Combines Product and Marketing Strengths of 10 Industry-Leading Brands to Form New Business Group in its Technology Solutions Segment
PROVIDENCE, R.I., Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Nortek, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTK), a global diversified company with leading brands and innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for residential and commercial applications, today announced the formation of Core Brands, a new group that combines the product and marketing strengths of 10 of the company's formerly independent audio, power management and control brands operating within its Technology Solutions segment.
Including Nortek's Aton®, BlueBOLT®, Elan®, Furman®, Niles®, Panamax®, Proficient®, SpeakerCraft®, Sunfire® and Xantech® brands, Core Brands has more than 190 years of combined experience in the residential, commercial and professional markets and over 4,300 direct customer accounts in multiple distribution channels in the U.S. and worldwide.
Core Brands will be based in Petaluma, Calif., with offices in Carlsbad and Riverside, Calif., and Marblehead, Mass. Bill Pollock, who has served as president of Panamax, will lead Core Brands. Dave Keller, vice president of sales and marketing for Panamax/Furman, will handle worldwide sales. Keith Marshall, president of SpeakerCraft/Proficient, will be in charge of channel management, and Paul Starkey, president of Elan, will lead marketing for all brands.
"The formation of Core Brands reflects the strategic refocusing currently taking place as we pursue new markets and new opportunities to serve our dealers, channel partners and end users," said Nortek President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Clarke. "We expect that combining the unique capabilities of each of these 10 formidable brands will deliver new and powerful benefits they can only achieve as a group."
"Operating as Core Brands will enable us to leverage economies of scale while strengthening our ability to invest in launching innovative technologies and a range of new marketing programs designed to increase the value, clarity and acceptance of each brand," said Sean Burke, group president of Nortek's Technology Solutions segment. "In addition, combining these market leading brands will allow us to deliver more localized and responsive factory training and product support expertise. These initiatives should position the brands not only to improve their business performance, but also to increase their penetration of un-served and underserved market segments during a period of generally improving business conditions in their respective distribution channels."
About Nortek
Nortek* is a global, diversified company whose many market-leading brands deliver broad capabilities and a wide array of innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for lifestyle improvement at home and at work. The Company's broad array of offerings includes audio/video and security solutions, digital display mounting solutions, ventilation products such as range hoods and bathroom fans, heating and cooling products, and air management systems.
*As used herein, the term "Nortek" refers to Nortek, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. This term is used for convenience only and is not intended as a precise description of any of the separate corporations, each of which manages its own affairs.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, these statements can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "feel," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "project," "should," or "would" and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements are based on Nortek's current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future activities and results of operations to be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Important factors impacting such forward-looking statements include the availability and cost of certain raw materials (including, among others, steel, copper, packaging materials, plastics, resins, glass, wood and aluminum) and purchased components, freight costs, the level of domestic and foreign construction and remodeling activity affecting residential and commercial markets, interest rates, employment levels, inflation, foreign currency fluctuations, consumer spending levels, exposure to foreign economies, the rate of sales growth, prices, and product and warranty liability claims. Nortek undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please refer to the reports and filings of Nortek with the Securities and Exchange Commission including the description of "risk factors" set forth under IA in our annual report on Form 10-K, as updated on subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
# # #
Contact:
Edward J. Cooney
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Nortek, Inc.
401.751.1600
Ed.Cooney@nortekinc.com
Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District Launches District-Wide Blended Online Learning Program with K12 Inc.
HERNDON, Va., Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- K12 Inc., the nation's leading provider of proprietary curricula and online education programs for students in kindergarten through high school, today announced it has partnered with Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District in California's Sonoma County to launch a new, blended online learning program for high school students across the district.
Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District has designed a multi-faceted online learning program to address the individual needs of its diverse student population, from advanced learners, to struggling students, to students that require alternative learning environments. Eligible students can elect to take some of their required courses, or additional courses, online using the Aventa Learning® by K12® curriculum.
Beginning this school year, the online courses are available to students during the daily class schedule and after school in two newly remodelled classrooms, now serving as a math support lab and an independent studies lab, or students can access Aventa courses from home. The District's teachers provide guidance, review and grade assignments, and ensure students remain on track. In addition, the District provides Aventa courses for independent study through its Alternative Education program.
"We see blended learning as the instructional model of the future," said Dr. Robert Haley, Superintendent of Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District. "By combining high quality online curricula with the guidance of our experienced teachers in a traditional setting, we are providing our students the best of both worlds."
Aventa is a comprehensive online curriculum of high-quality, standards-based online courses for middle and high school. Covering all core subjects and electives, over 170 Aventa courses feature a rich multimedia format. The curriculum is designed to meet the University of California a-g requirements.
For students who fall behind, need assistance for exam preparation, or remediation, the District uses the A+nyWhere Learning System® by K12 (A+) to conduct diagnostic assessments and prescribe lessons according to individual student needs. A+ contains over 5,500 lessons and over 200,000 pages of research- and objective-based, problem solving content - all very tightly aligned with the Common Core State Standards.
"We are very pleased be able to offer our high school students the option to learn anywhere, anytime using proven, well-known curricula from K12," said Dr. Elizabeth Kaufman, Assistant Superintendent of Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District. "K12 enables us to cost effectively provide a consistent, district-wide program so we can focus our attention on meeting the individual needs of more of our students."
"By maximizing use of their existing technology, leveraging their excellent teaching staff and relying on K12 for world class online curricula and support, Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District is better preparing their students for the future," said John Olsen, Executive Vice President of Operations for K12. "We are very pleased to work with the District to implement online learning on a large scale."
Cotati-Rohnert Park USD will soon expand its world language offering by providing access to online world language courses by Middlebury Interactive Languages(TM), a joint venture that combines Middlebury College's proven language pedagogy with K12's expertise in online learning. Middlebury provides schools and districts with online courses in five world languages for grades 3-12, available in multiple levels to help students achieve world language fluency. Middlebury courses are developed using proven academic methods to meet national ACTFL standards.
In addition to training and instructional support, K12 also provides Cotati-Rohnert Park USD with all of the technology tools required to support a district-wide program through its latest innovation, PEAK12(TM). This intelligent management center for online learning enables schools and districts to manage and personalize their online learning program solutions - including K12 and third-party solutions, open education resources, and district-authored or district-generated content - from one place. PEAK12 eliminates the hassle of managing multiple accounts and user roles and provides a consistent online environment for students, teachers and administrators, whether they are managing or participating in full-time online schooling, credit recovery, world language classes or in blended online learning programs.
To facilitate a successful launch, K12 hosted an enterprise orientation event on site at the Cotati-Rohnert Park USD headquarters for teachers and administrators two weeks ago. The event provided consultation on strategies for optimizing its implementation of blending learning through use of K12 curricula and services. In addition K12 provided an in-depth review of its comprehensive support services, including dedicated Client Services representatives, online communities, training resources, and teacher professional development.
K12 provides schools and districts the industry's most complete continuum of proprietary kindergarten through high school online learning solutions for full-time virtual, blended, and traditional classroom learning environments. Over the past decade, the company has served more than 2,000 districts and delivered over 4 million online course enrollments from its award-winning portfolio. MDR's market research service EdNET Insight recently reported that K12 is the leading provider of online curriculum to school districts across the United States.
About K12 Inc.
K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN) is the nation's largest provider of proprietary curricula and online education programs for students in kindergarten through high school. K12 provides districts and schools the ability to offer their students the broadest array of options for learning in a flexible, individualized, and innovative way. K12 provides online curricula, academic services, and online learning solutions to public and private schools and districts, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families. K12 is accredited through AdvancED, the world's largest education community. Additional information on K12 for schools and districts can be found at http://www.K12.com/educators.
Nirvanix and TwinStrata Introduce the First Cloud Storage Starter Kit for Rapid Enterprise Deployments
New Integrated, Single-Price Solution Accelerates Cloud Storage Adoption - Improves Affordability, Accessibility, Performance and Security
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- VMWORLD -- Nirvanix, the leading provider of enterprise-class cloud storage services, and TwinStrata, the leading innovator of cloud-based data storage, backup and disaster recovery solutions, today announced the availability of a pre-tested, fully integrated cloud storage starter kit that combines 50TB of Nirvanix cloud storage with TwinStrata's enterprise-class CloudArray® to provide a complete solution for a single annual rate of $48K all-inclusive. The cloud starter kit provides the infrastructure enterprise customers need for backup, archiving and global collaboration in one solution under one integrated set of SLAs and is available through Nirvanix channel partners and direct sales worldwide.
As more customers experience superior economics and improved business agility by including cloud storage in their overall IT strategy, a growing number of organizations are seeking to capitalize on those same benefits. The introduction of a pre-packaged solution for the enterprise from Nirvanix and TwinStrata directly targets four key requirements identified by organizations:
-- Affordability--customers are looking for cost savings from cloud
storage; the Nirvanix-CloudArray provides customers with cloud storage
at an affordable annual rate with no additional fees.
-- Simplicity--IT departments are seeking to greatly simplify and
streamline their environments. The Nirvanix-CloudArray ensures that
cloud storage is easier to implement than conventional storage systems
by using familiar iSCSI protocols and seamlessly integrating with the
Nirvanix Cloud Storage Network(TM), Hybrid Cloud Storage and Private
Cloud Storage services.
-- Performance--the complete solution comes with 12TB of high-performance
and dynamic on-site cache to ensure response rates are equivalent to
local performance for the most frequently accessed data sets.
-- Security--Nirvanix already provides military-grade, multi-level security
at the user, data storage and physical data center levels. The complete
solution also includes TwinStrata's at-rest and in-flight encryption,
local key management and volume access control for even greater
assurance.
Enterprises benefit from a single vendor solution and not having to deal with the maintenance headaches and the never-ending technology refresh cycles and data migration that plagues all conventional storage systems reaching their end of life (EOL).
"Our customers have been asking for enterprise-grade cloud storage solutions that they can implement easily, affordably and quickly," said Nicos Vekiarides, CEO, TwinStrata. "Nirvanix has proven repeatedly that it easily supports the robust, multi-petabyte cloud storage environments that our enterprise customers demand. This Nirvanix-TwinStrata pre-packed solution gives those enterprises everything they need at a simple, flat annual rate, making cloud storage for businesses more convenient than ever."
"Companies across a multitude of industry verticals are looking to reap the benefits of cloud storage as quickly as possible," said Scott Genereux, President and CEO, Nirvanix. "Our experience with large-scale, global cloud storage deployments as well as our in-house tests confirm that TwinStrata CloudArray repeatedly shows itself to be a highly intuitive enterprise-class product. This bundled solution offers our joint customers an avenue to quickly, cost-effectively, and securely incorporate cloud storage into their global strategy."
About TwinStrata
TwinStrata is an innovator in enterprise-class data storage, data protection and disaster recovery/business continuity solutions using cloud storage. With TwinStrata CloudArray®, companies of all sizes can simply and economically leverage the scalability and efficiency of cloud storage while maintaining the availability, performance and security of local storage. CloudArray software and hardware solutions support all file and operating systems, and deliver substantial advantages over traditional off-site storage solutions, including a pay-as-you-go model, unlimited elastic capacity, local performance, in-cloud snapshots and disaster recovery, dynamic caching, automated policies, AES256 encryption, and continuous access to data. For more information visit http://www.twinstrata.com or call +1 508-651-0199.
About Nirvanix
Nirvanix is the leading provider of enterprise-class cloud storage services designed specifically for customers with expectations of extreme security, reliability and redundancy. Under its CloudComplete(TM) portfolio, Nirvanix is the only company that offers fully managed public, hybrid and private cloud storage services with usage-based pricing. The company's battle-hardened, proven second generation technology is utilized by leading IT OEMs and is fully integrated with third-party backup and archiving software products and appliances, enabling One Click to the Cloud(TM). Nirvanix has global customers accessing its Cloud Storage Network(TM), from SMBs to Fortune 500 companies.
For more information about the company and its services, visit http://www.nirvanix.com and follow Nirvanix on Twitter.
Nirvanix, Cloud Storage Network, CloudComplete, One Click to the Cloud and Cloud File System are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nirvanix, Inc. Other marks are the property of the companies with which they are associated.
Company Releases New API Plugins for VMware vCloud, Terremark and BlueBox, Enabling Users to Flexibly Automate vCloud Infrastructure in Both Private and Public Cloud Environments
SEATTLE, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Opscode®, the leader in cloud infrastructure automation, today announced Open Source Chef(TM), Hosted Chef(TM) and Private Chef(TM) all provide integration with VMware vCloud to deliver full stack infrastructure automation for VMware's production-level cloud computing services. Leveraging Opscode's Knife plugin for the VMware vCloud API, businesses of all sizes can rapidly create, bootstrap and manage VMware vCloud instances, from server provisioning and configuration management to continuous application delivery.
Opscode also today announced new Knife command-line plugins VMware vCloud public cloud providers Terremark and Blue Box, enabling users to flexibly deploy and automate vCloud infrastructure in these public cloud services. Opscode currently provides Knife command-line integration with a broad spectrum of public cloud providers. For the full list please visit: http://wiki.opscode.com/display/chef/Community+Plugins
"The real power of cloud computing is the flexibility to choose how much compute you need, where and when you need it, and to move your application stack to a different infrastructure at any time," said Christopher Brown, CTO, Opscode. "By delivering API integration with VMware vCloud, Terremark, Blue Box and many others, Opscode Chef gives customers the flexibility to make the most of the cloud, ensuring they can easily automate the full application stack in any compute environment."
Opscode Chef works with VMware vCloud to facilitate the creation and management of vCloud instances directly from the command-line, ensuring private cloud infrastructure is consistent and scalable. Meanwhile, Opscode Chef integrates with VMware vCloud public cloud providers Terremark and Blue Box to enable customers to easily move projects between private the public clouds, reducing infrastructure management and improving operational efficiency.
Opscode Chef provides recipes - re-usable configuration templates - for everything from rebuilding environments to deploying applications. In addition, the open source Chef community features 16,000 registered users, 760 individual contributors, 140 corporate contributors and 500 cookbooks, providing a rich ecosystem of support for VMware vCloud customers looking to make the most of their investment in the cloud.
About Opscode
Opscode is the leader in cloud infrastructure automation. Opscode helps companies of all sizes develop fully automated server infrastructures that scale easily and predictably; can be quickly rebuilt in any environment; and save developers and systems engineers time and money. Opscode's team is comprised of web infrastructure experts responsible for building and operating some of the world's largest websites and cloud computing platforms. More information can be found at http://www.opscode.com.
Press Contact:
Lucas Welch
lucas@opscode.com
206-745-0000
Broadcom Extends Leadership with New StrataXGS Trident II Switch Series Optimized for Cloud-Scale Data Center Networks
World's Highest Density, Feature-Rich 10/40GbE Switch with VXLAN Support Delivers 4X Network Virtualization Scale
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
News Highlights:
-- World's first single chip to deliver more than 100 10GbE ports
-- 2X greater forwarding density enables massive network infrastructure
scaling
-- Scales to support tens of thousands of server and virtual machine
endpoints in multi-tenant environments
-- Integrated SmartSwitch technologies deliver unprecedented innovation for
cloud-scale networking
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120827/SF62960)
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today introduced the StrataXGS® Trident II Series, a new line of Ethernet switching solutions optimized to meet the bandwidth, scalability and efficiency demands of cloud networking environments and mega data centers. Visit http://www.broadcom.com to learn more.
Based on Broadcom's award winning StrataXGS architecture, the new 10/40 GbE series is the first to deliver more than 100 10GbE ports, a 4X increase in network virtualization scale and a 2X increase in forwarding and classification tables, enabling a significant return on investment on private and multi-tenant public cloud computing infrastructure connectivity.
Public and private cloud, Web 2.0 and other high-bandwidth data center applications are driving the need for higher scale and efficiency in the data center. Broadcom's StrataXGS Trident II Series delivers the most complete network switching feature set at the highest bandwidth and port density in the industry, enabling cost-effective and high performance data center build-out to an unprecedented number of server and storage endpoints, applications and users.
Fast, Fat and Flat Networks with New SmartSwitch Technologies
The StrataXGS Trident II Series features new SmartSwitch technologies designed to break through traditional silicon and system-imposed performance barriers in cloud-scale networking. Increased performance needs for server-to-server and server-to-storage communication are driving the need for fast, fat and flat networks. Dynamic workload placement and the need for granular traffic visibility, load balancing and diagnostics are similarly driving more flexible software defined networks (SDN). The new SmartSwitch technologies include:
-- Smart-NV: Delivers up to 4X greater scale, enabling SDN virtualization
across both virtual and physical workloads at wire-speed. Enables
cloud-scale network infrastructure virtualization using advanced Layer 2
over Layer 3 (L2oL3) network virtualization technologies such as NVGRE
and VXLAN.
-- Smart-Buffer: Delivers up to 5X higher packet buffer utilization and
burst absorption performance using innovative traffic load-based
intelligent and dynamic allocation schemes.
-- Smart-Table: Delivers highest Layer 2 and Layer 3 forwarding scale with
network topology-based profiling for maximum deployment flexibility.
-- Smart-Hash: Eliminates polarization and load imbalances in fat-tree
networks possessing heavy and diverse traffic patterns. Provides
unprecedented network traffic visibility and diagnostics required by
software defined networking.
Market Drivers
-- Annual global data center IP traffic will reach 4.8 zettabytes by 2015(1
)
-- Overall cloud IP traffic will grow at a CAGR of 66 percent from 2012 -
2015(1)
-- Predicted to account for more than one-third (34 percent) of total
data center traffic(1)
-- Public cloud workloads expected to grow at a 50 percent CAGR from 2012 -
2015(2)
-- 40 percent of servers are virtualized today and are projected to reach
75 percent by 2015(3)
-- Data center 10GE ports projected to grow at a 40 percent CAGR from 2012
- 2016(4)
-- 40GE ports projected to grow at a 130 percent CAGR of from 2012 -
2016(4)
StrataXGS Trident II Key Features
-- Enables unprecedented 10/40GbE single chip switch configurations
-- 100+ 10GbE ports with flexibility to support up to 32 40GbE ports
-- First integrated switch delivers NVGRE and VXLAN L2oL3 transit and
gateway switch technologies
-- Supports industry's highest equal cost multipathing-based fat-tree
networking scale on a single chip
-- Greater FCoE network scale enabling true LAN/SAN convergence - up to 4X
increase in forwarding entries
-- High port density with direct attach to SFP+/QSFP modules and KR
Backplanes
-- Integrated IEEE 1588 1-step timing solution
-- Delivers 40 percent reduction in bill of material costs and 30
percent better phase accuracy
Availability
The StrataXGS Trident II Series includes multiple device options and is sampling this quarter. See Broadcom's full line of solutions for cloud-scale networking this week at VMworld® 2012, Moscone Center, San Francisco (booth #2107).
For ongoing Broadcom news visit our Newsroom, read our B-Connected Blog, or visit us on Facebook or Twitter. And to stay connected, subscribe to our RSS Feed.
Ram Velaga, Vice President & General Manager, Core Switch, Broadcom
"Our StrataXGS switch solutions are renowned throughout the industry for driving unsurpassed performance levels and cost metrics in data center, service provider and enterprise network environments. Our latest StrataXGS Trident II Series - a follow-on to the highly successful Trident series of single chip switch solutions - delivers unprecedented innovation with new features optimized to meet the performance, scalability and efficiency demands of both the traditional enterprise and emerging mega data centers, enabling a new era in cloud-scale and software defined networking."
Industry Quotes:
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
Christophe Metivier, Vice President, Manufacturing and Platform Engineering, Arista Networks
"Arista has long partnered with Broadcom to deliver market leading switch products designed for scale, flexibility and ease of management that today's cloud networks require. With the introduction of Broadcom's newest StrataXGS Trident II, we are excited about the integration of key features needed by today's software defined cloud networking, flexible load balancing, large table scale and higher switching capacities."
Liam Kiely, Vice President of R&D, Avaya Networking
"Unprecedented demand for online content coupled with ever increasing cluster computing demands in the cloud has driven data centers to increasing scale, flexibility and levels of virtualization. Avaya plans to power these next generation data centers with leading Avaya Ethernet switches utilizing Broadcom's new StrataXGS Trident II family."
Arpit Joshipura, Vice President, Dell
"Broadcom continues to set the bar for state-of-the-art Ethernet switching technology with impressive 10GE scale with critical new features for the virtualized data center. Dell plans to be one of the first to offer customers the StrataXGS Trident II series that will enable next-generation Dell networking products designed for large-scale cloud and enterprise data centers."
Nadeem Zahid, Director of Product Management, Extreme Networks
"We are seeing significant demand from next generation data centers that benefit from Extreme Networks' switches capable of virtualized, multi-tenant and flexible network architectures. Broadcom technology has successfully powered Extreme's leading Ethernet switch portfolio to meet or exceed the stringent requirements and the new StrataXGS Trident II promises to again deliver."
Henry Cao (Cao Xiangying), Chief Operation Officer, Hangzhou H3C Technologies Co., Ltd.
"Broadcom's Trident family of chips provides a superior comprehensive solution for H3C data center switches, and supports H3C's "Move to the Cloud" data center network strategy. We look forward to continuing our strategic collaboration in campus LAN and data center innovation to provide our customers with the advanced technology they need to deliver a faster and more reliable network experience."
Koichiro Seto, General Manager, Core Technology Development, Information System Product Division, Hitachi Cable
"Broadcom continues to lead with impressive single-chip Ethernet switch silicon with ever increasing bandwidth with key features like VXLAN, Ethernet Fabric, Smart-NV and Smart-Hash technology to address the ever increasing needs of virtualized cloud scale networking. Hitachi Cable is excited to continue the close partnership with Broadcom's newest StrataXGS Trident II series of products to deliver market leading switch platforms for service provider, enterprise and data center markets."
End Users and Software Platform Vendors
Kitty Pang (Junying Pang), Chief Datacenter Architect, Alibaba Group
"High density 10 and 40GbE switches with leading network virtualization, table scale, network visibility and congestion management features enable cloud operators to deliver next generation cloud services. The significantly high level of silicon integration and comprehensive data center feature set available in Broadcom's StrataXGS data center switch portfolio is being further enhanced by the StrataXGS Trident II switch series, enabling high price-performance values demanded by cloud scale networking."
Mansour Karam, Vice President, Business Development and Strategic Alliance, Big Switch Networks
"As data centers grow at an unprecedented pace, customers are looking for solutions that enable choice and interoperability in their data centers. Big Switch Networks is pleased to collaborate with Broadcom on the StrataXGS Trident II series especially designed for data center network switch equipment. Interoperability and co-existence with virtual and physical switches is core to both companies' strategy around open network virtualization solutions."
Ross Ortega, Principal Program Manager, Windows Networking, Microsoft Corporation
"Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V Network Virtualization with NVGRE provides scalable multi-tenancy and provides new capabilities such as seamless workload mobility in multi-tenant and mega-datacenter environments. Connecting physical and virtualized workloads and legacy servers to new network virtualized services is equally important; the StrataXGS Trident II switch series implements NVGRE gateway capabilities to facilitate such connectivity, delivering cloud scale network virtualization."
"Software-defined networking will provide organizations with greater flexibility and higher resource utilization in private, hybrid and public cloud deployments. Broadcom's SmartSwitch technology innovations and support for VXLAN in their StrataXGS Trident II switch series complements VMware's vision of software defined network virtualization."
Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs)
Samuel Chang, President, Accton
"Accton has partnered with Broadcom to develop a diverse, low cost, SDN capable switch portfolio optimized for virtualized private and public clouds. With the release of the StrataXGS Trident II series, Accton will introduce the industry's first modular, 1RU switch capable of delivering up to 32 ports of 40GbE in a unique design that supports network processor modules and future higher speed interfaces to meet evolving data center requirements."
Harrison Chang, President, Alpha Networks, Inc.
"Alpha Networks has worked closely with Broadcom for the last 10+ years to proudly present a very comprehensive Ethernet switch portfolio that has achieved breakthroughs in the global market. Together with Broadcom, Alpha Networks will continue to pioneer Ethernet switch market trends providing a broad range of solutions and integration services and leading the world towards excellent networking."
Victor Cheng, CEO, Delta Networks Inc.
"DNI is committed to provide world class Ethernet switch products with a focus on quality, superior features, power efficiency and competitive cost. Broadcom's latest StrataXGS Trident II switch series is the perfect switch silicon that exceeds our stringent requirements and we're excited to provide the first high density 96-Port 10G ToR Switch with Broadcom to offer best-in-class solutions to drive next generation cloud scale networks."
Industry Analysts
Seamus Crehan, President, Crehan Research
"Developments such as virtualization, cloud computing, and network consolidation have all contributed to unprecedented demands on datacenter switches. This is evidenced by the recent stellar growth in 10GbE and 40GbE datacenter switches where Broadcom's existing Trident series has been a major driver. Now with the enablement of even greater port densities at higher speeds, in addition to important and exciting new datacenter features, system vendors, OEMs and cloud providers will be able to address ever-increasing datacenter network demands."
Sam Barnett, Directing Analyst, Data Center & Cloud, Infonetics Research
"Service providers, telcos and Internet content providers around the world have embraced the cloud concept in earnest and are heavily investing in new infrastructure, building on their existing networks to add a range of cloud-based services. Network virtualization and switch forwarding features that can scale to support a large number of servers and users are among the top requirements. Broadcom's latest innovation for cloud-scale networks should further strengthen the company's position as a leading supplier in this space."
Jag Bolaria, Senior Analyst, Linley Group
"Higher data rates, energy efficient design and cost pressures are paramount considerations for IT professionals as they scale the network to support the massive number of connected devices and bandwidth hungry applications in the cloud. Broadcom is undisputedly one of the overall leading suppliers of Ethernet switches and continues to deliver technology optimized for next generation networks."
Resources:
Cloud-Scale Networking Feature Page
(1) Cisco, Cloud Index, 2010 - 2015
(2) Morgan Stanley, Cloud Computing Takes Off, 2012
(3) Gartner, Network World "Virtual Desktops are All the Rage", December 2011
(4) Dell'Oro, Ethernet Switch Forecast, May 2012
About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a FORTUNE 500® company, is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom® products seamlessly deliver voice, video, data and multimedia connectivity in the home, office and mobile environments. With the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip and embedded software solutions, Broadcom is changing the world by Connecting everything®. For more information, go to http://www.broadcom.com.
Broadcom®, the pulse logo, Connecting everything®, the Connecting everything logo and StrataXGS® are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
VMware and VMware vSphere are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies. The use of the word " partner" or "partnership" does not imply a legal partnership relationship between VMware and any other company.
Cirago Unveils iAlertTag - a Bluetooth 4.0 Smart® device that wirelessly secures, alerts, and locates your iPhone
Energy-Efficient iAlertTag Creates Wireless Link with iPhone--Alerts User If iPhone Is Misplaced
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cirago International, a leading manufacturer of Apple MFi accessories, storage and wireless solutions, today announced the launch and immediate availability of its new iAlertTag (IAT1000), a new solution for finding a lost iPhone, keeping an iPhone close by or locking your Windows laptop. The iAlertTag is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy Technology, so users can save energy and enjoy a prolonged battery life.
Designed to be a solution to keep you from leaving your iPhone or valuables behind, the iAlertTag creates a wireless link with your phone and the tag so when they are separated, both devices vibrate and produce an alarm sound. In a similar way, if your Windows PC is equipped with Cirago BTA8000 Bluetooth 4.0 technology, the iAlertTag will automatically lock your computer immediately after you walk away, ensuring it will stay secure. iAlertTag comes with a free companion iPhone app which can be downloaded from the iTunes App store. The app allows users to set iPhone's alarm sound to any tunes from the iTunes library. The app can also manage multiple iAlertTags simultaneously--allowing users to keep track of easy-to-misplace items with a simple push of a button.
"How many of us have never misplaced our cell phone?" said Patrick Lo, President of Cirago International. "The iAlertTag is an easy to use and energy efficient device that can help users track and find their misplaced mobile device."
According to mobile security firm Lookout, if everyone who misplaced their phone in 2012 did not recover it, lost mobile devices would cost U.S. consumers a whopping 30 billion dollars. The iAlertTag saves consumers money, time and frustration spent looking for misplaced mobile devices.
The IAT1000 supports the Apple iPhone 4S, 3(rd) Generation iPad, and Windows PC equipped with Cirago BTA8000 (Bluetooth 4.0). The iAlertTag is easy to use--simply press the button on the iAlertTag and your phone will sound an alarm, or vice versa, locate a misplaced iAlertTag by pressing the button on the app on your iPhone.
The IAT1000 is now available for $49.99 at major electronics retailers, including Micro Center, Amazon, Newegg, and at http://www.cirago.com. For more information, visit http://www.cirago.com
About Cirago International
Cirago International, headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a leading manufacturer of Apple MFi accessories, storage and wireless solutions. Incorporated in 1996, Cirago consistently provides products with innovative technology, delivering outstanding functionality and capability. With manufacturing capabilities in the United States and China, Cirago offers products with the quality, service and value that consumers demand. For more information, visit http://www.cirago.com.
Mopapp to Attend ad:tech and Speak About the Value of Metrics for Mobile App Monetization
LONDON, August 27, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
It's Land-grabbing Time! The Metrics You Need to Survive in the Mobile Space
The mobile market is growing and so is the competition. How big is your market share
-in different countries, categories, and stores? Do you constantly desire to have more
data to improve your strategy? Do you have enough tools to maximize your app investment
and revenues?
This year's ad:tech London 2012 [http://www.ad-techlondon.co.uk ] attendees are sure
to get the right answers to these questions and more at the annual event showcasing
digital media's leaders, innovative solutions, and high profile brand marketers coming
together to network, exhibit, and learn.
Alessandro Rizzoli, Co-founder and CEO of Mopapp [http://www.mopapp.com ], is
attending the two-day industry marketplace as a speaker; to address the audience on the
current trends, challenges and resources for monetization of applications in the Mobile
market. During his presentation, The Value of Metrics for Mobile App Monetization: It's
Land-grabbing Time! The Metrics You Need to Survive in the Mobile Space, Rizzoli shares
his expertise and advice on utilizing and maximizing available resources, including
Mopapp's comprehensive metrics and features, to strategize a successful approach to real
profit in the unstoppable and ever-growing beast that is Mobile.
Mopapp, the new kid on the block of app analytics startups, is changing the way new
and seasoned developers, publishers, and enterprises utilize data to maximize their apps'
potential; and headman Rizzoli, expands on the essential key points for monetizing through
the proper use and understanding of sophisticated metrics.
- Get and utilize hidden public data to monitor competition
- Know the mobile application marketplace, market size and leading platforms
- Develop user engagement strategies and improve monetization
- Learn what app stores are not telling you
- Gain priceless insights on market and competitors
Six Flags Entertainment Partners with Capcom® and GameStop to Create Resident Evil® 6 Flags Night During Fright Fest
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: SIX), the world's largest regional theme park company, and Capcom U.S.A., Inc. announced today a groundbreaking partnership in support of Capcom®'s Resident Evil® 6 game launch, set to be released on October 2, 2012. In support of the launch, Six Flags will brand October 6, 2012 as Resident Evil 6 Flags Night, with perks for consumers who pre-order or purchase the game, exclusively at GameStop.
Beginning August 30, 2012, any consumer who pre-orders Resident Evil 6 at GameStop stores or GameStop.com will receive a special Six Flags ticket offer with exclusive benefits for the October 6(th) Resident Evil6 Flags Night, including:
-- Admission discount for Six Flags Fright Fest (discount varies by market)
-- One free haunted attraction voucher
-- Exclusive ride time on certain Six Flags' coasters
All guests, 17 years of age and older, will have the ability to play Resident Evil 6 with interactive game demo stations at the theme parks and win Resident Evil 6 prizes from branded street teams on the event date.
In addition, Six Flags will host the Resident Evil 6: Fright Fest Getaway national sweepstakes, for the chance to win a fly-away VIP trip for two to any Six Flags US Theme Park to experience Fright Fest this Halloween season, including admission tickets, front line privileges, meal vouchers and Resident Evil 6 merchandise.
"This unique promotion is truly one of the most creative and exciting programs Six Flags has developed with a partner around our Fright Fest event," said David McKillips, senior vice president of corporate alliances for Six Flags. "The program fully demonstrates how our media networks can be tailored for a specific demographic, and how our partnership model can help raise awareness in our parks and drive sales with a retail partner; we're thrilled to be partnering with Capcom and GameStop on the release of Resident Evil 6."
The event and sweepstakes promotion will be supported with a fully integrated media campaign including custom television commercials airing on Six Flags TV and GameStop TV's digital out-of-home television networks, plus signage through Six Flags in-park Media Networks, online and social efforts by Six Flags, GameStop and Capcom.
"Having the ability to create and own a branded event, like 'Resident Evil 6 Flags Night,' within one of the most popular Halloween events across the country, is a tremendous opportunity for our brand," said John Diamonon, Resident Evil's Product Manager at Capcom. "Not only does the promotion raise awareness for the Resident Evil 6 launch, but it provides added-value and exclusive benefits at Six Flags for all of our fans who pre-order the game."
About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world's largest regional theme park company with over $1.0 billion in revenue and 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For more than 50 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest(®) and Holiday in the Park(®). For more information, visit sixflags.com.
About Capcom
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil®, Street Fighter®, Mega Man® and Devil May Cry®. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Korea, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at http://www.capcom.com or http://www.capcom-unity.com.
Capcom, the Capcom logo, Devil May Cry, and Resident Evil are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. in the U.S. and other countries. Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
CONTACT: Sandra Daniels, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, +1-972-595-5178, sdaniels@sftp.com; Alicia Kim, Capcom U.S.A., Inc., +1-650-350-6538, aliciak@capcom.com; or Larine Nixon, GameStop, +1-817-722-7579, LarineNixon@gamestop.com
Online Team Management Goes Worldwide - TeamSnap Now in 176 Countries
BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TeamSnap, a mobile and web service used by almost a million and a half players, parents and coaches to manage sports teams and leagues, reported that teams in virtually every country are now using its online team management tools. TeamSnap now has 100,000 teams across 177 countries, representing virtually every nation on the globe. Teams use TeamSnap for more than 100 different sports (and non-sport groups) ranging from soccer to sailing to cricket to rugby.
"We love the ability to program our club's training schedule into TeamSnap and track on the web and on our phones who can and cannot attend practices," said Gina Miller, President of the Lamma Outrigger Canoe Club (LOCC). The LOCC was founded in 2006 and is based out of Tai Wan To Beach in Yung Shue Wan on Lamma Island (Hong Kong). "As the club has grown, we had to migrate from email, paper and spreadsheets to a modern online team platform like TeamSnap."
Olivier Dautrebande, head of La Rasante field hockey club in Belgium, said, "Our club has been around since 1901, but we try to be as efficient as possible by using the latest technology. With more than 60 teams involved each season in the Belgian championship, we need a tool that helps us communicate easily with all members. With TeamSnap, each team manager can easily manage its team while club management can use the same tool to quickly send information to the appropriate teams. It was incredibly helpful this summer when we had to communicate with lots of people about a special event organized for the girls. TeamSnap is a very convenient tool for all."
About TeamSnap:
TeamSnap (http://www.teamsnap.com/) is an award-winning mobile and web service for managing recreational and competitive sports teams and groups. With a simple but powerful interface, TeamSnap makes it easy to keep track of Rosters, Schedules, Game and Practice Attendance and Availability, Team Payments, Statistics and much more. Comprehensive messaging functions keep everyone in touch, and with a strong focus on usability and simplicity, TeamSnap is software that people actually find fun to use.
MedeAnalytics Launches Medicare Insight Resource Center to Clarify Impact of Existing Legislative Requirements and Presidential Candidate Proposals
Center is unique, one-stop national source for straight talk about Medicare
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MedeAnalytics, a leading provider of healthcare performance management solutions, has launched the Medicare Insight Resource Center as a service to healthcare industry executives and policy professionals trying to understand, and plan for, the impact of the myriad legislative requirements affecting Medicare. The center also provides comparisons of alternative Medicare reform plans, including those of President Obama, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and Rep. Paul Ryan.
One-Stop Resource for Answers, Important Planning Tool
"Trying to make sense of the Medicare picture is challenging at best," says Ken Perez, MedeAnalytics' director of healthcare policy and senior vice president of marketing. "In this day of sound bites and partisan misinformation, our resource center fills a critical need, by providing answers in one place to some of the biggest questions about where Medicare is headed and how hospitals and other healthcare organizations will be affected. We envision this will serve as an important planning tool for the healthcare industry."
Current, Objective, Nonpartisan Information
Perez notes that the center--an aggregation of the most definitive, authoritative and current resources--answers major questions about Medicare in an objective, nonpartisan way. "The information we present is based on extensive research and analysis of key primary sources, including documents from the Congressional Budget Office and several other nonpartisan organizations."
Issues factored into the resource center analysis include the Affordable Care Act; the Budget Control Act of 2011 or the "debt deal," which requires a two-percent reduction to Medicare; and the sustainable growth rate (SGR) and the so-called "doc fix." "Each of these three legislative areas could pose a significant threat to hospital finances for many years," says Perez, who notes that the Medicare picture is complicated by potential policy changes that could be determined by the outcome of the presidential and congressional elections.
MedeAnalytics Resource Centers
As a service to the healthcare industry, MedeAnalytics has created a number of resource centers designed to contribute to the conversation about significant healthcare delivery issues and their solutions. These resource centers include: Medicare Insight Resource Center. Supreme Court Review of Health Reform, Sustainable Growth Rate, Medicare Zero(TM) (an analytical approach to improve Medicare margins to breakeven or better), Value-Based Purchasing, ICD-10, Accountable Care Organizations, Medicaid Managed Care, and more.
AboutMedeAnalytics
Founded in 1994, MedeAnalytics delivers performance management solutions across the healthcare system--including hospitals, physician practices and payers--to ensure accountability and improve financial, operational and clinical outcomes. For more information, visit http://www.medeanalytics.com..
For more information: MedeAnalytics, Inc.
Gary Summers 5858 Horton Street, Suite 475
Lewis & Summers Public Relations Emeryville, CA 94608
(925) 330-6055
gary@prwebsite.com
SOURCE MedeAnalytics
PEEPS & COMPANY® Announces "Deal of the Day" Sweepstakes
BETHLEHEM, Pa., Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PEEPS & COMPANY(®) fans are getting great deals and the chance to win big every day this month! Now through 9/3/12, followers of the PEEPS & COMPANY(®) Twitter feed will see a "Deal of the Day" tweet, featuring great candy and merchandise from the PEEPS & COMPANY(®) online store. Everyone who retweets the "Deal of the Day" will be automatically entered for a chance to win that day's Deal!
To enter the "Deal of the Day" Twitter Sweepstakes:
1. Log on to Twitter
2. Follow @peepsandcompany, http://www.twitter.com/peepsandcompany
3. Retweet the "Deal of the Day" message posted on the @peepsandcompany
4. Include the #PeepsDeals hashtag in your tweet!
A random winner will be selected each day. So tell your friends and family to follow @PEEPSANDCOMPANY on Twitter and visit peepsandcompany.com for some sweet online deals!
Frank Rosario, Sr. Ecommerce Manager of PEEPS & COMPANY(®) commented, "We are excited to launch these sweepstakes which previously have attracted thousands of entries. Our fans enjoy interacting with PEEPS & COMPANY(®) and their favorite candy brands via social media. This sweepstakes contest is easy to enter, is a lot of fun and is a great reward for our devoted fans."
Fans can find PEEPS(®), MIKE AND IKE(®), HOT TAMALES(®) & GOLDENBERG'S PEANUT CHEWS(®) candy and merchandise at http://www.peepsandcompany.com or with an in person visit to PEEPS & COMPANY(®)( )in Bethlehem, PA, National Harbor, MD and Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. The PEEPS & COMPANY(®) stores offer a fun, energy filled retail experience appealing to all five senses. Shoppers of all ages will be entertained by captivating music, lights, interactive displays, and videos featuring historic and present day elements of all their favorite Just Born brands. In addition to great tasting candy, PEEPS & COMPANY(®) offers an array of high-quality branded items such as apparel, accessories and gifts.
No purchase or mobile tweeting necessary to enter or win in the PEEPS & COMPANY(®) "Deal of the Day" Sweepstakes. Open to legal residents of the 50 US & DC, 18 or older. Began 8/20/12, ends 9/3/12. For Official Rules, which govern, visit https://twitter.com/peepsandcompany. Sponsor: Peeps and Company(®)."
Just Born, Inc. is a privately owned company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Bethlehem, PA, where it manufactures PEEPS(®), HOT TAMALES(®) and MIKE AND IKE(®). GOLDENBERG'S(®) PEANUT CHEWS(®) Brand Candies are produced in Philadelphia, PA. All Just Born candies are made in the U.S.A.
ZMDI, a Global Semiconductor Company, Announces the Release of the ZSPM4521, ZSPM4522, ZSPM4523 and ZSPM4551, a Family of Smart Chargers for Li-ion or NiMH Batteries or Super Caps, Utilizing Photovoltaic or Conventional Sources
DRESDEN, Germany, August 27, 2012/PRNewswire/ --
ZMD AG (ZMDI), a Dresden-based semiconductor company that specializes in enabling
energy-efficient solutions, today announces the release of the ZSPM4521, ZSPM4522,
ZSPM4523 and ZSPM4551. The ZSPM4521, ZSPM4522 and ZSPM4523 provide a
temperature-independent photovoltaic maximum power point tracking (MPPT) regulator to
optimize power output from solar sources while the ZSPM4551 is optimized for conventional
power sources. Its switching frequency of 1MHz enables the use of small filter components,
resulting in smaller board space and reduced system costs.
The integrated I2C[TM] (trademark of NXP) interface enables the user to set
application-specific temperature-compensated termination voltages with a plus or minus 1%
tolerance and control charging currents.
All four ICs can regulate up to 1.5A continuous drive current.
The ZSPM4521 and ZSPM4551 are DC/DC synchronous switching lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery
chargers with integrated power switches, internal compensation and fault protection. Both
devices contain Li-ion-specific protection for over-current, over-temperature, battery
(VBAT) over-voltage and charging timeout. In addition, they include supervisory reporting
through the NFLT (inverted fault) open-drain output to interface with other components in
the system.
The ZSPM4522 is a DC/DC synchronous switching nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery
charger with integrated power switches, internal compensation and fault protection
specific to NiMH batteries. It features input supply under-voltage lockout and full
protection for VBAT over-voltage.
The ZSPM4523 is a DC/DC synchronous switching super capacitor charger with integrated
power switches, internal compensation and full fault protection. It integrates a wide
range of protection circuitry, including input supply under-voltage lockout, output
over-voltage protection, current limiting and thermal shutdown.
The ZSPM452x and ZSPM4551 are in a league of their own when it comes to their high
level of integration, up to 92% efficiency with typical loads and ultra-low power
consumption. When the regulator is disabled, the devices draw less than 10microA quiescent
current.
"ZMDI [http://www.zmdi.com ] is committed to developing advanced solutions to meet our
customers' variety of needs. The ZSPM4521, ZSPM4522, ZSPM4523 and the ZSPM4551, a family
of smart chargers, support our customers' direction into portable applications, and these
products are another example of ZMDI's commitment to providing the very best solutions for
our energy-conscious customers," stated Edward Lam, Vice President of Product Marketing
and Business Development at ZMDI.
Smart Charger Family Features:
- 1.5A continuous output current
- VBAT reverse-current blocking (VCAP for the ZSPM4523)
- Programmable temperature-compensated termination voltage
- User-programmable charging current
- VBAT over-voltage and charging-timeout supervisor for VBAT reported at the
NFLT pin for Li-ion battery chargers
- Input supply under-voltage lockout
- Full protection for over-current and over-temperature
- Charge status indication
- I2C(TM) program interface with EEPROM registers
- Temperature (junction) range -40C to 125C
- Package: 16-L PQFN
About ZMDI
Zentrum Mikroelektronik Dresden AG (ZMDI [http://www.zmdi.com ]) is a global supplier of
analog and mixed-signal semiconductors solutions for automotive, industrial, medical,
information technology and consumer applications. These solutions enable our customers to
create the most energy-efficient products in power management, lighting and sensors.
For over 50 years ZMDI has been globally headquartered in Dresden, Germany. With over
320 employees worldwide ZMDI serves its customers with sales offices and design centers
throughout Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Taiwan
and the United States.
AUO to Exhibit Super Slim, Extra Light, Narrow Bezel, and Transparent Display Applications, and Full Lineup of OGS Total Solutions at Touch Taiwan 2012
HSINCHU, Taiwan, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- The world's leading provider of display total solutions, AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), announced that it will participate in Touch Taiwan 2012 from August 29 to 31 and bring a full lineup of advanced display technologies and product total solutions. AUO is not only consistently dedicated to innovating display technologies, but also to aggressively developing high value-added products and applications. The exhibition highlights in the show, including a large video wall assembled by the world's narrowest(*) nine 46" high resolution super narrow bezel panels, the 50" Full HD transparent display with application on vending machine, the world's first commercially available 55" 4K by 2K 2D/3D switchable TV display, the new size 50" Full HD 3D TV display with super narrow bezel, and a series of One-Glass-Solution (OGS) touch solutions ranging from 4.7" to 27" will be presented. For mobile device applications, AUO will demonstrate a series of high resolution smartphone displays and Full HD high resolution Ultra Notebook displays with slimmer and lighter designs.
Mr. Paul Peng, President of AUO, also the Chairman of Taiwan Display Union Association (TDUA), will give a speech titled "New Perspectives on All-Win Cooperation among Taiwan, Japan, and China". Mr. Fred Hsieh, AUO's Vice President and General Manager of Touch Solutions Business Group, will also deliver a speech titled "AUO Leading through Display Innovation" at FPD International Taiwan 2012 Seminar on August 30.
Public Information Displays Showing Innovative Value-added Applications
AUO has made remarkable developments in the public information displays (PID) market in recent years. AUO's PID products not only have been applied in many international airports, but also its 65" Photo-Sensor In-Cell Touch E-boards have been adopted by various education markets. By showcasing its innovative and integrated technology strengths, AUO presents the 138" high resolution video wall assembled by nine 46" high resolution super narrow bezel panels in the exhibition. Its bezel-to-bezel distance of 5mm is currently the world's narrowest ((*)).
Another highlight of the show includes the 50" FHD transparent display applied on a vending machine. Featuring high transparency and high color saturation, the transparent panel makes the merchandises inside the vending machine even more visible. With the integration of touch functions and multi-media contents, the merchandises could be displayed together with vivid and colorful product information. The transparent display will be suitable for various kinds of commercial display applications in the future, capturing the attention of consumers with its innovative features.
Diverse Applications of Leading Glasses-Free 3D Display Technology
AUO's Glasses-Free 3D display applications are in the leading position in the market. AUO will showcase the first commercially available 55" 4K by 2K 2D/3D switchable TV display featuring 2D and 3D switchable and mixed mode. The panel features a 4K x 2K (or "quad-HD") resolution of 3840 x 2160 in 2D mode and provides the most vivid and lifelike high resolution 3D images. With the high contrast ratio of 5000:1, it is able to present the most detailed color gradation.
In addition, AUO's 24" Glasses-Free 3D display panel for All-In-One PC features the Dead-Zone Free 3D solution combining the switchable lens technology with the face-tracking system. It could offer users to view both 2D and 3D images on the same display simultaneously.
Super Narrow Bezel 3D TV Display to Enjoy "Boundless Views, Lively Up Close"
AUO continues to offer value-added applications by its leading position in the pattern retarder 3D technology. AUO will exhibit the Super Narrow Bezel 50" FHD 3D TV display, also a brand new size, to provide customers with more choices. The single side of the super narrow bezel is only 5mm wide. Viewers are able to enjoy boundless, spectacular, and vivid 3D images.
AFull Lineup of One-Glass-Solution (OGS) Touch Solutions
AUO has successfully developed the One-Glass-Solution (OGS) touch solutions and will debut a series of OGS touch solutions ranging from 4.7" to 27" for smartphone, tablet, ultra notebook, and desktop monitor applications. AUO's 13.3", 11.6", and 10.1" OGS touch panels are currently commercialized. The 13.3" AHVA OGS touch panel for ultra notebook display features Full HD high resolution and ultra wide viewing angle, as well as ultra slim and edge-to-edge designs. AUO will also showcase its latest OGS touch technology, including a 4.7" Convex Surface technology, not only reinforcing the strength of the glass, but also with design aesthetic. With its border width as narrow as 0.8mm, the 4.7" Super Narrow Border OGS technology is another leading technology of the industry and will also be on display.
ASeries of High Resolution and Light & SlimUltra Notebook Display
AUO has been in a leading position in the development of ultra slim notebook displays. The 10.1", 13.3" and 15.6" Ultra Notebook displays featuring ultra slim, light, and high resolution will be showcased. Among them, the 13.3" Super Ultra Slim panel is as slim as 2.15mm with a weight of just 185g. Other than featuring slim and light, AUO's 15.6" and 10.1" Ultra Notebook displays are equipped with high resolution, wide viewing angle and high color saturation.
Ultra-High Resolution, Light, and Slim of Smartphone Display Panels
The size of panels applied to smartphones is getting larger, and on top of that, equipped with high resolution and light-weight designs. AUO demonstrates the 5.3" Ultra Slim Hyper-LCD smartphone display with Hyper LCD manufacturing technology to replace LTPS. It features qHD high-resolution and narrow border design. The module thickness is only 1.2mm with super light weight of only 12.5g, making it more convenient for users to carry. In addition, AUO's 4.46" smartphone display panel with wide viewing angle and HD 720 high resolution (329 PPI) will be also on display at the exhibition.
The next generation technology in display - AMOLED displays will be presented in the exhibition. The 4.3" qHD high resolution AMOLED display features 257 PPI, low power consumption, and true colors, suitable for smartphone and mobile device applications. Besides, AUO will demonstrate the 6" transparent AMOLED with a transparency rate of over 35% and a high light transmission.
* Based on the available market research information as of August 27, 2012, it is currently the world's narrowest bezel among the commercially available items in the market.
AUO photos can be downloaded at the Company's website:
Any use of photographs must cite the source thereof is from AU Optronics Corporation
ABOUT AU OPTRONICS
AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) is one ofthe world's leading providers of display and solar total solutions. AUO offers a full range of panel sizes and comprehensive applications ranging from 1.2 inches to 71 inches. Based on its profound R&D and manufacturing experience, AUO continues to develop advanced display technologies of the next generation. AUO extended its market to the green energy industry in 2008. By building a vertically integrated high-efficiency solar value chain, AUO provides its customers with high-efficiency solar solutions. AUO now houses a staff of more than 45,000 employees, with global operations in Taiwan, Mainland China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Czech and Slovakia. Additionally, AUO is the first pure TFT-LCD manufacturer to be successfully listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). AUO has also been named to Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for two consecutive years from 2010 to 2011. AUO generated NT$379.7 billion (US$ 12.54 billion) in sales revenue in 2011. For more information, please visit AUO.com.
* 2011 year end revenue converted at an exchange rate of NTD30.27:USD1.
Safe Harbour Notice
AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), a global leader of TFT-LCD panels, today announced the above news. Except for statements in respect of historical matters, the statements contained in this Release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements were based on our management's expectations, projections and beliefs at the time regarding matters including, among other things, future revenues and costs, financial performance, technology changes, capacity, utilization rates, yields, process and geographical diversification, future expansion plans and business strategy. Such forward looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including risks related to the flat panel display industry, the TFT-LCD market, acceptance of and demand for our products, technological and development risks, competitive factors, and other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27th, 2012.
SOURCE AU Optronics Corporation
AU Optronics Corporation
CONTACT: Freda Lee, Corporate Communications Division, AU Optronics Corp., +886-3-5008800 ext 3206, or fax, +886-3-5772730, or freda.lee@auo.com; or Yawen Hsiao, Corporate Communications Division, AU Optronics Corp., +886-3-5008800 ext 3211, or fax, +886-3-5772730, or yawen.hsiao@auo.com
Chemistry.com Hosts Free 'Up All Night' Event Celebrating the Top 10 Sleepless Cities in the U.S.
DALLAS, Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chemistry.com, one of the nation's leading dating sites, today reveals the Top 10 Sleepless Cities where singles are looking for lovebetween the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. Although New York City may be known as "the city that never sleeps," singles in Honolulu, Hawaii are the most restless during the wee hours of the night, followed by their unattached counterparts in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Night owls are in good company all over the U.S., with plenty of like-minded late-night aficionados looking for love until the sun rises from coast to coast.
The Top 10 Sleepless Cities in the U.S.:
1. Honolulu, HI
2. Virginia Beach, VA
3. Nashville, TN
4. Scottsdale, AZ
5. Brooklyn, NY
6. Long Beach, CA
7. Las Vegas, NV
8. Henderson, NV
9. Fresno, CA
10. Mesa, AZ
Chemistry.com is celebrating these sleepless singles by hosting "Up All Night," where visitors can try out the dating site for free from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. CDT beginning Thursday, August 30. The event will offer both new and existing members access to all of Chemistry.com's features free of charge, including the ability to browse full profiles with photos and communicate with other members using emails and Chemistry's unique get-to-know-you games. To register for this free night of flirting, singles can take the Chemistry.com Personality Test and create a profile to join in with other night owls online at http://www.chemistry.com/cp/upallnight.
Top 10 cities list was calculated by examining the top U.S. cities that were active on Chemistry.com between midnight and 6 a.m., accounting for the six different time zones in the country.
About Chemistry.com
Launched by Match.com in February 2006, online dating site Chemistry.com was created to bring together singles that are looking for ways to discover if true chemistry exists before meeting on the first date. Based on the research of renowned biological anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher, Chemistry.com uses a proprietary test to get to know each individual and their ideal match. This approach makes Chemistry.com the ideal place for singles to empower their love life and find the relationship that is right for each individual, whether it's marriage, romance, a partnership or a long-term commitment. Chemistry.com is an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI).
ProTek Devices' New TVS Arrays Deliver ESD, EFT, Surge and Lightning Protection
The PLR0524P, PLR0524 and PLR0521 are Ideal for Protection in Numerous Computing, Consumer Electronics and Telecommunications Devices and Equipment
TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ProTek Devices(TM) today introduced three new transient voltage suppressor (TVS) arrays - the PLR0524P, PLR0524 and PLR0521 - which are ideal for providing electrical protection in numerous computing, consumer electronics and telecommunications devices and equipment. Applications for the PLR0524P and PLR0524 include DVI, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, and USB interfaces. Other ideal applications include; FireWire (IEEE 1394 to 3.2Gbps); PCIe; and SATA interfaces. Ideal applications for the PLR0521 include Ethernet 10/100/1000 Base T; FireWire; wireless communications devices; and USB interfaces.
PLR0524P and PLR0524 Technical Features
The PLR0524P and PLR0524 are ultra low capacitance (0.4pF typical [I/O to I/O]) steering diode / TVS arrays. They provide protection from electrostatic discharges (ESD); electrical fast transients (EFT); surges; and lightning. The devices protect up to four lines. The PLR0524P and PLR0524 are available in a space-saving DFN-10 package configuration. The PLR0524 is used on very sensitive ASICs that require ultra-low clamping (9V @6A). The PLR0524P has a VC (clamping) of 16V. The PLR0524P can be used on most other PHY applications. They are rated at 60 Watts peak pulse power per line for a 8/20 micro second surge waveform. These devices meet IEC 61000-4-2 ESD: air - 15kV, contact - 8kV; 61000-4-2 EFT requirements. They also meet IEC 61000-4-4 surge and IEC 61000-4-5 lightning: 4A - 8/20 micro second surge waveform requirements. ESD protection from both devices is > 25 kilovolts. The PLR0524P and PLR0524 provide < 0.5 microampere low leakage current. The devices can be used in conjunction with passive components integrated into a TVS / filter network. In this configuration they provide EMI / RFI protection.
PLR0521 Technical Features
The PLR0521 is an ultra low capacitance (0.4 pF typical) TVS array. It provides ESD and EFT protection for one bidirectional line. It meets IEC 61000-4-2 ESD: air 15kV, contact 8kV requirements. It also meets IEC 61000-4-4 EFT and IEC 61000-4-5 surge requirements. It features 80 Watts peak pulse power per line (tp = 8/20 micro second surge waveform). In addition, the PLR0521 has a low clamping voltage and low leakage current and is available in a miniature DFN-2-0402 package.
At higher operating frequencies or faster edge rates, insertion loss and signal integrity are a major concern. ProTek Devices' PLR0524P, PLR0524 and PLR0521 TVS arrays resolve this concern. All devices are RoHS and REACH compliant.
Pricing and Availability
The PLR0524P is priced at $0.08 and the PLR0524 is priced at $0.10 in quantities of 10,000. The PLR0521 is priced at $0.06 in quantities of 10,000. All parts are now available in mass quantities. The data sheets for the PLR0524P and PLR0524 are available here and here, respectively. The data sheet for the PLR0521 is available here.
About ProTek Devices
In business more than 20 years, ProTek Devices(TM) is a privately held semiconductor company. The company offers a product line of transient voltage suppressor (TVS) devices. ProTek Devices also provides avalanche breakdown diode, steering diode TVS array and other surge suppressor component products. These TVS modules protect electronic systems from numerous damaging effects. They include lightning; electrostatic discharge (ESD); nuclear electromagnetic pulses (NEMP); inductive switching; and electromagnetic interference (EMI) / radio frequency interference (RFI). ProTek Devices also offers high performance interface and linear products. They include analog switches; multiplexers; LED drivers; audio control ICs; RF and related high frequency products. These analog devices work in a host of consumer; industrial; automotive and other applications. The company maintains its headquarters in Tempe, Ariz. More information is available at http://www.protekdevices.com.
Note: Whether noted or not, references to certain words may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
COMPANY CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT:
---------------- --------------
VP Pai Rafael Larin
ProTek Devices Emissary Communications
1.602. 431.8101 1.818.541.9595
marketing@protekdevices.com rafael@emissarypr.com http://www.protekdevices.com www.emissarypr.com
SOURCE ProTek Devices
Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (Ficora) has today issued a test radio
license for cognitive radio [http://www.fairspectrum.com ] devices on the TV White Space
frequencies for Turku University of Applied Sciences. The license covers the 470-790 MHz
frequency range and a 40 km x 40 km area surrounding Turku, Finland. The license is valid
for one year. Nearly 300 000 people live in the radio license area. A geolocation database
is an essential part of the license. The license is the first one in Europe having the
geolocation database control of frequencies.
Spectrum sharing is a global solution for matching the increasing demand for wireless
data communication and scarce frequency resources. TV White Space frequencies are a real
world test laboratory of spectrum sharing. TV White Space can improve existing data
communication services by increasing data rates or coverage area, it can make the services
more cost efficient, and new services can be developed. Spectrum sharing in TV White Space
is managed with a geolocation database. The geolocation database controls TV White Space
device frequencies and transmission power so that the devices do not interfere other
wireless communication systems like terrestrial TV or radio microphones
[http://www.fairspectrum.com/products ].
Fairspectrum provides the geolocation database for the communication system according
to the Ficora licence rules. Fairspectrum geolocation database applies geometrical
computation in radio spectrum sharing. Geometrical computation makes Fairspectrum
geolocation database efficient, fast, and easily customizable for various environments,
regulations, and rules. The geometrical computation based rules can clearly be
communicated between operators, regulators, and other users of the shared spectrum.
The issued license will be used in the WISE project. The WISE consortium consists of
Nokia, Digita, Fairspectrum, Ficora, Turku University of Applied Sciences, University of
Turku, and Aalto University.
WISE White space test environment for broadcast frequencies (WISE) is a Tekes funded
research project in Finland, and it is a part of the Tekes Trial program. WISE studies
efficient use of TV-band spectrum resources through cognitive radio technologies and
geolocation databases. Tekes Trial program invites international experts and investments
to benefit from its unique trial environment for cognitive radio and networks. For more
information, visit http://wise.turkuamk.fi and http://www.tekes.fi/programmes/Trial.
Fairspectum is a Finnish startup applying Internet services and computational geometry
in the field of radio spectrum sharing. For more information, visit http://www.fairspectrum.com.
Ficora is Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority. For more information, visit http://www.ficora.fi.
TUAS is Turku University of Applied Sciences. It offers education that develops
working life and entrepreneurship, research and development services (R&D) and holistic
development of organisations. For more information, visit http://www.turkuamk.fi.
Strontium and Kaira Sign Distribution Agreement for South Africa and Malaysia
SINGAPORE, August 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Strontium Technology today announced that it has expanded its relationship with Kaira Technology and appointed them as distributor for Malaysia and South Africa. This will serve to expand Strontium's sales channels in these countries and provide direct access to resellers, retailers and mobile shops.
"We have worked together with Kaira for last 3 years with great success. It is a logical extension for us to expand footprint with Kaira to include Malaysia and South Africa," said Anshuman Gupta, CEO of Strontium Technology.
The markets in South Africa and Malaysia are growing fast. Kaira has an excellent distribution network, knowledge of local markets and strong presence in Malaysian and South African markets. Kaira would distribute the complete range of Strontium memory products in these two markets.
Mr Rajesh Attal, CEO, Kaira Technology, said, "We are very happy to expand our engagement with Strontium to South Africa and Malaysia. We can now offer complete range of high quality memory products at competitive prices to our customers there."
Kaira would be the first to launch Strontium's 'Auto' USB flash drive, which is specially designed for car audio systems, in Malaysia and South Africa. Kaira would also be the first to launch Strontium's 8GB MacBook Pro memory module there.
"We are fully committed to grow our business with Kaira in the new territories and no effort would be spared to develop the markets together," added Gupta.
About Strontium
Strontium Technology Pte Ltd is a PC and flash memory manufacturing company, having its headquarters in Singapore. Today, its operations span to varied territories across Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, India, US, Canada and Latin America. In total, the company maintains a strong market presence in over 30 countries.
About Kaira
Kaira markets and distributes computer components, peripherals, accessories and networking products from over 16 global brands. It has distribution offices in Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Reunion Islands, and has alliances with channel partners in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Google Apps Reseller Quells The Microsoft MSP Incumbent
The Microsoft managed service industry and their providers are about to be replaced by Google Apps resellers and their new emerging cloud business model.
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Information Technology has a long running foundation in forward motion, and the competition is brutal. The weakest links, slowly but surely, are culled out of the market.
Darwin would be proud.
To keep up, over the years, growing businesses have been outsourcing solid, reliable IT management through Managed Service Providers. These MSP's maintain on site servers and provide tech assistance to companies that are able and willing to front the bill. Problem is, human beings have a history (especially over the last century) of putting themselves out of work with their own evolving technology.
"I'm not going to lie, I do see myself as something of an MSP killer," says a grinning Crisantos Hajibrahim, founder and CEO of VIWO, one of Google's longest running Google Apps resellers. "With the margins so thin, it's going to be almost impossible for Microsoft MSP's to transition their business to a cloud based service model. I took a Microsoft MSP managed business with 50 users paying $5,000 a month on Exchange, to $2500 a year. No wonder these MSP's can't transition their business. They'd have to cannibalize themselves or spin off a separate company with lower expectations, cost, and room to grow with the market. Instead, they'd rather go down with a sinking ship, just because they have nowhere to jump to."
There is an exponentially growing need for business professionals to access their information anywhere, everywhere, on the devices that they use and prefer. Browser and app based data interaction is the new paradigm and Google's been hanging out on that cutting edge for some time now.
"When I was first introduced to Google Apps in 2007, I knew I needed to be involved. I had just invested $40,000 dollars in a N-Able MSP management system that I literally threw away after I saw Google Apps."
Crisantos believes that a bundle solution will be the new way to make money in this market. He's currently working with big name communication providers to deliver these types of services.
"To survive, MSP's need to learn how to consult, setup, and support ERP type systems that integrate into cloud based activity and provide unified communication services. With a 'Business In A Box' approach I can charge $50 per user per month instead of $5 and grow my business, in spite of the competitive market."
As long as MSP's are able to convince clients that their services are truly worth an arm and a leg, they'll be able to scrape by. However, considering the current economic state of the world, it will not be surprising to see more and more businesses looking for a cost effective, progressive change to how they communicate and share their information.
PHOENIX, Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 12 News and Beat the Traffic are pleased to announce a new extension to our partnership. Beginning September 14, 2012, the locally branded 12 News Beat the Traffic app will be available for free for all Arizonan commuters looking for a way to beat traffic on the go. Over the air 12 News will continue to help commuters with travel times and the most up-to-date traffic information using Beat the Traffic technology. The new app offers yet another way to help commuters get the best information possible and includes personalized route information and reports by the 12 News team. The Beat the Traffic application will display 12 News traffic information based on the geo-location of users.
The 12 News Beat the Traffic application will be available on iOS and Android devices. The app will also be linked with our new 12 News Traffic Facebook page (facebook.com/12news) as well as our 12 News Traffic Twitter account (@12NewsTraffic). The app will provide local traffic coverage around the clock and keep you up- to-date on roads to avoid & construction on the go.
"The new exclusive local content partnership with 12 News leverages our latest technology developments on location-enabled mobile platforms," said Andre Gueziec, President of Beat the Traffic. "Beat the Traffic mobile apps can display exclusive local TV station partner content based on where the mobile user is located. We're tremendously proud of this new milestone, which will revolutionize how viewers can access local traffic content. Now our TV station partners in other cities can also benefit from this exclusive opportunity."
"This app will make it easier for everyone to get the latest traffic updates right from their phone. If you are unable to watch 12 News Today from 4:30am-7am with me, this is another option to get the information you need! It will allow people to connect with 12 News wherever they are and help them 'beat the traffic,'" explains12 News Traffic Reporter, Emma Jade.
Check out our new Facebook & Twitter Pages for your latest traffic updates.
Facebook: 12NewsTraffic
Twitter: @12NewsTraffic
To follow traffic reporter Emma Jade: @emmajade12news
For mobile traffic text alerts and freeway closures:
Text "traffic" to 98567
About 12 News:
12 News (KPNX-TV) is part of Republic Media and owned by Gannett Co., Inc., an international news and information company operating on multiple platforms including the Internet, mobile, newspapers, magazines and TV stations. Gannett is an Internet leader with hundreds of newspaper and TV Web sites; CareerBuilder.com, the nation's top employment site. Gannett publishes 83 daily U.S. newspapers, including USA TODAY, the nation's largest-selling daily newspaper, and more than 650 magazines and other non-dailies including USA WEEKEND. Gannett also operates 23 television stations in 19 U.S. markets. Gannett subsidiary Newsquest is the United Kingdom's second largest regional newspaper company with 17 daily paid-for titles, more than 200 weekly newspapers, magazines and trade publications, and a network of Web sites.
About Beat the Traffic:
Based in Santa Clara, CA, Triangle Software LLC d/b/a Beat the Traffic® is the fastest-growing provider of vehicle traffic reporting solutions. Acclaimed for its visually-striking graphics, simple setup and user-friendly interface, Beat the Traffic® received the Television Broadcast magazine's NAB Top Innovation Award. Triangle Software is a National Science Foundation funded early innovator in traffic prediction and presentation science. Visit http://www.beatthetraffic.com or http://www.trianglesoftware.com. The Beat the Traffic® technology is protected by U.S. Patents Nos. 6,989,765; 7,161,497; 7,221,287; 7,375,649; 7,508,321; 7,557,730; 7,610,145; 7,702,452; 7,880,642; and 8,103,443. Visit our youtube.com/beatthetraffic channel and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/btt3d or Facebook at facebook.com/beatthetraffic.
Direct media inquiries to:
Heather Gray
Director of Programming and Marketing-12 News
hgray@12news.com
602-444-1222
Beat the Traffic inquiries to:
Teresa Chaidez
408-777-6541
Tchaidez (at) beatthetraffic.com
FICO Acquires Adeptra, Adding Real-Time, Mobile Customer Engagement and Risk Intervention Capabilities to Decision Management Applications
Cloud-based platform for resolving customer interactions will improve effectiveness of FICO clients in managing fraud, collections and customer service
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FICO (NYSE: FICO), the leading provider of analytics and decision management technology, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Adeptra Ltd., a leader in cloud-based customer engagement and risk intervention solutions based in Reading, UK and Norwalk, Connecticut. Adeptra's SaaS (software as a service) platform enables leading financial services institutions and other businesses to take advantage of the explosion in mobile communication in order to manage risk, fight fraud and dramatically improve the customer experience, all in real time. By using Adeptra's technology combined with FICO's decision management applications, businesses can move seamlessly from defining, changing and testing decisions to executing and resolving customer interactions while improving customer outcomes.
FICO will acquire Adeptra for an all-cash purchase price of $115 million, subject to typical post-closing adjustments. The acquisition is expected to be accretive on both a pro-forma and GAAP basis in FY13. The deal is anticipated to be completed in September 2012, upon satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Adeptra is currently owned by a consortium of investors led by ABS Ventures, proven experts at developing mid-stage technology firms.
FICO has had a successful relationship with Adeptra since 2002, and has been an Adeptra reseller since 2007. Together, the two companies have helped global banks cut their fraud losses by integrating FICO® Falcon® Fraud Manager with Adeptra solutions.
"For many of our clients, fraud protection and even debt collection have become important drivers of customer satisfaction and loyalty," said Will Lansing, FICO CEO. "By integrating Adeptra's leading customer engagement and risk intervention platform with FICO decision management applications, we're enabling our clients to interact with their customers in ways that strengthen customer loyalty while minimizing business risks. That way, our clients can grow in lock-step with the evolving mobile economy."
Founded in 1996, Adeptra provides solutions that allow businesses to communicate with customers in real time, using voice, SMS, mobile applications, email and other channels. By contacting customers instantly using their preferred channel, a business can immediately resolve important matters such as identifying whether a credit transaction is fraudulent, confirming a payment plan with a customer, and fixing customer service issues. Adeptra then feeds this information back to the business's host system in a closed-feedback loop that improves risk management and future communications success. The SaaS platform offers greater flexibility, faster implementation times and efficient design and deployment of multi-channel customer interactions, with Adeptra's high-performance and scalable software capable of handling thousands of such transactions per second.
Adeptra serves clients in financial services, telecommunications, utilities and other industries, including more than half of the world's top 50 banks. The company has offices and data centers around the globe. Adeptra's employees and management team will join FICO following the completion of the transaction.
"FICO is known worldwide for its superior decision management solutions that cross the customer lifecycle," said Tony McGivern, CEO of Adeptra. "Combining the power of FICO and Adeptra is a fantastic move for our clients and for clients' customers. Together, we will develop the next generation of full-cycle decision management and risk intervention products along with a range of innovative new marketing and customer service solutions, all optimized for the mobile economy."
In Latin America, FICO and Adeptra have been working together for a long time. One of the examples is a well succeeded implementation in Puerto Rico with Banco Popular, handled by FICO's regional office and Adeptra's headquarters in the US, as they don't have offices or employees locally. "We see many new perspectives through this purchase," said Andreas Suma, Senior Director for FICO Latin America. "The regional population has very few phones lines but the smartphones and the cell phones are increasing very quickly, so we can expect reaching more people with Adeptra's solutions, especially in the fraud prevention and in the recoveries' field. We certainly will increase our capacities in these two areas."
About FICO
FICO (NYSE:FICO) delivers superior predictive analytics solutions that drive smarter decisions. The company's groundbreaking use of mathematics to predict consumer behavior has transformed entire industries and revolutionized the way risk is managed and products are marketed. FICO's innovative solutions include the FICO(®) Score -- the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the United States -- along with industry-leading solutions for managing credit accounts, identifying and minimizing the impact of fraud, and customizing consumer offers with pinpoint accuracy. Most of the world's top banks, as well as leading insurers, retailers, pharmaceutical companies and government agencies, rely on FICO solutions to accelerate growth, control risk, boost profits and meet regulatory and competitive demands. FICO also helps millions of individuals manage their personal credit health through http://www.myFICO.com. Learn more at http://www.fico.com. FICO: Make every decision count((TM)).
About Adeptra
Adeptra is the global market leader in risk intervention and customer engagement. The company's proven scalable global cloud platform enables organizations to communicate with customers and resolve issues in real time, using a range of channels such as voice, SMS, mobile applications and email. In fraud, credit and customer risk and servicing, Adeptra provides a comprehensive range of customer engagement solutions targeted at eliminating fraud, maximizing adoption, reducing cost and optimizing customer experience.
Among its many customers, Adeptra is used by the majority of leading retail banks across EMEA, North America and APAC. It occupies a premium position in the market by continually reinvesting in its technology, operations and service structure. The company's commitment to the highest standards of data security compliance was recently re-confirmed, as Adeptra became the first Interactive Voice Messaging organization to meet both Payment Card Industry Security Standard (PCI DSS) v2.0 and ISO27001 standards on a global basis. For more information, visit http://www.adeptra.com.
Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements contained in this news release that relate to FICO or its business are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the success of the Company's Decision Management strategy and reengineering plan, the maintenance of its existing relationships and ability to create new relationships with customers and key alliance partners, its ability to continue to develop new and enhanced products and services, its ability to recruit and retain key technical and managerial personnel, competition, regulatory changes applicable to the use of consumer credit and other data, the failure to realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisitions, continuing material adverse developments in global economic conditions, and other risks described from time to time in FICO's SEC reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011 and its last quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012. If any of these risks or uncertainties materializes, FICO's results could differ materially from its expectations. FICO disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
FICO, Falcon and "Make every decision count" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and in other countries.
CONTACT: Media, Nora Gonzalez , +55 11 98757 4361, noragonzalez@fico.com, or Investors/Analysts, Steve Weber, 1-800-213-5542, investor@fico.com, both of FICO
University of Akron Students And Diebold Engineers Team Up To Explore Uncharted Virtual World
Cloud computing course series strives to turn concepts into reality
NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloud computing, a nebulous term that refers to using the Internet to store data, run programs and more, has yet to significantly enter the college classroom, until now. Students from The University of Akron (UA) and software engineers from Green-based Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE:DBD), makers of automated teller machines (ATMs) and security systems, will participate in a series of three courses in cloud computing at UA to learn how industry can maximize cyberspace resources. Simultaneously, a group of budding computer scientists will receive specialized training to help industry -- right out of college.
In all, 12 UA students and six Diebold engineers will participate in the classes, which take place during the fall 2012 and spring and summer 2013 semesters. Topics cover cloud computing fundamentals, tools and platforms; cloud "mashups," or website pages or applications that use or combine data, presentation or functionality from two or more sources to create new services; best practices in cloud applications; and cloud security.
Leading engineers from Diebold were directly involved in shaping the cloud computing class curriculum with UA professors, transpiring as a result of Diebold's role on the UA Computer Science Advisory Board. Also, Diebold engineers attending the course have been working with cloud-oriented technologies and mashups since early 2011 through research and various active projects.
Several students selected for the course series also will serve internships at Diebold, where they will work alongside skilled professionals who already develop and deploy cloud technology for the company. In addition, pairs of UA students will team up with Diebold software engineers to work on non-Diebold projects.
"This partnership will help fill identified workforce needs and contribute to innovative technological advances. The interactions our students will have with Diebold engineers, both in the classroom and through co-ops and dedicated projects, will help create for them an outstanding academic experience -- a true Akron Experience," said William M. "Mike" Sherman. UA senior vice president, provost and chief operating officer. "Experiences like these will make our graduates distinctive and benefit our industry partners with UA graduates ready to contribute from the first day on the job. We are thrilled to partner with Diebold in this exciting opportunity and look forward to furthering the use of cloud computing to create innovative solutions."
Frank Natoli, executive vice president and chief innovation officer, Diebold, added that the program is one of only a limited number in the United States. He said the collaboration will help Diebold to attract and retain top-tier talent, and give the company's employees an opportunity for personal growth while they provide guidance to students and help them hone current skills software engineers need.
"This is an investment that will help us to measurably grow our capability in a technology that will shape our future, as we leverage cloud computing to grow our services business in the retail financial space," Natoli said. "We are sending engineers to the course as one of several ways we are continuing to transform and grow our own strong software skills, and apply those skills for student education as well as professional development. Just as importantly, it is an investment in the educational system and students of Ohio."
Curriculum co-developer and instructor Kathy Liszka, UA professor of computer science, says the program's shared resources and common goals are expected to produce positive outcomes for students, industry and the university. She's joined by UA's Chien-Chung Chan, professor of computer science, and Michael Collard, assistant professor of computer science.
"Only a few cloud computing courses have been taught in universities to date. We're starting from scratch, looking at it and teaching it from our industrial partner's point of view," Liszka said. "In the process of taking the classes and being mentored by Diebold software engineers, our students will receive the training and job-readiness necessary for them to meet industry needs."
About The University of Akron
The University of Akron offers more than 300 associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate and law degree programs - with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. With nearly 30,000 students and $46.7 million in sponsored research awards, UA is among the nation's strongest public universities focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in community and economic growth. Listed by Princeton Review as among the "Best in the Midwest" in Best Colleges: Region-by-Region, programs are targeted to diverse groups of learners, including full-time, part-time and on-line students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom. The distinctive Akron Experience enhances post-graduate success through internships and co-ops, academic research (both undergraduate and graduate), study abroad, on-campus student employment, and service projects."
About Diebold
Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services. Diebold employs more than 16,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in the Canton, Ohio region, USA. Diebold is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.diebold.com or follow the company on Twitter: http://twitter.com/diebold_inc.
CONTACT: Media Relations, Mike Jacobsen, +1-330-490-3796, michael.jacobsen@diebold.com, or Investor Relations, John Kristoff, +1-330-490-5900, john.kristoff@diebold.com, both of Diebold, Incorporated; or Denise Henry, University of Akron, +1-330-972-6477, henryd@uakron.edu
Moshi Monsters(TM): Moshlings(TM) Theme Park NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hot on the heels of the record breaking debut game Moshi Monsters(TM): Moshling Zoo comes the exciting new videogame from Mind Candy, Moshi Monsters((TM)): Moshlings((TM)) Theme Park, available on Nintendo 3DS(TM) and Nintendo DS(TM). Available at major retail stores beginning October 30, 2012, the all-new game is now available for pre-order at http://www.moshlingsthemepark.com.
Based on the worldwide phenomenon Moshi Monsters(TM), and building on the ever-growing popularity of the Moshlings characters, Moshi Monsters(TM): Moshlings(TM) Theme Park takes fans on an exciting journey into a new Moshi universe. The game invites players to explore wondrous locations as they work to rebuild the legendary Moshlings Theme Park.
Fans can uncover secret codes online at moshimonsters.com which will unlock special areas and content on the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS systems. By achieving high scores in the DS game kids can also unlock exclusive content online at MoshiMonsters.com. Users of the Nintendo 3DS can interact with other Nintendo 3DS players via the StreetPass(TM) feature and play cool games to bring the Moshlings to life in a whole new dimension. Moshi Monsters(TM): Moshlings(TM) Theme Park marks the first time fans can interact with beloved characters via 3D technology.
Jam-packed with exclusive content, Moshi Monsters(TM): Moshlings(TM) Theme Park also introduces fans, for the very first time, to "Furnando", a brand-new Moshling character. He is just one of 60 Moshling characters that take part in this thrilling journey to get the theme park back on track! In addition, every new Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS game comes with a free week-long membership to MoshiMonsters.com and a redeemable code so users also can interact with their new Moshling on the Moshi website.
Moshi Monsters(TM) is an interactive social online world for kids aged 6-12 years. It provides children with a new form of entertainment, combining adoptable virtual pet monsters with social online gameplay. With engaging puzzles, stories, and exciting missions, the Moshi Monsters(TM) world is an ever-growing success story with books, magazines and toys to name just a few of the available monster offerings.
The game will hit shelves nationwide in the US on October 30(th) 2012 (RRP DS $24.99 3DS $29.99)
About Mind Candy
Mind Candy, creator of the successful Moshi Monsters franchise, is a global entertainment company based in the UK with offices in Los Angeles and New York. The company was formed by Internet entrepreneur, Michael Acton Smith, in 2004.
About Moshi Monsters(TM)
With over 65 million registered users in 150 territories worldwide, Moshi Monsters - the online world of adoptable pet monsters for boys and girls aged 6-12 - has become a global phenomenon.
Children choose from one of six virtual pet monsters that they can create, name and nurture. Once their pet has been customized, players can navigate their way around Monstro City, taking the daily puzzle challenge to earn 'Rox' (virtual currency), playing games, solving Super Moshi Missions, personalizing their room, showing off their artwork, reading stories and communicating with friends in a safe environment.
Following its huge online success, Moshi Monsters has expanded into the real world with an array of physical products including best-selling toys; the number one selling kids magazine in the UK; a best-selling DS video game, a top five music album, books, membership cards, trading cards and much more.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, http://www.activision.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements about the expected release date of Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.
CONTACT: Mind Candy, Nicola Duarte, Head of PR, +44 (0)7803 874 927, nicola@mindcandy.com, Twitter: @nics_duarte; or Grand Communications, +1-(212) 584-1133, moshi@grandcommunications.com; or Activision: Sandbox Strategies, Amanda Young, Senior Public Relations Manager, +1-(212) 213-2451, amanda@sandboxstrat.com
Thrive World Wide, Inc. (TWWI) Updates Acquisition of INTECH CREATIVE LLC and Drug Right PVT. LTD.
LAKE GENEVA, Wis., Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Thrive World Wide, Inc. (OTCQB: TWWI) (Pinksheets: TWWI) announced today that it has extended the Letter of Intent [signed on May 30, 2012] to acquire INTECH CREATIVE LLC., a U.S. limited liability company operating out of Bangalore, India. This is to allow INTECH the time required to complete its pending merger with India-based Drug Right PVT LTD, a software development job shop that provides wholesale software programming services to pharmaceutical clients in the U.S.A. Thrive has completed its due diligence of Intech, and does not foresee any obstacles within INTECH or DRUG RIGHT to impede their timely closing.
The combined INTECH-DRUG RIGHT company is intended to operate under the brand of INTECH as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thrive World Wide, Inc. It will boast a team of twenty, comprised of graphic designers, software programmers, and project managers, operating in two divisions: the SERVICES division will have immediate monthly revenues of US$10,000 monthly based on its current clients and workload, with an anticipation to see that number increase in the near term resulting from a newly-planned INTECH sales and marketing initiative. The NEW PRODUCTS division will develop proprietary software to drive their Intech (and other) branded subscription-based web and mobile-based applications and services.
In July 2012, INTECH secured capital from a single investor, and is already underway with the development of ePipeline, a social media conduit -- for the large and vibrant live-events space -- that is intended to connect (all those involved in the information flow of live events) through its own website and mobile platforms, and integrated connections through other social platforms like Facebook (900 million users), Ning (80,000 social networks), MeetUp (20,000 groups with 8 million members), and MySpace, as well as open-source CMS systems like WordPress (25 million+), Joomla (10 million+), and Drupal (8 million+) using a method known as API (application protocol interface).
Company CEO Bruce Dugan has been in Bangalore, India for several weeks facilitating the successful due diligence process of the INTECH acquisition, as well as the INTECH-DRUG RIGHT merger, with an expectation to complete and execute Definitive Agreements among the parties in the near term.
After researching tech communities in New York; Monterrey, Mexico; China; and parts of Europe, the Company chose to seek out operations in India as a back-office base because -- according to Google India (August 2012) -- it jumped from 8th to 2nd in the world for searches online regarding higher education, with forty-percent of students focused on tech and engineering; it has become known as the Silicon Valley of Asia, has a highly educated and available technology workforce, cost-effective overhead to output ratios, and is English-speaking, eliminating any language barriers between the American Intech team and the Drug Right Indian team.
As stated in the May 30th press release, it is intended that -- in addition to INTECH developing its own in-house software products -- that it will develop, manage and support the overall IT requirements of Thrive World Wide. The resources gained from the Drug Right resource not only enhances INTECH's capability to fulfill those Company-wide IT requirements, but also adds cash flow to self-support the team that will manage those efforts.
The Company also announced that Mr. Dugan intends to remain on the ground in India until January 2013 to oversee INTECH operations and the release of the ePipeline product. While there, he will also pursue other ongoing project and company acquisition discussions in Bangalore and Kolkata to further increase shareholder value, and position the Company for renewed negotiations with a U.S. based technology company about ongoing discussions about a potential acquisition and/or merger in 2013.
Mr. Dugan noted that "While I appreciate that our shareholders are anxious, the foundation-building of the Company is a slow and careful process. And I am using the utmost care to restructure the Company to thrive in the coming quarter; intended to lay a strong foundation for the future by ensuring that any acquisitions made (a) add immediate value to the Company, (b) are practical and financially feasible, (c) fit into the Company's synergy agenda, and (d) adhere to the Company's short-term and long-term vision of building a low-burn-rate, high-output organization that can generate immediate revenues for stability, with a creative and proprietary component for high-end revenue and shareholder value opportunities. My personal mission is to prove that small cap companies can be built on value and merit rather than inflated hype."
About Thrive World Wide, Inc.
Thrive World Wide, Inc. ("Thrive") is a web-centric multimedia holding company. For more information, visit http://thriveworldwide.com
This news release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Thrive World Wide, Inc. are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in documents filed from time to time with the United States Securities and ExchangeCommission and other regulatory authorities.
Contact:
Thrive World Wide, Inc.
investor@thriveworldwide.com
AT&T Developer Program Opens Registration For DevLab By AT&T
DALLAS, Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Registration has opened for DevLab by AT&T*, a one-day, hands-on programming workshop for developers, providing a technical deep dive into the latest services and tools for mobile app development. DevLab will take place September 25 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif. Developers can learn more and register at http://2012devlab.com/.
Highlights for the day include introducing developers to AT&T's new Speech API, part of the AT&T API Platform, and the AT&T Application Resource Optimizer (ARO) which analyzes mobile application efficiency, giving developers the ability to improve battery life and data usage.
AT&T's Speech API enables developers to build apps and services that let customers use their voice to communicate with their smartphone, television and other digital devices. AT&T uses this capability in a variety of applications, such as mobile voice directory search and voice mail to text, among others.
AT&T Application Resource Optimizer (ARO) is a free diagnostic tool that helps developers enhance their mobile app's performance, speed, network impact, and battery utilization. ARO is already used by many developers to increase the productivity of their apps while providing their customers a better experience.
DevLab will make use of both instruction and lab time, featuring hands-on interaction with AT&T experts to walk developers through these services and tools step by step. In addition, sponsors will hold demonstrations of various mash-ups with the AT&T Speech API. At the end of the day, developers will network at a reception with experts and special guests.
"We are very excited to introduce DevLab to the developer community," said Carlton Hill, vice president - device operations and developer services, AT&T Mobility. "It's the perfect showcase to feature our cutting-edge technology services for mobile app development while providing an in-depth and fun environment for developers to dig in, learn, network and come away from the event with tools to take their applications to the next level."
Early registration is currently open and is $60 and ends Aug. 31, with regular registration set at $90 until Sept. 21. After Sept. 21, registration will be $120.
AT&T Developer Program
As the longest running carrier developer program and the one rated best by Evans Data Corporation for the past six years, the AT&T Developer Program is born from the company's commitment to innovation and third-party development. To encourage even more developer interaction and innovation, AT&T operates three Foundry locations in Palo Alto, Tel Aviv and Plano. The AT&T Foundry is one part of AT&T's overall innovation strategy that aims to accelerate technology development by collaborating with third party developers, venture capitalists and technology providers - sometimes by taking lead on a project, other times by contributing expertise, connections and resources to help developers bring an idea to reality.
*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.
New eCommerce Platform Helps Independent Writers and Musicians Sell Their Work and Keep The Most Profits
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With increased challenges facing independent artists and authors, reKiosk--an alternative distribution solution for independent creatives--opens its virtual doors today. It's the first socially networked, turnkey solution to offer individual creators, labels, publishers and anyone interested in promoting indie media a free and easy way to sell and market digital media.
Founded by brother and sister Aziz and Darya Isham, reKiosk allows anyone, anywhere to open an online store to sell ebooks and music. Not only can artists and creators sign up to sell their own products directly, reKiosk also has a one-of-a-kind affiliate model that pays 'reKioskers' for every sale made from their kiosk, no matter whose product it is.
reKiosk has already established relationships with some of the biggest names in independent publishing and music, including Grove Atlantic, O/R Books, and PledgeMusic. The platform allows individuals, publishers and record labels to sell their entire catalogs, no matter how large or small.
reKiosk is a social media platform in addition to e-retailer. reKiosk allows community interaction based upon each individual's personally cultivated digital store, or 'kiosk'. Kiosks allow curators with similar tastes and passions the chance to discover great new indie bands or lesser-known authors. Creators can retain as much as 95% of each sale because the middleman gets cut out. Users sell directly to their friends, fans and followers through integrated social networks. Any user who buys a digital file can then become a distributor, selling to their own sets of friends and followers and retaining 25% of each subsequent sale. Meanwhile, the file's original creator always reaps 70% of every sale.
"reKiosk is a way to sell directly to your fans, and have your fans sell for you. We believe that the digital age means that writers and musicians shouldn't have to give their products away - we're solving the distribution crisis by creating a platform that allows anyone, anywhere, to open a digital storefront and sell what they love," says co-founder, Aziz Isham.
reKiosk is wrapped in an ethos geared towards promoting independent media: Everyone is on a level playing field, no ads and no special treatment for big companies. Searching is curated by people, not algorithms, to help you find great products and share them across integrated social media platforms.
Contact: Lisa Weinert, lisa@lisaweinert.com, 917.399.5268
Rand McNally Releases Software Update for IntelliRoute® TND(TM) 510
New software included with Lifetime Maps update; Free Lifetime Maps* promotion for limited time
SKOKIE, Ill., Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rand McNally today announced a new software release for its IntelliRoute® TND(TM) 510 truck GPS unit that includes updated map data, additional trucking points of interest, and many of the new features from the new TND(TM) 720 that was released in June.
The software upgrade, available as of today, includes the following new information and features:
-- Fully updated road data; includes truck-specific information such as
speed limits, legal and physical restrictions, and all Rand McNally
proprietary truck restriction data
-- Fully updated points of interest necessary for efficient routing,
including truck stops, weigh stations, and locations at the exits ahead
-- Fuel logs - accessible from the Virtual Dashboard or Truck Tools, the
feature enables drivers to record fuel purchases for a trip
-- "Avoid State or Province" preference - allows a driver to route around
states or provinces to avoid seasonal road conditions, Hazmat
constraints, tolls, or construction
-- Enhanced routing options - provides for increased flexibility, and
faster, more efficient route calculations
-- Address book icon enhancement - enables unique icons to be created by
group and shown on the map for imported locations, address book item
displayed by name, distance from current location, and date added
information
-- Text-to-speech alert details for custom points of interest - reduces
distracted driving by providing spoken alert information for imported
items such as red light cameras
Owners of the TND(TM) 710 also are eligible for the new software download if they have Lifetime Maps. Lifetime Maps for Rand McNally products can be purchased on Rand McNally's online store.
For more information about the current free Lifetime Maps promotion on new units, please visit randmcnally.com/lifetimemaps.
About Rand McNally - Rand McNally is the most trusted source for maps, directions, and travel content. Rand McNally's products and services include: Road travel review site bestoftheroad.com; Interactive travel referral service, tripology.com; America's #1 Road Atlas; and TripMaker® RVND(TM) GPS for RVers; IntelliRoute® truck routing software and navigation devices; TruckPC and the TND(TM) 760 Fleet Edition mobile communication solutions for the transportation industry; and the leading geography-based educational resources for the classroom. Consumers, businesses, truckers, and educators depend upon Rand McNally to help navigate today's world. randmcnally.com
Rand McNally, IntelliRoute, and Best of the Road are registered trademarks and RVND and TND are trademarks of RM Acquisition, LLC d/b/a Rand McNally.
Video Gamers Eager for the Launch of Guild Wars 2®
Highly Anticipated Game Re-Imagines the MMO, Ships with No Subscription
SEATTLE, Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- NCsoft®, the world's premier publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) and ArenaNet, developer of the renowned Guild Wars franchise, are ready to unleash Guild Wars 2 to millions of eagerly awaiting fans around the world on August 28. Eager fans who pre-purchased the game can log-in on August 25 as part of the Headstart Program, which allows them to experience the game's groundbreaking dynamic event system, action-oriented combat and meaningful personal story lines three-days early.
"Five years ago we set out to develop a game that finally fulfilled the promise of online worlds," said Mike O'Brien, president and co-founder of ArenaNet. "We questioned everything that had previously been taken for granted and we never settled for 'good enough.' Now, we're finally ready to introduce Guild Wars 2 to gamers who are looking for the next evolution in online gaming."
Guild Wars 2 offers players
-- Dynamic Events: Guild Wars 2 is a living, breathing world where events
occur naturally and in response to players' actions. This system fosters
cooperation between players--everyone who participates is rewarded, and
players begin to naturally cooperate instead of compete.
-- Personal Stories: Your deeply customized personal story begins when you
first create your character, then twists and turns with each fateful
decision you make.
-- Action-Oriented Combat: Guild Wars 2 is an action game at heart.
Survival in combat is based on timing, skill, and movement. Well-timed
dodges or combo attacks are integral to any battle. Guild Wars 2
rethinks the outdated class restrictions of other games, giving players
the tools and skills they need to play with friends regardless of their
class.
-- Player vs. Player and World vs. World: Competitive multiplayer in Guild
Wars 2 consists of two exciting modes. PvP serves up intense small-unit
combat that focuses on skill and strategy, not gear. WvW pits entire
servers of players against each other in a two-week-long war on a series
of huge maps.
"Guild Wars 2 is launching at a time when players are looking for something different in an MMO: a game that offers them an innovative and unique experience without a monthly subscription," said O'Brien. "Guild Wars 2 is that game, and we believe it will fundamentally change the way people think about online RPGs."
NCsoft, headquartered in Seoul, Korea, is the world's premier publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online games, including the critically acclaimed Aion®, Lineage®, Guild Wars® and City of Heroes® franchises. NCsoft West is a division of NCsoft that holds operating responsibilities for North America, Europe, South America, and Australia/New Zealand. More information can be found at http://www.ncsoft.com.
About Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars® 2 is a visually stunning MMO that will offer players the epic grandeur of a massive role playing environment combined with innovative combat mechanics, dynamic events, and customised personal storytelling. Building on the success of Guild Wars, NCsoft and game developer ArenaNet(TM) are creating an MMO that lets gamers play the way they want, while at the same time retaining the no-subscription-fee business model that made the original Guild Wars so popular. For more information about Guild Wars 2, visit http://www.GuildWars2.com.
Playtech, the international designer, developer and licensor of software for the
online, mobile, TV and land-based gaming industry, has launched its first mobile bingo
product on the Android operating system.
Players are now able to access their online accounts via Android handsets and play
along with players from the web. In the coming months the product will be rolled out
across the iOS platform for iPhone and iPad users as well as a HTML5 version.
The product itself gives players a seamless experience between the web and mobile
platforms where they are able to play bingo variants including 90, 75, 80 ball as well as
Deal or No Deal Bingo. In addition to this players will be able to chat with other users,
regardless of whether they are on mobile or web platforms and play mini side games such as
the hugely popular Clover Rollover at the same time as playing bingo.
Rhys Owen, Head of Bingo, said "This is a significant step for Playtech in terms of
cementing our position as the leading supplier of bingo software in the industry as well
as offering licensees the largest networked bingo and jackpot liquidity through a new and
thriving channel. We've seen the trends in the sportsbook and casino arena's and its only
logical that we develop a mobile offering which enables our partners to attract a new type
of player as well as giving our licensee's an additional medium through which to engage
with their players.
This has been a year in the making and we've invested heavily in customer research in
order to provide the most user-friendly and entertaining product possible based on the
size constraints of mobile devices. As one of the first suppliers to offer mobile bingo we
believe our licensee's will have a distinct advantage over their competitors in terms of
platform choice for the player which will assist them in gaining greater market share."
The mobile bingo product is now available through a select number of Playtech
licensee's and will be rolled out to a core group of partners in the coming months.
Playtech develops unified software platforms and content for the online and land-based
gaming industry, together with providing a range of ancillary services such as marketing,
hosting and CRM services.
Leading gaming applications include casino, poker, bingo, sports betting, live gaming,
casual and fixed odds games. Playtech provides licensees with the tools to maximise
cross-selling opportunities, player loyalty and yield, all through the powerful management
interface - the IMS. The Group's capabilities enable the delivery of an integrated
software or turnkey solution, with players accessing online, broadcast, mobile and
server-based gaming terminals through a single account.
Founded in 1999, Playtech has some 2,000 employees located in development centres in
five countries, the majority of whom are engaged in research and development of current
and future gaming technologies.
Contact:
Playtech Ltd
Mor Weizer, Chief Executive
David Mathewson, Chief Financial Officer
c/o Pelham Bell Pottinger
+44(0)20-7861-3232
Fulton Innovation's Ecoupled Technology Provides Restaurant Patrons With Wireless Power At Their Tables
Kitchen 67 Brings Technology and Food Together to Provide a Wireless Dining Experience
ADA, Mich., Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fulton Innovation (http://www.fultoninnovation.com), the creator and exclusive licensor of eCoupled(TM) intelligent wireless power, today announced that its technology will be used in the nation's first restaurant with a full-scale rollout of integrated wireless charging. Kitchen 67 Brann's Cafe, in Grand Rapids, Mich., will officially open on August 25th as one of the first restaurants in the nation where customers can wirelessly charge Qi-compatible devices at their table.
Eighteen tables at Kitchen 67 allow customers to charge their Qi-compatible mobile phones by simply placing their phones on the table. Restaurant patrons can enjoy their meal without having to worry about dragging around cords and locating an available outlet where they can charge their devices. The technology is embedded into the surface of each table using a Leggett & Platt, Inc. Helios(TM) transmitter and Krueger International (KI) Wireless Power Grommet, a solution developed through a collaboration of the three companies. The grommet utilizes eCoupled intelligent wireless power technology and is Qi-compliant, meaning it will work with a variety of mobile phones on the market today, regardless of brand. eCoupled technology adapts to deliver the exact amount of power required by the device by communicating with it in real-time, and stops charging once the device has completed its charging cycle.
Kitchen 67 provides seamless access to a neighboring Verizon Wireless store to provide customers a dining experience that marries good food with the latest in technological innovation. Not only can customers buy Qi wirelessly powered phones in the Verizon store and use them immediately in Kitchen 67, but they can enjoy a meal while waiting for their existing phone to be serviced. A notification screen in Kitchen 67's dining area will alert customers about their phone's status at the Verizon store. Verizon, along with Fulton Innovation, is a member of the Wireless Power Consortium, and is at the forefront of providing customers with Qi-enabled mobile devices that can be charged on Qi-compatible surfaces, such as those at Kitchen 67.
The concept of a restaurant incorporating technology, while somewhat new in the United States, is already a standard offering internationally, most notably in Japan. Japan currently boasts over 2 million Qi-compatible devices being used in the market today and over 120 locations offer Qi wireless power charging stations in tables as a standard feature.
"Kitchen 67's decision to integrate wireless power charging technology in its tables demonstrates that wireless power has moved beyond the home and office. We expect more retailers, restaurants, hotels, and other public spaces to install wireless power stations soon so that consumers no longer have to hunt for power outlets on the road," said Dave Baarman, Director of Advanced Technologies for Fulton Innovation. "There are no limits to what can be done with wireless power technology and we are in talks with several partners to bring even more innovation to the industry."
Currently there are Qi-enabled phones are available for sale in Verizon Wireless stores, with millions already in the market. For consumers without a Qi-enabled phone, the restaurant will provide external accessories that customers can borrow and use with their phone to experience the convenience of wireless power. Kitchen 67 opens on August 25, 2012.
About Fulton Innovation and eCoupled Technology
A subsidiary of Alticor Corporation, Fulton Innovation is dedicated to commercializing new and innovative technologies that improve the way we live, work, and play. Fulton is working with a wide range of industry-leading companies to integrate wireless power technology into infrastructure and electronic devices to enable consumers to live a truly wireless life.
The engineers behind eCoupled have been developing, advancing, and perfecting the technology for over 13 years. eCoupled technology has been incorporated into the Amway eSpring(TM) water purification system for over 10 years.
Amway employs more than 14,000 people worldwide, including over 500 engineers and scientists. Amway has sales of more than $10.9 billion annually. It is headquartered in Ada, Michigan and has operations in more than 80 countries and territories worldwide.
For additional information, please visit ecoupled.com.