, we remain open to accelerating development and adding talent through focused acquisitions that enhance our execution capabilities while staying consistent with our strategic goals and unique culture."

Amadesa is a provider of website testing and relevance targeting solutions designed to improve online conversions and engagement activity. Amadesa's core capabilities in multivariate testing and predictive targeting technologies will allow LivePerson customers to deploy predictive intelligence capabilities in a more frictionless way across multiple products.

"There's clear value in the market for data intelligence," said Avi Kedmi, Amadesa CEO and Founder. "Our predictive targeting technology will complement LivePerson's market-leading platform, enabling businesses to enhance their intelligent engagement strategies across multiple channels in a more frictionless, automated manner."

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close later in the second quarter.

About LivePerson
LivePerson, Inc. (Nasdaq: LPSN) offers a cloud-based platform that enables businesses to proactively connect in real-time with their customers via chat, voice, and content delivery at the right time, through the right channel, including websites, social media, and mobile devices. This "intelligent engagement" is driven by real-time behavioral analytics, producing connections based on a true understanding of business objectives and customer needs.

More than 8,500 companies rely on LivePerson's platform to increase conversions and improve customer experience, including Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, Verizon, Sky, Walt Disney, PNC, QVC and Orbitz.

LivePerson received the CODiE award for Best Content Management Solution in 2012 and for Best Ecommerce Solution in 2011, and has been named a Company of the Year by Frost and Sullivan in 2011. LivePerson is headquartered in New York City with offices in San Francisco, Tel Aviv, Atlanta, London and Melbourne, Australia.

Safe Harbor Provision
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding our planned acquisition of Amadesa, Ltd. and its expected benefits which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future events or results to differ materially from such statements. Any such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: the acquisition gets delayed or otherwise does not occur, the expected benefits of the acquisition do not materialize; we are unable to integrate or retain the team of data scientists and programming talent currently associated with Amadesa ; the adverse effect that the global economic downturn may have on our business and results of operations; competition in the online sales, marketing, customer service and online engagement solutions markets; our ability to retain existing clients and attract new clients; risks related to new regulatory or other legal requirements that could materially impact our business; impairments to goodwill that result in significant charges to earnings; ; risks related to our international operations, particularly our operations in Israel, and the civil and political unrest in that region; responding to rapid technological change and changing client preferences; our ability to retain key personnel and attract new personnel; risks related to the ability to successfully integrate past or potential future acquisitions; technology systems beyond our control and technology-related defects that could disrupt the LivePerson services; privacy concerns relating to the Internet that could result in new legislation or negative public perception; risks related to the regulation or possible misappropriation of personal information belonging to our customers' Internet users; legal liability and/or negative publicity for the services provided to consumers via our technology platforms; risks related to protecting our intellectual property rights or potential infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are referred to the reports and documents filed from time to time by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of these and other important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in forward-looking statements.

SOURCE LivePerson, Inc.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110105/NY24753LOGO-a
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
LivePerson, Inc.

CONTACT: Erin Kang, +1-212-609-4256, ekang@liveperson.com

Web Site: http://www.liveperson.com

Electus Announces Partnership With Renowned Chef Duff Goldman For Its Food-Centric YouTube(TM) Channel, HUNGRY, The Place To Satisfy Your Food Obsession, Set To Debut On July 2nd

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:35:01 GMT

Electus Announces Partnership With Renowned Chef Duff Goldman For Its Food-Centric YouTube(TM) Channel, HUNGRY, The Place To Satisfy Your Food Obsession, Set To Debut On July 2nd

---Programming to Feature Celebrated Food Personalities Chris Cosentino, Alex Thomopoulos, Casserole Queens, Greenfield Brothers, Fung Brothers & Laura Vitale ---

NEW YORK, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ben Silverman's multimedia studio Electus, an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), today announced the initial programming and talent line-up for HUNGRY, the Company's new food-centric YouTube(TM) channel, as well as a strategic partnership with renowned celebrity chef and food personality Duff Goldman (Ace of Cakes, Sugar High), whereby Goldman will executive produce and star in a new series as well as serve as a talent and programming consultant for the channel. HUNGRY will launch on July 2nd on YouTube(TM).

"I am stoked for HUNGRY and this exciting new partnership with Electus. The future of food programming is moving online, and viewers are increasingly turning to the Internet for their entertainment and education," said Goldman. "What once may have been considered too over the top for TV is now funny, fresh programming on HUNGRY. We know the viewers are literally hungry for this kind of content and we're psyched to bring it to them!"

Conceptualized under the leadership of veteran food television executive and HUNGRY CEO Bruce Seidel, in partnership with leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), HUNGRY creates the perfect blend of strong characters and unique personalities with real, helpful, and highly entertaining tidbits on everything food. The participating chefs will create amazing, accessible dishes, in ways never seen before, and will explore the world of food for a new generation of passionate food fanatics.

"In the evolution of the food arena, and as original content on digital platforms continues to flourish, HUNGRY marks a new vision and attitude about all things food. Whether you love to eat, cook or drink, our dynamic original series have something for everyone," said Bruce Seidel, CEO of HUNGRY. "Our mission is to create highly entertaining shows and galvanize the niches that are driving the Internet food conversation forward via the incredible power and social influence of YouTube(TM)."

Utilizing the reach of leading foodie site Urbanspoon, HUNGRY's high impact, buzz-worthy programming is specifically tailored to food-lovers of all kinds around the world. From intense culinary challenges and one-of-a-kind dining experiences, to hilarious food pranks and gastronomic adventures, HUNGRY aims to feed the food obsession in each of us. Additional HUNGRY programming and talent will be announced in the weeks to come. To view the Hungry Sizzle Rap by the Fung Bros., please visit: http://bit.ly/HungryRap

"As evidenced by the incredible quality of talent and programming we are launching with HUNGRY, we are taking our partnership with YouTube(TM) very seriously with the ultimate goal of writing a whole new formula for food entertainment," said Drew Buckley, COO and Head of Digital of Electus. "In the current media landscape, audiences are constantly looking for new ways to connect more directly with their favorite personalities and we believe HUNGRY will fulfill that demand with foodies across the board."

HUNGRY's initial programming and talent lineup features top stars, trendsetters and opinion-makers in the food world, including:

-- BROTHERS GREEN (Featuring the Greenfield Brothers): In the heart of
hipster Brooklyn are two charming brothers who are musicians and
underground caterers who face a culinary challenge in every episode.
See the brothers explore food and battle their sibling rivalry while
cooking for local cult bands, foodie celebrities, and parties of all
shapes and sizes, all from their loft home kitchen. Meet their
neighbors who help them cook, play music and make the videos that made
them an Internet sensation. Brothers Green premieres a new episode on
HUNGRY every week beginning on July 2nd.
-- CASSEROLE QUEENS (Featuring Crystal Cook and Sandy Pollock): Meet the
Casserole Queens, best friends whose delicious cooking goes far beyond
casseroles. Stop by their Austin kitchen for inventive comfort food,
killer cocktails and good times. There's nothing retro about these
women except for their stylish vintage outfits and dishes. Their
recipes are modern classics with a twist and perfect for Sunday Suppers
and easy entertaining. Casserole Queens premieres a new episode on
HUNGRY every week beginning on July 2nd.
-- CITYSEARCH EATS: From leading online local guide Citysearch.com,
Citysearch Eats will use the expert taste buds of on-the-ground local
all-star blogger scouts to clue viewers in on the hottest spots - from
local favorites and must-have dishes, to new and notable - in cities
across the country. Join the over 13.5 million unique users each
month, to discover the tastiest, most delectable and scrumptious
eateries American cities have to offer! Citysearch Eats premieres a new
episode on HUNGRY every week beginning this summer.
-- DUFF'S FOOD WORLD (Executive Produced by and featuring Duff Goldman):
What does food pop culture look like through the eyes of a chef who has
not only worked in some of the world's greatest kitchens, but also has
the internal monologue of a Monty Python movie? Get inside the head of
Duff Goldman, and explore the world of food via Duff's experiences.
Duff's Food World explores everything from one-of-a-kind dishes and
dining experiences like "dining in the dark" and "naked sushi in Vegas,"
to tasty and often hilarious "Internet and TV Food Clips of the Week,"
to unique food festival field trips like the notorious Spam Festival or
Fungus Festival (will he bring his own?). Duff picks his favorite "Food
Porn Clip of the Week," man-on-the-street food pranks and historical
re-enactments of great moments in food. Duff's Food World premieres a
new episode on HUNGRY every week beginning this summer.
-- FUNG BROS. MESS WITH TEXAS (Featuring The Fung Brothers): The Fung
Brothers are rappers, comedians, writers and food lovers, but what they
are not is Texans. So join the Fung Brothers on their first ever trip to
Texas to rustle up some trouble and grub, from BBQ to dude ranches and
tasty eats, each adventure ends in a comic rap song to highlight their
new found love of Texas! Fung Bros. Mess with Texas premieres a new
episode on HUNGRY every week beginning in late July.
-- NEW SERIES FEATURING CHEF ALEX THOMOPOULOS (Series title is yet-to
-be-named): Gluten-free cooking doesn't mean that food should be lacking
in flavor and excitement, and Alex Thomopoulos knows the rules to
keeping meals fresh and fun. As a comedian turned chef, Alex shares her
tips and recipes for delectable gluten-free fare and cocktails perfect
for any meal - whether it's everyday eating or entertaining friends.
Thomopoulos' series premieres a new episode on HUNGRY every week
beginning this summer.
-- NEW "PORK" SERIES FEATURING CHEF CHRIS COSENTINO (Series title is
yet-to-be-named): Almost every culture in the world has a fascination
with all things PORK! Pork belly, ham, loins, ribs and more - most find
pork irresistible... even vegans love bacon! Recently, scientists
identified that human genetics play a role in the love of pork, which
means that we can all thank our ancestors for that bacon donut craving.
Chefs in all cultures celebrate the pig and its endless varieties and
uses. Chef Chris Cosentino embarks on a pork-filled adventure - from
farms to kitchens. He will discover and teach us all there is to know
about the glorious pig! Cosentino's series premieres a new episode on
Hungry every week beginning this summer.
-- NEW SERIES FEATURING LAURA VITALE (Series title is yet-to-be-named):
YouTube sensation Laura Vitale will demonstrate how to make delicious
Italian desserts without the use of electric-powered hand tools, just
the way she was taught in her grandmother's kitchen in Italy. The
desserts will include such recipes as Classic Italian Lemon Ice and a
Velvety Smooth Italian Semifreddo. Vitale's series premieres a new
episode on HUNGRY every week beginning on July 2nd.
-- NEW SERIES FROM URBANSPOON (Series title is yet-to-be-named): Utilizing
the over 20 million unique users of leading foodie site Urbanspoon,
HUNGRY will partner with Urbanspoon to create a blogger generated series
on reviews of the best and most unique eating finds across the nation.
Seeking out topics like the best burgers, crunchiest fries, tastiest
street food, boozey brunches, one-of-a-kind specials, to sinful and sexy
desserts. These are the hotspots that you can't miss, when you visit a
city near you, or right around the corner.
Officially launching on Monday, July 2nd, Electus will announce The Hungry Channel's full talent and programming slate in the coming weeks. Viewers can subscribe to The Hungry Channel for trailers and show updates at: http://www.youtube.com/hungry. For additional information or to connect with Hungry's social media platforms, please visit: Twitter: https://twitter.com/HungryYouTube; Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HungryYouTube; Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/100071664812864525751/posts

About Electus
Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof and produce all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world. Headed by Ben Silverman in partnership with IAC [NASDAQ: IACI], the company connects advertisers, distributors and content creators early on in the development process, enabling marketers and advertisers to be a true partner in campaigns and content creation. Electus International, the global distribution arm of Electus, is responsible for all international sales and distribution for Electus' programming and its studio partners as well as programs and formats from other well-known 3rd party providers. For more information on Electus, visit http://www.electus.com.

Media Contacts

Electus
Stacy Simpson

212.314.7470
Stacy.simpson@iac.com

Sunshine Sachs
Jessica Berger / Dani Dalesandro

212.691.2800
berger@sunshinesachs.com / dalesandro@sunshinesachs.com

Little Green Pickle
Carrie Welch

917.846.3599
carrie@littlegreenpickle.com

SOURCE Electus

Electus

Web Site: http://www.electus.com

Cisco CCNP TSHOOT Training & CCNP Training Package Released by TrainSignal

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:56:01 GMT

Cisco CCNP TSHOOT Training & CCNP Training Package Released by TrainSignal

The Cisco CCNP training package features a networking veteran & CCIE teaching objectives for all 3 exams required for the CCNP: ROUTE, SWITCH & TSHOOT.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TrainSignal, the global leader in professional computer training, announced the release of their Cisco CCNP TSHOOT training course.

The new Cisco troubleshooting course rounds out the CCNP Training Package, designed to fully prepare viewers to earn the CCNP certification. To earn the CCNP, one needs to pass the CCNP ROUTE (642-902), CCNP SWITCH (642-813), and CCNP TSHOOT (642-832) exams in no particular order, although most candidates begin with CCNP ROUTE.

CCNP Training is taught by CCIE Joe Rinehart, and this troubleshooting course covers models, methodologies and tools for troubleshooting everything on a Cisco network. The lessons cover steps for working on support tickets related to VLANs, IP services, EIGRP, OSPF, border gateway protocol, and more. Here are the more advanced topics covered in the Cisco TSHOOT course:

-- IPv6: specifics of IP Version 6 routing protocols
-- High Availability: building redundancy into networks
-- 802.11 Wireless: mechanics, traffic characteristics and common issues
-- Troubleshooting Security
CCNP TSHOOT Training is designed to prepare students for all objectives of the Cisco 642-832 exam. Instructor Joe Rinehart authored other Cisco courses (ROUTE, SWITCH and CCNA Wireless), and uses the practical hands-on labs in each lesson to make sure students prepare for Cisco certification exams while improving aspects of networking in one's current workplace.

Joe Rinehart's CCNP TSHOOT training, and other Cisco courses, is certification-driven while placing strong emphasis on internalizing the concepts for each student.

On the difficulty of Cisco's CCNP certification track, Joe intimates, "You have to set aside time to be able to setup labs, to be able to go through scenarios. Memorize what might be some very tedious things. For example, binary math. It's not exactly something that you're going to discuss at a cocktail party, but it's essential to be able to do well in the networking world."

This Cisco CCNP TSHOOT Training course contains 16 lessons in over 8 hours of video instruction. Students will receive 2 DVDs of video lessons and 1 DVD of additional content. Each lesson is available in several formats, iPod Video, Mp3 Audio, .WMV and high quality AVI, allowing students to use course materials on a variety of devices. Students can view all materials online after purchasing the course, ensuring instant access.

Cisco CCNP TSHOOT Training is available for just $397. TrainSignal backs each and every course with their exclusive 90-day Total Experience Guarantee. All courses are shipped worldwide at no charge.

The CCNP Class includes the previously released Cisco routing switching courses, as well as the new troubleshooting course. Students can purchase all three courses together for $1191, saving almost two-hundred dollars compared to purchasing the three courses individually.

About TrainSignal: Founded in 2002, TrainSignal provides computer-based "Total Experience" training that gives individuals the tools and confidence to tackle real-world challenges, pass their certification exams and succeed in today's competitive global IT market.

TrainSignal offers a wide range of computer training packages covering Microsoft, Cisco training, Citrix, CompTIA, VMware, and Microsoft Office. In addition to its Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2010, and Windows 7 courses, TrainSignal offers training for over fifty different training courses including VMware vSphere training, Cisco CCNA training, Citrix XenApp training and more.

A privately-held company, TrainSignal is based in Schaumburg, IL. For more information about TrainSignal, please visit http://www.trainsignal.com.

SOURCE TrainSignal

TrainSignal

CONTACT: Iman Jalali of TrainSignal, +1-224-836-6204, iman@trainsignal.com

Web Site: http://www.trainsignal.com

Bingocams Members to Win ?1,000 for Funniest Live Win Moments

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:42:01 GMT

Bingocams Members to Win EUR1,000 for Funniest Live Win Moments

CHESTER, England, May 16, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

When it comes to community spirit, Bingocams reign. The webcam based games and
friendly chat hosts create a fun and friendly online bingo environment which everyone
wants to be part of. Perhaps the most popular promotion available at Bingocams is the Live
Win Moments which reward the funniest and most creative players.

Bingocams has made its name in the industry for its commitment to unique and
innovative online bingo games and promotions. Visit the site [http://nl.bingocams.com ] to
find out more about the eclectic range of promotions available to play. The Live Win
Moments promotion has caused quite a stir in the world of bingo since its launch as
players look to win the big EUR1,000 just for having fun and winning bingo jackpots.

The rules for the Live Win Moments promotion are simple. To be in with a chance of
winning, players must play their favourite online bingo games with the webcam switched on.
Winning players will record the moment that they win, as the name suggests. The key to
winning the prize is to celebrate winning in the funniest and most creative way possible.

Players really go to town when recording their live win moments. From colourful wigs
to bunny ears, players collect their props and settle down to a game of online bingo in
the chance of scooping a prize in one of the bingo rooms. All Live Win Moment videos are
in the line up for the prize and the best are chosen at the end of the month.

The best video is rewarded with EUR1,000 whilst Bingocams randomly select another two
videos, each of which wins EUR500. The lucky winners and their videos can be found on the
Live Win Moment section of the site. Visit the site to find out more.

Source: Bingocams

rachel@insideonline.co.uk / +44(0)1244-305088

U4iA(TM) Games Pulls The Trigger On Its First Genre-Defining, Online, Free-to-Play Title Offensive Combat(TM)

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:07:01 GMT

U4iA(TM) Games Pulls The Trigger On Its First Genre-Defining, Online, Free-to-Play Title Offensive Combat(TM)

FPS Universes Collide in the World's First Console-Quality Multiplayer Experience in a Web Browser

BELLEVUE, Wash., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- U4iA(TM) Games, the new independent games startup built by award-winning game developers, today revealed its first title, Offensive Combat(TM). Available free-to-play in web browsers around the world, Offensive Combat will empower multiplayer fans everywhere to experience a console-quality, high energy, frenetic competition anytime, anywhere that not only challenges their skills, but also gives them freedom to express their own unique attitudes and personality. The innovative gameplay, guided by industry veterans from Activision, Sony, and the Call of Duty and Guitar Hero franchises, will feature an irreverent mash-up of first-person-shooter archetypes, weapons and themes, including surreal fantasy, futuristic sci-fi, and modern military settings, among others. Offensive Combat launches later this year, but select fans will have an opportunity to be one of the first to explore the game during a limited beta this summer.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120516/SF08504LOGO)

"Free-to-play is the next disruptive, permanent shift in gaming," explains U4iA Games CEO and Co-Founder Dusty Welch. "Consumers are moving away from the traditional console retail model and demanding AAA-quality games accessible on all their devices with no upfront costs. U4iA plans to satisfy those gamers with unmatched, competitive, core games like Offensive Combat, playable through your browser at a level of quality previously not thought possible, all running on our breakthrough E-Sport level server architecture. Since the game is launched right in their browser, players will be able to fire it up, connect with their friends, and play for free - with no need for additional hardware or software purchases."

U4iA Games (pronounced "euphoria") was founded in 2011 by Welch, a 13-year Activision veteran and the key executive credited with the creation and growth of Call of Duty, and CCO Chris Archer, a 20-year veteran of the games industry who has designed and produced more than 40 video games across nearly every PC, console, handheld, and mobile platform. Together they established U4iA with the primary goal of bringing core, console-quality, free-to-play games, like Offensive Combat, to web browsers and mobile devices. The company recently closed a Series B round, raising more than $7 million in strategic private funding to date, and the company is now looking to expand its roster to complement the skilled development team they have recruited. More information is available at http://www.U4iAgames.com.

"We believe the current crop of FPS games is just more of the same. With Offensive Combat, we are making the blockbuster game you'll have to have, but it's already in your browser, it's free, and your friends are already playing. Just log on and click play," says U4iA Games CCO and Co-Founder Chris Archer. "We're building Offensive Combat for passionate core shooter fans, delivering the features they want and empowering them to play the way they want. Gamers are clamoring for new ideas and experiences versus the same rehashed gameplay. With our unique, focused approach and broad industry experience, we're able to deliver an innovative, free-to-play game that would take other development teams multiple years, hundreds of developers and cost them, in some cases, over $100 million, a cost which they would ultimately pass on to the consumer."

Offensive Combat will feature the most competitive multiplayer action ever seen within a browser, enabling players to harness their skills and use their creativity and ingenuity to win the ultimate mash-up of first-person shooters. The browser version and the mobile/tablet versions of the game are interconnected, and work together unlike any game before, in addition to a level of customization that allows the game to evolve right alongside gamers' tastes. The full Offensive Combat experience will be detailed in the coming weeks, while select players will soon begin receiving invitations to test their skills in the limited, closed beta.

More at: http://www.U4iAgames.com

About U4iA Games
Based in Bellevue, Washington, U4iA Games (pronounced "euphoria") is a new independent games startup founded by Dusty Welch (CEO) and Chris Archer (CCO), industry veterans with former executive and franchise-building roles at Activision, Call of Duty, Treyarch and Sony, among others. Archer and Welch established the company with the primary goal of bringing console-quality core gaming experiences to web browsers and mobile devices. For more information, visit http://www.U4iAgames.com

U4iA and Offensive Combat are trademarks of U4iA Games, Inc. All other names are the trademarks of their respective owners.

U4iA Games, Offensive Combat logos and other media assets available at this link: http://bit.ly/customizecompetehumiliaterepeat

SOURCE U4iA Games

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120516/SF08504LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
U4iA Games

CONTACT: Sean Maggard, +1-214-267-9001, sean@zebrapartners.net, or Beth Llewelyn, +1-206-406-5027, beth@zebrapartners.net, both of Zebra Partners for U4iA Games

Web Site: http://www.u4iagames.com

=?ISO-8859-1?Q?CTIA-The_Wireless_Association=AE_Announces_Shor?= =?ISO-8859-1?Q?t_Code_Verification_Process_with_Aegis_Mobile?=

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:49:02 GMT

CTIA-The Wireless Association® Announces Short Code Verification Process with Aegis Mobile

Additional scrutiny to help assure consumers mobile campaigns are legitimate and prevent cramming

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CTIA-The Wireless Association®, through its Common Short Code Administration (CSCA), today announced its partnership with Aegis Mobile to verify the identity of organizations that market to wireless consumers using premium short code campaigns. By reviewing detailed information so it can verify the organizations, Aegis will help ensure that legitimate businesses may continue their campaigns while stopping unscrupulous businesses from "cramming," which is when unauthorized charges are placed on a wireless customer's monthly bill.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100629/DC28223LOGO-a)

Effective April 10, 2012, Aegis Mobile began conducting thorough checks of companies that are renewing or applying to lease premium CSCs, including the background of the organization, their location, the length of time the organization has been operating and the organization's relationships to other businesses.

Many business, non-profits and governments of all sizes have utilized CSCs in their mobile marketing programs to reach their target audiences via text or MMS messages. CSCs are five- or six-digit numbers that are used in a variety of applications, including mobile giving, tele-voting and marketing promotions. CTIA manages all CSCs used in the United States, including premium short codes that allow charges for services to be placed on a customer's wireless bill. Premium short codes provide a convenient way to pay for services such as parking meters or to make a $10 donation to disaster relief organizations.

"CSCs are an easy and effective way for organizations to engage with current and potential customers. By working with Aegis Mobile to vet organizations, the U.S. wireless industry has taken yet another step to protect our customers from illegitimate users while providing them with confidence to know that the premium short code campaigns that are running are from legitimate companies," said David Diggs, Vice President of Wireless Internet Development at CTIA.

"Consumers are increasingly making purchases using their mobile devices and want assurance that the charges placed on their wireless bill are legitimate," said Rich LaPerch, CEO of Aegis Mobile. "Vetting these organizations when they are applying for a CSC is the first step in the process and Aegis Mobile is pleased to partner with CTIA in this effort to make the mobile commerce space a safe and prosperous ecosystem."

About CTIA:
CTIA-The Wireless Association® (http://www.ctia.org) is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and sponsors the industry's leading wireless tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C.

About Aegis Mobile:
Founded in 2006, Aegis Mobile is a global provider of mobile, compliance and privacy solutions. Aegis works with businesses to provide persistent mobile presences, and with leading mobile phone carriers and other members of the mobile payment ecosystem to ensure that providers, content, media and specific programs meet all the necessary standards and regulations. In August 2011, Aegis Mobile was ranked 561 in Inc. magazine's fifth annual Inc. 500 | 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. In May of the same year, Aegis Mobile was named "High Technology Firm of the Year" by the Tech Council of Maryland.

SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Association

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100629/DC28223LOGO-a
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
CTIA-The Wireless Association

Web Site: http://www.ctia.org

Summer Vacations And Weekend Outings Made Better With ParkVisitor.com: First Nationwide Rating System For Parks

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:14:02 GMT

Summer Vacations And Weekend Outings Made Better With ParkVisitor.com: First Nationwide Rating System For Parks

Opportunity To Win A Jackson Day Tripper Kayak With Each Park Rating

PASADENA, Calif., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the Great Outdoors have a new resource to help navigate the ins-and-outs of hiking trails, camp grounds, fishing holes, bike trails, bird watching locales and more with ParkVisitor.com, the nation's first park rating system featuring nearly 5,000 parks nationwide.

Similar to how people rely on reviews to find a good restaurant, mechanic or doctor, users at ParkVisitor.com tap into an online community to research activities and share their experiences at the same time. Experts and outdoor enthusiasts contribute comments, tips and reviews - and combined with social media input - create a profile of each park with a proprietary ParkVisitor(TM) score.

Park rangers and locals alike add tips to their reviews such as hidden climbing spots or even a great place to grab a coffee or burger nearby. The insider tips about specific "what not to miss" activities enhance the excursion before even leaving home.

People can search for parks by rating, geographic location or specific activities and features. A mobile app of ParkVisitor.com will be released this summer.

From now until May 31, 2012, each new park review will count as an entry to win a Jackson Day Tripper Kayak, (msrp $799).

SOURCE ParkVisitor.com

ParkVisitor.com

CONTACT: Meg Aldrich, +1-626-825-0309, meg@talkcommunications.com

Web Site: http://www.parkvisitor.com

IGN Entertainment and T-Break Media launch IGN Middle East

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:49:01 GMT

IGN Entertainment and T-Break Media launch IGN Middle East

World's largest games media company expands into more than 15 countries

SAN FRANCISCO, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IGN Entertainment and T-Break Media have announced a new commercial agreement to publish IGN Middle East (http://me.ign.com) - bringing gaming and entertainment content to more than 15 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt and Morocco - a potential audience of more than 340 million people.

IGN Middle East is headed by Abbas Jaffar Ali - formerly Editor of popular Middle Eastern gaming site Megamers.com, which has been incorporated in the new site. T-Break Media also publishes the fast-growing movies and technology network Tbreak.com, and is backed by twofour54, the region's leading media and entertainment hub.

IGN Middle East will be available in two languages - Arabic & English - mixing locally created editorial content with that from IGN's teams in the US, UK and Australia.

IGN.com is the world's most popular games and entertainment network [source: comScore - April 2012] and the new deal continues to significantly grow IGN's local presence in many of the world's fastest growing gaming markets, following successful launches in Germany and Sweden.

Adam Doree, International Business Development Director, IGN Entertainment, said:

"The Middle East is a truly exciting world market and one of the fastest-growing in media and entertainment, and we're thrilled to be working with T-Break to introduce IGN Middle East to a vast audience of gamers.

"Teaming up with the experts in their territory allows IGN to build the brand globally and develop all-new local content alongside the biggest stories from around the world, connecting with new users in their own language for the first time."

Hitesh Uchil, Director, T-Break Media, added:

"Since its launch in 2006, MEGamers.com has quickly become the largest gaming website in the region. By partnering with IGN, we're cementing those foundations and renewing our commitment to bringing top quality international gaming editorial to the region, as well as locally relevant content in both English and Arabic.

"We've experienced rapid growth since joining the gaming cluster at twofour54 Abu Dhabi earlier this year; IGN Middle East allows us to build up our brand and support the rapid expansion of the gaming industry in the region."

About IGN Entertainment

IGN Entertainment is the leading Internet media and services provider focused on the video game and entertainment enthusiast markets. Collectively, IGN's properties reach more than 52 million unique users worldwide, according to comScore. IGN's network of video game-related properties (IGN.com, 1UP.com, GameSpy and others) is the Web's #1 video game information destination. IGN also owns the world's largest men's lifestyle website, AskMen.com, and men's entertainment site UGO.com. It also provides technology for online game play in video games. IGN is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, with offices across North America, Europe and Australia.

About T-Break
Supported by and based out of twofour54, T-Break Media is one of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's fastest growing media organizations, focused entirely on creating rich, relevant and timely content online. T-Break's recognized and awarded editorial team produces all of its content in-house, which is published on T-Break Tech, Middle East Movies or Middle East Gamers - the leading portals in the region for consumer technology, movies and video games.

SOURCE IGN Entertainment

IGN Entertainment

CONTACT: Will Guyatt, International PR Manager, IGN Entertainment, +44(0)7799 334994

Web Site: http://me.ign.com

Stream TV Networks Partners With Unihan (Pegatron) To Manufacture Ultra-D(TM)

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:21:01 GMT

Stream TV Networks Partners With Unihan (Pegatron) To Manufacture Ultra-D(TM)

Stream TV announces a manufacturing partner for Ultra-D 3D without glasses technology

PHILADELPHIA, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Stream TV Networks, Inc. (http://www.StreamTVNetworks.com) is proud to announce a manufacturing partnership with Unihan (Pegatron) Corporation for Stream TV's 3D without glasses devices. The 3D without glasses devices will be equipped with Stream TV's proprietary Ultra-D(TM) technology.

The most exciting part of the Ultra-D technology is that it can be ported to displays of almost any size without any noticeable loss in brightness or resolution. Stream TV's initial manufacturing partnership with Unihan (Pegatron) will be to assemble 42-inch 3D without glasses displays and accompanying Ultra-D Seecube(TM) converter boxes that autoconvert 2D, 3D animation and stereoscopic 3D into 3D without glasses real-time. Other products in the partnership roadmap include tablets, smart phones, laptops, PCs, digital communicator and television sets of various sizes. Pegatron will be involved in helping to distribute Ultra-D devices worldwide. Stream TV and Pegatron will also collaborate to create a worldwide 3D without glasses format based on the Ultra-D technology as a standard for their customers and content and broadcasting companies.

"Unihan (Pegatron)'s enormous manufacturing and R&D capabilities will allow us to accelerate the release of Ultra-D products to reach consumers in 2012," said Mathu Rajan, CEO of Stream TV Networks, Inc. "Ultra-D is the next generation 3D technology designed to replace 3D with glasses and win preference over 2D devices."

Ultra-D is the gold standard when it comes to 3D without glasses technology. The new version of the devices gives a quality equal to the stereoscopic 3D but without the glasses. Ultra-D is the result of years of research and development in the field of optical delivery. The result is a state of the art display that allows the unassisted human eye to view live and recorded content in true 3D.

Ultra-D is a unique amalgam of hardware and software in perfect sync. It introduces a layer of lenses on display panels that directs light at an optimal angle to create a 3D image for the human eye. Behind the scenes, a matrix of sophisticated algorithms scans incoming feed to decipher the different layers that may be used to extrude and generate depth. This depth may be either user defined or computer generated and packaged into the Ultra-D format. Autoconversion happens in microseconds keeping video latency indiscernible to the human eye. Stream TV and its partners who have seen this technology at work predict that Ultra-D will be the standard for 3D displays and content.

The Seecube will convert any kind of content to Ultra-D eliminating the need to wait for the content world to start delivering 3D specific content. The autoconverter converts 2D content as well as 3D stereo content to Ultra-D content. Compatible content includes regular cable and satellite feeds including both 2D and with glasses 3D, Blu-ray, gaming devices like Xbox® and PS3®, websites like YouTube®, Netflix®, Hulu®, Facebook® and even video calls through services like Skype®. All pictures and home videos are now available with exceptional rendition of the content to 3D without glasses. Seecube supports iOS®, iPad®, iPhone® and Apple TV®, all of which can be connected to Seecube and all the content on iTunes® as well as apps from the Apple® app store will now be viewed in 3D without glasses. 3D without glasses adds a whole new dimension to the Apple ecosystem.

During the Computex show in Taiwan additional information and demonstration units will be available.

Additional partnerships and markets will be announced soon regarding Stream TV's 3D without glasses devices using the Ultra-D technology.

About Stream TV Networks, Inc.

Stream TV Networks, Inc. Is a Philadelphia-based new media company founded in 2009 to enhance entertainment and communications experiences through superior quality devices with unlimited accessibility. Through its brands and products, Stream TV Networks, Inc. intends to create a media landscape that supports on-demand access to content anytime and anywhere and nurture interactive user feedback, creative participation and community formation around media content. The company's mission is to redefine "new media" so that it reaches its true dynamic potential and real-time interactive relationship with the media consumer. For more information, please visit http://www.StreamTVNetworks.com.

About Pegatron

Founded in January 2008, Unihan (Pegatron) is a worldwide leader in electronic and computing dms (design and manufacturing service) with extensive experience in product development and vertically integrated capabilities. With equity of US$2.7 billion, Pegatron boasts a diversified product line, including motherboards, desktop pcs, notebooks, broadband, wireless systems, game consoles, networking equipment, set-top boxes, multimedia, LCD TVs, and more. Pegatron takes pride in its well-diversified product portfolio, unique designs, flexible manufacturing capabilities and reliable after-sale services.

SOURCE Stream TV Networks, Inc.

Stream TV Networks, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Esther Koo of Southard Communications, +1-212-777-2220, esther@southardinc.com

Web Site: http://www.streamtvnetworks.com

Adapt IP Ventures and WordNetworks Partner to Monetize Social Media and Search Patent Portfolio

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:14:01 GMT

Adapt IP Ventures and WordNetworks Partner to Monetize Social Media and Search Patent Portfolio

ATLANTA and SAN FRANCISCO, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Adapt IP Ventures, LLC and WordNetworks, Inc. announce the availability of WordNetworks' social media patent portfolio. The WordNetworks patent portfolio enables search engines and content providers to score keywords based on social media view counts and present related content - adding elements of popularity, influence, timeliness and relevance to search and advertising. Adapt IP Ventures will be actively approaching relevant companies with the opportunity to acquire this patent portfolio.

"We believe that our technology and our IP portfolio speaks to some of the most important ways social media define and shape our online experience," stated WordNetworks Co-Founder, Anthony Edwards.

WordNetworks owns U.S. Patent No. 8,073,850 and recently received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for pending continuation application no. 13/174,296. The recently allowed application broadly covers scoring based on social media view counts and displaying relevant content in panels on a page. WordNetworks plans to actively file supplemental patent applications to capture additional inventions based on its social media technology.

"The WordNetworks patent portfolio is directed towards foundational technologies in social media and search," comments Grant Moss, CEO of Adapt IP Ventures. "The value of this patent portfolio is validated as Facebook completes its' IPO this week and as high-profile patent transactions between leaders like Facebook, IBM, AOL, Microsoft, Google and Yahoo! become more widely appreciated."

Companies interested in receiving information on this patent portfolio offering are encouraged to contact Adapt IP Ventures.

About Adapt IP Ventures, LLC
Adapt IP Ventures, based in Atlanta, GA, provides transaction advisory services designed to assist innovative firms understand and extract value from their patents. Typical engagements consist of Adapt IP Ventures developing and executing custom strategies to sell or license patents. For more information, please visit http://www.adaptipventures.com.

About WordNetworks, Inc.
WordNetworks, founded in 2006 and based in San Francisco, CA, developed and patented fundamental search and advertising technologies that incorporates the importance of social media data.

Contact:
Grant Moss
Adapt IP Ventures, LLC
Phone: 770-353-0756
Email: grant@adaptipventures.com

SOURCE Adapt IP Ventures, LLC

Adapt IP Ventures, LLC

Web Site: http://www.adaptipventures.com

Wajam Now Boosts Social Search Experience for Yahoo! and Bing

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:07:02 GMT

Wajam Now Boosts Social Search Experience for Yahoo! and Bing

Wajam's New Design Now Works with Google, Yahoo! and Bing by Integrating Facebook, Twitter & Google+ Content in Every Search

MONTREAL, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Wajam (http://www.wajam.com), a leader in social search, today launched its new and improved social search experience, (link to video) which gives users social search results everywhere they browse the web and adds new social search features to the Yahoo! and Bing search sites. Today, Wajam expanded its newly designed social search features to work with Bing and Yahoo!, following its initial launch in Google two weeks ago. Wajam's browser extension brings users the ability to receive social search results everywhere they search, including Google, Bing, Yahoo!, Amazon, Yelp, Trip Advisor, YouTube and Ebay.

"It's natural to give more weight to a recommendation or referral from a friend than someone you don't know," said Martin-Luc Archambault, Founder & CEO of Wajam. "We've incorporated over a billion pieces of data from our users' Facebook, Twitter and Google+ profiles, allowing them to view what their friends have liked, commented, recommended, uploaded or linked to a particular search topic. Social search powered by Wajam allows you to tap into to your friends wherever you conduct a search and filter your results by any combination of social sites and friends. Wajam allows you to tap into your social lifeline whenever you need it."

What's New?

Intuitive Results Display - New design moves social search filtered results from top of page to the right side and gives users the option to show results from friends by default or to "hide results" to take up less space, only showcasing recommendations from friends when you need it.

Easy Filtering - You can easily pick and choose which social network you want results from, as well as filter results by friends by simply clicking on their profile pictures. You can filter results by relevance or time.

More Info; Better Organized - New design clearly breaks down number of results, organizing them by links, photos or videos, and lines up specific friends who have commented on the search term you searched. This gives you the ability to more easily filter results by specific friends, relevance or time.

Wajam offers two ways to search for social results - through its Social Search Everywhere Plugin as well as a search engine option at http://www.wajam.com. The Wajam Social Search Everywhere Plugin follows you everywhere you search, making search more personal by adding social network results to all web search queries - without having to change user search behavior. Wajam.com gives users a depository of everything your Facebook, Twitter and Google+ friends and followers are posting and the easy ability to search through this comprehensive mashup.

About Wajam - Great Minds Search Alike - http://www.wajam.com

Wajam is a social search engine that gives you access to the knowledge of your friends when you need it. The Wajam Social Search Everywhere Plugin makes searching the web more personal by adding results from friends to your standard searches on Google, Bing or Yahoo! It elevates search relevance by featuring your friends' likes and reviews for products, places, links, photos and videos within your regular search habits, even in places like Amazon, Yelp, Trip Advisor, YouTube and Ebay. The Wajam Search site gives users the ability to search their network of trusted friends and followers across multiple social networks all in one place. Wajam launched in private beta in January 2011 and was founded by Martin?Luc Archambault, who was previously CEO of Zango Canada. Wajam is privately held and funded by Bolidea, and is based in Montreal, Quebec.

Contact: John Sperrazzo, Eye-To-Eye Communications, Inc. 858.361.4495, john@eyetoeyepr.com

SOURCE Wajam

Wajam

Web Site: http://www.wajam.com

Badgeville Partners with Yammer to Enhance Employee Performance and Engagement

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:07:02 GMT

Badgeville Partners with Yammer to Enhance Employee Performance and Engagement

Badgeville teams with leading enterprise social network to surface high-value employee behavior and rewards.

MENLO PARK, Calif., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Badgeville, the gold standard for gamification, today announced a key integration that builds on its partnership with Yammer, the leading provider of enterprise social networks. With this integration, companies can enhance employee performance by leveraging Badgeville to reward high-value user behaviors across the enterprise, and showcase them in the Yammer Ticker, a real-time activity stream.

"We are committed to partnering with first-class business applications to create a powerful social layer across the enterprise, increasing visibility and insights in every corner of an organization," said An Le, VP of Business Development, Yammer. "Badgeville's behavior platform helps us deliver on that vision by rewarding employee performance and pulling those key milestones into Yammer where the whole company can discover them."

The Behavior Platform by Badgeville enables companies to build stickier, more engaging experiences on their websites and enterprise applications. By applying proven game, social, and reputation mechanics inherent in today's most successful Web properties that drive desired behavior, companies can realize better user adoption and engagement with their existing technology investments.

"Yammer helps companies build a powerful social layer that connects their workers with relevant updates from colleagues and enterprise systems across the organization for the modern, social enterprise," says Kris Duggan, CEO, Badgeville. "Complementing that vision, Badgeville helps companies build an engagement layer that maximizes their workers' utilization of these tools and move the needle on key business processes."

How the integration works

-- Leveraging The Behavior Platform, companies can reward high-value user
behavior in any of their enterprise applications. For example, a company
could configure their support application to give a virtual reward (i.e.
The Support Rock Star) to an employee every time he closes 10 support
tickets in one day.
-- After The Behavior Platform triggers that reward in the IT support
community, CRM system, or any other enterprise application, it will then
be published in the Yammer Ticker.
-- In the Yammer Ticker, employees can visualize the reward, post replies
to it and encourage more of the same high-value behaviors.

Deloitte, the large consulting firm, leverages both Badgeville and Yammer to drive better knowledge sharing and build an employee rank and reputation system around specific areas of expertise. Deloitte's internal Who What Where mobile app, built on Yammer APIs, rewards consultants who "check-in" and share who they're meeting with on the road, what they discussed, and where it took place.

As employees gain rewards for sharing this valuable information with their colleagues, those Badgeville-powered rewards are published in Deloitte's Yammer Ticker. Leveraging Badgeville's widget studio, Deloitte highlights the rewards in its social intranet, enabling employees to showcase their status, reputation and expertise. Because executives at Deloitte also engage with Yammer (including Deloitte's CEO), employees who unlock badges and rewards are able to showcase their talents.

"We added Yammer to drive better knowledge sharing and overall communication across our company," says James Sanders, manager of Deloitte Digital. "With Badgeville, we're able to reward high-value behavior that supports that mission, keeping our employees more engaged and aligned with our company goals."

About Badgeville

Badgeville, the Behavior Platform, makes it easy for business leaders to measure and influence behavior across customer, partner, developer and employee communities. The leading provider of SaaS enterprise gamification solutions and services, Badgeville's global client roster features the world's most innovative enterprises across virtually every industry, including Samsung, Recyclebank, Deloitte, Dell, eBay, Universal Music, The Active Network, and more. Founded in 2010, Badgeville is based in Menlo Park, Calif., and has offices in New York and Europe. For more information, visit Badgeville on the web at http://www.badgeville.com/.

SOURCE Badgeville

Badgeville

CONTACT: Kristin Miller, +1-719-634-8292, kmiller@sspr.com, for Badgeville

Web Site: http://www.badgeville.com

eZ Systems Releases eZ Publish 4.7 - Etna: Accelerates Customer Experience Management (CXM) and Releases eZ Publish Cloud Edition

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:49:01 GMT

eZ Systems Releases eZ Publish 4.7 - Etna: Accelerates Customer Experience Management (CXM) and Releases eZ Publish Cloud Edition

SKIEN, Norway, May 16, 2012/PRNewswire/ --

- "Etna" focuses on greater interoperability, enhanced multi-channel
delivery and content optimization.
- Cloud edition - SaaS version on Red Hat Enterprise cloud stack, with Finnish
eZ Partner, Ixonos - offers new WCM paradigm.

eZ Systems (http://www.ez.no) announces it has again fulfilled on promise to
deliver feature-packed bi-annual release of its Enterprise Open Source CMS.

The May 2012 release reflects the continued drive to enhance the eZ web content
management system (WCM) to offer a full Customer Experience Management (CXM) suite.

eZ Publish Enterprise now integrates its info-graphic analytics solution, eZ odoscope,
directly into the back office, integrating content production with performance
measurement. For delivery to mobile, eZ has enhanced its adaptive technology to faster
streamline and improve automated rendering of content to the small screen. Geo-location of
content also receives a boost to help businesses adapt to the mobile web-user's needs and
expectations. eZ Find, eZ's powerful search engine, has gained improvements in faceted
search, spell checking, auto suggestions and more to ensure that user experience is
satisfyingly efficient.

The eZ Market, eZ's solution for bringing certified 3rd party performance and
productivity innovation into the mix sees exciting additions in the areas of real-time
content trending measurement (eZ Live Viewer), fluid and collaborative workflow tools (eZ
Exceed and eZ Multitasking One), tagging automation (eZ Smart Tags), and eCommerce (eZ Way
2 Magento). The eZ App Factory offers industrialization and rapid creation of low cost,
easy to manage native mobile and tablet apps that integrate fully with the eZ Publish CMS.

The eZ Publish Cloud edition, based on the Red Hat Enterprise cloud stack, offered in
partnership with Ixonos, is a full SaaS version of eZ Publish Enterprise. The benefits of
cloud enablement are many - speed, security, support, cost and more - allowing eZ clients
to focus on the core of their digitally-enabled business, leaving infrastructure to
international best-in-class third party vendors.

Gabriele Viebach, Group CEO commented, "eZ is committed and transparent in its roadmap
to deliver the world's leading Customer Experience Management platform. This is a great
testimony of how teamwork with the eZ Community and our own engineers delivers fast
innovation within the Commercial Open Source paradigm to produce relevant and sustainable
software to enable the digital businesses of today and prepares them for the exciting
possibilities of tomorrow."

About eZ Systems:

eZ Systems is the globally recognized commercial open source software provider. Our
leading and innovative approach takes your enterprise platform beyond content management
(CMS) into creating a true digital experience with systematic optimization capabilities.
The eZ Publish platform sets new standards for digital lifecycle management, including
recommendations and smart web analytics functionality, coupled with an application market
place of certified extensions.

Thousands of organizations worldwide benefit from optimized and intelligent
multi-channel communications solutions. eZ's client base includes small, medium and large
enterprises across all industries such as media, publishing and broadcasting, financial
services, telecoms, retail, government, manufacturing, logistics, and education.

Additional information: eZ Systems Headquarters, Klostergata 30, N-3732 Skien, Norway,
Tel. +47-35587020, email: info@ez.no, Web: http://www.ez.no

Media contact: euromarcom public relations GmbH, Tel. +49-611/973150, E-Mail:
team@euromarcom.de, web: http://www.euromarcom.de

Source: eZ Systems

iMPak Health Announces NFC Enabled Cardiovascular Health and Wellness Application

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:49:01 GMT

iMPak Health Announces NFC Enabled Cardiovascular Health and Wellness Application

NEPTUNE, N.J., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- iMPak Health, LLC announced today the launch of their new product, RhythmTrak, a Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled cardiovascular mobile health and wellness application. RhythmTrak is being launched on the Android Platform for both smart phones and tablets and the company plans to have the application on the iOS platform by the end of the year.

RhythmTrak is a handheld, credit card sized ECG device that documents heart rates, heart rate variability, calculates R to R intervals, and single lead waveforms. Data collected on the device is transmitted wirelessly using a NFC reader or an NFC enabled smart phone or tablet. The user then can simply forward the information to their physician. RhythmTrak is not intended to be a diagnostic device, but to be used to track patient symptoms during the active management of atrial fibrillation.

According to the American Heart Association, about 2 million Americans suffer from atrial fibrillation and related cardiac illness, putting them at risk for heart attacks and strokes. "Linking personal monitoring technologies such as RhythmTrak to practical everyday clinical protocols will improve the ability of both the clinician and the patient to better manage chronic conditions" said Richard Scott, M.D., Senior Vice President, Clinical Effectiveness, Meridian Health.

"It can be incredibly empowering for a patient to have a tool that helps them work with their physician to determine if they may need a change in medication or therapy, especially when it comes to overall heart health," added Sandra Elliott, director, Consumer Technology and Service Development, Meridian Health. "Even patients undergoing ablation, a surgical procedure sometimes used to treat atrial fibrillation may still have symptoms after their procedure. The key is to understand if patients show improvement over time."

RhythmTrak is expected to cost $39.99 when it hits the market. iMPak Health has submitted RhythmTrak for FDA approval in the United States and CE approval in the European Market.

For more information about RhythmTrak or to see a video, please visit http://www.impakhealth.com/cardiovascular-health.

About iMPak Health

A joint venture of Swedish-based chip developer and innovator Cypak and Meridian Health, a not for profit health care leader, iMPak Health brings together the latest in wireless technology and the front-line know-how of today's health care environment to provide consumers and patients with effective and intuitive tools to better manage their health. iMPak Health's mission is to become a leader in developing, easy-to-use devices to screen, diagnose, and monitor health conditions through wireless technology For more information, please visit http://www.iMPakHealth.com.

About Meridian Health

Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization in New Jersey, comprising Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, and Meridian Partner Companies that include home health services, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, ambulatory care, ambulance services, and outpatient centers. Meridian Health has consistently been rated among the top performing health systems in New Jersey for clinical quality, is one of the FORTUNE "100 Best Companies to Work For" for three years in a row, and is the recipient of numerous state and national recognitions for patient care and nursing excellence. Recently, Meridian Health was the only health system in New Jersey to be ranked as one of the most Integrated Healthcare Systems in the nation according to SDI and Modern Healthcare Magazine. For more information, please visit http://www.MeridianHealth.com.

CONTACT: Robert Cavanaugh, Manager of Public Affairs, Meridian Health, +1-732-751-3451, rcavanaugh@meridianhealth.com

SOURCE iMPak Health

iMPak Health

Web Site: http://www.iMPakHealth.com

CompetencyWorks: Learning from the Cutting Edge

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:35:01 GMT

CompetencyWorks: Learning from the Cutting Edge

Collaborative project helps educators move beyond seat-time to ensure every student succeeds

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CompetencyWorks, a new website highlighting innovations, promising practices and solutions for tough issues that educators, administrators and policymakers face when shifting from a time-based system towards competency-based education, launched today at http://competencyworks.org. Combining research, an active blog, an expanding wiki, and the voices of practitioners from across the country, CompetencyWorks is the online extension of a collaboration of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL), the American Youth Policy Forum, Jobs for the Future, the National Governor's Association and MetisNet to support states, districts and schools as they innovate beyond the traditionally time-based structure of the K-12 system.

"As currently designed, our schools largely ignore the fact that in this burgeoning information age, students are in a continuous state of learning. Students should not be prisoners of time," said Susan Patrick, iNACOL's President and CEO. "Our single biggest policy concern as a country should be moving away from traditional seat-time toward competency-based models of learning found any time, any place and along any path for today's students."

In 2011, one hundred innovators in competency education gathered for a discussion of what would become the basis of CompetencyWorks' five-part, working definition of high quality competency education:

-- Students advance upon mastery.
-- Competencies include explicit, measurable, transferable learning
objectives that empower students.
-- Assessment is meaningful and a positive learning experience for
students.
-- Students receive timely, differentiated support based on their
individual learning needs.
-- Learning outcomes emphasize competencies that include application and
creation of knowledge, along with the development of important skills
and dispositions.
"Competency-based education is at the center of our efforts in New Hampshire to prepare our students for college and careers," said Paul Leather, New Hampshire's Deputy Commissioner of Education. "Through competency-based approaches and expanded-learning opportunities, we are reaching more of our students where, when and how they most effectively learn, ensuring mastery of content, and experiencing a declining dropout rate. CompetencyWorks is going to help all of us that are working to create a system that is designed for all students to succeed."

Building upon the leadership examples of states such as New Hampshire, Ohio, and Oregon, CompetencyWorks will showcase the best practices of bold policymakers and practitioners who have worked to explore and implement new ways to expand and enrich support to students, challenging the assumption that learning takes place within the classroom. Regardless of whether a student is more comfortable learning online, developing skills through an internship or in community service, requires a more personalized learning plan, or falls into the oft-neglected category of over-age, under-credited, competency-based approaches will allow them the flexibility to succeed where strictly defined, time-based policies have not.

"If we are earnest about equity and excellence in education, then we must have a disciplined exchange about competency as a defining characteristic of emerging educational designs," said Nicholas C. Donohue, President and CEO of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation. "Competency holds great promise as a design feature of high quality educational opportunities because it allows more customized approaches to learning while maintaining a rigorous commitment to college and career ready standards. However, we have more to learn about competency and how to grow a conversation about it with broader audiences. This is part of why we are proud to support CompetencyWorks. We hope that it will fill an important space in the education reform conversation by elevating the interchange of ideas, challenges and solutions regarding this leading-edge approach to learning."

For more information about CompetencyWorks or to learn more about competency-based approaches to learning, please visit http://competencyworks.org.

CompetencyWorks is supported through the generosity of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and the Donnell-Kay Foundation.

CompetencyWorks partner organizations:

International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL)
iNACOL is a non-profit 501(c)(3)-membership association based in the Washington, DC area with over 4,000 members. We are unique; our members represent a diverse cross-section of K-12 education from school districts, charter schools, state education agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, corporate entities and other content & technology providers.

American Youth Policy Forum
The American Youth Policy Forum, founded in 1993, is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that educates and informs policy leaders, practitioners, and researchers working on education, workforce, and youth issues at the national, state, and local levels. We believe all youth, regardless of race, income, geographical location, or family background, should have opportunities for high quality learning in order to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for a successful career, to be a lifelong learner, and for engaged lives of citizenship.

Jobs for the Future
JFF identifies, develops, and promotes education and workforce strategies that expand opportunity for youth and adults who are struggling to advance in America today. In more than 200 communities across 43 states, JFF improves the pathways leading from high school to college to family-sustaining careers.

National Governors Association
The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) develops innovative solutions to today's most pressing public policy challenges and is the only research and development firm that directly serves the nation's governors.

MetisNet
MetisNet works with foundations, government, and individuals to identify the most effective ways to shape investments to catalyze social change. Our mission stems from the very root of our name - metis - a Greek word for local knowledge. Drawing on multiple perspectives, MetisNet works with clients to develop vibrant, asset-based investment strategies.

Nellie Mae Education Foundation
The Nellie Mae Education Foundation is the largest charitable organization in New England that focuses exclusively on education. The Foundation supports the promotion and integration of student-centered approaches to learning at the middle and high school levels across New England. To elevate student-centered approaches, the Foundation utilizes a three-part strategy that focuses on: developing and enhancing models of practice; reshaping education policies; and increasing public understanding and demand for high quality educational experiences. The Foundation's initiative areas are: District Level Systems Change; State Level Systems Change; Research and Development; and Public Understanding. Since 1998, the Foundation has distributed over $140 million in grants. For more information, visit http://www.nmefoundation.org.

Donnell-Kay Foundation
The Donnell-Kay Foundation is a private family foundation aiming to improve public education and drive systemic school reform in Colorado through research, creative dialogue and critical thinking. Our focus is funding reform and state-level policy in the areas of early childhood, K-12 and higher education.

SOURCE CompetencyWorks

CompetencyWorks

Web Site: http://www.competencyworks.org

BLUEPRINT FOR AFFORDABILITY:

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:35:01 GMT

BLUEPRINT FOR AFFORDABILITY:

How Federal Budget Cuts Affect National and Homeland Security

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Audio, hard copy requests, contact information and more available at: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/broadcast/55847/press.html

NEW YORK, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- THIS MULTIVU REPORT BROUGHT TO YOU BY TASC, INC.

AS THE FEDERAL BUDGET BATTLE WAGES ON IN CONGRESS, THE PENTAGON IS BRACING FOR DRASTIC CUTS.

TOUGH DECISIONS LIE AHEAD AS THE GOVERNMENT DETERMINES WHICH PROGRAMS TO CUT, AND BY HOW MUCH.

NATIONAL SECURITY EXPERTS SAY DEFENSE AND INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS HAVE TO CONSIDER WHAT NATIONAL SECURITY NEEDS WILL LOOK LIKE IN 10, EVEN 20, YEARS. CAREFUL PLANNING, WITH CONSIDERATION OF BOTH RISK AND COST, ARE NECESSARY TO AVOID POTENTIALLY IRREVERSIBLE CONSQUENCES.

DAVID LANGSTAFF - PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF TASC:

"As a country, we must rise to the challenge of fulfilling our national responsibilities and demonstrate the courage to make the tough decisions about our safety and security. We must protect the mission capabilities we will need for the future, rather than the programs of the past. To preserve our national security at a price we can afford, we must invest in our cyber capabilities, systems engineering and other key technologies that will enable us to do more with less."

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT http://www.TASC.COM.

I'M WES BENTER.

Audio: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/broadcast/55847/press.html
Source: TASC INC.

AUDIO PROVIDED BY: TASC INC.

CONTACT:

FOR STORY INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: MultiVu Media Relations,1-800-653-5313, EXT. 3 OR EMAIL RADIO@MULTIVU.COM

Web site:

http://www.tasc.com