eLink Media, Inc. & SMI Network Announce a Full Suite of Digital Marketing Solutions
eLink Media CEO, Mr. Stephen Berg announces the launch of a full suite of proprietary digital marketing solutions via both the email marketing and social media marketing channels.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- eLink Media Inc., a leader in the digital marketing space is announcing that through its internal R&D work, as well as its relationship with SMI Network, a full service proprietary digital media solution set is available for their clientele.
With the firm's core business being email marketing, the expansion of new ISP relationships, enhanced deliverability, and consistent results in an inconsistent market has given them an advantage over affiliate and ad network traffic. In regards to social media, the goal was to create a fully functional cross-portal social media publishing platform that would not only be able to be reactive to an advertiser's relevant consumer chatter, but also be proactive in engaging consumers in a 1:1 dialogue that every advertiser is looking to take advantage of. The proprietary technology is already in production and has yielded some impressive results.
"We know the technology has been on a lot of marketers' wish lists, and our goal was to make it a reality," says eLink Media, Inc. CEO Stephen Berg. "Savvy advertisers want as many relevant touch-points onto their consumers as possible. Our product solution suite via email and social media now gives them that capability. We're excited to see what the future will bring."
About eLink Media, Inc.
eLink Media is an industry leader in digital and email marketing services. Through its operation, eLink provides a comprehensive range of advertising and marketing services including advertising; media investment management; consumer acquisition; branding and identity; direct, digital, promotion and relationship marketing. For more information, visit http://www.elinkmedia.com
Contact: Jonathan Dunn, +1-561-833-7787, jonathan@elinkmedia.com
SOURCE eLink Media, Inc.
eLink Media, Inc.
CONTACT: Jonathan Dunn, +1-561-833-7787, jonathan@elinkmedia.com
Crunch Gym Brings Fitness to Your Fingertips With New Mobile App
NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Crunch Fitness has partnered with IdeaWork Studios, Inc. to launch the brand's first mobile application. The free app, available to both iPhone and Android users, allows members to check-in, retrieve location and class information, and stay connected with the Crunch community, all while on the go.
"We couldn't be happier to launch the Crunch app, making our innovative brand and programming even more accessible to our members," said Christina DeGuardi, vice president of marketing, Crunch. "With our diverse membership base and endless inventory of offerings, the app makes staying connected easier and more accessible than ever."
The Crunch app allows users to search for locations and group fitness classes near them via GPS, with the ability to filter by specific gym amenities and programs. Members can check-in with the apps revolutionary mobile bar coding system, taking away the need for the conventional key tag. The app also allows members to sign into their iCrunch accounts to manage membership information and directly connect to Foursquare, Yelp and the brand's blog and event pages. Users can also take advantage of special discounts and offers including sending guest passes to friends.
"After building the Crunch website and multiple micro sites, it only seemed natural to come together to build the Crunch app," said Jay Schwartz, president of IdeaWork Studios, Inc. "With the ever-changing face of technology, Crunch is now leading the pack in mobile fitness applications."
The Crunch mobile app can be downloaded at either app store by searching for Crunch Fitness or by clicking here http://www.crunch.com/Home/Crunch/Mobile.aspx. Crunch looks to launch version 2.0 in the future with even more capabilities and functionality.
Crunch is a gym that believes in making serious exercise fun by fusing fitness and entertainment and pioneering a philosophy of No Judgments. Renowned for creating unique programming that caters to an exceedingly diverse membership, Crunch has raised the bar for the entire fitness industry. Headquartered in New York City, and owned by New Evolution Ventures (NeV) and private-equity firm Angelo Gordon, Crunch serves over 70,000 members with 24 gyms in New York, Miami, San Francisco/Bay Area and Los Angeles. Crunch looks to rapidly expand their collection of gyms across the U.S. and around the globe. Go to http://www.crunch.com for more information.
IdeaWork delivers online strategy, interactive campaigns and custom websites for hospitality, nightlife, gaming, luxury and entertainment brands nationwide. For more information, please visit IdeaWork.com.
element14 Drives Open-Source Design, Innovation and Collaboration With New Arduino Products and Community Resources
CHICAGO, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- element14, a collaborative social community and electronics store for design engineers and electronics enthusiasts, today announced its online US store is now offering Arduino boards and components, giving design engineers and electronic enthusiasts access to an expanded range of open-source prototyping platforms. Based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software, the Arduino platform was designed to make the process of using electronics more accessible to hobbyists, DIY-ers and design engineers.
"Open-source design is having a dramatic impact on technology innovation and the working culture of software and hardware engineers," said Jeff Hamilton, director of marketing, element14. "The addition of Arduino products at element14's store coupled with the unique collaborative resources of our online community directly supports the exchange of technology, insight and knowledge that helps open-source solutions flourish."
The element14 store now stocks a range of Arduino boards, shields and components, from the Arduino Uno to the Arduino MEGA2560 Board, as well as two reference books, "GettingStarted with Arduino," and "Arduino Making Things Talk." The element14 community also offers a collaborative global network of peers and experts where engineers and enthusiasts can share information, testing and feedback in dedicated open-source and Arduino discussion groups.
A new Arduino tutorial series also began this month. The weekly videos, hosted by community member Jeremy Blum, a Cornell University engineering student and avid open-source supporter, are geared towards beginners without prior electronics experience, as well as veteran engineers looking at using the Arduino platform for the first time. They cover how it works, tips for getting started, and more complicated programming and circuits design.
For more information on Arduino, including products and access to tutorial videos, visit http://www.element14.com.
About element14
element14 is the first collaborative community, research portal and store for design engineers and electronics enthusiasts. The website provides product data, design tools, technology information and top brand components to seamlessly facilitate the design process; users can consult industry experts and collaborate with peers around the globe. element14 is sponsored by Premier Farnell plc (LSE: pfl), a leader in multi-channel distribution and specialty services for electronic design engineers, trading throughout the Americas (Newark), Europe (Farnell) and Asia-Pacific (element14). The company has group sales of 795.3m pounds Sterling and over 4,100 employees globally.
Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) Launches New Mobile Phone Application
Investors will have instant access to their accounts via their smartphones
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) has launched a new smartphone application that allows investors to instantly manage their account from virtually anywhere at no additional cost.
"MESP is dedicated to making saving for college as easy as possible, and this new tool, along with MESP's other technological advancements will allow users to manage their accounts more effectively," said Douglas Chittenden, President of TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. MESP is administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, which chose TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc. to manage MESP over 10 years ago. Since then, MESP has helped more than 105,000 families invest over $2.5 billion towards college (as of January 6, 2011). Smartphones are mobile phones that offer more advanced computing ability and connectivity to the Internet than contemporary, basic feature phones. Users who download the new MESP application can make contributions, view account balances, see recent transactions, withdraw funds, or change their investment options. The application is available for the following devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, Palm Pre, Pixi and Blackberry Torch.
According to a new study by ComScore, over 45.5 million people in the United States owned smartphones in 2010 and it is the fastest growing segment of the mobile phone market, which comprises 234 million subscribers in the United States. A new study by International Data Corporation (IDC) also forecasts annual mobile application downloads to increase from 10.9 billion in 2010 to nearly 76.9 billion in 2014 as developers create applications for virtually every aspect of a mobile user's personal and business lives.
MESP's smartphone application is part of an array of technological enhancements introduced to investors during the past year. MESP launched a new consumer friendly website in October, 2010. The new website helps potential investors learn more about MESP and provides account owners more tools to manage their account including online withdrawals and electronic delivery of statements. MESP has also added a College Planner (Calculator) for iPhone and Android owners to project their potential tax savings or their own personal college savings needs.
For potential college savers, MESP now offers additional ways to learn more about the Program online including a recorded webcast, interactive live webinars offered weekly, and webchats aired through WXYZ-TV. The online webinars offer prospective investors a way to learn about the Program and interact with a live presenter from the comforts of their home or at work during lunch.
"These new enhancements will extend MESP's history of providing a variety of tools and services to assist customers across all communication platforms - from mail, telephone support, and web" stated Chittenden. "Although we are proud to offer these e-tools for our tech-savvy investors, MESP will also continue to provide a high level of quality and personal service to those investors who still prefer to communicate with a consultant or attend on-site presentations in the community."
MESP was ranked among the nation's five best Section 529 plans in 2010, according to Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. MESP is "best for conservative investors," according to the Kiplinger's survey, which is based on an analysis of investment performance figures for thousands of 529 portfolios nationally.* The Michigan Department of Treasury renewed the contract with TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. for a two-year renewal for a second time in March, 2010. TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. is one of the nation's largest 529 program managers and currently manages nine state programs across the nation, including MESP.
MESP is Michigan's direct sold Section 529 college savings plan, which offers Michigan taxpayers a Michigan income tax deduction on contributions and potential tax-free growth on any earnings if account proceeds are used to pay for qualified expenses. MESP can be used at any eligible college, university or trade school in the nation for a variety of qualified expenses including tuition, mandatory equipment, fees, certain room and board costs and books. Limitations apply. See the MESP Disclosure Booklet for details.
To learn more about MESP, to sign up for a webinar, or to download the new smartphone application, visit http://www.misaves.com. You can also speak to a MESP consultant by calling us toll-free at 877-861-6377.
*Based on the comparison of Investment Options, fees and expenses, state tax benefits and other features. Michigan was noted for having a low risk option appropriate for conservative investors. (June, 2010).
Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the Michigan Education Savings Program. Please visit http://www.misaves.com for a Disclosure Booklet containing this and other information. Read it carefully. Account value in the investment options is not guaranteed and will fluctuate based upon a number of factors, including general market conditions.
The tax information contained herein is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
Before investing in a 529 plan, you should consider whether the state you or your designated beneficiary reside in or have taxable income in has a 529 plan that offers favorable state income tax or other benefits that are only available if you invest in that state's 529 plan.
Non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal and state taxes and the additional federal 10% tax.
TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., Program Manager
C49774
SOURCE Michigan Education Savings Program
Michigan Education Savings Program
CONTACT: Mike Nowlin, Pace & Partners, +1-989-450-0855
First Fine Jewelry Flash-Sales Website Poised to Become Consumer Resource
NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ajaline, the first members-only flash-sales Web site for the luxury fine jewelry and watches market -- set to launch the first week of February -- today unveiled its insiders blog. Featuring trend forecasting, commentary and news from leading industry experts, the blog is representative of Ajaline's innovative role as the premiere Web site for the fine jewelry consumer.
"We created Ajaline for the consumer who appreciates luxury," explains Ajaline co-founder, Jim Conte. "The interactive blog is meant to invite people to share their passions for fine jewelry and their favorite brands. Our consumer can connect directly with fashion trendsetters and fine jewelry experts to learn the latest news and information, as well as facts about fine jewelry itself."
This content-rich portal acts not only as a platform to learn about jewelry and trends, but also as a way to stay abreast of the weekly new brand offerings on Ajaline.com.
Hosted by Ajaline founder Meeling Wong, formerly of John Hardy and David Yurman, the Ajaline blog will feature a number of guest bloggers within the jewelry, fashion, and celebrity arenas. Taken together, the content will prove a valuable resource for luxury consumers of fine jewelry.
As part of the Ajaline's social outreach initiative, the company is simultaneously launching a Facebook fan page focused on fine jewelry and a Twitter page that will post the latest news. In addition, Ajaline will have a team of online ambassadors working to promote its various social-media conversational platforms. The pages will also serve as a way to connect with Ajaline's Personal Shoppers, themselves fine jewelry and watch experts who are well able to handle questions and inquiries.
Ajaline has been accepting members at http://www.ajaline.com since January 1, 2011. The site is set to launch its first sale February 2011.
ABOUT AJALINE
Ajaline is a members-only ecommerce platform for limited-time "flash" sales of the leading brands of fine jewelry and watches. As an authorized dealer for many of the most coveted brands in these categories, Ajaline offers its members the opportunity to safely and securely acquire beautiful fine jewelry and watches at a 30-70% savings off recommended retail prices.
PRESS CONTACT:
Dania Shiblaq
Brand Building Communications
(212) 343-8917
ajaline@brandbuildingnyc.com
SOURCE Ajaline
Ajaline
CONTACT: Dania Shiblaq, Brand Building Communications, +1-212-343-8917, ajaline@brandbuildingnyc.com
Educomp and Zeebo Inc. Form Joint Venture to Launch First Wireless Educational Platform for Children in India
Zeebo India to Expand Reach of Digital Technology and Interactive Content in Indian Homes and Schools
SAN DIEGO and NEW DELHI, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Educomp Solutions Limited and Zeebo Inc. today announced the proposed formation of a new joint venture in India and shared their plans to introduce a version of Zeebo's 3G-connected education and entertainment system specifically for the Indian market in 2011.
Zeebo India* will be a joint venture of Zeebo Inc., a Qualcomm funded company; Educomp Solutions Limited (Educomp), India's leading education company; and Lakshya Digital, India's largest interactive content development studio. Together, the three companies will tailor Zeebo's technology and develop relevant content for use by Indian school going children, both at home and in the classroom.
"This partnership will enable us to provide a wide variety of new content and services for education, distance learning and interaction among Indian children, parents and teachers," said John F. Rizzo, president and CEO, Zeebo Inc. "Access to such content and capabilities has been very limited in India because of the lack of a suitable platform and content delivery mechanism."
Rizzo added, "The Zeebo system provides a new and better solution - an affordable, low-maintenance, education-oriented platform with the ability to easily download content via 3G wireless networks. While broadband wired networks are scarce in India and likely to remain so for the foreseeable future, wireless coverage is proliferating rapidly, creating new avenues to enhance the academic experience for students."
Connected to any TV, the Zeebo will provide Indian children with access to a wide array of digital content, including Educomp's rich multimedia educational content library. The system will also provide Internet connectivity, email, downloadable family-oriented games and the ability to connect with friends, family and teachers. These capabilities will enable new forms of interaction among children, parents and teachers, including community building, online real-time assessments, distance learning and much more. In addition to developing its own content for the Zeebo system, Zeebo India is working closely with Indian publishers and developers to spur the creation of third-party content and applications designed specifically for the Indian market.
"Education is a major focus throughout India, and is essential to the country's continued economic growth," said Shantanu Prakash, CEO of Educomp. "We are proud to work with Zeebo to offer an entirely new, family-friendly option for instructional technology. Educomp serves more than 26,000 schools and 15 million students in India and other Asian countries. By bringing Zeebo to Indian children, both at school and at home, we will deliver unprecedented access to new, more robust and innovative educational opportunities."
Dib Chaudhuri, co-founder and president of Lakshya Digital, will join Zeebo India and will lead Zeebo's efforts there. "The demand from children in India for services such as interactive education content, fun learning games, digital entertainment content and Internet connectivity is enormous and growing every day," said Chaudhuri. "Zeebo provides children with a leading-edge and accessible platform for interacting with that content. Whether children are looking to learn, connect or play, Zeebo will offer it all for homes and schools throughout India."
"We are very excited about this new initiative," said Karthee Madasamy, managing director of Qualcomm Ventures in India, which is backing Zeebo's efforts. "Zeebo India's strategic vision reflects Qualcomm's strong commitment to bringing innovative and beneficial technologies to emerging markets such as India."
The announcement of the Zeebo India joint venture follows closely on Zeebo's formation of Zeebo China (Zeebo Shanghai Information Technology Co., Ltd.), which is working to bring Zeebo's technology to Chinese consumers.
Zeebo India will be a closely held company, with offices in New Delhi, focused on tailoring the Zeebo digital education and entertainment system, and relevant content, for schoolgoing children in India. The system's 3G wireless connectivity will enable rapid, easy delivery of education and entertainment applications and other digital services to children in homes and schools. Learn more about Zeebo in India at http://zeeboinc.com/countries/india.
About Zeebo Inc.
Zeebo, Inc., a closely held company based in San Diego, California, has developed the Zeebo, a wireless platform to deliver digital content and services to the next billion consumers in emerging global markets. The system's 3G wireless connectivity allows for rapid, easy delivery of education and entertainment applications and other digital services, free from the risk of piracy. Consumers can buy or subscribe to inexpensive content, download them directly to the Zeebo and access the Internet, all from the comfort of home. The Zeebo system is currently available throughout Brazil and Mexico, with future rollouts planned in China, India and other regions.
For information on Zeebo around the world, visit the following:
Founded in 1994, Educomp Solutions is a globally diversified education solutions provider and the largest education company in India. Over the years, Educomp has been at the forefront of pioneering initiatives in the education space. With an employee base of more than 10,000 professionals, Educomp serves 26,000 schools and 15 million learners and educators in India as well as the US, Canada, Singapore and Sri Lanka. It operates through its various subsidiaries including authorGEN, Threebrix eServices, Learning.com, USA, AsknLearn Pte Ltd, Singapore, and via its associates such as Savvica Inc in Canada. The company works closely with schools to implement innovative models to create and deliver content to enhance student learning. Educomp's long undiluted focus on the K-12, curriculum design and teacher education space, in developing applications and products, has revolutionized leverage of information technology and Internet for education. Educomp has also embarked upon innovative IP-driven projects to set up pre-schools, high schools and professional and vocational education institutions. For more information, visit http://www.educomp.com.
About Lakshya Digital Private Limited
Lakshya Digital is one of the largest interactive content development companies in South Asia with about 250 employees in two studios in India and an office in San Diego USA. Lakshya Digital provides innovative content solutions for all platforms including PC, Online, Game Consoles, Interactive Whiteboards, Handheld Devices, Proprietary hardware devices etc. Their team of highly skilled and trained resources provides comprehensive design, technology and art services to take a project from "Concept to Completion." Lakshya has worked on over 100 projects for companies around the globe including some of the top global video game publishers and developers.
About Qualcomm Ventures
Qualcomm Ventures, the venture investment group of Qualcomm Incorporated, was launched in the United States in November 2000 with an initial US$500 million allocation. Qualcomm Ventures' aim is to support Qualcomm's mission of enabling and fostering 3G and wireless Internet markets through investments in privately owned startup ventures. These strategic investments include companies focusing on wireless communication technologies and products serving consumer, enterprise and vertical markets worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.qualcomm.com/ventures.
Museum of Broadcast Communications Debuts New Online Exhibit: 'We'll Be Right Back...60 Years of Television Commercials'
CHICAGO, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC), will debut a new online exhibit at museum.tv, "We'll be Right Back: 60 years of Television Commercials" on January 12, 2011. The online exhibit has been culled from the MBC's archives of more than 10,000 commercials and nearly 100,000 hours of content.
"We'll be Right Back: 60 years of Television Commercials" spans more than six decades, and showcases more than 100 of the best television commercials from the 1940s through today. Visitors will be treated to some of the most creative, innovative, and ground breaking advertising work from the "Cool 50's" through "The 2k's." The online exhibit features classic spots from iconic brands such as Tootsie Roll Pops, Chevrolet, Texaco, Tang, Life Cereal, McDonalds, Alka Seltzer, Dunkin Donuts, Coca Cola, Budweiser, American Express, Lexus, Gillette, Apple, Target and others. It also offers a look at Super Bowl advertising featuring the most memorable spots from 1969 to 2010, Political advertising, Infomercials, Public Service Announcements and examples of Product Placement on programs like "I Love Lucy" and "Modern Family." There is even a section featuring Chicago's most memorable local advertising including Walter E. Smithe and Empire Today.
Bruce DuMont, President and Founder of the Museum of Broadcast Communications says of the new exhibit: "We're very excited about the debut of this online exhibit that both celebrates and preserves our rich television heritage and supports the Museum's educational mission. Television programming and advertising are mirrors that reflect popular culture. Preserving our television heritage is a way of preserving our past, and offers future generations the chance to experience that culture in a very real way."
The exhibit starts in the earliest days of television programming and chronicles the growth of television advertising, from simple product placement to an art form all its own. Each section features links that let visitors watch classic commercials and editorial that provides a brief history of the era or genre and helps visitors put the content they view in context with the times.
"From the beginning, brand sponsorship of television programs was the foundation by which content was produced... providing a decade by decade narrative clearly demonstrates the role advertisers played in the growth of the media," says David Plier, Vice President of the Board of Directors for the MBC, CEO of advertising agency Retail First Corporation and curator of the online exhibit.
In addition to taking a trip back in time at this new exhibit, visitors can also get a look at the future and learn about the progress on the New Museum of Broadcast Communications, now under construction in the heart of downtown Chicago.
About the MBC: The Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) is an Illinois non-profit corporation and manages two subsidiaries. Museum.tv and the National Radio Hall of Fame (NRHOF) and it's website radiohof.org. The MBC is to collect, preserve, and present historic and contemporary and television content as well as educate, inform and entertain the public through it's archives, public programs, screening, exhibits, publications and online access to it's resources. The MBC is also the author of the Encyclopedia of Advertising, Encyclopedia of Television, the Encyclopedia of Radio and the book, "Chicago Television."
SOURCE Museum of Broadcast Communications
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110112/MM28085 http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Video:http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/museum/48106
Museum of Broadcast Communications
CONTACT: David Plier, +1-847-612-7888 or Marc Glick, +1-312-245-8200
HTML5 Arrives for Cell Phones with Zeewe, the New Free Application Store for iPad and iPhone
Based on HTML5, Zeewe is an application store completely independent from Apple - an easier and faster option to develop and launch an app
In the beta phase for 2 weeks, the store already counts on over 10,000 users accessing its free applications
"In the future, smartphone apps will increasingly be HTML5 based," states Flavio Stecca, CTO at Movile
SAO PAULO, Jan. 12, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeewe (http://www.zeewe.com), the new HTML5-based free and independent application platform pointed out by companies such as Google and Apple as the technology of the future for web app production, has just reached the market.
With this technology, professionals have a cheaper, easier and faster option to develop and launch an app in iPad, Android, iPhone, TV, Symbiam and PC, among other possibilities. "The HTML5 standard should make the development of applications uniform for different devices and vendors. It is very practical and simple to use. In a few minutes, for example, it's possible to customize smartphone applications," states Flavio Stecca, CTO at Movile.
Another Zeewe differential is the capacity to offer collection within the application. These collections are done through integration with Mozca (http://www.mozcapag.com), a Latin platform for micro-payments of virtual goods through the cell phones and other means of payment.
Acceptance - In just 2 weeks of the beta version, the Zeewe store already reached 100,000 visitors - of which 10,000 installed and used the Apps daily. Movile, the company where the solution is being developed, believes that with the support for Android and the global-collection possibility, the solution can reach 100,000 users per day still in the first quarter of 2011.
"Within this period, we had more accesses than expected, which greatly surprised and motivated us. Of this total, 50% come from abroad, especially India and the USA, and the other 50% from Brazil, confirming that the demand for smartphone appstores is global," Stecca points out.
FURTHER INFORMATION FOR THE PRESS
FirstCom Comunicacao (http://www.firstcom.com.br)
------------------------------------------
Luis Claudio Allan (luisclaudio@firstcom.com.br)
Rodrigo Capella (capella@firstcom.com.br)
Marcelo Volpato (marcelo@firstcom.com.br)
Phone 55-11-3034-4662
The Mayhem Continues: SparkFun to Give Away $150k of Free Electronics
SparkFun's second annual Free Day set to help new and old customers alike, destroy F5 keys worldwide
BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 13th, 2011, Boulder-based SparkFun Electronics will give away $150,000 worth of products in the second annual iteration of the aptly-named event "Free Day." The event is open to anyone with the magic powers of the internet. Free Day is designed to celebrate current SparkFun customers while giving those unfamiliar with SparkFun an easy foray into the wonderful world of DIY electronics. To learn more about or participate in Free Day please visit http://www.sparkfun.com.
"Free Day is our way of giving back to our loyal customer base of innovative and passionate electronics enthusiasts, and to offer first-time folks an opportunity to get started designing and building fun electronic gadgets," said SparkFun Founder and CEO Nathan Seidle. "We love helping people turn designs ideas into reality and we look forward to seeing what our community members come up with as a result of this event."
In the winter of 2003, SparkFun was but a twinkle in Seidle's eye. But as he toiled away on an engineering project, Seidle realized it was unnecessarily difficult to find the parts he needed to complete his project. From his college apartment, he maxed out his credit cards buying the essentials (parts and pizza) and founded SparkFun Electronics. The rest, as they say, is history.
In its seventh year of business, SparkFun hosted its first Free Day event, successfully giving away $100k worth of goods on a first-come, first-served basis. In the second Free Day, the stakes are raised with $150k (a max of $100 per person) up for grabs as users are rewarded either based on the number of years they have been SparkFun customers or their answers to an electronics-themed quiz. In addition to the prize funds, SparkFun will donate $2 for each correctly answered question (up to a total of $30,000) to a collection of three charities: The Gathering Place, The Hunger Project, and X Prize Foundation.
For all the details on SparkFun's Free Day and to learn how to get your credit, visit http://www.sparkfun.com
About SparkFun Electronics
SparkFun is an online retail store that sells the bits and pieces to make electronics projects possible. Whether it's a homebuilt MP3 player or a GPS cat tracking device, our products and resources are designed to make the world of electronics more accessible to any individual with an inventive spirit. In addition to products, SparkFun also offers classes and a number of online tutorials designed to help educate individuals in the wonderful world of embedded electronics.
For more information call AnnDrea Boe at 303-284-0979, ext. 800, or email AnnDrea Boe at anndrea@sparkfun.com.
SOURCE SparkFun Electronics
SparkFun Electronics
CONTACT: Terri Douglas of Catapult PR-IR, +1-303-581-7760, cell, +1-303-808-6820, tdouglas@catapultpr-ir.com, for SparkFun Electronics
Exent's GameTanium Service Enables Anytime, Anywhere Game Play
The World's Best Game Service is coming to Android Devices
NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gaming is undergoing a paradigm shift as users turn more attention to mobile devices and tablets. These gamers now demand a level of convenience and flexibility traditional consoles or PCs have not been able to deliver. As the leader in powering Games OnDemand offerings, Exent announced today the upcoming launch of its GameTanium(TM) for Android service. The new service is the first and only Games OnDemand offering for Android mobile devices that allow gamers limitless, 24/7 game play with more than 100 Android native games for a flat monthly rate.
With the launch of GameTanium for Android, users will now have unlimited access to top quality Android games with new games added weekly. The experience Exent has at merchandising and monetizing content fills a void in the current marketplace. The service boasts smarter merchandising and programming to help users find the games they want to play. Featured content, recommendations, ratings, and the world's largest collection of video trailers are among these advanced programming efforts. Exent will select only the best apps to optimize the Android experience.
The integrated offering is the industry's first native Android subscription service that provides access to hundreds of games for a flat monthly rate. At its launch in February, the service will be available for a seven day free trial and can subsequently be billed securely and conveniently through PayPal. The service will be introduced on leading Android mobile phones in February and will roll out on several other platforms and devices, including tablets in early 2011.
"Gamers can finally feed their APPetites with unlimited play of the world's best games at their fingertips, no matter where they are," stated Christina Kuzma, CMO of Exent. "We are excited to introduce the GameTanium service on Android. As we expand multi-platform support, users will be able to enjoy 24/7 gameplay on virtually any device of their choosing."
With the launch of GameTanium for Android, Exent is merely scratching the surface of its play anywhere vision to power the industry's first seamless, uninterrupted gaming experience across multiple platforms. Coming in 2011, Exent's GameTanium(TM) OnDemand will be enhanced and become the first-of-its-kind integrated gaming service that enables users to start a game on one device and continue it on another, delivering seamless play across multiple platforms. Gamers will be able to effortlessly switch between their phone, PC, tablet and TV while their games, scores and levels are instantly saved, transferred and carried to the next device. The gamer's community features including user profiles, customized avatars and prize points will also cross over to the other screens.
Android publishers and developers can learn more about adding their apps to the service by visiting http://exent.com/our-products/playanywhere.html. GameTanium will also be showcased at Mobile World Congress from February 14-17 at Hall 4, level 1, stand 4.1HS01.
About Exent
Exent is the leading global market solutions provider for monetization of PC and mobile video games. Exent delivers technologies and products for various markets, including video game publishers, broadband service providers, consumer portals, consumer electronic manufacturers, media companies, ad agencies, brand owners, retailers and others.
Media Contact:
Gerald Kimber White
781-455-8250
Exent@rfbinder.com
Summit Business Media Launches PropertyCasualty360.com - the Industry's Most Comprehensive Website for P&C Insurance Professionals
NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Summit Business Media announced the official launch today of a new comprehensive website for property & casualty insurance professionals, PropertyCasualty360.com.
"PropertyCasualty360.com is part of our strategy to address a critical need among our insurance audience," said John Whelan, executive vice president of Summit Business Media. "In a survey Summit Business Media conducted, 96.5 percent of P&C professionals reported that there is no single online source of trusted information that addresses all their professional needs. PropertyCasualty360.com will provide all the content and tools they need in a single destination website."
PropertyCasualty360.com delivers a 360 degree view of the industry by harnessing the expertise of five leading P&C brands: National Underwriter Property & Casualty, American Agent & Broker, Tech Decisions, Claims Magazine, and Florida Underwriter. The website is also powered by the most trusted reference, data, and event products in the industry, including Highline Data, Kirschner's, FC&S, America's Claims Event, and the P&C Executive Conferences.
"This is a very exciting time for everyone associated with the National Underwriter suite of products," said Eric Gilkey, editor of PropertyCasualty360.com. "We have been the leading source of information for P&C professionals since the flagship product was launched in 1897. In recent years, we've seen a huge increase in demand for our content via web and mobile devices. This new website really puts our brands at the cutting edge of modern information delivery." Gilkey said the site will provide in-depth coverage of all the issues that are most important to agents and brokers, carrier professionals, risk managers/corporate buyers, and claims professionals. "Our dedicated staff of 15 full-time editors has over 200 years of experience covering this industry, so we will be able to combine real industry expertise with the best that the web has to offer, including new tools, applications, and data products."
Hundreds of new stories will be posted every day and organized around five primary channels: Markets, Risk, Claims, Agent & Broker and Technology. Content is further organized into 30 subtopics and regional news broken out into six areas, making the content easily accessible and searchable. The site also features exclusive contributed content from industry opinion leaders, robust directories, magazine content from National Underwriter Property & Casualty, American Agent & Broker,Tech Decisions, Claims Magazine, and Florida Underwriter, mobile functionality, and more.
"PropertyCasualty360.com is the one stop connection for all things P&C," said Chris Luke, group publisher. "This comprehensive site is also great for advertisers. Not only can they reach more of the market with traditional online advertising, but also they can opt for non-traditional targeting opportunities, custom packages, and sophisticated campaign monitoring. All thanks to the open-source technology PropertyCasualty360.com was built on."
PropertyCasualty360.com is the second website Summit Business Media has built on the open-source platform. Cloud computing allows PropertyCasualty360.com the flexibility and resources it needs to scale rapidly, while a new content management system allows editors to publish content more quickly.
"Breaking news is the most important information to our readers, and the open-source platform allows editors to report faster on PropertyCasualty360.com," said Rob Flaherty, director of interactive media. "Now editors will spend less time on uploading stories and more time on serving P&C professionals."
PropertyCasualty360.com has also launched a suite of eNewsletters delivering breaking news and targeted, topical content for P&C professionals. To subscribe, visit PropertyCasualty360.com/eNewsletters
About Summit Business MediaSummit Business Media
is the leading B2B media company serving the insurance and investment markets. Through its Media and Reference divisions, SBM publishes 16 magazines, more than 30 targeted industry Web sites, and 150 reference titles. The Events Division hosts a dozen conferences supporting these brands. SBM's Data Division is the leading provider of group benefits and retirement prospecting tools and insurance industry financial data. For more information, visit SummitBusinessMedia.com.
SOURCE Summit Business Media
Summit Business Media
CONTACT: Eric Gilkey, Editor, PropertyCasualty360.com, +1-800-544-0622, ext. 2128, egilkey@sbmedia.com
Accu-Sort® Offers the Ability to 'Save Every Image' from Warehouse Barcode Scanners
VisionCapture(TM) System 2.0 enables users of AccuVision® AV6010 camera bar code systems to Capture, Store, and Archive ALL Images
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Accu-Sort® Systems, Inc. continues to set the standard for imaging systems through its AccuVision® AV6010 camera bar code scanner with VisionCapture(TM) System 2.0. This system enables the user to capture every image and potentially offload these images to a pre-determined location for viewing, analyzing, and/or archiving.
Retail distribution centers and parcel shipment hubs using camera bar code scanners can analyze the off-loaded images for multiple benefits including:
-- Proof of compliant labels: users must pay charge backs to their
customers if labels are not correctly placed; visual proof of compliant
labels can reduce charge backs
-- Product verification: visual proof of items that are included in an
order; helps to reduce shrinkage or missing items claims
-- Bar code print analysis: visually zoom in and review bar code to check
for defects in printing
The VisionCapture(TM) System 2.0 provides a 'virus-free' Linux-based operating system and flexible, easy-to-use software tools that accommodate even the most demanding applications. The VisionCapture software can be set-up to capture full-resolution images, down-sampled images, or down-sampled image plus regions where a bar code was detected (full resolution). Images can be of an entire item, or a specific region of interest (e.g., bar code, label). This gives users the ability to capture images for off-line review and analysis in three formats: JPEG, BMP, and PNG. The MultiViewer(TM) software tool enables users to analyze the captured images, displaying images from up to six AV6010 camera bar code scanners.
The AccuVision AV6010 Camera Bar Code Scanner provides a flexible and upgradeable computing architecture to meet the needs of most demanding applications. Processors can be configured for decoding, OCR/OCV/VCS, in-camera dimensioning, and more, allowing the system to be easily configured assuring each application has all the power it needs to get the job done fast and accurately.
For more information on the AV6010 camera and VisionCapture(TM), visit
Accu-Sort Systems is a pioneer in advanced auto ID systems with four decades of experience deploying and supporting bar code systems, tracking and sortation solutions in various industries including transportation, logistics, manufacturing, and retail. The company is one of the world's leading providers of high-speed laser and camera-based solutions for bar code reading as well as complete turnkey integrated systems solutions. 1-800-BAR-CODE(TM) or http://www.accusort.com.
Accu-Sort®, AccuVision®, VisionCapture(TM), MultiViewer(TM) and 1-800-BAR-CODE(TM) are trademarks or registered trademarks of Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
Axeda Announces Free Offering of its Award-Winning M2M Application Development Platform for Wireless Products
Industry's first free platform offering will accelerate the M2M market by simplifying how companies build, service, and extend connected product solutions
FOXBORO, Mass., Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Axeda Corporation today announced a free offering of its Axeda® Platform, making it possible for companies to develop and deploy wireless connected product solutions with no initial costs. With this new offering, Axeda eliminates start-up barriers to developing real-world, wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, enabling companies to get solutions to market faster.
The emerging market for connected products impacted many industries in 2010, with M2M solutions driving significant new business models such as usage-based insurance, telemedicine, consumer telematics, and digital signage. With market estimates projecting upwards of 50 billion connected devices by 2020, ubiquitous connectivity will continue to push the market forward at a blistering pace.
"2011 will be a breakthrough year for M2M," said Eric Goodness, Research VP, Gartner, Inc. "As the provider ecosystem moves to take complexity out of pricing models and make overall solution consumption easier, companies will see even more opportunities to connect assets and develop solutions that will transform their industries -- with first movers having a decided advantage."
Available for wireless M2M application development, the new Axeda Platform licensing is based on a pay-as-you-grow model with a free offering for initial deployments. It also allows companies to easily adopt a commercial offering based on features, scalability, and support requirements that are tailored to their specific business needs.
"We see this new model as a way to eliminate friction in the M2M market," said Dale Calder, CEO and founder, Axeda Corporation. "Companies want to take advantage of this enormous M2M opportunity but are struggling to get started. Our new pricing model coupled with the expansive online Axeda Developer Connection community addresses the cost and complexity challenges -- providing developers with free access to the tools and resources needed to rapidly build and deploy wireless M2M applications in a field-tested production environment."
Leveraging a decade's worth of innovation, the Axeda Platform processes more than 250 million transactions daily, making it the most scalable cloud platform for connected products known on the market today. The Axeda Platform delivers over 90 percentof the capabilities needed to develop and deploy an M2M solution, out-of-the-box. With these capabilities, developers and system integrators can focus on vertical application development and integration instead of the complex underlying plumbing.
"Market research has shown that the average M2M project takes 3-5 years, costs $8M, and experiences 2-3 failures," added Calder. "We want to save companies from the time, cost, and overall frustration of trying to build the required infrastructure themselves. We want to get them on the 5-day plan, not the 5-year plan."
Developers can evaluate the Axeda Platform today and start building wireless M2M applications at the Axeda Developer Connection: http://developer.axeda.com. The definitive source for M2M application development, the Axeda Developer Connection teaches community members how to rapidly build and deploy M2M applications by accessing technical articles, sample applications, code snippets, tutorials, and product documentation at no cost.
More Information
For detailed information on this new offering and to take next steps in deploying your wireless M2M applications into production, contact us today or visit: http://www.axeda.com/how-to-buy.
About Axeda
Axeda Corporation is connecting the world's products. Its cloud platform and applications enable manufacturers, solution providers, and system integrators to rapidly connect, build, service, and extend powerful machine to machine (M2M) applications that drive new business models and revenue opportunities. More than 150 of the world's leading enterprises, including Agilent, Diebold, and EMC, rely on Axeda's VeriSign® Security certified solutions today. Join our developer community at: http://developer.axeda.com and learn more at http://www.axeda.com.
Contacts
Media Inquiries Media Inquiries:
Erin Smith Megan Boyaval
Axeda Corporation Corporate Ink
508-337-9200 617-969-9192
esmith@axeda.com mboyaval@corporateink.com
Frost & Sullivan Award Highlights Hybridyne Technologies' Outstanding Technology Innovation
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the prostate cancer diagnosis market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Hybridyne Technologies, Inc. with the 2010 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Innovation of the Year.
ProxiScan(TM), recently approved by the FDA, is based on the compact cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detector, which is the core enabling component for creating high resolution images. ProxiScan(TM) is unique because it differs from traditional scintillator-based SPECT gamma cameras by offering much higher spatial resolution. It emerges as a technology that can lead to a more accurate and timely diagnosis and vastly improve upon the treatment strategies used for patients, leading to improved cancer care.
"This technology has the distinct advantages of being compact and less costly, while offering better image quality within a smaller field of view," explains Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Sangeetha Prabakar. "Not only does it provide effective and more accurate localization of cancer at an earlier stage, the device's compactness also allows more accurate imaging by targeting the desired imaging area."
Because of its compact design, ProxiScan(TM) can be used for trans-rectal imaging and intra-body cavity measurements, which were originally not possible with conventional gamma cameras. With ProxiScan(TM), the working distance between the gamma camera and prostate gland is greatly minimized. This allows urologists to obtain much better images of abnormal tissue with smaller amounts of the injected radioactive tracer.
"ProxiScan(TM)'s spectrometer-mode imaging capabilities, coupled with its proximity to the imaging area, greatly reduces the adverse effects of scattered radiation, allowing ProxiScan(TM) to mitigate this key issue that limits image quality," remarks Prabakar. "The system - by being capable of producing high-fidelity pictures more clearly - detects and localizes cancerous tumors distributed throughout the regions of interest, with the potential to detect very small tumors that would be missed with other nuclear-medical imaging technologies."
Frost & Sullivan's research shows ProxiScan(TM)'s underlying technology is likely to emerge as one of the best solutions for prostate cancer diagnosis and can potentially help physicians with its greater level of sensitivity and precision at a relatively lower cost. In addition, physicians could find it easier to use because of its ease of installation and ready availability in their offices.
Furthermore, since urologists currently use trans-rectal ultrasound probes, the use of Hybridyne's ProxiScan(TM) is expected to find easy acceptance among primary end users as an intra-body-cavity probe. For patients, the compact size of the system may enhance convenience and lead to overall cost reductions for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
"This will have a positive impact on most stages of cancer detection and treatment, including diagnosis, assistance with image-guided biopsies, and active surveillance," notes Prabakar. "Other potential applications of ProxiScan(TM) technology include the detection and management of other diseases that could benefit from higher resolution imaging, such as breast, thyroid, brain, cervical, colorectal and uterine cancers, as well as small animal research, such as nuclear medical studies on mice and rats for drug development."
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company that has demonstrated excellence in the following categories: uniqueness of technology, impact on new products/applications, impact on functionality, impact on customer value and relevance of innovation to industry.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.
About Hybridyne Imaging Technologies, Inc
Hybridyne Imaging Technologies, based in Toronto, Canada, is a company that specializes in the development of compact gamma cameras for nuclear medicine studies. The company's recent innovation, ProxiScan(TM) - a miniaturized gamma camera and probe for high resolution imaging of prostate cancer - was born out of collaborative research efforts between the firm and the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory scientists. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Nonproliferation Research and Development has been the principal funding source for the development of CZT detectors - the core enabling component of ProxiScan(TM) - while Hybridyne Imaging Technologies funded the design and engineering of the physical device. Sixteen patents related to the ProxiScan(TM) technology, covering detector design, fabrication and imaging are held by Hybridyne and its collaborators at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The company was the recipient of the 2009 R&D 100 Award for the development of ProxiScan(TM). Hybridyne recently entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC, the manager of Brookhaven National Laboratory, for developing ProxiScan(TM) for the imaging of cancer and detection of other abnormalities in the body.
The company received FDA clearance for the ProxiScan(TM) imaging device in April 2010 for intra-operative use, on pathological specimens, and for endocavity applications. Incidentally, ProxiScan(TM) is the first ever gamma camera device to be FDA cleared for use on animal models. Hybridyne has thus emerged as a technology pioneer in this field by developing a novel device that allows physicians to do a more specific and confirmatory diagnosis of the disease; as such, patients are now assured of a potential lifesaving treatment.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.awards.frost.com.
Take Video Playback to the Next Level with New DivX Plus(TM) HD Certified Universal Media Players from Marantz
DivX Plus HD Certification brings support for MKV with multiple subtitle and audio tracks, smooth fast forward and rewind, auto chapter points, and more
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --DivX®, a division of Sonic Solutions® (Nasdaq: SNIC), and Marantz®, a world leader of advanced home entertainment solutions, today announced that Marantz will integrate DivX Plus(TM) HD Certification in its new line of universal media players. The integration will enable a range of advanced features, while employing an H.264 codec in the popular MKV file container with AAC audio to deliver exceptional visual quality.
Consumers who purchase the newly-developed DivX Plus HD Certified Universal Media Players will enjoy high-quality playback of DivX Plus HD video directly on the device using virtually any optical disc or through the USB slot. Users can also stream DivX Plus videos via DLNA v1.5 (Digital Living Network Alliance), ensuring easy content viewing across connected devices.
Key advanced DivX Plus HD features on the Marantz players include support for as many as eight subtitle and audio tracks in a single movie file, smooth fast forward and rewind for simple navigation through a DivX Plus video, and auto chapter points, so users may skip between chapters in a video when no chapters have previously been authored.
"Marantz is renowned for creating innovative home theater products, and its adoption of DivX Plus HD technology demonstrates the value that leading OEMs have for DivX playback," said Matt Milne, Executive Vice President and General Manager, DivX. "Now, when a consumer sees the DivX Plus HD logo on a Marantz Universal Media Player, they can rest assured that their collection of digital video files will playback flawlessly."
"Our new UD5005 and UD7006 Universal Media Players are among the most sophisticated in today's advanced source component marketplace, and the inclusion of DivX Plus HD playback adds an even greater level of entertainment value for today's discerning consumers," said Kevin Zarow, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Marantz America. "MKV playback, 1080p playback and advanced features like smooth fast forward and rewind are features we know our customers will be excited about."
DivX Plus HD Certification is the premium level of certification available from DivX, awarded to consumer electronics products supporting the optimized playback of all content created with DivX software. Available on http://www.divx.com, DivX Plus Software allows users to create and playback H.264 video in an .mkv file container. DivX Plus HD Certified devices will playback all previous versions of DivX video and DivX Plus HD video files with the .mkv file extension and AAC audio created with third-party tools.
The UD5005 is now available in the United States, and the UD7006 will follow in February. Both devices offer true universal compatibility from virtually all of today's most advanced video and audio formats. The Universal Media Players reflect Marantz's longstanding foundation of audio superiority and innovation, while also embodying the company's "three pillars" of commitment to its customers -- impeccable design, total user convenience, and increased connectivity.
Known for great performance, visual quality, and interoperability on any DivX Certified® device, DivX provides consumers with a comprehensive digital media solution supporting the majority of high-quality Internet video on their TVs or other consumer electronics devices. All DivX devices contain proprietary digital rights management technology and are capable of playing back premium movies in the DivX format from major studios. Global online retailers offering titles in the DivX format include WB Shop, Media Markt, Film Fresh, and Best Buy's CinemaNow, which is powered by RoxioNow(TM).
DivX creates, distributes, and licenses digital video technologies that span the "three screens" comprising today's consumer media environment -- the PC, television, and mobile devices. Over 400 million DivX devices have shipped into the market worldwide from leading consumer electronics manufacturers. DivX also offers content providers and publishers a complete solution for the distribution of secure, high-quality digital video content. Driven by a globally recognized brand and a passionate community of hundreds of millions of consumers, DivX is simplifying the video experience to enable the digital home.
Marantz America, LLC is committed to upholding the tradition of technological superiority initiated by founder Saul Marantz. In keeping with this emphasis on quality, Marantz audio and video components are carried only by the nation's premier independent audio/video specialty retailers. Additional information is available at http://www.us.marantz.com and http://www.facebook.com/marantzamerica. Marantz America, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of D&M Holdings Inc.
About Sonic Solutions
Sonic Solutions® (NASDAQ: SNIC) enables digital media from Hollywood to Home. For more than two decades, Sonic products, service, and technology brands including Roxio®, RoxioNow(TM), DivX®, and MainConcept®, have fueled home entertainment, powered rich digital media functionality on a range of platforms for a variety of partners, and inspired unique personal media experiences for hundreds of millions of consumers. Sonic technologies are now combining to deliver a universal platform for Hollywood Studios, retailers, consumer electronics manufacturers, and PC OEMs that provides consumers instant access to premium entertainment from virtually anywhere. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Marin County, California. Learn more at http://www.sonic.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This release may contain forward looking statements that are based upon current expectations, including the launch, distribution, and market acceptance of the DivX format. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Sonic Solutions' annual and quarterly reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release should be read in conjunction with Sonic Solutions' most recent annual report on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which contain a more detailed discussion of the Company's business including risks and uncertainties that may affect future results. Sonic Solutions does not undertake to update any forward looking statements.
Sonic, the Sonic logo, Sonic Solutions, Roxio, RoxioNow, DivX, DivX Certified, and Hollywood to Home are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by Sonic Solutions in the United States and/or other countries. Marantz is a registered trademark of D&M Holdings, Inc. or its subsidiaries. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective owners and, in some cases, are used by Sonic Solutions under license.
Verizon Wireless Strengthens Industry-Leading 3G Network in the New York Metro Area With Sixteen New Cell Sites
Enhanced cell sites keep residents connected to email, music & mobile Web
Verizon Wireless continues to set the pace for 3G network while simultaneously rolling out and maintaining robust 4G network
Company strives to offer customers best network options to suit their needs
WARREN, N.J., Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, provider of the nation's largest and most reliable 3G network, today announced the activation of sixteen new cell sites in the New York Metro Region. The company turned on five new cell sites in both Rockland and Suffolk Counties, three in Westchester County, and additional cell sites in Nassau, New York and Putnam Counties. Wireless calling, text messaging and mobile Web surfing on the company's award-winning 3G network are now easier and faster for residents and visitors in these communities.
"While establishing our recently-launched 4G LTE network is something we take very seriously, it is important for our customers to know that we are also committed to holding our position as the most reliable 3G network in the nation," said Pat Devlin, New York Metro region president for Verizon Wireless. "As it stands now, the 3G network is what most of our customers are using now. While many will eventually cross over to 4G for business applications and heavier data usage, a good percentage will find that our 3G network will continue to suit their needs very well for the foreseeable future."
The expanded coverage and increased data capacity enables customers in these areas to enjoy better reception, fewer dropped calls and faster download speeds when using their wireless devices to talk, text, email, view high-quality videos and access VZ Navigator's turn-by-turn directions. Additionally, these network enhancements further boost Verizon Wireless' network reliability, particularly during emergencies such as power outages and extreme weather conditions when wireless communications are needed the most. These new cell sites are part of Verizon Wireless' aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for the company's voice and data services.
Nationally, one hundred real-life Verizon Wireless test men and women drive more than 90 specially-equipped vehicles nearly one million miles each year on the country's most frequently traveled roadways to confirm that voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.
The new cell sites and their coverage areas include:
-- Monsey, NY (Rockland County)
-- Spring Valley, NY (Rockland County)
-- Suffern, NY (Rockland County)
-- Suffern Park, NY (Rockland County)
-- Palisades, NY (Rockland County)
-- East Islip, NY (Suffolk County)
-- Blue Point, NY (Suffolk County)
-- Medford, NY (Suffolk County)
-- Wading River, NY (Suffolk County)
-- Village of The Branch, NY (Suffolk County)
-- Bronxville, NY (Westchester County)
-- Yonkers, NY (Westchester County)
-- Croton on Hudson, NY (Westchester County)
-- Merrick, NY (Nassau County)
-- New York City (New York County)
-- and West Paterson, NY (Putnam County)
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 92 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Click here to visit our Verizon Wireless Northeast Tumblr page, and check us out on Twitter, http://twitter.com/VzW_NYMetro.
Case-Mate® Unveils Accessories for the Just-Released Verizon iPhone
Practical to Fashion Forward: A Case for Every Occasion
ATLANTA, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Case-Mate®, which has been creating innovative accessories that protect, adorn, and enhance mobile technology since 2006, is now ready to dress the much-anticipated Verizon iPhone with nine new cases in a range of colors, textures, and materials to suit any fashion sensibility from edgy to practical to high style.
"By focusing on fashion and design, Case-Mate continues to develop innovative accessories for all of the newly released mobile devices," says Shashi Reddy, founder and CEO of Case-Mate. "The launch of these new cases for the Verizon iPhone offers a new group of consumers the option to protect and adorn it in a style that fits their lifestyle, while keeping up with the latest technology."
The following Verizon iPhone accessories will be available from Case-Mate starting in January:
Get Your Play On:
-- Monsta, $24.99: A nod to the slightly strange, this animated case turns
monsters from scary to silly. Vibrant colors, intricate details and a
textured grip, this is a fun case for all ages. Available in white/red,
pink/purple, green/dark green and gray/white.
-- Waddler, $24.99: An abstract penguin hides playfully on the back of this
soft case, making it a perfect fit and conversation piece for all.
Available in black, brown and blue.
-- Egg, $24.99: Extruded dots of different heights simulate the distinctive
look of an egg crate and create an interesting feel in hand. Created by
Nike designer, Erik Arlen, this case is available in red, white, blue
and black.
-- Gelli, $19.99: Bright displays of fun color highlight cutting-edge
technology. The Gelli iPhone case brings visually dazzling patterns and
flashes of color, all of which are uniquely blended for maximum pop.
Available in red, clear and grey.
-- Vroom, $14.99: Start your engines. This case treads new ground in the
mobile accessory arena. Created with an on-the-go lifestyle in mind, the
Vroom drives to keep your iPhone protected. Available in black.
Sexy Tough:
-- Pop!, $34.99: Using an innovative co-molding technique, the Pop!
seamlessly integrates two supportive materials to bring you the best of
both worlds - a hard case with soft handling. Available in white/grey,
black/grey, purple/grey, red/grey, pink/grey, blue/grey, green/grey and
grey/black color combinations.
-- Tough, $34.99: Seat belts, helmets - innovations protecting what makes
your life go. Meet the next big thing with the same reason for being...
Tough case for the Verizon iPhone. Available in black/black, pink/black,
yellow/black and green/black.
Just What's Needed:
-- Barely There, $24.99: This thin iPhone case is the surest way to
highlight [the world's thinnest smartphone (at 9.3 millimeters)].
-- Artist Collections, $34.99: The ultimate in artistic expression, choose
a case that features the art of internationally-renowned artists,
including Chuck Anderson, Deanne Cheuk, Matt Moore and Shadow Chen.
-- Anti Glare/Anti Fingerprint Screen Protector (2 pack), $19.99: Made from
a tough self-adhesive film, these screen protectors prevent
fingerprints, dirt, dust and scratches from marking up your iPhone.
-- 4-Way Privacy Screen Protector, $19.99: The Case-Mate Privacy Screen
will shield your iPhone from curious onlookers. It provides
multi-directional, crystal clear viewing and the highest security level
available on the market today.
All of these screen protectors and cases for the Verizon iPhone 4 will be available for purchase at http://www.case-mate.com. Also, find cases for a wide variety of smartphones and tablets on the Case-Mate website.
About Case-Mate
Case-Mate is the leader in design of fashion-forward accessories for mobile technology and tablets. Since 2006, the company has helped consumers express their individual style with products that protect, adorn and enhance their mobile devices. Working with top designers from around the world and using cutting-edge materials, Case-Mate's team of technology and design aficionados have created an extensive repertoire of mobile and tablet cases right for any style and every occasion. For more information, visit http://www.case-mate.com.
Tracesmart Becomes Missing People's Official Search Partner
CARDIFF, Wales, Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Tracesmart, one of the UK's leading data specialists, has entered into a three-year agreement to support the charity Missing People. Tracesmart will give practical support and financial investment to help Missing People provide a lifeline to the 250,000 people who run away and go missing each year.
Founded in 1999, the Cardiff-based tracing company has helped many people to find friends and relatives who they have lost contact with. Tracesmart's online people search tool provides a fast and convenient way to find people as well as allowing users to use their address finder tool and search the electoral register.
Commenting on the charity's new partnership with Tracesmart, Missing People's Chief Executive, Martin Houghton-Brown said: "Thanks to Tracesmart's generosity, Missing People will continue to act as a lifeline to the 250,000 people that go missing every year and support the heartbroken families left behind. There is such a great synergy between our organisations and we are looking forward to working together."
Owen Roberts, Tracesmart's Head of Public Relations elaborated: "When we learnt that currently one in four calls made to Missing People's helplines could not be answered, we were particularly eager to offer our support to enhance the charity's resources. We've already discussed future events that we can help promote and look forward to working with Missing People to support the fantastic and vital work that it provides."
The charity is currently campaigning for the rights of families of missing people. As well as having to cope with the emotional upset of losing someone, these families also have to deal with a huge financial strain. Due to current laws, closing someone's financial accounts can cost a family up to 25,000 pounds Sterling; Missing People are campaigning for a change in current legislation. Tracesmart recognises the stress and frustration that these families experience, and is providing Missing People with financial support to ensure this change in legislation becomes a reality.
About Tracesmart
Established in 1999, Tracesmart is a leading consumer intelligence specialist. Their online people search facility is utilised by thousands of people to help them reconnect with lost family and friends through numerous sources of public information including the electoral register, land registry and birth records. Since the company's launch, Tracesmart has undergone significant growth, employing over 80 staff and expanding their site facilities to accommodate their increasing pool of expertise.
About Missing People
Missing People offers a lifeline to the 250,000 people who run away and go missing every year. For those left behind, the charity provides specialised support to ease the heartache and confusion, and helps search for their missing loved one.
Missing People is a proud member of Missing Children Europe and The Helplines Association.
PR contact:
Owen Roberts
Head of Public Relations
Tracesmart Ltd
Global Reach
Dunleavy Drive
Cardiff
CF11 0SN
Tel: 029 2067 8513 http://www.tracesmart.co.uk
SOURCE Tracesmart
Tracesmart
CONTACT: Owen Roberts, Head of Public Relations, Tracesmart Ltd, 029 2067 8513
Bullpen Capital Launches First Venture Fund Focused on Second Round Financing in Super Angel Seeded Deals
Industry veterans Paul Martino, Duncan Davidson, and Richard Melmon team to extend the capital efficient ecosystem
MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bullpen Capital today announced its new venture capital fund focused on second round financings. Bullpen makes follow-on investments in capital-efficient technology companies that have been initially funded by super-angel funds.
"There is a big hole in the emerging capital efficient, or lean investing, ecosystem," said Paul Martino, founder and managing partner of Bullpen. "For every Zynga that flies immediately out of the gate, there are several companies like Chegg that require a small amount of additional money to make it to their homerun potential. It was in my early discussions with Mike Maples, founder of Floodgate Capital and early investor in Chegg, that I realized the size of the hole." Mike Maples recently told the story in detail at Founder's Showcase. The video can be found at http://vimeo.com/16098382.
Bullpen last week announced its first lead investment, a San Francisco-based company called Assistly, which provides a cloud-based customer service offering that is leading a new wave of social CRM innovation. "As the CEO of a young company with great potential, I wanted to make sure we had the right type of investor who could help us in terms of overall strategy and tactical execution. The Bullpen team has years of entrepreneurial experience and is well positioned to help us scale our business," said Alex Bard, CEO of Assistly.
Phil Black, managing partner of True Ventures, and the lead series A investor in Assistly, said, "I introduced Assistly to Bullpen, as I knew it was right in the wheelhouse of the kind of deals that they wanted to see. My co-founder of True, Jon Callaghan, coined the phrase 'Rational B,' and we are very pleased that there is now a firm in the ecosystem focused on making such investments." Coverage of the Assistly funding announcement can be found at http://techcrunch.com/2011/01/04/assistly-scores-3-million-more-for-fast-growing-saas-customer-service-product/.
"Extending the capital efficient model beyond the seed stage is in the best interest of both company founders and seed stage investors. Some early stage deals will become homeruns, some will lead to small M&A, and some will require a pivot before either outcome," said Duncan Davidson, co-founder and managing partner of Bullpen. "The current venture model is less than optimal, as the founding team and investors must decide too early if they are collectively playing small ball or homerun ball. By extending capital efficiency into the second round, the company preserves exit options. This is why we believe Bullpen is such a critical piece of the venture ecosystem for both founders and seed stage investors."
"Lean investing is becoming mainstream for Internet service deals, not only for the now familiar consumer markets, but increasingly, as in the case of Assistly, for the enterprise as well. Such deals more often than not will need additional 'lean' capital to prove their business models and establish early customer traction, before reaching out to the conventional venture community. Bullpen gives them time to develop their potential," said Richard Melmon, founding managing partner of Bullpen.
Bullpen is targeting a $50 million dollar first fund that is being closed in two phases. The initial capital is being provided by Internet investing all-stars such as Brian O'Kelley, CEO of AppNexus and early investor in Invite Media. "When I heard the Bullpen story, I immediately knew that I had to be involved. The hole in the market that they are addressing is huge, and I have seen it personally many times with investments that I have seeded. Paul has formed a great team to go after this opportunity big time," said O'Kelley.
"Second round investing can be difficult, but very rewarding. A firm focused on investing in companies during their adolescent stage is certainly needed in the ecosystem," said Fred Wilson, managing partner of Union Square Ventures. Paul Martino was a first round investor alongside Union Square in Zynga. More on Wilson's view of investing at this stage can be found at http://www.avc.com/a_vc/2010/12/invest-in-the-mess.html.
About Bullpen Capital
Bullpen Capital leads second round investments in technology companies seeded by Super Angel investors. Founded by technology industry veterans Paul Martino, Duncan Davidson, and Richard Melmon, the fund is purpose-built to address a structural hole in the capital efficient or lean investing ecosystem.
No Mimes, JUXT Use Transmedia on a Global Scale With a New Team-Building Alternate Reality Game
Breakout Interactive Adventure Follows on Heels of Creators' Acclaimed 2009 ARG for Cisco; Social Media, New Tech Entertain While Cultivating Global Collaboration
LOS ANGELES, Jan 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second straight year, transmedia storytelling pioneers No Mimes Media has partnered with award-winning creative shop JUXT Interactive to craft a hugely successful Alternate Reality Game (ARG) for Cisco Systems' annual Global Sales Experience (GSX). This year's GSX marked Cisco's first major hybrid global event, fusing both virtual and physical components into a seamless interactive experience for 21,000 participants around the world.
Cisco wanted to use new forms of storytelling to focus their sales staff on company-wide collaboration, creativity and new products while engaging them in the company's annual sales meeting. Once again, they turned to No Mimes and JUXT, makers of The Threshold, the groundbreaking Alternate Reality Game created for last year's Global Sales Experience.
This year's transmedia story, The Hunt, served as the cornerstone of the event's engagement strategy, which also included a suite of collaborative online experiences. According to Angela Smith, Senior Manager of the Global Sales Experience, "The engagement strategy was absolutely crucial to this hybrid program's success. Giving a highly competitive audience an exciting challenge satisfies multiple goals, including collaboration across boundaries."
Part high-tech thriller, part treasure hunt, part social-media experiment, The Hunt transformed thousands of Cisco employees into active characters in an exciting storyline that unfolded over two weeks and across five continents. The experience utilized action-packed video and audio (co- produced with LiveTribe Productions), photos, email, phone messages, live event, social media and an array of Cisco tools to foster team building, problem-solving and interactive learning. Characters came to life through social media, posting Facebook and Twitter updates to drive the story in real-time, and engaging participants with one-on-one dialogues. Players even used GPS- based geocaching techniques to track down a clue in a real jewelry box hidden in Oslo, Norway. Throughout the experience, participants from around the world, communicated across departmental, disciplinary and language barriers, and immersed themselves in Cisco collaboration technologies that were instrumental in solving The Hunt.
Using transmedia storytelling in new, often unexpected ways - meaning, among other things, that narrative threads introduced in a video clip might be picked up in audio, then move to voicemail messages, online clues, social media and so on. "Sometimes we'd be making updates at 3 a.m., because it fit the time zone of a character's location," explains No Mimes Media Founding Partner (and content Co-Director) Behnam Karbassi, who adds that The Hunt's new-media depth was matched by stellar production values. "We had parkour-style stunts, a beautiful heroine, and
a former Bond villain to help tell the story."
As an added bonus, Cisco executives took time out of their busy schedules to make cameo appearances. "And this time," continues Karbassi, "they revealed a critical clue."
This epic, truly international adventure demonstrates not only the power of transmedia interaction for advancing the goals of brands like Cisco, but also its ability to expand our conception of storytelling in astounding new ways.
A case study of this transmedia entertainment experience is available at: http://www.NoMimes.com.
NO MIMES MEDIA
No Mimes Media creates engaging, narrative, transmedia entertainment experiences, delivered across multiple platforms--web, phone, video, audio and even the street where you live.
No Mimes Media has been a part of many groundbreaking, multi-award-winning projects, including the biggest and best Alternate Reality Games ever made, and is available for consulting, concepting and production throughout the world.
HC International to Provide .tel Names to Clients Through TelChina
LONDON, January 12, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Telnic Limited (http://telnic.tel), the Registry Operator for
the award-winning communications-focused .tel top level domain (TLD), and
TelChina (http://telchina.tel), its strategic partner in China, today
announced that HC International (http://www.hc360.com - HK8292), a leading
B2B E-commerce and traditional marketing services provider in China, has
begun providing .tel names to its 170,000 clients on the Southwest Operations
Centre platform.
Lucy Wang, CEO of TelChina explained: "We're pleased that HC
International is the first leading service provider in China to incorporate
.tel names into its E-commerce services. With the growing importance of an
online presence for business and increasing use of the mobile web, providing
.tel names will enhance discoverability, accessibility and the reputation of
their clients, both in China and abroad."
With over 10 million registered members in more than 32
industries, HC International is a leading B2B E-commerce service provider in
China. HC International will begin providing .tel names to its 170,000 small
and medium-sized businesses on its Southwest Operations Centre platform in
stages. Businesses will benefit from .tel names bundled with their current HC
International services, enabling their business to be found in a
cross-platform environment as well as improving their communications
effectiveness by offering customers different communications choices through
.tel, including mobile-optimized micro-sites.
Khashayar Mahdavi, CEO of Telnic Limited, said: "We are
confident that 2011 will be an exciting year for TelChina and .tel, given the
rapid adoption that they are experiencing from organisations such as HC
International. We fully anticipate an accelerated take-up of .tel names from
E-commerce, online marketing and telecommunications companies in the region
as the success of this and other deals become apparent."
About HC360
Founded in 1992, http://www.hc360.com (HK8292) is a leading
B2B E-commerce service provider in China. In December 2003, it successfully
listed on the Growth Enterprises Market (GEM) of the Stock Exchange of Hong
Kong Limited, and became the first listed mainland company in information
services industry and B2B electronic commerce services industry. At present,
it has over 10 million registered users and serves up to 8 million buyers in
more than 32 industries, making itself the most influential e-commerce
service provider in China.
The newest ParentLink product, Teacher Reach gives teachers the tools to bridge the communication gap between school and home.
LONDON, Jan. 12, 2011 - BETT - /PRNewswire/ -- ParentLink® today announced Teacher Reach, the newest member of the ParentLink family of education technology products. Teacher Reach adds specific features and functionality to the core ParentLink messaging platform that will make it easy for teachers to quickly and effectively communicate with a student's home. Designed and tested by real, working teachers who understand the need for good school-to-home communication, Teacher Reach provides a powerful yet extremely easy-to-use way for teachers to build parent partnerships and engage families.
For years, research has consistently shown that increasing parental involvement improves all areas of student activity; attendance, behavior, homework, graduation rates, etc. But until now, most teachers had to rely on notes home or the occasional phone call. Contacting each individual student's home was an extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive process. But with Teacher Reach, those same teachers can instantly send pre-crafted or custom messages to all students, groups of students, or individual students--all with a single mouse click.
Speaking on the benefits of allowing their teachers to use ParentLink, Debbie Fay, Principal at Mountain View Middle School in California stated, "The messages are increasing the turn-in rate of assignments and parental involvement overall. When you do that, achievement is bound to go up." She continued, "Teachers are saving themselves time, paper, and are getting communication to and from parents in a non-threatening way. ParentLink messages are a quick way to inform parents of events, progress reports, homework and miscellaneous matters going on in the classroom." A high school teacher in New Mexico, Stephanie Miera commented, "It only took me 5 minutes to make a ParentLink call to all parents; before it would have taken me close to 8 hours. With the time I saved I was able to do what I needed to do as a teacher instead of using that time to notify parents of the meeting."
As with all of the solutions from ParentLink, Teacher Reach is a completely web-hosted solution, requiring only an Internet connection and a web browser. And Teacher Reach can integrate with any school information system currently in use, instantly putting all of the student contact data at a teacher's fingertips.
Teacher Reach includes the following modules:
-- Message Library(TM)--a collection of the most practical and impactful
messages, available in multiple delivery types (phone, email, SMS text,
web) and translated into the most-used languages.
-- Target Messaging(TM)--a point-and-click interface that makes it
extremely easy for teachers to target students with the messages that
will have the greatest impact.
-- Parent TalkBack(TM)--Teacher Reach is the only communication product on
the market that allows true two-way communication between teachers and
parents.
-- Message Administrator(TM)--school administrators are given complete
control over the messages that are sent.
-- Message Bias--teachers and administrators can monitor messages based on
whether the message content is positive, neutral, or negative.
-- Reports--an impressive array of reports is included, such as Parent
Report, School Report, Bad Phone Numbers, Contact Report, Message
Tracking, Teacher Class Report, and much more.
"We are very excited about the announcement of Teacher Reach," said John Graff, ParentLink's President. "We have been exclusively serving the K-12 education industry for more than 20 years and are proud that so many school and school districts use ParentLink to make a positive impact on student attendance and achievement. However, putting a tool like Teacher Reach in the hands of individual teachers is even more satisfying, because we know it will have a direct, positive impact on the lives of individual students."
Teacher Reach is available immediately. For more information about Teacher Reach and all of the solutions from ParentLink, please visit: http://www.parentlink.net/teacherreach.
About ParentLink®
ParentLink is dedicated to helping educators increase student achievement through superior school-to-home communication technology. ParentLink has exclusively served the K-12 market for over 20 years, providing schools with the technology needed to link principal teachers, teachers, parents, students and the community together through our web portal and messaging services. Every week, thousands of educators use ParentLink to securely send millions of messages to students, parents, and the community, in the form of phone calls, emails, SMS text messages, printed letters, and fax messages, or via the web. ParentLink helps educators improve parental outreach efforts and enjoy the benefits of increased student achievement.
ParentLink USA:
180 N. University Ave., Suite 500, Provo, UT 84601
T: +1.800.735.2930 http://www.parentlink.net
ParentLink UK:
Basepoint Business Centre, Metcalf Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 7XX
T: 01293 817170 http://www.parentlinkuk.com
Media Contact:
Mark G. Child
mark.child@parentlink.net
+1.801.373.9669 x203
SOURCE ParentLink
ParentLink
CONTACT: ParentLink USA, 1-800-735-2930; or ParentLink UK, 01293 817170; or Mark G. Child, +1-801-373-9669, ext. 203, mark.child@parentlink.net+
BIS Data Centres Offers High Density Private Cage in Docklands Datacentre
LONDON, January 12, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- BIS Limited, a leading owner and operator of secure managed
London datacentres and outsourced managed IT services, is pleased to announce
the upcoming availability of a high density private cage in their
phenomenally popular Docklands' Datacentre.
Raj Bosamia, Commercial Director at BIS said, "We're delighted
to be able to bring this to market. Global Switch is an extremely popular
location and it's not often that clients are able to find this kind of
concurrent space and power."
The new private cage encompasses 85sqm, can accommodate up to
32 oversized cabinets and has 540Amps available. Further, the cage can also
support cold aisle containment and biometrics should this be required.
BIS Operations Director, Brian Packer added "The recent growth
in demand for colocation space from our customers convinced us that there was
appetite for a private cage of this size. The main build is already completed
so we're able to provision this rapidly as well as to customise or subdivide
if required."
BIS Limited
BIS is an independently owned, award winning 'Cisco Powered'
Managed Services Partner and leading data centre owner operator. BIS has been
designing, building and managing IT infrastructure solutions for over 10
years. BIS provides managed services covering colocation, networks, servers,
applications and storage and first class support. BIS has tailored their
managed services to several hundred clients across a number of sectors
including insurance, shipping, finance, legal and media.
For more information please contact:
Samantha Keating
Sales Director, BIS Limited
Tel: +44(0)20-7861-9322
E: skeating@bisdc.com
Source: BIS Ltd
For more information please contact: Samantha Keating, Sales Director, BIS Limited, Tel: +44(0)20-7861-9322, E: skeating@bisdc.com
Calling All Heroes and Villains - DC Universe(TM) Online Now Available Worldwide for the PC and PlayStation®3
For the First Time, Players Can Create Their Own Heroes or Villains and Team Up with Iconic DC Comics Characters in a Massively Multiplayer Universe on the PlayStation 3 and PC
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 11, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced the availability of its eagerly awaited online action game DC Universe(TM) Online (DCUO) at retailers worldwide for both the PC and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on behalf of DC Entertainment, DC Universe Online is the first massively multiplayer online (MMO) game on PlayStation 3 for North America and the first MMO game based in the DC Universe, allowing fans to create their own superhero or villain while joining forces with their favorite DC Comics characters such as Superman, Batman and The Joker to aid in saving - or destroying - the planet.
"We're redefining the genre and blazing a new trail in the gaming industry with the introduction of DC Universe Online," said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. "This is the first true action MMO utilizing twitch-based combat and physics to deliver a completely unique and immersive gameplay experience that is reflective of the creativity, action and strength of the DC Universe."
Smedley added: "We worked closely with the talented masterminds at DC Comics on the development of DC Universe Online to explore creative ways we could approach the action, and look and feel of the game to ensure that it extended the DC Universe experience in a way fans have come to know and would expect - from intense action combat that delivers the sensation of having superpowers, to regular interaction with DC superstars like Superman and Batman,and intimate looks at settings like Arkham Asylum and Metropolis."
To capture the true essence of the DC Universe and its iconic characters, Sony Online Entertainment tapped the top talent at DC Comics, including legendary artist and co-publisher of DC Comics, Jim Lee, who served as executive creative director for DC Universe Online and provided the art style for the game Famed DC comic book writers Geoff Johns and Marv Wolfman were tasked with establishing the back-story of the Universe and creating thousands of compelling story arcs, epic quests and action-packed in-game events. For example, players might be tasked with rescuing Batwoman from the fear gas that Scarecrow has unleashed in Gotham City's sewers, or battle Power Girl as they work with Lex Luthor to create an army of mutants out of Metropolis citizens.
DCUO combines the immersive environments and fascinating story arcs of MMOs with fast-paced, physics-based combat to deliver more super-powered action than ever before. In the game, playerscan pick up buses, fly into the air and throw them at enemies, run up the sides of buildings to engage in melee brawls while shooting flames of fire from their hands, or cling to the side of buildings while using a grappling hook to pull flying opponents out of the sky - all while interacting with the iconic characters of DC Comics.
"DC Universe Online transforms more than 75 years of action and adventure into a fully realized immersive experience that brings players into the world of DC like never before," said Jim Lee, executive creative director for DC Universe Online. "It has been a fascinating experience for me and the team to come up with entertaining and engaging ways to blend the MMO and comic book worlds."
Rated T for Teen by the ESRB with the content descriptors Mild Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes and Violence, DC Universe Online is available for PC and PlayStation 3 for the suggested retail prices of US$49.99 and US$59.99, respectively. One 30-day game subscription is included with purchase of the game for new subscribers, with monthly subscriptions available thereafter starting at US$14.99, with discounts for longer durations. For players of the PC version of the game, DCUO will be included in SOE's all-in-one Station Access subscription (game software is sold separately). DCUO will be available in North America on January 11, 2011 at Best Buy, Gamestop, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us and at other participating video game retailers.
Lex Luthor has traveled back through time with news of a dire future: While the heroes and villains spent years battling amongst themselves, Brainiac has been feeding on their powers, building strength to return to Earth and destroy humanity. To change the future, Lex has come back to set off a device that bestows super powers to thousands of every-day citizens and give humanity a fighting chance. Can Brainiac be stopped, or is this another nefarious Lex Luthor plot?
For the first time, players and fans will be able to enter the DC Universe as an active force for good or evil. A massively multiplayer experience, DC Universe Online delivers unparalleled high-energy, physics-powered combat that brings the player's extraordinary powers to life.
DC Universe Online was created in the artistic vision of legendary comic book artist Jim Lee, and set within a world created by famous DC writers including Geoff Johns and Marv Wolfman.
About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®,Untold Legends(TM),PlanetSide®, and Star Wars Galaxies, as well as the recent kids' phenomenon Free Realms(TM), SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, and Tucson, AZ, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development across various platforms and genres for audiences of all ages.
SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest, Champions of Norrath and PlanetSide are registered trademarks and Untold Legends,Legendsof Norrath, and Free Realms are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.
About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.
About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to such iconic DC Comics properties as Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, MAD Magazine, and Fables, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its superheroic characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing over 1,000 comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Comics is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.
SOURCE Sony Online Entertainment LLC
Sony Online Entertainment LLC
CONTACT: Ryan Peters of Sony Online Entertainment LLC, +1-858-577-3263, rpeters@soe.sony.com; or Stacy Miles of Bender/Helper Impact, +1-415-847-4400, stacy_miles@bhimpact.com, for Sony Online Entertainment LLC
GameMill Entertainment Brings the Legends of Country Music Past and Present to Wii(TM) in Country Dance
MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- From chart toppers to CMA winners, the artist roster for GameMill Entertainment's just announced Country Dance for Wii(TM) reads like a veritable "who's who" of the country music world. The list of country artists who will have families dancing this Spring includes:
-- Carrie Underwood, "Cowboy Casanova"
-- Brad Paisley, "Water"
-- Sugarland, "Stuck Like Glue"
-- Trace Adkins, "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk"
-- Tim McGraw, "Just to See You Smile"
-- Zac Brown Band, "Chicken Fried"
-- Rascal Flatts, "Life is A Highway"
-- Blake Shelton, "All About Tonight"
-- Miranda Lambert, "White Liar"
-- Johnny Cash, "Ring of Fire"
"We are thrilled to have such great representation from Nashville's A-listers on this project," said Mark Meadows, Vice President of Marketing at GameMill Entertainment. "The caliber of this roster is incredible and we are confident that this is what country music fans have been waiting for. Our music agent DeeDee Drays delivered a list that is unmatched in the music genre and truly sets this game apart from any other dance game available."
Country Dance is the first game of its kind for country music fans featuring more than 25 smash hits from some of country music's biggest stars. Players utilize the Wii Remote(TM) as they mimic on-screen dance moves to their favorite country tunes and earn points depending on how well the moves are replicated.
"With the popularity of country music and the dance genre, it seemed fitting to come out with a dance game featuring some of country's most popular artists and songs," said Gary Miller, President at GameMill Entertainment. "Between the top-notch choreography and chart-topping hits, this game is sure to get the entire country dancing!"
Country Dance supports up to four players, so players can challenge or get in step with their family and friends in the competitive or cooperation modes. Song lyrics are displayed on screen as well so players can belt the high notes to their favorite tunes. Users can customize their character and unlock new songs and rewards as they progress through the game.
Country Dance, developed by High Voltage Software, is rated E 10+ by the ESRB. For more information about Country Dance, please visit http://www.game-mill.com.
About GameMill Entertainment
GameMill Entertainment is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. GameMill is a third party publisher of various Children's and Casual games for the PC, Nintendo DS, and Wii from Nintendo. With development across the globe, GameMill is a source of entertaining and fun games for all ages. http://www.game-mill.com.
About D3 Entertainment
D3 Entertainment is a music licensing company and entertainment law practice located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. DeeDee Drays, President of D3, has executive produced many platinum and gold record compilations, consulted companies on a wide variety of music based projects, and secured rights to Grammy and CMA award winning music for use in the television, advertising, music compilation, and video game industries. Contact dddrays@me.com.
About High Voltage Software, Inc.
High Voltage Software (HVS) is an award-winning independent game development company located at Illinois' Hoffman Estates. Established in 1993, HVS has successfully produced a wide variety of license-based video game titles that include early childhood development, professional sports, motion picture adaptations, and original intellectual properties. Red Eye Studios, a motion capture facility, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HVS. More information can be found at http://www.high-voltage.com.
KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded Now Available for Nintendo DS
Square Enix Reveals Next Chapter of Sora's Journey; the Latest Installment to the Hit Franchise Launches Today
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in North America, announced that KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded for the Nintendo DS(TM) family of hand-held systems has shipped to North American retailers today. The latest installment to one of the most beloved video game series of all time, KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded invites players to embark on all-new adventures through the worlds of Disney.
A continuation of Sora's journey in KINGDOM HEARTS II, KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded brings the future of the franchise to the handheld platform and challenges players to unravel the secrets that lie in Jiminy Cricket's journal. The game features the exhilarating gameplay that fans of the series know and love, with an immersive blend of role-playing and action elements. Additionally, this installment features a new character growth system and an assortment of battle styles, ranging from side-scrolling to shooting.
KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded also includes a new Avatar Menu, which utilizes the Nintendo DS Tag Mode capabilities and allows players to trade customizable avatar profiles and playable maps with their friends. Each floor map acquired adds to the player's unique System Sector, which can be explored for items, experience points and even a friend's avatar items!
Reunite today with Sora, Mickey, Goofy and other familiar characters from KINGDOM HEARTS and FINAL FANTASY for an engrossing new journey into your favorite Disney worlds.
"... Re:coded is the best KINGDOM HEARTS game to yet grace a Nintendo platform."
- Nintendo Power, (8/10)
Story
Sora's journey in KINGDOM HEARTS II has drawn to a close, and now a new tale is set to begin.
Jiminy Cricket is looking over the journal he used to document his first adventure with Sora when he discovers a mysterious message. He didn't write it - so how on earth did it get there? King Mickey is determined to find out, so he and his friends decide to digitize the journal and delve into its deepest secrets. Inside this "datascape" dwells a second Sora who is about to embark on a grand adventure of his very own.
Features
-- The future of the KINGDOM HEARTS series arrives on Nintendo DS: From
world-renowned creator and character designer Tetsuya Nomura comes the
latest installment in the beloved KINGDOM HEARTS series. Sora, Mickey,
Donald, Goofy and a host of familiar faces from KINGDOM HEARTS and FINAL
FANTASY unite once again for an exciting new adventure.
-- Classic KINGDOM HEARTS gameplay with innovative twists: All-new features
include a new character growth system created specifically for the
Nintendo DS release, building on the series' immersive blend of action
and role-playing elements.
-- An assortment of diverse and entertaining boss battles: Guide Sora like
never before through boss battles inspired by side-scrolling, shooting
and classic FINAL FANTASY games.
-- Endless possibilities in the Avatar Menu: Players can design their own
avatar using over 800 unlockable parts and trade playable maps with
friends.
KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at http://www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. KINGDOM HEARTS Re:coded is available for Nintendo DS at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $34.99.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 97 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 54 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). Disney Interactive Studios self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, California, and has internal development studios around the world. For more information, log on to http://www.disneyinteractivestudios.com.
DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, FINAL FANTASY, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, SPACE INVADERS, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo.
SOURCE Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc.
CONTACT: Sonia Im or Elizabeth Stewart, both of Square Enix, Inc., +1-310-846-0400, na.pr@square-enix.com; or Jennifer Poulson, +1-310-248-6113, jennifer.poulson@ogilvypr.com, or Monica Bouldin, +1-310-248-6114, monica.bouldin@ogilvypr.com, both of Ogilvy Public Relations, for Square Enix, Inc.
Verathon® Maker of BladderScan® and GlideScope® Medical Instruments Launches New Website
BOTHELL, Wash., Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verathon Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of a distinctive new Web site at http://www.verathon.com. Developed with help from physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, the new site offers an array of innovative features and detailed product data to help health care providers quickly get the product information they need. The site includes the company's AortaScan®, BladderScan®, FloPoint®, GlideRite®, GlideScope® and ScanPoint® brands, as well as Verathon® corporate information.
Two key additions to the new site are short animated videos for each brand to quickly demonstrate products; and interactive modules that let site visitors quickly and easily explore product benefits and features.
A "Model Comparison" tool has been added, as well as expanded sections for Clinical Literature, Model News, Model Components and Model Specifications. Current equipment users can quickly locate the most up-to-date manuals, quick reference cards and video tutorials on the site in the respective Product Materials sections. And visitors from the Military now have relevant details available to them under the Military Medicine section.
"We believe the new Verathon Web site will quickly give healthcare providers what they need and want for their information searches," stated Gerald McMorrow, CEO and Founder of Verathon. "Our team listened carefully to Anesthesiologists, Urologists, Nurses, Internists, BioMedical Technicians and Emergency Medicine physicians to ensure we were providing the information they needed, the way they needed it. This site delivers on that in an innovative way not seen anywhere else in the medical device business."
About Verathon Inc.
Verathon® designs and manufactures reliable, state-of-the-art medical devices and services that offer a meaningful improvement in patient care to the health care community. The company's noninvasive BladderScan® instrument is a standard of care for portable bladder volume measurement. The brand is found in over 60 countries in Urology and Primary Care practices, as well as Acute and Extended Care facilities. With the January 2006 acquisition of Saturn Biomedical Systems in Vancouver, Canada, Verathon entered Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Emergency markets with the GlideScope video laryngoscope brand. Verathon is headquartered in Bothell, Washington and operates as a subsidiary of Roper Industries. For more information, please visit http://www.verathon.com.
Verathon Media Contacts: Lorraine Silva, GlideScope Brand Director, 425.867.1348 (Ext. 5604). Rick Goetter, BladderScan & AortaScan Brand Director, 425.867.1348 (Ext. 5608). Alternate Contacts: Jane Mueller, VP of Marketing 425.867.1348, (Ext. 5600) and Nansea Carmichael, Executive Assistant - Marketing, 425.867.1348 (Ext. 5607).
ROAM Data Vastly Expands Supported Devices for ROAMpay Swipe to Various Android Phones and Tablets
ROAM Data continues to lead the field of Mobile POS solution providers, adding nearly two dozen new Android devices to their supported device catalog.
BOSTON, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ROAM Data, the leader in providing mCommerce applications and services across hundreds of mobile devices, announced today its expanded Android support for its ROAMpay Swipe. The ROAMpay Swipe has become the industry standard in low cost, secure, mobile credit card acceptance. The update increases ROAMpay Swipe support to over 20 Android devices, joining the iPhone (3G, 3GS, 4), iPad, iPod Touch, and select BlackBerry devices in their supported device catalog. Merchants using the ROAMpay Swipe, along with a compatible merchant account, can securely swipe a customer's card and qualify for card swiped rates. Unlike similar looking devices, the ROAMpay Swipe has built-in encryption, avoiding the serious risks of skimming, theft and fraud.
Following closely on the heels of the ROAMpay Swipe for BlackBerry launch, the world's first secure low cost card reader for RIM's highly popular business smartphones, this update further solidifies ROAM Data as a leader in the field of mobile payments. Several research and analytics firms, including ComScore and Nielson, have recently confirmed that Google's Android is the fastest growing major smartphone platform. Despite hardware complexities and OS fragmentation, which Google has often been criticized for, ROAM has managed to standardize its applications and hardware using their patented ROAM Rails technology. ROAM is compatible with more devices for its apps and peripherals than any other provider in the industry, enabling support for more end-users.
ROAM is a technology service provider and does not offer merchant accounts, it helps merchant service providers to deliver the best mobile commerce solutions possible. ROAM currently has over 120 merchant service providers that resell the ROAMpay turnkey solution. For more information about ROAMpay visit: http://www.roamdata.com/roampay/us/ and for more about the full range of ROAM's mCommerce solutions including ROAMbiz, ROAMbuy, ROAMstore, visit http://www.roamdata.com
About ROAM Data
ROAM Data provides a patented device agnostic platform and service (we call Rails) to help merchants deliver valuable mCommerce apps to virtually any computing device - from iPhones, Androids and BlackBerry smartphones, to feature phones, tablets, PCs and POS devices. Apps on ROAM Rails can be turnkey or customized, with peripherals, without, for merchants or for consumers to use. These apps include: the award winning ROAMpay, which turns merchant cell phones into POS terminals; ROAMstore, which helps merchants create mobile storefronts for consumers to shop or buy; ROAMbiz, helps enterprises to extend existing eCommerce or retail systems to mobile users, more apps are coming. Merchants can also build their own apps with ROAM IDE, or integrate secure one-step commerce into their existing smartphone apps with ROAMbuy API. ROAM helps merchants deploy and maintain their apps across different devices for different users; all transactions go through ROAM's Level One PCI-DSS certified payment gateway. ROAM is setting the standard for scalable mCommerce application delivery on its rails. Visit us at http://www.roamdata.com
SOURCE ROAM Data
ROAM Data
CONTACT: Ken Mages, +1-312-835-8131, kmages@roamdata.com
Verizon Wireless & Apple Team Up to Deliver iPhone 4 on Verizon
BASKING RIDGE, N.J. and CUPERTINO, Calif., Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless and Apple® today announced that the iPhone® 4 will be available on the Verizon Wireless network beginning on Thursday, February 10. Qualified Verizon Wireless customers will be given the exclusive opportunity to pre-order iPhone 4 online on February 3, ahead of general availability.
iPhone 4 is the most innovative phone in the world, featuring Apple's stunning Retina(TM) display, the highest resolution display ever built into a phone resulting in super crisp text, images and video, and FaceTime®, which makes video calling a reality. iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless will also include new Personal Hotspot capabilities allowing customers to use iPhone 4 to connect up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices.
"We are pleased to introduce millions of wireless users to the industry leading iPhone 4 on the nation's most reliable network," said Lowell McAdam, president and chief operating officer of Verizon. "This is an important step for the industry as two great companies join forces to give wireless customers one of the most important technological additions to the mobile landscape this century."
"Verizon Wireless customers have told us they can't wait to get their hands on iPhone 4, and we think they are going to love it," said Tim Cook, Apple's chief operating officer. "We have enormous respect for the company Verizon has built and the loyalty they have earned from their customers."
iPhone 4 features a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, HD video recording, Apple's A4 chip, a 3-axis gyro and a beautiful glass and stainless steel design like no other mobile phone. iPhone 4 also comes with iOS 4, the world's most advanced mobile operating system, which includes multitasking, folders, Game Center, AirPlay® and AirPrint wireless printing. iPhone 4 customers have access to the world's most popular App Store(SM) with more than 300,000 apps available in an incredible range of 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health and reference.
Pricing & Availability
iPhone 4 will be available on the Verizon Wireless network beginning Thursday, February 10 for a suggested retail price of $199.99 for the 16GB model and $299.99 for the 32GB model with a new two year customer agreement. iPhone 4 will be available at more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide, online at http://www.verizonwireless.com/iphone, at Apple Retail Stores, at the Apple Store® (http://www.apple.com), at Apple Authorized Resellers, and by calling 1-800-2 JOIN IN.
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, Nasdaq: VOD). For more information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
CONTACT: Brenda Boyd Raney of Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7518, brenda.raney@verizonwireless.com; or Natalie Kerris of Apple, +1-408-974-6877, nat@apple.com
Jaspersoft 4 Delivers First End-to-End BI for Web Applications
New UI Framework speeds integrated BI delivery to drive pervasive user adoption
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jaspersoft, makers of the most widely used Business Intelligence (BI) software in the world, today announced the general availability of Jaspersoft 4, the industry's first complete BI suite designed for web applications. Jaspersoft 4 leverages a new modular UI architecture to deliver a best-in-class environment for building and deploying BI. By separating the content and presentation layers in line with today's web application standards, Jaspersoft 4 significantly accelerates the process of bringing BI to users. Featuring a new GUI for rich visual dashboarding and self-service features, this latest release of the commercial open source Jaspersoft Business Intelligence Suite overcomes traditional barriers to adoption of BI.
For more than twenty years, organizations have struggled to adopt business intelligence in greater numbers due to the cost and complexity of traditional, proprietary BI tools. During this period, traditional BI vendors have invested millions in new features, but have not seen significant increases in user adoption. This challenge has led to the rise of "BI Builders", those tasked with incorporating BI seamlessly into the everyday applications and processes of their users. Jaspersoft 4 builds on the open, standards-based architecture of the Jaspersoft BI Suite to provide the BI Builder with the greatest user interface flexibility to quickly deliver BI that drives pervasive user adoption.
The Jaspersoft 4 BI Suite includes:
-- Consumer Web Application-Style UI - The new UI Framework within
Jaspersoft 4 delivers improved interactivity and usability typically
found in consumer web applications. Its modern look and feel enhances
web applications and gives end users access to intuitive, self-serve BI.
-- 100% Web Application Architecture - Jaspersoft 4 is the only BI
environment that is 100% web application ready. The new UI Framework
completes Jaspersoft's architecture as a web application stack, from the
back end server to the front end UI. Built on flexible, open web
standards, Jaspersoft 4 can be deployed out-of-the-box on-premise, in a
multi-tenant SaaS environment, or in the cloud.
-- Easy BI Web Application Customization and Integration - The Jaspersoft
UI architecture separates the content and presentation layers allowing
quick and easy UI customization through simple markup changes in
cascading style sheets (CSS), without impacting the underlying
functionality. Customizations are automatically carried forward as new
Jaspersoft versions are deployed. The UI framework enables fast creation
of alternative UI themes for different users, different SaaS tenants and
different devices. This capability also facilitates the integration of
the Jaspersoft BI server within existing web applications.
"The proliferation of data within web applications and the transition of IT services to an on-demand utility requires a flexible, web standards-based BI platform that is ready for deployment anywhere, and for any information consumer profile," said Brian Gentile, CEO of Jaspersoft. "Jaspersoft 4 is a first-in-class BI platform architected from the ground up to enable faster custom-built, web-based BI applications that can make BI more pervasive across the business."
CUSTOMER, PARTNER & ANALYST QUOTES
"Jaspersoft 4 has set a new standard for cloud-based BI. Delivering tailored user interfaces that can be branded for each of our charitable organizations while maintaining our multi-tenant SaaS architecture is a brilliant new capability. As a not-for-profit organization, there is considerable pressure to keep costs low while providing key services to our customers. Thanks to Jaspersoft, we can continue to do this while delivering a compelling and useful product."
- Mark Mann, Virgin Money, Developer
"Red Hat congratulates Jaspersoft on this release. We're pleased to work with Jaspersoft to provide our joint customers with compelling technology solutions. The new Jaspersoft 4 platform offers our joint customers new innovation with expanded levels of flexibility."
- Sarangan Rangachari, Senior Director, Cloud Ecosystem and Partnerships, Red Hat
"Jaspersoft is the first BI company to think and design their entire platform for use by and within today's modern web application stacks. Since Jaspersoft 4 can be deployed just about anywhere, utilizes the standard architectures of web applications and comes with an open source business model, I'm encouraged by Jaspersoft's approach to BI for both developers and professional users. Jaspersoft is showing great foresight and insight into what developers and BI professionals will need as the demand for BI within web and cloud-based applications continues to grow.
- Lyndsay Wise, Wise Analytics, Founder and President
RESOURCES
-- Learn more about the Jaspersoft 4 BI Suite
-- Attend a Jaspersoft 4 webinar
-- Contact Jaspersoft sales
-- Follow Jaspersoft on Twitter
-- Tweet This: Jaspersoft 4 is the new BI analytics standard for Web
Applications with all new GUI and architecture http://goo.gl/dNdQM
-- Friend Jaspersoft on Facebook
-- Read Jaspersoft CEO Brian Gentile's Open Book on BI blog
-- Register to attend JasperWorld in San Francisco February 7-9, 2011
ABOUT JASPERSOFT
Jaspersoft provides the most flexible, cost effective and widely deployed Business Intelligence suite in the world, enabling better decision making through highly interactive, web-based reports, dashboards and analysis. Leveraging a commercial open source business model, Jaspersoft provides end-to-end BI capabilities at a fraction of the cost of other vendors. The BI suite includes pixel-perfect enterprise reporting, ad hoc query, dashboards, OLAP and in-memory analysis, and data integration. Jaspersoft is the only BI vendor that enables companies to adapt to the new, virtualized world by providing a complete spectrum of on-premise, multi-tenant SaaS and cloud-based deployment options for both embedded and standalone business intelligence. Unlike traditional BI vendors, Jaspersoft is built on a modern, lightweight, standards-based architecture and offers greater vendor independence thanks to its open source codebase. Unlike niche BI vendors, Jaspersoft represents a safe choice with tens of thousands of production deployments across a wide range of industries.
Jaspersoft's open source business intelligence software has more than 12 million product downloads worldwide, 160,000 production deployments and over 13,000 commercial customers in 100 countries. Its BI suite is advanced regularly by a development community of more than 180,000 registered members. For more information visit: http://www.jaspersoft.com and http://www.jasperforge.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jasmine Teer
Jaspersoft PR
Page One Public Relations
jasmine@pageonepr.com
+1 (415) 321-2348
SOURCE Jaspersoft
Jaspersoft
CONTACT: Jasmine Teer of Page One Public Relations, +1-415-321-2348, jasmine@pageonepr.com, for Jaspersoft