Sony Introduces New Lighter and Smaller One-Piece, Water-Resistant W Series Walkman MP3 Player for Sports Enthusiasts
W Series Walkman Model NWZ-W260
-- Lightweight, rinsable, wearable, water-resistant design
-- The W260 series weighs about 24% less and is about 2/3 smaller than
previous models.
-- Quick charge function
-- Content transfer software
WHO: The new Sony Walkman® - NWZ-W260 Series, features a convenient lightweight, rinsable, wearable and water-resistant headphone-style design that is ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
WHAT: The new Sony Walkman W260 Series, the official music player of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, is designed to conveniently and comfortably accompany its user to the gym, trail and treadmill. The water-resistant frame ensures it can withstand sweat from intense workouts in any weather condition.
The W series Walkman player comes with Content Transfer software that allows users to easily drag and drop music files from iTunes® for Windows®, Windows Media Player or Windows Explorer(DRM free content only). A 2 GB and a 4 GB option will be available. The 2 GB W Series Walkman® player can hold approximately 470 songs while the 4 GB option can hold about 990 songs.(1)
Endorsed by world-class marathon runner and US Olympic silver medalist Meb Keflezighi, the NWZ-W260 series Walkman player also offers a convenient quick-charge function. With only three minutes of charge time, the player can run for up to 60 minutes and full battery life is up to 8 hours.(2) The new NWZ-W260 series Walkman player is available in two colors, black and white.
Panorama Brings Enterprise BI to the Cloud Using Windows Azure
Socially-Enabled Panorama Necto Works with Windows Azure's Cloud-Based Platform-as-a-Service for Unparalleled Enterprise Scalability
TORONTO, July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Panorama Software, a global leader in proactive Business Intelligence (BI) solutions, announced today its socially-enabled BI platform Necto is now interoperable with the Windows Azure cloud-based application platform.
Panorama Necto embodies Web 2.0 communication by allowing users throughout the enterprise to interact within a social, relevant, and user-centric BI platform. Azure is a cloud-based application for the development and management of off-site applications.
Able to support thousands of enterprise users, Necto using the Azure platform allows businesses to enjoy a sophisticated end-to-end BI solution without the costs and time required for an on-premise solution.
"Panorama's Necto BI solution on top of the Windows Azure cloud platform gives enterprise clients the power of social intelligence and our Automated Relevant Insights with the scalability of the Azure cloud platform," said Eynav Azarya, CEO of Panorama Software. "We are very pleased to present our latest solution with Microsoft, and anticipate considerable enterprise adoption of Necto using the Azure platform due to the substantial cost and performance benefits."
"Time and again, we see innovations from Panorama that add value for our end users," said Kim Akers, General Manager for Global ISV partners at Microsoft Corp. "Necto is a web-based BI solution that takes social media from a personal context and introduces it to the enterprise business realm. Windows Azure provides Necto users with flexibility in a security-enhanced cloud environment."
Panorama Software empowers individuals and global organizations with the ability to rapidly analyze data, identify trends, maximize business opportunities and improve corporate performance and results through a complete SaaS and on-premise BI solution.
Panorama Necto(TM) is the industry's first socially-enabled Business Intelligence solution that offers a new way to connect data, insights, and people in the organization. The patent-pending solution represents a new generation of BI that enables enterprises to leverage the power of Social Intelligence to gain insights more quickly, more efficiently, and with greater relevancy.
Founded in 1993, Panorama is a leading innovator in Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) and Multidimensional Expressions (MDX). Panorama sold its OLAP technology to Microsoft Corporation in 1996; the technology was rebranded as SQL Server Analysis Services and integrated into the SQL Server platform. Panorama supports over 1,600 customers worldwide in industries such as financial services, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, telecommunications and life sciences. Panorama has a wide eco-system of partners in 30 countries, and maintains offices throughout North America, EMEA and Asia. Visit our website to learn more about Panorama's Business Intelligence Solutions.
Necto, NovaView and the Panorama logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Panorama Software Ltd. All other company product or brand names are the trademarks or the registered trademarks of their respective companies. Panorama Software Ltd. is not responsible for errors or omissions. Copyright 2009 Panorama Software Ltd. All rights reserved.
SOURCE Panorama Software
Panorama Software
CONTACT: Belinda Rooney of SS|PR, +1-609-750-9110, brooney@sspr.com
brite-View Air SyncHD | DX Beams Uncompressed HD from Six Audio/Video Sources to Second HDTV
Thanks to the Air SyncHD | DX, entertaining your guests in the backyard theater is easier than ever
SAN FRANCISCO, July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- brite-View by Xpike Innovation today launched the Air SyncHD / DX (BV-2822), a 1080p video/audio wireless transmission kit. The kit is equipped with four HDMI and two sets of component video inputs on the transmitter side. Once the wireless HDMI link is established between the transmitter and receiver, users can beam the entire primary video/audio source to a secondary HDTV that is placed anywhere within the same house. The transmission range for uncompressed 1080p content is up to 66 feet and 1080i content for up to 100 feet.
The transmitter has an HDMI splitter built in, so the HD A/V signals sent to the primary HDTV through the transmitter can be wirelessly broadcast to the second HDTV attached to the receiver. The benefits of wireless HDMI transmission are substantial: clean installation, easy cable management and the savings on a secondary set-up with Blu-ray player, HTPC, cable box or even a game console.
"If you are thinking of entertaining your guests in the backyard theater on a summer night, you can now put on any show for them on the second TV without moving all the A/V equipment to the backyard and worrying about cabling," says Robert Lo, CEO of Xpike Innovation. "No one will have to trip over any cables."
The Air SyncHD | DX is available now for $299.99 on brite-view.com.
About Xpike Innovation, Inc.®
Xpike Innovation, Inc. designs and manufactures consumer electronics that spice up your living room without breaking the bank. Xpike Innovation is a leading provider of home networking applications, online media access and digital home solutions, including full-HD media players/streamers featuring torrent download, powerline Ethernet adapters and 1080p HD wireless transmission kits. Backed by nearly 30 years of electronics industry experience, Xpike Innovation products provide rich Internet-based multi-media user experiences for consumers to enjoy with their HDTVs. brite-View(TM) is a brand owned by Xpike Innovation, Inc.
SOURCE Xpike Innovation, Inc.
Xpike Innovation, Inc.
CONTACT: Ben Huang, Marketing Manager, +1-914-269-8838, ben@brite-view.com, for Xpike Innovation, Inc.
Blio Now Available in Apple's App Store, Offering Seamless Experience to Readers
Baker & Taylor and K-NFB Reading Technology make Blio's full-color and interactive digital media content available for use on Apple's iPad, iPhone and iPod
WELLSELEY HILLS, Mass., July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- K-NFB Reading Technology today announced that Blio, a leading interactive, engaging, and flexible ereading software application, will be available for download from Apple's App Store onto the iPad, iPhone, and iPod beginning July 12.
Readers who already have a Blio account can now read all their books on their iPad, iPhones or iPods by downloading the app from the Apple App Store and entering their Blio account information.
Books which have been previously purchased at any Blio-enabled retail storefront will be automatically available in the users' Blio library on their Apple device. Blio, launched previously for the Windows operating system, is preloaded on millions of tablets, netbooks, laptops, and mobile devices and can be downloaded for free at http://www.blio.com.
Through its partnership with Baker & Taylor, the world's largest distributor of print and digital books, Blio brings to life content categories that cannot thrive on e-ink platforms, including children's books, lifestyle books such as travel and cookbooks, and textbooks among others.
"Making Blio available on these Apple devices was a promise to readers that we are excited to keep, and we will continue to work with mobile carriers and device manufacturers to offer the best reading experience to as many people as possible. The flexibility and choice to read on multiple devices, coupled with ease of use, are important to us and we are excited to see how Blio continues to transform the way readers engage with books," said Bob Nelson, President of Baker & Taylor's Digital Group.
Blio incorporates a book's full-color printed layout, allowing digital books to stay true to their original format, while creating a vibrant, personal experience for readers. Enhanced books with professional Read Along functionality allow users to engage with their content like never before. Blio also enables readers to insert page notes, highlight, and browse the web from inside their books.
"Blio brings books to life by offering the most engaging, flexible and interactive reading experience you can find enabling readers to engage with their passions in a whole new way. And, it allows readers to take their libraries with them wherever they go. Now they can carry Blio across their devices, from desktops and laptops to smartphone and tablets, for a seamless experience," said Ray Kurzweil, world-renowned inventor and founder of K-NFB Reading Technology.
Due to Apple's new policy regarding purchasing products within an app downloaded from the App Store, the app does not provide a link to the Blio store. iPad, iPhone and iPod users can use their devices to purchase books by visiting http://mobile.blioreader.com.
Connect with Blio and Baker & Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/Blioreader and twitter.com/BakerandTaylor.
About K-NFB Reading Technology Inc.
A joint venture between Kurzweil Technology and the National Federation of the Blind, K-NFB Reading Technology Inc. has propelled reading technology forward for the last 30 years through the invention of omnifont OCR, flatbed scanners, text-to-speech technology and reading machines for the blind. K-NFB once again is redefining the boundaries of the printed word through Blio, which promises to set the standard for digital reading. This free application works across platforms and presents books as they were intended - in full color and as laid out by the publisher. K-NFB is headed by CEO Ray Kurzweil, a 30-year innovator and pioneer in assistive technologies. The National Federation of the Blind is the largest, most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States.
About Baker & Taylor
Baker & Taylor Inc. (http://www.baker-taylor.com) is the world's largest distributor of books, digital content and entertainment products. The company leverages its unsurpassed worldwide distribution network to deliver rich content in multiple formats, anytime and anywhere. Baker & Taylor offers cutting-edge digital media services and innovative technology platforms to thousands of publishers, libraries and retailers worldwide. Baker & Taylor also offers industry-leading customized library services and retail merchandising solutions. Baker & Taylor is proud to power Blio (blioreader.com), the world's most flexible, engaging and revolutionary e-reading application. Charlotte, N.C.-based Baker & Taylor is majority owned by Castle Harlan Partners IV, L.P., an institutional private equity fund managed by Castle Harlan, Inc., a leading private equity investment firm.
Baker & Taylor and the Baker & Taylor logo are trademarks of Baker & Taylor Inc. Blio is a trademark of K-NFB Reading Technology, Inc. Other company and product names mentioned for identification purposes may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Follow Blio and Baker & Taylor on Twitter at @Blioreader and @BakerandTaylor
SOURCE Baker & Taylor, Inc.
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090529/CL24290LOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Baker & Taylor, Inc.
CONTACT: Michael Sacks, +1-212-805-8039, Michael.Sacks@emanatepr.com
Glam Media Introduces Glam 2.0--The Next Generation Digital Media Model
Glam Launches GlamCreate, the Company's First Owned and Managed Content Platform, to Create, Contribute, Curate, Host and Showcase Digital Content
Glam also Introduces GlamConnect, the First Professional Content Social Networking Platform to Help Build Communities with Journalists, Authors, Bloggers and Content Creators that Share Deep, Passionate Interests
SILICON VALLEY, Calif. and NEW YORK, July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Glam Media, Inc. (http://www.GlamMedia.com), the number one vertical media company with the largest online global reach for women, today announced a revolutionary new Owned & Managed content model, Glam 2.0. The model enables digital content creators to build their brands, connect with other influencers and consumers, showcase their content in a big way and create new brand revenue streams.
The Glam 2.0 content model is powered by two recently developed technology platforms, GlamCreate, a content-management and showcasing platform, and GlamConnect, the first social networking platform for professional authors, bloggers and journalists.
These new platforms provide the ultimate toolbox for professional authors to create and broadcast authentic content across multiple social streams all in one place. GlamCreate and GlamConnect are initially available in an invite only beta version in Glam Media's newest vertical, Bliss.com for Health and Wellness Seekers, and will be available for existing and additional content verticals in the coming months.
"Social changes everything and is transforming multiple industries--from large networks like Facebook and Google+ where anyone can be your friend--to specific genres like jobs (LinkedIn), games (Zynga) and deals (Groupon)," said Samir Arora, Chairman and CEO of Glam Media. "In early 2010, Glam asked the question, 'How will social transform content and media?' The result is Glam 2.0, a model for creating the next generation media company with Owned & Managed Content and Professional Social Networking Platforms."
GlamCreate
GlamCreate provides professional authors, journalists and bloggers with a next generation content-management platform that allows them to focus on what they do best--creating authentic content that consumers crave. All major types of digital content, including articles, blog posts, photos, videos and other rich media that can be easily created, managed or syndicated. As technology options continue to grow, it is increasingly more difficult for content creators to keep up with the pace of change. GlamCreate simplifies the entire process of content creation, promotion and serving.
Additionally, Glam Create provides a directory that allows authors and bloggers to showcase their current and past work in portfolios organized by specific verticals. Content submitted through the GlamCreate platform is professionally curated to ensure quality.
GlamConnect
The GlamConnect platform is the first social network for professional authors and bloggers, which enables them to join discussions around specific vertical communities comprised of other digital content creators, authors and influencers. Glam is also building social networking tools that content creators can use to add social media functionality to their sites and blogs.
Glam Media's vision is to build narrow, focused social networks where people share passionate interests around specific themes or verticals. By offering a curated, small group of people, Glam has created a highly professional community that has much more in common than broad social networks where anyone can friend you.
The company is also building social tools that will help professional authors and journalists connect, communicate and socially activate consumers around their content--helping add social applications to their content, allow users to join their social circles, manage comments, add like buttons, and activate content through multiple social feeds like Facebook, Twitter and other discussion streams.
"Glam Media continues to innovate and expand its platform model of publishing," said Jeff Jarvis of Buzzmachine.com. "By empowering and supporting digital authors with the resources they need to grow their own brands, Glam has been able achieve tremendous scale. Few understand the new ecosystem of media as well as Glam Media."
Glam Media Authors, Journalists, Publishers and Bloggers
Glam Media currently works with more than 4,000 authors and 2,500 leading publishing partners across multiple vertical content channels, including Glam.com for Women, Brash.com for Men and now Bliss.com for Health and Wellness seekers. Together, authors on Glam have created one of the largest collections of high quality, authentic content for lifestyle audiences online.
Digital content creators who wish to use GlamCreate and GlamConnect can access both platforms via Glam Media's Bliss.com, the company's recently launched health and wellness vertical.
Glam Media is the pioneer of vertical media that connects the world's top brand advertisers with targeted vertical audiences online. Glam invented the first commercial Blog Network in 2005 to harness the power of Social Media for brands. Since then, it has grown to a reach of 94 million unique monthly visitors in the U.S. and more than 200 million globally, and is #1 for Women and #8 in Top 100 US Web Properties. Glam Media has more than 2,500 publishers organized across multiple vertical categories online including: Glam.com for Women, Glam Entertainment for Adults, Brash.com for Men and Bliss.com for health and wellness seekers.
Glam Media has headquarters in Silicon Valley, New York, and London, with offices in Brisbane in California, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Tokyo, Pune, Mumbai and Paris.
SOURCE Glam Media, Inc.
Glam Media, Inc.
CONTACT: Paul Loeffler, Glam Media, Inc., +1-510-593-6765, paull at glam dot com
Protect both the Network Front and Back Doors through Sophisticated Identity Security and Data Encryption
ORLANDO, Fla., July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SurePass, a software and hardware security company specializing in securing cloud-based applications, today announced the availability of a comprehensive suite of Secure Cloud Services (SCS), which run on Windows Azure to enable technology providers and application developers to easily deploy the additional security elements needed to deliver a secure application to their enterprise and consumer clients alike.
Mark Poidomani, CEO - SurePass said: "As the IT paradigm shifts to cloud based computing to meet the enterprise's need for flexibility and cost-savings, network and identity security has become a paramount concern for all parties. SurePass offers application developers and enterprises alike the opportunity to provide the added layer of security needed to prevent data breaches and identity theft to their clients as they move to the Cloud."
Working with Microsoft, SurePass developed their Secure Cloud Services to run on Windows Azure and with Secure Token Services (STS), Active Directory, Forefront Threat Management Gateway (TMG), and SQL Server 2008, giving Microsoft customers further tools to move to the cloud in a seamless, secure and protected manner. SurePass is delivering a significant value both in cost savings and market credibility through next generation Cloud based security solutions.
"By leveraging Microsoft's identity and security capabilities and applying them to their Windows Azure-based services, SurePass gives customers a security solution that builds on the strengths of the Microsoft platform," said Prashant Ketkar, director of product management, Windows Azure, at Microsoft.
SurePass Secure Cloud Services protect the front door of their customer's network with identity verification and management and also the back door through data encryption, representing a significant value to their clients. SurePass is one of the first in the industry to deliver a full suite of next generation security solutions that protects the enterprise from fraud, data breaches and identity theft for private, public, hybrid cloud and distributed applications. SurePass offers cost effective solutions that can be implemented within 24 hours, as well as professional services to customize the right solution for your particular application.
About SurePass
SurePass is a software and hardware security company dedicated to delivering next generation Secure Cloud Services to prevent transaction fraud, impersonation, and identity theft for secure payments, social networks, financial services, enterprise and the banking industries. SurePass Professional Services Group can help you select the right solution, customize or augment your current IT security or cloud development staff filling any gaps to make your on-premise, Cloud or transition computing secure and reliable. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.surepassid.com
Copyright (c) 2011 SurePass. All rights reserved. SurePass and the SurePass logo are registered trademarks of SurePass and SurePassID.com owns other registered and unregistered trademarks. Other names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
~ No-contract Wireless Plans and Affordable Phone Creates A "Smart Value" Combination ~
SAN DIEGO, July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cricket Communications, Inc., a leading provider of innovative and value-driven wireless services and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ: LEAP), and Kyocera Communications Inc., provider of Kyocera- and Sanyo-branded wireless devices, answered the call for simplicity with today's launch of the Kyocera Luno at Cricket. Available for $59.99 MSRP and combined with the smart value of Cricket's unlimited talk, text & mobile data service plans, Luno is budget-friendly and offers streamlined key features in a dependable, high-quality mobile phone.
"Cricket recognizes that many consumers want a dependable, easy-to-use phone that's excellent for making calls and sending messages," said Matt Stoiber, vice president and general manager of devices for Cricket. "Cricket's unlimited, no-contract, flat-rate wireless plans and the Luno's affordable price create a smart value combination that can't be beat."
The Kyocera Luno is immediately available at Cricket branded retail stores, select dealers in all Cricket markets and online at http://www.mycricket.com. Luno's classic clamshell design features a deep purple exterior with large reflective inset and 1-inch color external display. It opens to reveal a 1.8-inch vibrant color display and a tactile keypad with visual separation for faster, easier SMS and MMS messaging and dialing. Luno supports Bluetooth® 2.1; BREW® 3.1.5 technology to download games, ringers, wallpapers and more;* and includes a WAP 2.0 browser* and VGA camera with 5x digital zoom. Impressive voice recognition features in English and Spanish include voice tags, voice digit-dialing, and voice response to help users be hands-free on the go.
"We've enjoyed a long history with Cricket and their customers," said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. "While Kyocera's latest Android® devices are exciting for many, the high-quality, voice-centric device like Luno - with its unbeatable price point - is gaining favor again with people whose key features are voice and messaging."
The value and feature packed Kyocera Luno is offered with Cricket's all-inclusive unlimited plans, including the basic $35 unlimited talk and text, and the robust $45 plan which provides users with unlimited talk, text, 411 information, navigation, international text, unlimited picture messages, unlimited web browsing and more. In addition, the $45 rate plan provides convenient access to MyHomeScreen, MyBackup, and Cricket Navigator, a platform that gives users turn by turn directions without ever having to upgrade new map features like other expensive navigation systems.
Cricket is the pioneer of simple and affordable unlimited wireless services with no long-term commitments or credit checks required serving more than 5.8 million customers in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Cricket offers wireless voice and broadband Internet services over the latest technology, high-quality, all-digital 3G CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO wireless network. Cricket's nationwide wireless voice service plans include unlimited anytime minutes, unlimited U.S. long distance, unlimited text and picture messaging, unlimited text to Mexico, unlimited Mobile Web, unlimited directory assistance, as well as a variety of calling features and feature-rich mobile applications such as popular games, ringtones and wallpapers. For more information on Cricket, visit http://www.mycricket.com. Cricket is offered by Leap Wireless International, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information on Leap, visit http://www.leapwireless.com.
About Kyocera Communications Inc.
Kyocera Communications Inc. (KCI) is the headquarters for Kyocera- and Sanyo-branded wireless products and accessories in the Americas. The company's devices are driving the convergence of telecommunications, broadband and multimedia. KCI was formed in April 2009 through the combination of Kyocera Wireless Corp. and Kyocera Sanyo Telecommunications Inc., two wholly owned subsidiaries of Kyocera International Inc. The former was created when Kyocera purchased QUALCOMM Incorporated's consumer wireless phone business in 2000, while the latter was formed when Kyocera purchased the wireless phone business of Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. in 2008. Based in San Diego, KCI leverages Japan's history of creating advanced consumer technologies around humanism and respect for the environment and blending them with a Western entrepreneurialism and style, resulting in a unique design language and a natural, user-friendly interface. For more information, please visit http://www.kyocera-wireless.com or follow the company on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kyoceramobilephones.
Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as "advanced ceramics"). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, copiers, printers, solar power generating systems, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the company's net sales totaled 1.27 trillion yen (approx. USD 15.3 billion). The company is ranked #604 on Forbes magazine's 2011 "Global 2000" listing of the world's largest publicly traded companies.
*Depending on features and services available through the carrier.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions.
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101220/MM20546LOGO-b http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Cricket Communications, Inc.
CONTACT: Cricket Communications, Inc., Greg Lund, Media Relations, +1-858-882-9105, glund@cricketcommunications.com; or Kyocera Communications Inc., John Chier, Media Relations, +1-858-882-3543, John.chier@kyocera.com
Verizon Tackles Growing Issue of Stolen Credentials
Enhanced Enterprise Identity Services Offer Smartphone, Tablet ID 'Tokens,' Digital Signing Capabilities
NEW YORK,July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Unauthorized access to corporate networks through stolen user names and passwords topped 45 percent in 2010, according to the "Verizon 2011 Data Breach Investigations Report," making credentials the second most compromised data type.
To help address this growing security threat, Verizon is enhancing its cloud-based Enterprise Identity Services to give businesses more ways to authenticate users to corporate networks while offering strong security protection.
Verizon's next generation of Enterprise Identity Services will now support popular devices such as smartphones and tablets -- including those running on the iOS operating system as well as Android and BlackBerry devices. This process will enable users to more easily gain access to corporate networks using a two-factor authentication - a process where a dynamic code is issued to the end user that is used along with a personal identification number (PIN). In addition, Verizon's identity services will now enable digital signing capabilities for contracts, wills and other legally binding documents.
Two-Factor Authentication Offers a High Level of Protection for Users
Using readily available mobile devices for two-factor authentication significantlystrengthens the security behind each user by incorporating additional intelligence such as phone number and location to validate a user's identity. Italsoeases the implementation burden for consumers and enterprises, while offering multiple ways for users to authenticate to a network in the event their "token" is lost or stolen.
Traditionally, enterprises have used a specially issued single token or key fob to gain network access, a process that requires extensive behind-the-scenes management and deployment of tokens for sometimes tens of thousands of workers, leading to a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. It also generally does not include a built-in backup plan for lost or stolen tokens.
"With the release of our newest version of Enterprise Identity Services, we are changing the game for two-factor authentication," said Peter Tippett, Verizon vice president of industry solutions and security practices. "Our expectation is that by strengthening authentication methods, we can significantly reduce enterprise security risk and improve the security of sensitive information while easing the burden on corporate IT departments."
Digital Signing Capabilities Enable Better Business Outcomes
The new version of Enterprise Identity Services also brings digital signing capabilities to its users. Digital signatures are used in numerous industries, most commonly in the medical and legal fields. For instance, with this service, physicians can electronically prescribe controlled substances in accordance with Drug Enforcement Administration requirements. Other enterprise uses of digital signing include signing essential corporate documents, such as W-9 forms.
In conjunction with the new digital signing capabilities, Verizon Enterprise Identity Services also offers enterprise customers a mobile application known as ID Message Center, which allows users to monitor and track their digital signature activity.
Enhanced Identity Services Platform Based on Open Standards
Verizon's enhanced identity platform adheres to the OATH (Initiative for Open Authentication) standards, which calls for an open standards-based system that, like existing proprietary systems, requires users to provide two proofs of identity. By using an open standards-based system, enterprises can use a range of ID token devices without changing existing back-end security systems.
Delivered via the cloud, Verizon Enterprise Identity Services are aimed at helping reduce the costs and complexity traditionally associated with identity rollouts. With this solution, users do not need to purchase additional hardware or software, and if users lose a device, they can easily add a secondary device to retrieve their dynamic code for authentication.
Verizon through its Terremark subsidiary offers managed security services; governance, risk and compliance management solutions; data loss and prevention solutions; and identity management solutions, all delivered by the company's more than 1,200 security professionals around the globe. More information is available by visiting Verizon Security Solutions. The company also provides ongoing security insight and analysis via the Verizon Security Blog.
About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 104 million total connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 196,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
VHT Acquires Dwellicious - Social Bookmarking Website for Real Estate
Enhancement of VHT ImageWorks Platform Provides Brokers with Popular Customer Engagement App
ROSEMONT, Ill., July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VHT Inc., a leading provider of technology and services for marketing real estate online, today announced it has acquired Dwellicious, the leading social bookmarking site for real estate buyers, from W&R Studios. Dwellicious is being integrated into the VHT ImageWorks online marketing platform to provide brokerage clients with a valuable tool for communicating with home buyers.
Under the agreement, VHT has acquired the Dwellicious technology, website and clients. Purchase price was not disclosed.
Dwellicious, a finalist in the 2009 Inman Innovator Awards, uses the power of social bookmarking to help home buyers share their favorite properties on Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites. Buyers can organize, monitor and compare listings, make notes, add tags, and share and discuss properties with friends, family and real estate professionals.
"Today, more than 90 percent of home buyers are searching properties on the Internet and they're using multiple websites in the search process," said Alex Zoghlin, CEO, VHT. "It's impossible for brokers to track all the properties their clients are interested in without a confusing trail of emails and faxes."
"Dwellicious is a clever, simple solution to this dilemma. As a result of the acquisition, we're able to make this powerful application seamlessly available to brokerages that use VHT's ImageWorks platform at a significantly reduced cost so their agents can develop stronger, more engaged relationships with home buyers," Zoghlin said.
VHT ImageWorks is a comprehensive and automated marketing platform used by industry-leading brokerages and more than 100,000 real estate professionals across the country. It's the first online marketing platform with a proven track record of producing measurable results by significantly improving brokers' search engine-generated traffic and sales conversion rates.
"With VHT ImageWorks, brokerages can attract more buyers to their websites and take advantage of powerful tools such as Dwellicious to share real estate information online and educate buyers throughout the process of searching for their dream homes," Zoghlin said. "And buyers, in turn, have an easy way to keep brokers updated about their thoughts and preferences."
The integration of Dwellicious is the first of many planned enhancements to VHT ImageWorks designed to provide smarter Internet tools for top real estate professionals and help them win the online battle for home buyers.
Located in Huntington Beach, California, W&R Studios is a privately-held web software company.
About VHT, Inc.
VHT is a leading provider of technology and services to brokerages nationwide for marketing real estate online. Since 1998, VHT has been providing professional production, management and distribution of visual assets- including photographs, video, multimedia tours and Video on Demand television spots - for more than $1.5 billion in properties for 3,500 client companies and more than 100,000 real estate professionals. VHT ImageWorks is the first turnkey marketing platform developed to position brokers as the original source of listings information on the web, while increasing brokers' online traffic and conversion rates. Venture-backed VHT is based in Rosemont, IL.
SOURCE VHT, Inc.
VHT, Inc.
CONTACT: Carol Jouzaitis of VHT, Inc., +1-312-342-7304, cjouzaitis@vht.com
Turkcell and Deutsche Telekom to Address Lower Termination Rates and IP Interconnection Challenges at Telecoms IQ Event
LONDON, July 14, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
With the latest Directive from the European Commission
[http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm ] to drastically reduce mobile termination
rates across the EU by 2012, operators are currently having to develop new
business models to manage the reduction of revenues that this will cause.
Turkcell, Turkey's biggest mobile phone company, reported a fall in
first-quarter profits of 21 percent after competition increased and the
industry regulator cut termination rates (Source: Hurriyet Daily News
[http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=turkcell-first-quarter-profit-falls-21-percent-2011-04-28 ]
).
To address this, Dr. Tayfun Çataltepe, Chief Executive of Corporate
Strategy, Regulations and Interoperator Business at Turkcell, will present
his insight on quantifying the effects of lower termination rates on
Turkcell's profitability on Day Two of the Interconnection and Termination
Rates Conference in September. He will also discuss how to analyse and
minimise the effects of lower termination rates on existing operator
business models, especially for MNVOs.
Elsewhere, looking at the increasing migration to All-IP networks,
operators are rightly concerned about the interconnection with other
operators to ensure optimum capacity and QoS for their customers... there
are two main approaches to achieve quality over the internet while enabling
QoS through IP interconnection," said Thomas Grobb, Senior Expert Regulatory
Strategy from Deutsche Telekom, "One is within the internet... where the
focus is currently on the network interfaces. The other way is without the
public internet, by using, for example, the IPX system." Thomas will
showcase Deutsche Telekom's vision of delivering innovative services based
on quality enabled networks on Day One of the Interconnection and
Termination Rates Conference.
Tayfun and Thomas will join other industry experts at the
Interconnection and Termination Rates Conference including:
- Nezih Dincbudak, Senior Manager of International Regulatory
Affairs,France Telecom-Orange
- Uwe Fortwangler, Senior Interconnect Manager, Telefonica O2
Germany
- Toma? Tomsic, Head of International Carrier Services, Telekom
Slovenije
- Filip Sundram, Deputy Head of Market Division, National IT and
Telecom AgencyDenmark
Tayfun Çataltepe,Chief Executive of Corporate Strategy, Regulations and
Interoperator Business at Turkcell and Thomas Grobb, Senior Expert
Regulatory Strategy from Deutsche Telekom will be presenting at the
Interconnection and Termination Rates Conference, taking place from 19th to
22nd September 2011 at the InterContinental Hotel in Vienna, Austria: http://www.interconnectionevent.com
[http://www.interconnectionevent.com/Event.aspx?id=508658 ].
Out With the Old ... Entrust Announces Mobile and Soft-Factor Authentication Program to Meet FFIEC Guidance and Hard Token Replacement
DALLAS, July 14, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
- Offering Allows Organizations to Easily Adopt Entrust
IdentityGuard, a Single, Software Multi-factor Authentication Platform
Entrust, Inc., a world leader in securing digital identities and
information, announces the launch of an industry-leading hard token
replacement program. Beginning today, organizations that currently use a
hard token-based solution may trade in the devices for Entrust
[http://www.entrust.com ]'s mobile and soft token factors of authentications
in a one-for-one swap for up to 5,000 users.
To qualify for this special offer, organizations must either currently
use Entrust IdentityGuard
[http://www.entrust.com/strong-authentication/identityguard/index.htm ] 9.3
or higher, or purchase the recently launched Entrust IdentityGuard 10.0. A
hard token from any vendor will qualify for the program. Entrust will not
require users to turn in old hard tokens.
"As recognized by the most recent FFIEC [http://www.entrust.com/ffiec ]
guidance, the spike of critical, high profile security breaches have proven
that the old one-size-fits-all hard token model is outdated and vulnerable
to future attacks," said Entrust President and CEO Bill Conner
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Conner ]. "There is no time like the
present to clear out technology that is more than 20 years old for software
solutions that truly address today's ever-changing threat landscape.
Forward-thinking organizations understand the need for a software
multi-factor authentication platform that not only allows for layered
security, but also allows users to seamlessly move to a new authenticator in
the event of a breach."
By selecting the award-winning Entrust IdentityGuard platform to replace
an outdated hard-token model, organizations have the ability to address
logical security needs, as well as physical security and mobile security.
Through its software multi-factor versatile platform, Entrust
IdentityGuard 10.0 brings together security solutions for these three
distinct, yet closely knit worlds. Users can easily manage and deploy a
comprehensive range of unique authenticators simultaneously which can be
issued based on specific requirements, associated risk and cost.
Organizations can also adjust security in real-time to meet the quickly
changing threat landscapes or future regulatory requirements.
As the only authentication platform that fully enables today's leading
mobile platforms for business, Entrust IdentityGuard 10.0 enables the
rapidly growing number of mobile devices that connect to corporate networks.
Using the platform, users can easily register their mobile device through
the Entrust IdentityGuard Self Service Module and have a digital ID
downloaded directly onto their device. Additionally, through the Smart
Credentials offered under Entrust IdentityGuard 10.0, organizations have the
ability to simplify the issuance and management of Smart Cards to better
integrate and secure physical and logical security.
To qualify for this special promotion, users must trade in their hard
tokens no later than Dec. 23, 2011.
Entrust provides identity-based security solutions that empower
enterprises, consumers, citizens and Web sites in more than 4,000
organizations spanning 60 countries. Entrust's identity-based approach
offers the right balance between affordability, expertise and service. For
strong authentication, fraud detection, digital certificates, SSL and PKI,
call 888-690-2424, e-mail entrust@entrust.com or visit http://www.entrust.com.
Entrust is a registered trademark of Entrust, Inc. in the United States
and certain other countries. In Canada, Entrust is a registered trademark of
Entrust Limited. All Entrust product names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Entrust, Inc. or Entrust Limited. All other company and
product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.
Lindsey Jones, Media Relations of Entrust, +1-972-728-0374, lindsey.jones@entrust.com; or Susan MacLaughlin, +1-972-499-6639, susan.maclaughlin@hck2.com, for Entrust
iBOLT [http://www.magicsoftware.com/en/products/?catIDA ] enables
Netential to deliver powerful cloud-based services that improve its clients'
business productivity by cost-effectively integrating JDE
[http://www.magicsoftware.com/en/products/?catIDA&pageIDe ] with all
their existing applications, databases, and third-party systems, such as
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications. This enhancement will
enable them to access and process data much faster, while streamlining
business processes.
"We pride ourselves on helping businesses unlock the full potential of
their systems. For this reason, iBOLT
[http://www.magicsoftware.com/en/products/?catIDA ] is the perfect choice,"
said Christian Fronteras, Managing Director of Netential. "Our new
cloud-based services not only enable users to extend the life of their
existing applications, but also to respond more quickly and effectively to
current and future demands. The ability to integrate with other applications,
while maintaining a real-time view of their business, will mean that
customers can make the most of what they already have."
With more than 50 adapters, wizards, services, and methods, iBOLT allows
organizations of any size to create continuous business processes based on
JDE. The solution utilizes Magic Software's proven metadata-based business
integration platform [http://www.magicsoftware.com/en/products/?catIDA ] to
empower business analysts and JDE administrators
[http://www.magicsoftware.com/en/products/?catIDA&pageIDe ] to manage
business processes using code-free, visually-oriented process design tools.
With an integrated view of company data, managers and employees can make more
informed business decisions, get more value from each business interaction,
and achieve faster time to market for their products and services.
David Akka, Managing Director for Magic Software UK, Eire and the
Nordics, comments: "We are delighted to have signed this partnership with
Netential, which will enable them to build new sales opportunities and grow
their business. iBOLT is designed to help users get more from their existing
IT investments. This is crucial for organizations in the current climate, in
which maximizing value and employing the best tools to make informed
business decisions are of vital importance."
About Netential
Netential provides managed enterprise computing infrastructure and
services, or simply put, global business technology and application support.
Netential specializes in the support of business application technologies
from Microsoft and the Oracle JD Edwards product lines, which is delivered
by a global team of experts. For more information, visit http://www.netential.net.
About Magic Software
Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. (NASDAQ: MGIC) is a global provider of
mobile, cloud-based, and on-premise application and business integration
platforms. For more information, visit http://www.magicsoftware.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters
discussed in this news release include forward-looking statements that may
involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary
significantly based upon a number of factors including, but not limited to,
risks in product and technology development, market acceptance of new
products and continuing product conditions, both here and abroad, release
and sales of new products by strategic resellers and customers, and other
risk factors detailed in the Company's most recent annual report and other
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Magic is the trademark of Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. All other
trademarks are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Jawbone® Unveils Vision to Help People Live a Healthier Life
UP(TM) by Jawbone to Launch Later this Year
EDINBURGH, Scotland, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TEDGlobal -- Jawbone®, a leading innovator of products and services for the mobile lifestyle, today unveiled its vision to inspire people to live healthier with UP(TM) by Jawbone - a new product the company plans to launch later this year.
Lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer cause more deaths than communicable diseases, according to the CDC. Research shows eating healthier, getting quality sleep, and moving more can prevent most of these lifestyle diseases.
"We are excited to share our vision at TEDGlobal because this epidemic will take an entire community to affect a global change," said Jawbone CEO Hosain Rahman. "TED is a community of thought leaders that can help propel this idea into a global movement."
UP leverages Jawbone's expertise and partner ecosystem integrating robust computing and sophisticated sensor technology in the form of functional jewelry. UP by Jawbone is a new system that tracks your movement, sleep patterns, and nutrition so you can live a healthier life. This new end-to-end system consists of a small wristband that monitors your activity 24/7, a mobile app that analyzes the activity, and an open platform that motivates you with personal and social recommendations and challenges tailored to your goals.
"We're passionate about creating products for the mobile lifestyle that people love to use everyday. And now, we're harnessing that passion to approach a major global issue - health," Rahman continues. "We are focused on creating a highly accessible solution for this particular space that integrates seamlessly into a user's daily life with the goal of making it absolutely easy for them to live better."
UP by Jawbone will be available later this year. To be alerted to the release of UP, sign up for email updates at http://up.jawbone.com/.
For more information, images and product demos, please visit: http://www.Jawbone.com/Press or follow @Jawbone on Twitter.
About Jawbone®
For more than a decade, Jawbone has developed products and services for the mobile lifestyle unparalleled in their innovation, ease-of-use and sophistication of design. The company is the creator of the award-winning and best-selling premium ICON Bluetooth headset; the inventor of NoiseAssassin® technology, the world's first and only military-grade noise-eliminating technology; JAMBOX, the first intelligent wireless speaker and speakerphone; as well as THOUGHTS, a free mobile service that allows users to utilize their voice in a new way. A 2010 IDSA Design of the Decade winner, Jawbone is committed to delivering innovative products that improve the mobile lifestyle through ever-changing software and wearability. Jawbone is privately-held and headquartered in San Francisco.
CONTACT: Katie Boysen, Public Relations Manager of Jawbone, kboysen@jawbone.com; or The OutCast Agency, +1-415-392-8282, jawbone@theoutcastagency.com, for Jawbone
Project Shiphunt Young Explorers Discover Two Lake Huron Shipwrecks and Document the Journey In 3D
ALPENA, Mich., July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony and Intel's Project Shiphunt team of young explorers, scientists and historians has returned to shore with news of its underwater discovery: shipwrecks of the schooner M.F. Merrick and thesteel freighter Etruria, in deep water off of Presque Isle in Lake Huron. The project was completed with "much thanks to pings, processing and 3D," according to one of the world's leading marine archaeologists. Current Media, the Peabody-and Emmy Award-winning independent television and online network founded in 2005, will air their adventure as the hour-long special "Project Shiphunt" on August 30th at 10 p.m. ET.
"Ship hunting was once a long, arduous process - more of a hobby than a science," explained expedition leader Dr. James Delgado of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "With today's compact, powerful technology, we have the ability to collect data by pinging the ocean floor, processing the data set, and creating a three dimensional image. Watching that, I was excited to see how the students, like the technology, are up to the task of being the next generation of explorers, oceanographers and maritime archaeologists."
"All of us involved from Sony and Intel are inspired by the efforts of the crew on this discovery," said Steven Nickel, vice president of Networked Technology and Services Division at Sony Electronics. "It is exciting to see Sony VAIO's remarkable computing power and innovative technologies applied to this shipwreck hunting expedition and ultimately contribute to a poignant story of personal discovery for the talented student crew."
"Even just a few years ago mapping the sea floor in real time with this level of detail would have been impossible," said Jonathan Falker from Intel. "The 2nd gen Intel Core processors enable some very exciting applications."
Project Shiphunt, developed by Sony and Intel Corp.,began in May when five ambitious high school students from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, Mich. embarked on the adventure of a lifetime in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary*. Their mission: hunt for a historically meaningful sunken ship, investigate its identity, and document the journey in 3D video for future generations. Sony and Intel outfitted these students with the latest Sony VAIO computers powered by 2nd gen Intel® Core(TM) processors.
In addition to Dr. Delgado, the student team worked side by side with scientists and historians from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)*, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute* and NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory*.
"The technology used in ship hunting is akin to using your eyes," said Dr. Delgado, Maritime Heritage Program director for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. "How much of what you see is dependent on your field of view. Historically, ship hunting was like looking through a microscope. Your perspective was limited to what you could physically see. However, today's technology, advances in computing and SONAR allow us to step away from the microscope, widening our field of view while also preserving the detail."
The schooner M.F. Merrick was lost when a passing steamer struck her in a dense fog off Presque Isle in May 1889. Laden with a heavy cargo of iron ore, the 230-foot Rufus P. Ranney hit the M.F. Merrick on her starboard (right) side and opened a hole 12-feet wide in the old schooner, causing her to sink immediately. Five crewmen went down with her.
The M.F. Merrick was built in 1863 in Clayton, N.Y., by well-known shipbuilder John Oades. At 139 x 26 feet, she was a typical "canaller," designed to pass through the locks of the Welland Ship Canal, bypassing Niagara Falls and connecting Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River with the Upper Great Lakes.
On February 8, 1902, the Etruria was launched at West Bay City, Mich., by West Bay City Ship Building Co. She was built for the Hawgood Transit Company of Cleveland, but only lasted three years. She sank in 1905, after colliding with a steamer in the fog off Presque Isle Light, in Lake Huron.
Project to be Offered as Online Science Curriculum
Now that the mission of Project Shiphunt is complete, Sony and Intel Corp. will partner with NOAA on a comprehensive educational curriculum for high school science and history teachers. Students will be able to experience Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary through the Project Shiphunt adventure directly from their classrooms.
Sanctuary Home to Historically Significant Shipwrecks
The search took place in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, located in the waters off Alpena, Mich. The sanctuary protects one of the nation's most significant collections of shipwrecks, dating back to the late 1800s when the Great Lakes were an engine driving America's early economy. Hundreds of ships used those waterways and, unfortunately, a number of them never made it across to deliver their cargo.
"Project Shiphunt was an extraordinary opportunity to bring the excitement and science of shipwreck exploration to students and classrooms across the nation," said Jeff Gray, sanctuary superintendent. "We look forward to continuing our work with Sony to enrich the lives of young people so they will understand and appreciate the value in protecting our nation's underwater treasures."
Project Shiphunt is just as ambitious as last year's initiative when Sony and Intel worked with students from the California Academy of Mathematics & Science, pairing them with a rocket scientist to design, build and launch a high powered rocket.
Sony Announces World's Lightest 13-Inch Standard Voltage PC
VAIO Z Series Laptop Packs a Heavyweight Performance Punch into Featherweight Design
SAN DIEGO, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony's new flagship VAIO® Z Series ultra-portable laptop packs high performance features, wireless hotspot functionality and quick boot with dual solid state drives - all into a sleek 0.66-inch, 2.5-pound aluminum and carbon fiber chassis.
"This new Z laptop builds on the attitude that an ultra-portable can also pack high performance into a slim profile," said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Networked Technology and Services Division at Sony Electronics. "The Z Series is ideal for performance demanding road warriors who need excellent battery life."
Z Series plus Power Media Dock(TM): the Perfect Pair
The Z Series incorporates a bold, new concept - the Power Media Dock(TM) system. This "performance factory" docking station delivers the power of an AMD Radeon(TM) HD 6650M graphics card with 1GB VRAM, slot loading optical drive, three USB ports (1 x 3.0 and 2 x 2.0), HDMI® and VGA ports. When paired with the supplied dock, the Z Series transforms into the ultimate workstation and can even support up to four full HD displays (including the system LCD).
High Performance; Low Footprint
Thanks to its engineering design elements, the new Z Series laptop is lighter than its predecessor by half a pound without the Power Media Dock. The core is comprised of a carbon fiber matrix - the same material used to build Formula 1 race cars - to add flexibility and durability without adding extra weight. A seamless piece of solid aluminum forms the keyboard and palm rest deck for an elegant look and feel. The Z Series is available in three color options: carbon black, carbon indigo, and premium carbon black.
The Z Series laptop is fully flat, abandoning protruding ports, unnecessary seams and bulky batteries for a slim profile that delivers up to 8 hours of battery life. Users looking for even more flexibility can purchase an optional large-capacity sheet battery that attaches flush to the bottom of the computer and extends the battery life to up to 16 hours. The thin profile doesn't mean the VAIO Z Series makes any compromises in performance. Second generation standard voltage Intel Core i5 and i7 processors with Intel Turbo Boost with clock speeds of up to 3.40 GHz power the new Z Series, while dual-channel solid state drives with RAID technology (select models) ensure quick boots, fast application launches, and ample durable storage.
Security is also enhanced with Symantec VIP. This service creates a hardware-based number computed between the PC itself and participating web sites that require heightened security like online banking. Access to these sites is only granted when these numbers match, and the number changes every 30 seconds, helping keep private information safe.
Select models feature mobility solutions including integrated Mobile Broadband, which offers a secure connection through carriers such as AT&T and Sprint. Additionally, the Z Series features Sony's exclusive Share My Connection(TM) technology, which turns the laptop into a mobile hotspot for up to five PCs or Wi-Fi enabled devices such as smart phones, cameras or media players.
Multimedia Monster
Sony brought its prowess in developing HD televisions to the Z Series' LED backlit displays, available in 1920x1080 and 1600x900 resolution levels. The display's 16:9 aspect ratio is ideal for viewing Blu-ray Disc(TM) movies (select models) with the accompanying Power Media Dock(TM) system. The display also features anti-glare coating and deep, rich colors for more true-to-life images, and less light reflection.
With new built-in Intel Wireless Display Technology, the Z Series can send movies, videos and photos stored on its drives or home network to a television in full 1080p HD and 5.1 surround sound (TV adapter required and sold separately).
Three capacitive touch buttons provide quick access to software. Users can launch directly into Sony's own Media Gallery(TM) software by pushing the designated VAIO button on the keyboard and create high-quality home movies. The ASSIST links directly to VAIO Care(TM) software to help maintain and troubleshoot any issues, and WEB accesses to the internet without a full boot up into Windows®.
The VAIO Z Series comes equipped with the latest select Windows®7 operating systems. The laptops will retail for about $2,000 and will be available for presale at http://www.sony.com/pr/zseries today.
SOURCE Sony Electronics
Sony Electronics
CONTACT: Andrew Reynolds of Atomic PR, +1-323-648-5425, andrew@atomicpr.com; or Valerie Motis of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-8016, valerie.motis@am.sony.com
National League of Cities Urges House to Oppose Wireless Tax Bill
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National League of Cities, along with other public interest groups representing cities and counties, today sent a letter to members of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee expressing strong opposition to the so-called Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011 (H.R. 1002). The bill is scheduled for mark-up by the full committee tomorrow. If enacted, the legislation would preempt state and local taxing authority at a time when most jurisdictions are facing severe budget shortfalls, as well as cutbacks and eliminations in federal assistance. Despite its name, the legislation unfairly provides more favorable tax treatment to one sector of the communications industry, while representing unwarranted federal intrusion into local authority.
The letter was co-signed by the National Association of Counties, the United States Conference of Mayors, the International City/County Management Association, the Government Finance Officers Association and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors.
Read a copy of the letter.
Highlights of the letter include:
"The bill would cause great damage to our system of federalism and the fiscal health of state and local governments while purporting to solve a problem - the supposed dampening effect of taxes on wireless service growth - that simply doesn't exist.
"The wireless industry is just one of many industries requesting that Congress preempt state and local taxing authority...If H.R. 1002 becomes law, Congress will continue to be flooded with demands from other industries, such as rental car and online travel companies, seeking exemption from state and local taxes.
"In order for states and local communities to continue to recover from the Great Recession, they must have at their disposal all the tools and resources available to balance their budgets, preserve and create jobs and provide essential services.... What this bill does is take away one of these tools - to tax the wireless industry - at the expense of other taxpayers and businesses."
The National League of Cities is the nation's oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.
BrokersWeb Launches Enhanced Pay-Per-Click Targeting Platform for Auto Insurance Advertisers
MIAMI, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BrokersWeb, Inc. (http://www.brokersweb.com) the leading provider of pay-per-click (PPC) advertising for insurance and financial services has launched an enhanced targeting tool for auto insurance advertisers. This enhanced advertising platform allows clients to optimize their campaigns and increase exposure to car insurance shoppers that reside in particular zip codes and who fit a specified demographic profile, thereby deriving higher value, conversions and ROI.
Advertisers now have the option to engage and target consumers meeting their desired parameters. Moreover, BrokersWeb advertisers can now adjust their bids to improve the position of their search listings, and thereby increase the frequency in which consumers meeting a particular demographic profile click on their listing. Some of the target parameters currently added into the new BrokersWeb advertising platform include: zip code, insured status, homeownership status, incident history and age range.
BrokersWeb strives to create a win-win scenario for advertisers, publishers, and consumers. Advertisers are now able to market more efficiently to their preferred consumer segments, publishers will benefit from a more efficient marketplace for their ad inventory, and consumers are presented with more options to compare auto insurance companies that are best suited for their needs.
"Our commitment is to constantly innovate in order to better service our sophisticated clients," shared Todd Faucher, co-Founder and Executive Vice President at BrokersWeb. "As we understand our client's goals and expectations, the new enhancements to our platform will allow us to drive more targeted consumers and better ROI."
About BrokersWeb Inc.
Founded in 2004, BrokersWeb is a leading premium pay-per-click (PPC) marketing network for over 150 top-rated insurance and mortgage advertisers. The company has grown into one of the leading ROI-driven, online marketing channels for PPC advertisers, delivering tens of thousands of ultra-targeted consumers to its clients on a daily basis. The company's websites and publisher partners reach millions of consumers every month. Recently, BrokersWeb was named the Fastest Growing South Florida Company by The South Florida Business Journal. For more information visit: http://www.brokersweb.com
Beats(TM) by Dr. Dre(TM) and Monster Announce the Launch of the New Heartbeats by Lady Gaga
Designed by Music's Hottest Artist and Featuring an Updated Sound and Style, Heartbeats by Lady Gaga are Available Now
LOS ANGELES, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Beats(TM) by Dr. Dre(TM), co-founded by legendary artist and producer Dr. Dre and Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman Jimmy Iovine, and Monster are proud to announce the newest addition to the celebrated line of Beats by Dr. Dre headphones with the release of Heartbeats by Lady Gaga, an updated version of the popular in-ear headphones.
Designed by Lady Gaga, the uniquely styled in-ear headphones were inspired by leather and studs and feature the ultra-crisp sonic technology expected from the Beats by Dr. Dre line of products. The new Heartbeats by Lady Gaga are a reflection of the pop queen's high-end sense of style and commitment to providing fans with the best music listening experience possible.
Beats by Dr. Dre has always been committed to restoring the emotional music connection between an artist and the listener, allowing consumers to hear music the way the artist intended. Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre worked closely with the experts at Monster to engineer headphones that are able to deliver an unprecedented level of audio performance to match Lady Gaga's fashion-forward design.
"The new design of Heartbeats by Lady Gaga is parallel with her stage show right now...dark and beautiful, with an edge and of course, extraordinary sound for her fans," said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen-A&M Records and co-founder of Beats by Dr. Dre.
"We continue to advance the sound performance of Heartbeats to meet the demands of Gaga's ever changing music," said Noel Lee, Head Monster. "Combined with the unique look of Heartbeats, we believe that we have produced a winning combination of sound and fashion. We know that all of Gaga's 'Monsters' will love what we have accomplished together between Beats, Gaga, and Monster."
Heartbeats by Lady Gaga feature an all-new, lightweight design, six sets of ear tips to ensure a fit for every wearer, tangle free cable, hard carrying case and ControlTalk(TM), which enables iPhone(TM) and iPod® music playback control as well as hands-free calls with iPhone and many smartphones.
To celebrate the launch of the new Heartbeats, Beats by Dr. Dre's Facebook page is hosting a consumer contest where "Little Monsters" can upload photos or videos themed around her latest hit single "Edge of Glory." The contest kicked-off today( )and features prizes courtesy of Beats By Dr. Dre that will include HP Envy computers, Heartbeats headphones, and valuable gift cards from top retailers. Fans will be able to submit their entries through August 1. Visit http://beatsarmy.me/heartbeatscontest for additional details.
Heartbeats by Lady Gaga are available in two colors: black and gold. Available now at Best Buy and select retailers for a suggested retail price of $149.00.
About Beats Electronics LLC:
Established in 2006, Beats Electronics is the brainchild of legendary artist and producer Dr. Dre and Chairman of Interscope Geffen-A&M Records Jimmy Iovine, who set out to develop a new type of headphone with the capability to reproduce the full spectrum of sound that musical artists and producers hear in professional recording studios. In January of 2008, Dre and Iovine announced a partnership with Monster to engineer "Beats by Dr. Dre," the most advanced headphones ever developed. Continuing its mission to improve the quality of the portable audio experience, Beats announced a major partnership with Hewlett-Packard in 2009 to include Beats Audio software in the HP ENVY line of notebook PCs. In September 2010 Beats and Monster unveiled five new products that redefined the music listening experience, including Beatbox(TM), a game-changing digital sound system and iPod dock that expands the Beats sound experience into the social realm. In April 2011, Beats partnered with Chrysler to bring studio-quality sound to an automobile for the first time and set the bar for the way music should be heard in cars. For more information, please visit http://beatsbydre.com.
About Monster:
Monster was founded by Head Monster Noel Lee with a commitment to creating products under the Monster Cable® brand to literally "make music sound better." Today, Monster has grown and diversified to become the world's leading manufacturer of connectivity solutions for high-performance audio, video, car audio, computer, console and computer gaming, as well as a leading innovator in the field of iPod® and iPhone(TM) accessories and professional audio and sound reinforcement. As part of its commitment to improving the music listening experience, Monster worked with Dr. Dre and Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman Jimmy Iovine to create the Beats(TM) by Dr. Dre(TM) headphone line, including the new Heartbeats by Lady Gaga headphones. The company is also continuing to innovate with its own line of Monster brand headphones, including "Turbine Pro(TM) In-Ear Speakers(TM)," the first in-ear headphones geared for use by music professionals and audiophiles. Additionally, under its Monster Power® brand, the company is the leading manufacturer of high-performance AC power line conditioning and protection products for audio/video systems.
CONTACT: Trisha Burns McKinney of Beats Electronics LLC, +1-917-690-1772 (cell), trishabmckinney@gmail.com; or Carlos Manzanillo of PMK*BNC, +1-310-967-7263, carlos.manzanillo@pmkbnc.com, for Beats Electronics; or Kate Licht of DBA Public Relations, +1-212-388-1400, klicht@dba-pr.com, for Monster
Verizon Joins in Fight Against Breast Cancer in New York Metro Area by Partnering With the Greater NYC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Raising Awareness and Education Through Marketing Campaigns, Events
NEW YORK, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon is teaming up with the Greater NYC Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Komen Greater NYC) to raise breast cancer awareness across the New York metropolitan area and help publicize the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
From now through Oct. 31, Verizon and its employees, marketing activities and operations across New York City, Long Island, and Westchester and Rockland counties are heightening awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection, breast self-awareness, and how people can help in the fight against this deadly disease. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Verizon also has signed on as a local race sponsor at the Susan G. Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure, to be held Sept. 18, in Central Park.
During the summer, New Yorkers will see Komen Greater NYC branding and information at Verizon's FiOS storefront locations around the metro area and at Verizon events including the Jones Beach Theater, the EPIX Summer Rooftop Movie Nights across New York City, and other street fairs and festivals.
"Breast cancer knows no boundaries, which is why it's important for all of us to team up and fight it on all fronts," said Susan Retta, Verizon vice president of Marketing. "Komen Greater NYC and the Race for the Cure are part of the fabric of New York. Verizon wants to help get the word out and be an advocate for breast health education, screening, treatment and their other helpful services."
Verizon will also host the Project Renewal Scan Van mobile screening unit at four Verizon locations:
July 26 at 501 North Ocean Ave., Patchogue;
Aug. 6 at 199 Fulton Ave., Hempstead;
Aug. 16 at 1625 Forest Ave., Staten Island;
Sept. 1 at 2721 Bronxwood Ave., the Bronx.
Project Renewal is one of the 39 Komen Greater NYC grantees during 2011-12. The group provides uninsured women with free exams. Registration is required. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 800-564-6868.
"We are very pleased to be working with Verizon on the Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure," said Dara Richardson-Heron, MD, chief executive officer of Komen Greater NYC. "Verizon is an incredible new partner for us, providing exposure in communities throughout our service area as well as providing support for life-saving breast health services. We are grateful to Verizon for their collaboration with Komen Greater NYC."
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Greater New York City Affiliate
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure(®) was founded in 1990 and has raised nearly $60 million to date. Komen Greater NYC distributes 75 percent of its net income to fund local community-based breast health education, screening and treatment programs and clinical trials enrollment. The remaining 25 percent funds national research to find the cures. Our grants program supports life-saving services for underserved residents of New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland Counties. For more information, visit the Komen Greater NYC website, http://www.komennyc.org, or call 212-293-CURE.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 104 million total connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 196,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by email, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
SOURCE Verizon
Verizon
CONTACT: John Bonomo, +1-212-321-8033, john.j.bonomo@verizon.com
Amana launches Life.Simplified(TM) campaign and makes shopping for and using appliances a cinch
BENTON HARBOR, Mich., July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Amana -- the brand that brought kitchens the countertop microwave, the first side-by-side refrigerator and the first bottom-freezer refrigerator -- is changing the appliance landscape once again by making shopping for and using appliances easier than ever. Amana brand's goal is to make the everyday stress-free by designing appliances that are easy to use because life is truly better when appliances do the dirty work for you.
To help make cooking, cleaning and cooling easier, Amana has launched its Life.Simplified(TM) campaign. As part of the campaign, the Amana website now features a "Help Me Choose" appliance-buying guide to help consumers select the appliances that best meet their needs. The hassle-free guide walks through the necessary considerations to make appliance shopping effortless in just three clicks, no matter if you're in the market for a new refrigerator, range, dishwasher or laundry pair.
"There's no reason why choosing an appliance should be a stressful occasion, or why you should need to be a technology expert just to do a load of laundry," said Carolyn Kelley, senior brand manager, Amana. "That's why we launched the Life.Simplified campaign - we want consumers to know Amana appliances will help make their everyday easier and not add stress to their already stressful world."
The brand offers appliances that embody Amana® Life.Simplified(TM), such as the Amana® Tandem(TM) front-load laundry pair with easy-to-use Touch and Go(TM) controls that make popping in a load of laundry as simple as pressing a button.
The brand has also launched a Life.Simplified(TM) Facebook sweepstakes and giveaway, offering consumers a chance to win a full appliance makeover, including a kitchen suite and laundry pair, as well as a travel voucher for a dream vacation. What could make life easier? In addition, one random winner will be chosen monthly throughout the sweepstakes, which ends Dec. 31, 2011, to receive a fun themed gift basket. For more information on the sweepstakes, including official rules, odds and prize disclosures, visit http://amana.us/pY6jYk.
Established in 1934, Amana has a history of designing innovative cooking, dish, laundry and refrigeration household appliances. With its introduction of the original countertop microwave in 1967, Amana was put on the map as a brand dedicated to bringing convenience to consumers' lives. Amana brand is part of Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $18 billion in 2010, 71,000 employees, and 66 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. For more information on Amana brand appliances, visit http://www.amana.com.
Industry-leading business management software brings Facebook scheduling to ideal demographic
NEW YORK, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- GramercyOne's industry leading SpaBooker and SalonBooker cloud-based business management and marketing software today launched a Facebook scheduling application, which provides online booking for Spa and Salon customers without leaving the spa's Facebook page.
This latest innovation from GramercyOne is significant for the spa and beauty industries because their customers are the perfect social media demographic but the businesses are not often early technology adopters. By integrating the Facebook scheduling application directly into their business management software, spas and salons can easily access social and viral marketing previously beyond their reach.
SpaBooker's web-based software already schedules millions of online, mobile and tablet appointments, and provides businesses with direct social media integration for posting deals, promotions and updates to their Facebook and Twitter feeds. The new Facebook application, which is free and included in a regular subscription, brings tangible social commerce to the spa and beauty industries with a self-contained booking engine that adds another valuable consumer touch-point. The sign up process is incredibly simple and easily completed in a few minutes. Through the app, customers choose a service, time and employee to book in real-time. Once the booking is complete, customers click share, which sends the appointment details to their friends' Facebook news feeds. Harnessing viral marketing provides spas and salons with a wider reach to new consumers, while bringing businesses closer to their customer base through Facebook.
Kristen Haines, owner of Euphoria Spa, NYC said: "SpaBooker's new Facebook app is great and our customers are going to love it. To us it means great service and more business. We love communicating through Facebook and now customers can book right then and there. To be able to capture the power of sharing the booking is awesome - we're now into viral marketing!"
SpaBooker by GramercyOne is the leading cloud-based online booking, marketing, CRM, point of sale and business management software for spas and salons worldwide. SpaBooker is web-based for anywhere, anytime access for both spas and their customers.
Josh McCarter, CEO of GramercyOne said: "We are recognized in the industry for our continuous product innovation, bringing the latest technology and marketing services to our clients. We see tremendous excitement in the industry for the SpaBooker Facebook scheduling app and eager anticipation of the new business that will be driven to our clients through this social marketing channel."
About GramercyOne, LLC
GramercyOne is a leading provider of cloud-based business management and marketing solutions to service businesses around the world. GramercyOne's platform provides the technical functionality businesses need to compete in today's marketplace, including real-time mobile and online booking, digital marketing and integrated social media, CRM, hosted point-of-sale, mobile payment processing, and robust inventory management. The system is translated in to eight languages, operates in 48 countries and is processing more than 585,000 transactions per month, averaging in excess of $1mm per day in transaction volume.
SOURCE GramercyOne
GramercyOne
CONTACT: James Bremner, VP Marketing, +1-646-770-0595, james@gramercyone.com
Microsoft Commits Multibillion-Dollar Partner Investments
Private and public cloud incentives, competencies and benefits align to customer projects.
LOS ANGELES, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. today unveiled updates to the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN), to better help partners grow their businesses and meet evolving technology needs of customers around the globe through tools, training and incentives totaling $5.8 billion for fiscal year 2012.
"Winning together with our partners today, and long into the future, means delivering incredible world-class technologies to meet customer needs, as well as the right partner incentives, tools and training, which will ultimately drive business growth for them," said Jon Roskill, corporate vice president of the Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft, speaking before more than 15,000 attendees from around the globe at the company's Worldwide Partner Conference. "We are bringing our partners to the cloud with us -- they can use the tools and skills they have now to take their clients to the cloud."
Roskill announced new or extended solutions and online service incentives that are available and aligned to key priorities such as customer projects, accelerated growth of public and private cloud adoption, and tools demonstrating a broad commitment to partners' success. Partners are encouraged to engage through the Microsoft Partner Network to benefit from the incentives.
Align Partner Competencies to Customer Projects
-- The newly separated Messaging competency and Communications competency
help differentiate companies with the explicit skill set and depth of
experience to provide a holistic unified communications solution that
includes voice and video. The competency split also will enhance
recognition for partners' investments in advanced capabilities with
Exchange, Lync and Microsoft Office 365.
-- The merger of the Systems Management and Virtualization competencies in
May 2012 will strengthen partners' ability to help customers realize the
benefits of cloud computing on their terms with Microsoft private cloud
solutions. Partners can prepare now by attaining the current
competencies for System Center management and Windows Server Hyper-V
virtualization.
Incentives to Accelerate Cloud Adoption
-- New Software Assurance Planning Services will be available in August,
paying qualified partners to deliver deployment services to Microsoft
Software Assurance customers for Microsoft private cloud, Windows Azure
public cloud, SQL Server and software development. These opportunities
will help partners grow their client base, strengthen customer
relationships and increase service revenues.
-- Windows Azure Incentives reward qualified partners in the Windows Azure
Circle program that influence customer adoption of Microsoft's public
cloud platform. As a result, partners can build new, sustainable revenue
streams by helping customers benefit from the public cloud.
-- Private Cloud Incentives. The Management and Virtualization Solution
Incentive Program will reward qualified Gold Certified partners that
influence sales of Microsoft private cloud technologies. This
complements the Hyper-V Cloud Accelerate program that will fund partner
and customer private cloud assessments, proofs of concept, and
production deployments.
-- The SQL Server Solution Incentive Program delivers rewards to Gold
Certified partners that drive application platform and business
intelligence solutions to customers, particularly with the upcoming
cloud-ready information platform, SQL Server "Denali."
-- Monetary incentives and license mobility available through Microsoft
Software Assurance for Microsoft Hyper-V, System Center and SQL Server
will help hosting solution providers grow their businesses by enabling
customers to deploy their Server Application licenses with Software
Assurance on-premises or in the cloud within hosting partners' shared
hardware environments.
-- Microsoft is investing in scaled business model transformation
approaches for high-potential partners (from in-person coaching to
online self-serve), which will help business decision-makers within
partner organizations build specific plans, analyze the change
implications of integrating cloud (e.g., profit and loss shifts,
staffing needs, etc.), and define commitments and a timeframe to execute
the shift.
-- To continue spurring the growth of Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft is
offering eligible partners an increased Microsoft Dynamics CRM Software
Advisor Program (CSA) compensation of 40 percent on new subscription
sales of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online as part of the existing CSA.
Enhanced Partner Tools and Benefits
-- Expanded Internal Use Rights will offer increased Lync and Windows
Intune licenses for partners. The number of licenses allotted to Cloud
Accelerate partners will grow to 100 from 2 and those to Cloud
Essentials partners will grow to 25 from 10. New partner toolkits and
opportunity guides will help partners start paving a path to
profitability with public and private solutions for the following four
markets: small business, midmarket segment, enterprise and public
sector.
Wrapping up the keynotes, Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner addressed the overall theme of the conference, "Winning Together."
"We understand that partners have a choice in working with us," Turner said. "As they evolve their businesses to embrace cloud technologies, partners can count on Microsoft to provide the tools for cloud training, the resources to generate sales leads, and the ability to boost revenue and increase value for customers. We're committed to our partners' profitability and long-term business success."
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
CONTACT: Erika Bitzer of Weber Shandwick Worldwide, +1-206-576-5531, ebitzer@webershandwick.com, or Weber Shandwick Worldwide, WPC11PR@webershandwick.com, both for Microsoft Corp.
iPad owners are invited to find the difference and uncover the fun.
BRISTOL, Pa., July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AMI Entertainment Network, creator of Megatouch, the original touchscreen game system, is excited to announce the arrival of their biggest hit to the iTunes App Store, as Photo Hunt® HD is now available for download on iPads worldwide.
In 1997, Megatouch introduced the world to Photo Hunt, a find-the-difference game requiring players to locate and touch 5 differences between two photos positioned side-by-side. Today, it continues to thrive on Megatouch barroom devices, with thousands of photos available and more added each year.
The iPad version, titled Photo Hunt HD, includes 300 photos to solve, as well as two modes of play. Casual mode allows players to take their time, finding differences at their own pace. In the more competitive Classic mode, players race against the clock to defeat 30 challenging rounds of play. Players can view their scores, compare performances with friends, and also track in-game achievements with Apple's Game Center.
"This is an exciting opportunity to spark a whole new fanbase, while also strengthening our bonds with current and past players of our barroom games," said A.J. Russo, AMI's creative director. "Moving forward, AMI's strategic goal is to bring all these groups together, igniting play across all devices where a Megatouch game can be found."
Photo Hunt HD also offers themed photo packs from the libraries of Fotolia.com, each containing 100 new photos to add to gameplay. Photo packs are offered as in-game purchases for $.99 and new packs will be introduced monthly.
"By providing images for Megatouch Photo Hunt HD and photo pack expansions, we get to be a part of something fun, that is great for all ages," said Garth Johnson, executive vice president of Fotolia, North America. "We get to help Megatouch carry on the tradition of find-the-difference games by showcasing vibrant photography in an engaging and relevant new medium."
Photo Hunt HD is available now for $1.99 from the iTunes App Store and is exclusively available to iPad users.
For the latest info on app updates, contests, and promotions visit Megatouch.com.
About AMI Entertainment Network: From touchscreen games and jukeboxes to streaming news and video programming, AMI Entertainment Network provides content-rich entertainment solutions to over 125,000 barrooms and restaurants around the globe. Expanding its digital portfolio to touchscreen PCs and mobile devices, AMI is at the forefront of touchscreen entertainment for any venue or platform. For more information, please visit: http://www.amientertainment.com
About Fotolia: Nearly 2.2 million people prefer Fotolia, LLC for affordable, royalty-free images, graphics, and HD videos. With the introduction of the Infinite Collection, Fotolia became the first worldwide microstock organization to offer both crowd-sourced and professional images on one site. Founded in New York City in 2005, Fotolia spans the globe with websites in 14 languages and offices in 15 countries. With over 14,000,000 images to choose from: Find it on Fotolia. http://www.fotolia.com
For more information, contact:
Allison Scarafile 215.826.1395
ascarafile@amientertainment.com
SOURCE AMI Entertainment Network, Inc.
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110713/PH34567 http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AMI Entertainment Network, Inc.
Innovative Frozen Food Brand to Go Viral with New Online Platform
EVOL Foods and Zipongo launch new healthy deals of the day and bring consumers closer to smart nutrition
BOULDER, Colo., July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- EVOL Foods, Boulder-based maker of made-from-scratch natural and organic frozen food, is proud to announce a new partnership with Zipongo. The San Francisco based technology company empowers healthy and sustainable living through tailored meal, exercise, sleep and "healthy deal" plans. EVOL will be featuring its burritos, wraps, and gluten-free entree bowls through Zipongo's Healthy Deals--a combination of innovative social media promotions and in-store marketing, in a continuous effort to expose shoppers to healthier meal options.
"EVOL is very excited to be one of Zipongo's first partners and reach consumers through a new and fun interactive social media format," said Chris Mears, EVOL Foods vice president of sales. "There are a lot of different coupon options out there through websites and social media outlets, but none that partners with specific retailers in a specific marketplace and gives consumers great value."
With today's overwhelming selection of food products, consumers are unknowingly exposed to brands that use deceptive advertising and labeling. Zipongo exposes customers only to natural and organic brands that are nutritionally balanced and deliver what they promise so shoppers can be confident they are being introduced to brands that have their best interests at heart. Zipongo's Healthy Deals will help new customers with previously limited exposure to natural brands try healthier foods, and with a companion loyalty program in the works, will make healthier eating accessible to many more people.
"EVOL made sense as a partner because they are passionate natural and high-quality. Their grab-and-go sizes, great taste, fun brand experience and well-rounded nutrition fit our criteria for being convenient, fun and healthy, " said Jason Langheier M.D., M.P.H., Zipongo founder. "EVOL is making it easy to LOVE healthy food again."
Zipongo's Healthy Deals of the Day and other resources can be accessed by visiting http://www.zipongo.com, by downloading their iPhone or Android app, or by subscribing to emails with the latest deals.
About EVOL Foods
EVOL (ee-vuhl) Foods, based in Boulder, Colo., is changing the way the world thinks about frozen food. Philip Anson, chief operating officer, chef and founder, is very choosy about what goes into his burritos, wraps, snacks, entrees, flatbreads and pizzas: antibiotic-free chicken, pork, beef and chorizo sausage; artisan hand-tossed dough; cage-free eggs; traditionally made tortillas; herb-roasted skin-on potatoes; house-made green chile and salsas; and numerous local and organic ingredients. There's a lot to LOVE about EVOL. Produced by Phil's Fresh Foods LLC, EVOL Foods is available in grocery stores nationwide. http://www.evolfoods.com
About Zipongo
The Zipongo mission is to empower healthy and sustainable living that is fun, convenient, accessible and enjoyed with friends. Zipongo provides Healthy Deals to consumers, to make it easy to discover and eat healthier food at http://www.zipongo.com, and via their iPhone and Android apps. Their community is also helping them shape life.zipongo.com, which allows users to track food and exercise with data from integrated devices such as the Withings WiFi body scale, Zeo sleep tracker and Fitbit, to inform personalized healthy action plans.
Adzuna.co.uk Secures GBP300k Investment to Transform the way People Search for Jobs
LONDON, July 13, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
Job search engine Adzuna (http://www.adzuna.co.uk) launches publicly
today backed by a GBP300k seed investment from Passion Capital and prominent
angel investors. The company aims to become the world's leading search
engine for classifieds, by bringing together all the ads and connecting
users with them in new ways.
With over 300,000 live UK job vacancies that represent GBP7 billion of
'Total Earning Opportunity', Adzuna collates the latest job ads in real-time
from all major job boards as well as diverse sources such as CrunchBase, The
Royal Household and LinkedIn. The site also includes a compelling social
layer which allows users to gain an unfair advantage in the job search
process by using their Facebook and LinkedIn contacts.
Adzuna was founded by online veterans Andrew Hunter and Doug Monro, with
the support of a number of premier angels investing alongside Passion
Capital, including current or former executives from eBay, Skype, Adjug, BT
and Virgin.
Doug Monro, Co-Founder of Adzuna, commented "It's great to be working
with Andrew again and cracking a big problem. Job, property and car ads are
scattered across many websites, causing massive consumer frustration. None
of the existing vertical search products have made the experience better. We
believe we can take this market to the next level by bringing social, mobile
and data to bear - first in jobs and soon by expanding our service to cover
property and cars."
"We're really excited to be working with Doug, Andrew and the rest of
the Adzuna team. Having led the charge at Gumtree, Zoopla and Qype, the guys
have a proven track record of creating successful multi-national internet
businesses and innovating in the local search space," said Stefan Glaenzer,
partner at Passion Capital, who will join Adzuna's board of directors. "By
bringing all the ads together in one place and organizing them with
innovative, engaging features, Adzuna will transform the online classified
ads market."
About Adzuna
Adzuna.co.uk [http://Adzuna.co.uk ] is a search engine for classified ads
which makes it easier for you to find the right job locally - and soon
properties and cars too. We search thousands of sites so you don't have to,
bring together millions of ads so you can find them all in one place, and
organize them with useful features so that you can easily find what you
need.
Adzuna founders Andrew Hunter and Doug Monro met when working at Gumtree
in 2005. They stayed in the local internet space for the next 5 years and
finally hatched the Adzuna plan in 2010 on the back of an envelope in a
central London pub. The alpha version of the site went live in April 2011.
Doug Monro was most recently COO of property portal Zoopla, leading the
growth of the team from 5 to 75 people and the site up to number 2 in UK
property with 5 million visitors a month. Previously he was MD of
Gumtree.com, the UK's largest classified ads site, and has worked for eBay
UK, Bain & Co and Unilever. He has a BA in English from Cambridge and an MBA
with distinction from Kellogg.
Andrew Hunter was mostly recently VP Marketing & UK GM of local review
site Qype, where he grew the site from 0 to 17 million monthly unique
visitors in 2 years. Before Qype, Andrew was Head of Marketing at
Gumtree.com and ran Search Marketing for the Thomas Cook Group. Andrew has a
BSc in Business & Economics from Oxford Brookes University.
About Passion Capital
Passion Capital (http://passioncapital.com) was established in March
2011 by Stefan Glaenzer, Eileen Burbidge and Robert Dighero with the aim of
becoming the premier early stage UK digital media and technology investment
firm in the UK. The partners have more than 50 years' collective experience
in entrepreneurial, founding and executive operational roles in technology
firms.
Source: Adzuna
For more information please contact the press team on press@adzuna.com +44(0)7957-324720
Thomson Reuters Enhances Its Intellectual Asset Management Solution With First-Ever Fully Integrated Data Validation
Thomson IP Manager enables IP professionals to proactively catch and fix data errors, reducing the risk of lost rights or costly delays
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomson IP Management Services, part of Thomson Reuters, today released new, unprecedented functionality in its scalable intellectual asset management (IAM) software solution, Thomson IP Manager®, including first-ever fully integrated data validation capabilities, Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) management functionality and work team survey capabilities.
"Intellectual property is at the forefront of strategic business decision making, and enterprises can't afford errors in their portfolio data in today's competitive market," said Cynthia Murphy, vice president and general manager, Thomson IP Management Services. "For this reason, we developed a cost-effective, fully integrated data validation tool, the first of its kind among all asset management solutions on the market, enabling organizations to eliminate critical data errors and maximize the value of their IP portfolio."
Thomson IP Manager's new fully integrated data validation functionality enables users to proactively identify and correct data discrepancies in their portfolios on an ongoing basis by comparing their data to the Thomson Reuters Global Patent Data Collection, a comprehensive database of patent documents with 76 million records from more than 70 issuing authorities. This ensures errors that may affect critical prosecution and maintenance dates can be quickly caught and fixed, so IP rights are properly protected without any cost exposure.
The integrated data validation tool also provides improved collaboration among IP team members as the review process can be built into the organization's IP workflow, ensuring that the correct individuals review the data in a timely manner. For optimal efficiency, IP professionals can also prioritize data discrepancy results, which ensures that the most critical issues are addressed first.
New IDS Reference Management functionality in Thomson IP Manager helps IP professionals manage patent and technical literature references related to pending patent applications. Using these features, attorneys and paralegals can view, manage and report upon cited references. In addition, Thomson IP Manager helps users to propagate and cross-cite references to ensure that they are cited properly across the portfolio, supporting complex, configurable relationships between matters.
Enhancements to the Process Architect(TM) include an entirely redesigned Collaboration Portal with better workload visibility, simplified task navigation and a clear graphical view of the structure of processes for all workflow participants. New Survey and Delegation capabilities support more complex collaborative processes, such as invention review, international filing, contract renewal and maintenance decisions involving multiple stakeholders, allowing senior decision makers to more easily collect feedback from experts around the business and make well-informed decisions.
Businesses and law firms at the forefront of intellectual asset management partner with Thomson IP Management Services. From ideation through prosecution and commercialization, Thomson IP Management Services helps you maximize the value of your portfolio, keep it aligned with your business strategy and drive global competitiveness. Our solutions -- Thomson IP Manager, IP Payments and IP Rules -- integrate state-of-the-art portfolio management technology, comprehensive services and a world-class IP rules collection to provide unparalleled support of your patents, trademarks, licenses and other intellectual assets.
Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science, and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 55,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, go to http://www.thomsonreuters.com.
SOURCE Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters
CONTACT: Laura Gaze, Thomson Reuters, IP Solutions, +1-203-868-3340, laura.gaze@thomsonreuters.com; or Jennifer Figueroa, Thomson Reuters, IP Solutions, +1-203-868-3333, jennifer.figueroa@thomsonreuters.com
MspPortal.net Issues Antispam Challenge to Service Providers and Resellers
MspPortal.net invites head-to-head competition between EdgeWave's Red Condor messaging security solutions and industry leading competition
SAN FRANCISCO, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Confident in the superior performance of its email security solutions (powered by Red Condor), MspPortal.net today issued an antispam challenge to service providers and resellers. MspPortal.net, a Managed Service Provider/Value Added Distributor for a number of security products, will put its managed email security service up against any current solution, including Postini, MX Logic, Symantec Brightmail, Trend Micro and Barracuda, in a 10-to-20 day head-to-head test. Resellers, VARs and ISPs can also receive 20-days of free email filtering through MspPortal.net.
"We are confident that when compared side-by-side, Red Condor will beat the competition, and we really want ISPs, VARs and resellers to put us to the test," said Roy Miehe, founder and president of MspPortal.net. "We will manage the entire set-up for the test and provide the reporting that organizations can use to compare with their current solution. Thousands of organizations, ISPs, MSPs, VARs, and Resellers worldwide rely on MspPortal.net/Red Condor's managed security services for their network protection. Now organizations, regardless of their size, can enjoy affordable and effective enterprise-class messaging security."
MspPortal's email security solutions (powered by Red Condor) provide resellers and service providers with a fully managed system in the form of a hardware appliance or software on their networks or their end-users systems. MspPortal/Red Condor takes full responsibility for companies' email messaging security needs and offers perimeter defense against denial of service and directory service attacks. Set-up is completed in a matter of minutes simply by redirecting the MX path. ISPs and resellers have infinite scalability and the ability to manage all customers from a single location.
"Red Condor's service leverages up-to-the-minute security threat information from a worldwide network and applies defense measures in real-time - so you don't have to," added Miehe. "Valid emails get through so users can be confident in secure and reliable email delivery every day. And with ongoing customer care support, you have the help you need when you need it."
About MspPortal.net
MspPortal.net is a Managed Service Provider/Value Added Distributor for a number of security products, including Red Condor, Webroot, Norman Defense, WatchGuard, Rackspace and Symform. Currently, MspPortal.net manages more than 3,000 customers worldwide. The company's Managed Antispam Protection is a subscription security service that removes the cost and management overheads of hardware, ISPs, VARs, resellers and other entities dedicated to Antivirus/Antispam solutions for SMBs.
eCredable Empowers Consumers To Show Creditworthiness
Former Equifax President Leads Alternative Credit Reporting Agency
ATLANTA, July 13, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- eCredable announced today it has launched new web-based services that give consumers the power to establish creditworthiness with potential creditors, service providers or employers. At http://www.eCredable.com, consumers use their payment history not considered in traditional credit ratings and reports to establish a credit rating and create a credit report to reflect responsible payment behavior overlooked by traditional credit bureaus.
Everyday, American consumers make regular payments to landlords, phone companies, utilities, even for alimony or child support, but none of that information is reported to the national credit bureaus, resulting in a large amount of information not being considered when assessing consumer credit. eCredable's AMP Credit Rating(TM) and AMP Credit Report(TM) (All My Payments) address this problem by automating the process of capturing these overlooked payments. According to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, consumers have the right to present any information that demonstrates their creditworthiness when a potential creditor is using similar information to assess whether or not to extend credit. eCredable's patent-pending techniques for automating the process of creating and analyzing this information has made it easily accessible to benefit both consumers and creditors.
The eCredable team is led by Steve Ely, former president of Equifax Personal Information Solutions, who joined as CEO in early 2011. "Consumers have the right to make every payment count when they request credit from a lender, and now we've given them the power to make exercising that right easier," Ely said.
"Our services automate the age old process of producing paper documents to demonstrate you pay your bills on time - the ones that don't go into the national credit bureaus," he added. "Our AMP Credit Rating and AMP Credit Report empower anyone who has struggled to demonstrate their true creditworthiness to a potential creditor. Plus, they provide an easy way for the nearly 60 million adults in the United States who do not have established credit ratings to demonstrate their ability to make payments. These services are a tremendous help to this group of people, which includes recent immigrants, recently widowed or divorced women, recent college graduates, and students with jobs, among others."
eCredable's AMP Credit Rating is on a scale of A-F to make it easy for both the consumer and the creditor to understand. The eCredable.com website also includes financial education designed specifically for people who are just starting to build their credit history. A free eBook filled with educational information from eCredable is available at http://ecredable.com/resources/ebook . Ely concludes: "eCredable's mission is to teach consumers that achieving creditworthiness is achievable, and our tools will help them along the way."
eCredable is an alternative credit service that helps consumers demonstrate their creditworthiness to prospective creditors. Launched in 2009, eCredable allows creditors to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), which requires any creditor using credit related information to assess the creditworthiness of an individual to consider any similar payment information the consumer puts forth to demonstrate their creditworthiness. Our patent-pending credit information gathering service allows consumers to record their monthly bill payment accounts, request verification of their payment history, and create a verified AMP Credit Report(TM) that meets all financial industry standards. The consumer can then share their AMP Credit Report(TM) and AMP Credit Rating(TM) with any potential creditor, service provider or employer. eCredable uses a unique AMP Credit Rating (TM) that shows the consumer, and the potential creditor, where the consumer's credit rating stands on a clear, straightforward scale of A to F. Our AMP Credit Rating(TM) provides a powerful tool to assist the consumer in understanding the importance of making payments on time. AMP stands for All My Payments. The company is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia.
SOURCE eCredable
eCredable
CONTACT: David Rubinger for eCredable, +1-404-255-8785, david@rubinger.com
New VPX Card Employs Spartan-6 FPGA to Satisfy Higher Computing Performance/Price Requirements
Acromag's new VPX boards feature a powerful, yet economical Spartan-6 FPGA for higher performance in algorithm acceleration or logic processing applications requiring a lower cost solution.
WIXOM, Mich., July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Acromag's new VPX-SLX series of 3U VPX FPGA boards provide powerful, but economical solutions for high-speed processing of algorithms in embedded computing applications. The VPX-SLX boards employ a configurable, logic-optimized Spartan-6 FPGA with 150k logic cells to meet demand for higher performance in cost-sensitive applications. These FPGA boards are designed to satisfy the performance requirements of many complex computing projects, at nearly half the cost, which previously required a flagship Xilinx Virtex or Altera Stratix class FPGA device. A high-throughput PCI Express interface, generous dual-ported memory for efficient data handling, and 64 I/O lines direct to the FPGA enable rapid data processing and great versatility. Ideal for defense, aerospace, or scientific research, typical applications involve signal intelligence, image processing, and hardware simulation. Pricing starts at $5200 for an air-cooled version and slightly higher in a conduction-cooled format.
"The Spartan-6 FPGA offers outstanding performance at a very attractive price," states Joseph Primeau, Acromag's sales and marketing director. "When teamed with a PCI Express interface, the Spartan-6 FPGA is capable of meeting the performance requirements of many applications." Acromag's VPX boards are optimized to rapidly transfer data between the FPGA and other system boards. A double fat pipe 4-lane PCIe interface ensures very fast data throughput. Dual-ported 1M x 64-bit SRAM enables high-speed DMA transfers to/from the CPU while simultaneously writing data to memory.
All VPX-SLX models use the XC6SLX150 Spartan-6 FPGA chip with 147,433 logic cells and 180 DSP48A1 slices. There are 64 I/O or 32 LVDS lines connected to the FPGA via the rear P2 connector. A series of AXM extension modules are available to provide additional front-end 16-bit A/D, differential RS-485, CMOS, or LVDS I/O processing channels through a mezzanine connector on the front of the card. FPGA code loads from the PCIe bus or from on-board flash memory. A JTAG and Xilinx ChipScope(TM) Pro interface are also supported to simplify development tasks.
For extended temperature range operation, models can be ordered with a frame for use in a conduction-cooled chassis. The standard model operates reliably over a 0 to 70 degrees C range in an air-cooled or forced convection system. The conduction-cooled version supports a range of -40 to 85 degrees C. And for system compatibility, Acromag's 3U VPX cards support a number of VITA 65 slot profiles and conform to VPX VITA 46.0, 46.4 and 46.9 specifications.
Acromag's Engineering Design Kit provides utilities to help users develop custom programs, load VHDL into the FPGA, and establish DMA transfers between the FPGA and the CPU. The kit includes a compiled FPGA file and example VHDL code provided as selectable blocks with examples for the local bus interface, read/writes, and change-of-state interrupts to the PCI bus. A JTAG interface allows users to perform on-board VHDL simulation. Further analysis is supported with a ChipScope(TM) Pro interface.
For easy integration of the boards with embedded Windows® applications, Acromag developed a DLL driver software package for compatibility with Microsoft® Visual C++(TM), and Visual Basic. Sample files with "C" source demonstration programs provide easy-to-use tools to test operation of the module.
For real time and open source applications, Acromag offers C libraries for VxWorks®, Linux®, and other operating systems. The libraries provide generic routines (source code included) to handle reads, writes, interrupts, and other functions. Demonstration programs enable the developer to quickly exercise the I/O modules before attaching the routines to the application program. This diagnostic tool can save hours of troubleshooting and debugging. The Linux example programs are a free download.
About Acromag
Acromag has designed and manufactured measurement and control products for more than 50 years. They are an international corporation with a world headquarters near Detroit, Michigan and a global network of sales representatives and distributors. Acromag offers a complete line of embedded I/O and industrial computer products for military, aerospace, manufacturing, transportation, utilities, and scientific research applications.
/K I L L K I L L K I L L - GetRestaurantCoupons.com/
Journalists and other readers should disregard the news release, Restaurant Coupons Website GetRestaurantCoupons.com Announces New Restaurant Partnerships, issued 12-Jul-2011 over PR Newswire as it contained some erroneous information.