New Database Reveals Planned Future Mass Layoffs, Store and Manufacturing Plant Closings
GREAT NECK, N.Y., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ARMS (Accounts Receivable Management Solutions), an affiliated company of Information Clearinghouse, Inc., announced this week the most recent expansion to its suite of services with the launch of Tomorrow's News Today (TNT) Tracker.
The "TNT Tracker" is a proprietary database consisting of companies with planned future layoffs, store closings, manufacturing plant shutdowns, and more. Through extensive research, ARMS is able to provide closure and/or layoff details for companies, primarily privately held, throughout the U.S. The "TNT Tracker" includes the number of employees, effective date and the precise location of the store, warehouse or manufacturing facility.
Lawrence Sarf, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Information is king and is generally the difference between success and failure when today's executive is striving to be out in front of the competition... knowing well in advance about closings or mass layoffs is just that type of 'pre-emptive weapon,' enabling key business decisions to be made proactively, not reactively. The TNT Tracker provides the foundation for sourcing decisions by Purchasing departments, so they are not blindsided by a supply disruption when a key vendor plans on closing a plant or reducing a shift that might limit available inventory. Similarly the Sales or Marketing executive gets a jumpstart on redirecting promotional dollars or replacing lost volume when alerted to impending closings of manufacturing and retail sites. No matter what your profession, a reliable look into the future is always a good thing... TNT is that crystal ball for Purchasing, Logistics, Sales, Marketing and Finance."
Market Service Inc. (t/a ARMS), along with sister companies F&D Reports (http://www.fdreports.com) and Creditntell (http://www.creditntell.com), are recognized as the premiere financial consulting services with respect to nearly 20 retail channels of distribution. For a sample look at this truly unique database, contact Lori Ziegler at loriz(at)fdreports(dot)com/800.789.0123 ext.148) or visit http://www.FDARMS.com and request a trial password.
Media Contact:
Lori Ziegler
Loriz(at)fdreports(dot)com
800.789.0123 ext. 148
Bad Translator by Ackuna.com Releases its New Version with More Features and Funnier Results
Bad Translator, the entertaining website that shows the humorous side of machine translations, gets an update and 1,000,000 hits.
NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bad Translator received its 1,000,000th visitor this week with the release of its newly updated version. Created by Ackuna, the online cloud-translator, Bad Translator utilizes free online machine translation tools to translate text back and forth between different languages. The end result is a mix of grammatically incorrect translations and hilarious incoherent nonsense.
Users can go to the Bad Translator website (http://www.ackuna.com/badtranslator), enter any initial text in English (250 characters max), choose the number of translations, and click 'Translate!' to get the result. This latest version offers the option to use a new machine translation tool, Bing Translator, by itself or combined with the original Google Translate. The program designers of Bad Translator also decided to update the algorithm so that users have a choice to randomize the order of languages it is passed through, creating varying results each time it is used. Once the final translation is displayed, users can then choose to post their results on their Facebook page.
Fans have also been using Bad Translator as an online guru in a sense, by asking it questions and receiving interesting points to ponder in return. For example, one user asked, "What is the best way to brush your teeth?" only to be asked back, "It is best to brush your teeth?" Another user inquired, "How can I be sure I made the right choice in my girlfriend?" to which Bad Translator responded, "Me and my friends think about these things?"
"We developed Bad Translator to show just how funny translations can get using machine translators," says Alex Buran, founder of Ackuna and Bad Translator. "We received over 1,000,000 visitors recently, and we decided we needed to update the program and make it better for the fans."
From its initial launch, Bad Translator has had immediate success with little to no advertising. "Almost instantly, Bad Translator started generating about 50-100 hits a day," says Alex Buran. "Popularity of the website spiked when it started being written about on popular meme blog sites."
Since then, visitors have grown exponentially. Bad Translator has already developed a huge following on their Facebook page. With over 27,000 fans currently, it appears Bad Translator's popularity will only continue to grow.
Created by Translation Services USA (http://www.translation-services-usa.com/), Ackuna is a free online translation tool that utilizes the cloud platform to allow users to have their translations proofread by a professional translator (if they choose) for a small fee. These and other translations are then stored in the growing database for all future translations, making Ackuna the most accurate and reliable online translator on the web.
New Arrivals of Special Thermometers for Babies & Elderly
SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/--In recent years, both people's need to be healthy and expense in health care keep increasing, while the improvement of their self-awareness and increase of economic conditions promotes the demand for healthcare products. Shenzhen Wuzhou Changlian International Trading Co., a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of medical equipments and exercise products, can offer such portable healthcare products to add to convenience of diagnosis, or relieve patients.
There are always two main categories for portable medical products, one for home use and the other for hospital use. Among home categories, it contains usually infrared thermometers, blood glucose monitors and blood pressure monitors. With the further development for community and country medical service and equipments, portable electronics market keeps growing fast and stably. 'Fortune' lines family medical equipments as the most rapidly growing industry in following 10 years, believe with the pace for modernization, there will be great potential for country portable electronics market, it is not impossible for each family to own one or several kinds of healthcare products.
Another of several reasons for the quick development of portable medical products includes high cost for seeing a doctor in a hospital, most of these products can act as a prevention for diseases and even can heal the illness, what's more, many people are in a sub-health status or with chronic diseases and don't have the time to heal in a hospital. In addition, such home medical electronics are quite useful for the elderly and babies. Such as an infrared thermometer, it can offer an accurate reading of temperature in seconds. When an individual cannot express their illness, with the help of the thermometer's data, caretakers can still get an idea of their illness and diagnose accurately and efficiently.
Wuzhou Changlian does not exclusively promote healthcare products, it also manufactures massage products for eyes, exercise products from counting leaders, heart rate watches, and so on.
Another suggestion by Wuzhou Changlian for customers who are using one or several healthcare products is that customers must be cautious to use them after a clear idea of their illness, which can help to heal disease in time.
X Bingo Launches With Chic Design and Holiday Promotions
CHESTER, England, August 1, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
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Mythics, Inc. Launches New Website to Support Expanding Oracle Product Portfolio and Growing IT Consulting Solution Services
New Website is Focused on Fresh Content Delivery, Easy Navigation, Expanded Oracle Products Information Including Oracle Sun Hardware, and Deep Social Networking Integration
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mythics, Inc., an elite Oracle Platinum Partner, Oracle GSA Schedule Holder (GS-35F-0153M) and award winning Oracle Platinum Specialized Consulting Partner today announced the launch of their new corporate website located at http://www.mythics.com. The redesigned site provides the foundation to support the explosive growth of Mythics, Inc. surrounding its Federal, State and Local Government and Commercial Business customers worldwide.
"Mythics, Inc. is widely known as one of the most successful Oracle Value-added resellers in the world. As we've grown we are now proud to deliver the most robust set of end-to-end Oracle solution capabilities available. These integrated services span Solution Architecture, Training and Education, Oracle Software, Exadata, Exalogic and Oracle Sun Hardware procurement and premiere Oracle Consulting and Managed Services delivered by Mythics Consulting," said Chris Richards, Vice President of Marketing at Mythics. "Our new website reinforces our commitment to develop better ways to communicate with our customers and delivers a new platform that will enable us to accelerate our continued leadership in government and commercial IT."
Powerful new features of mythics.com include navigation by Solution area and Market as well as Mythics expert Technology focuses including Cloud Computing and Cyber Security. Richards added, "One of the things I am most excited about as we launch our new website is our new corporate blog, enabling us to highlight and give voice to all of our thought leaders here at Mythics. Our new blog, and the deep social networking integration throughout the site, will enable us to execute on our strategy of building a tight-knit community, with a unique focus on government IT and Oracle technologies and trends."
About Mythics, Inc.
Mythics, Inc., is an elite Oracle Platinum Partner, the first Oracle Exdata Specialized partner worldwide, Oracle GSA Schedule Holder (GS-35F-0153M) and an award winning Oracle Platinum Specialized Consulting Partner. Mythics, Inc. provides an unmatched Oracle solution set of products and services, including Oracle software and hardware acquisition, implementation, consulting and Oracle related proprietary product sets. Mythics, Inc. offerings include technology solutions for the government, commercial, education and healthcare sectors and is the trusted partner to organizations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.mythics.com .
Trademarks
Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates.
Remington® Launches Remington Red Chair Ready Online Community
Invites Women to Join the Conversation Led by Team of Four Style-savvy Ambassadors
MADISON, Wis., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to style, Remington is ahead of the curve. Today the personal care company announces the launch of an online community dedicated to all things beauty and fashion. Bringing their commitment to style and innovation directly to their consumers online, Remington Red Chair Ready empowers women with how-to tips, tricks and tools to get ready for a first date, a board meeting or a girls night out. From professional hairstylists to at-home beauty buffs, women of all types are encouraged to join the 24/7 conversation and connect with fellow stylistas to share their knowledge and learn about the latest trends from hot summer highlights to Herve Leger.
After conducting a national search for style leaders, Remington hand-picked four brand Ambassadors to lead the community conversation. The women were selected based on their unique points of view, beauty knowledge and inspirational ideas. In addition to tips and tricks, each of the brand Ambassadors share beauty secrets, style trends and lifestyle advice on the Red Chair Facebook and Twitter (@RemRedChair) accounts. The Ambassadors also contribute weekly to the Red Chair Style Spin blog and represent the Red Chair community at events from coast to coast. The group kicked off the program with an A-list initiation weekend in Los Angeles, California that included a spa day and makeovers with celebrity stylist Richard Marin. In June, the women headed to New York City to meet top beauty editors at a Remington product launch event in The Big Apple.
Meet the gurus:
-- Kelley Krueger (@kelleyakrueger) is Red Chair's resident hair expert. As
a stylist at Bellezza Salon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Kelley's list
of celebrity clients includes Debra Messing and Brooke Shields. Kelley
was also the visionary who took Kelly Osbourne from black to blonde.
-- Tammy Gibson (@amominred), AKA A Mom in Red High Heels, is the author of
the popular style and beauty blog that inspires moms to look their best
each and every day.
-- Lindsey Holder (@Savvyassistants) shares her vast knowledge as a
licensed aesthetician and former celebrity assistant for Grammy-winning
recording artists. Check out her insights on her blog The Savvy
Assistant.
-- Kelly Glenn (@Kissandtell) is a fresh out of college beauty buff
pursuing a career in beauty public relations. She brings a youthful,
refreshing perspective to young women searching for a style of their
own. Kelly is the author of Kiss and Tell, a popular beauty blog.
Megan Brundridge, Online Marketing Specialist says, "The Remington Red Chair Ready community was created to be a haven where style-conscious women can go to interact with one another. We're so thrilled to have these four amazing women leading the charge - they provide the perfect mix of perspectives and have proven to be an incredible resource for style tips."
In addition to styling tips and tools, the Remington Red Chair community offers a 30% coupon code for new fans and weekly giveaways and discounts exclusive to their loyal following. On August 1, Remington announces "Beauty Blitz," a month-long sweepstakes event. Each week in August, Red Chair fans will be eligible to enter for various prizes including:
-- A New Remington Styling Tool (25 winners)
-- A $50 Walmart gift card (10 winners)
-- A $100 ULTA gift card (2 winners)
-- A $1000 spa makeover at a spa of choice for you and a friend (1 grand
prize winner)
Remington wants to hear from you - join now by visiting their Facebook and Twitter pages - Remington Red Chair Ready and @RemRedChair.
About Remington
Remington® is "How the World Gets Ready." A global leader and manufacturer of men's and women's grooming and styling products, Remington is an innovator of affordable hair care, electric shavers, wet shavers, wet shave products and body groomers and trimmer, and a subsidiary of Spectrum Brands Holdings. For more information about Remington, visit http://www.remingtonproducts.com or become a fan of Remington Red Chair Ready and Remington Hair Care & Grooming on Facebook.
About Spectrum Brands Holdings
Spectrum Brands Holdings is a global consumer products company and a leading supplier of batteries, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, appliances, specialty pet supplies, lawn & garden and home pest control products, personal insect repellents and portable lighting.
Anritsu Company Expands LTE Measurement Capabilities in Spectrum Master(TM) and BTS Master(TM) Handheld Analyzers
MORGAN HILL, Calif., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anritsu Company announces it has enhanced the LTE measurement capabilities in its MS272xC Spectrum Master(TM) and MT822xB BTS Master(TM) series of handheld analyzers. With the new analysis tools added to the existing measurement capabilities, field engineers and technicians have handheld instruments that can conduct nearly all the measurements necessary to successfully deploy, commission, and maintain LTE networks.
Among the new analysis capabilities are enhanced Over-the-Air (OTA) functions, including a new Transmitter Test measurement capability that allows users to perform key measurements on an eNodeB transmitter in an OTA configuration when a direct connection is not possible. This also helps make the MS272xC and MT822xB the industry's best field solutions for measuring Remote Radio Heads (RRH).
The OTA option has new coverage mapping functions that allow users to quickly determine the downlink coverage quality in a specific location. S-SS (Secondary Sync Signal Power), RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), and SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio) can be plotted using five user-definable thresholds. From these measurements, the new scanner measurement screen shows up to six LTE sectors on the instrument display.
Other new measurement capabilities include:
Power vs. Resource Block - Power levels within an LTE frame can be color coded for quick and simple analysis. Power settings can be adjusted to a spectrogram measurement, and the screen can display the active percentage of resource blocks in use. This is ideal for locating traffic and capacity issues. Users can also view channel power to compare utilization and power to determine if there are any anomalies in the signal.
EVM Max Hold and Frequency Error Averaging - Users can measure both EVM rms and EVM Max with the EVM Max Hold feature. The Frequency Error Averaging function automatically averages over all measurements when the count is set to greater than one.
EVM Auto Status - Measurements are simplified with the EVM Auto Status, which conducts EVM measurements on the PBCH, or PDSCH when data is available. In OTA mode, the analyzers will automatically detect two reference signals in a MIMO configuration, giving the user confidence that the MIMO is operating and connected correctly.
Providing frequency coverage up to 43 GHz in an instrument that weighs less than 8 lbs., the MS272xC Spectrum Master series provides the broadest frequency range available in a handheld spectrum analyzer. It eliminates the need to carry heavy benchtop spectrum analyzers into the field to measure signals above 20 GHz. The BTS Master MT822xB family includes the MT8221B and MT8222B high-performance handheld base station analyzers that have been specifically developed to support emerging 4G standards, as well as installed 2G, 3G and WiMAX networks.
About Anritsu
Anritsu Company (http://www.anritsu.com) is the American subsidiary of Anritsu Corporation, a global provider of innovative communications test and measurement solutions for more than 110 years. Anritsu provides solutions for existing and next-generation wired and wireless communication systems and operators. Anritsu products include wireless, optical, microwave/RF, and digital instruments as well as operations support systems for R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed electrical devices for communication products and systems. With offices throughout the world, Anritsu sells in over 90 countries with approximately 4,000 employees.
Sapiens' RapidSure Featured in Strategy Meeting Action (SMA) Perspective Report: "The Pressing Need for Speed"
RapidSure Recognized as a Policy Administration System That Belongs on the Shortlist of Solutions for Insurers Needing Rapid Time to Market and a Highly Flexible and Responsive Systems Environment
CARY, North Carolina, August 1, 2011/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Sapiens International Corporation N.V. [http://www.sapiens.com ] (NASDAQ
and TASE: SPNS), a global provider of innovative insurance software
solutions announced today that its RapidSure
[http://www.sapiens.com/property-casualty.htm ] policy administration
solution has been featured by Strategy Meets Action
[https://strategymeetsaction.com/favicon.ico ] (SMA), an industry analyst and
strategic advisory firm. In the report titled The Pressing Need for Speed,
SMA Partner and author of the report, Karen Furtado, shares her perspective
on market pressures pushing insurers to find ways to bring products to
market faster and create a more agile, responsive environment.
The SMA report reviews how the need for speed is causing close
evaluation of policy administration systems that sit at the heart of every
insurance company's operations. Noting that legacy policy administration
systems have become more inflexible over time and less able to adapt to
support today's requirements and the need for speed, many insurers are
finding it necessary to make the important decision to replace their
existing system(s). In the report, Furtado comments that there are more than
a few solutions available today, but the trick is to find a solution that is
truly modern and flexible enough to provide the speed and agility needed to
compete effectively now and in the future.
The report features Sapiens' RapidSure, recognizing it as a solution
that has proven that a modern policy administration system can deliver the
functionality that aligns directly with insurer goals - rapid time to market
with a highly flexible and responsive system. The report also cites that
RapidSure provides a policy administration base that can handle the needs of
insurers that require high responsiveness to quickly changing market
conditions and expectations.
Commenting on Sapiens' RapidSure, SMA's Karen Furtado said, "RapidSure
belongs on the shortlist of solutions to be considered for those insurers
that are looking for a modern policy administration system to help them move
ahead with the times and to enable them to position their organizations to
fully capitalize on burgeoning opportunities."
"We sincerely appreciate RapidSure being highlighted by SMA and cited as
an example of a modern policy administration system that can enable insurers
to achieve their desired speed-to-market goals and meet the challenges of
the constantly changing insurance industry," said Sapiens' Dan Sobotincic,
EVP P&C for North America. "It is gratifying to receive validation from SMA
that we have delivered on the design goals we set for the RapidSure solution
- speed and flexibility, combined with breadth and depth of functionality to
meet business needs and exceed any carrier's value proposition."
Subsequent to SMA publishing their perspective report, Sapiens announced
on July 21st its merger with solution providers IDIT I.D.I Technologies
[http://www.idit-technologies.com ] Ltd. and FIS Software
[http://www.fis-software.com ] Ltd. The combined organization looks to be
recognized as a major solutions provider to the global insurance market,
with RapidSure continuing as one of the key offerings in the company's
product portfolio in North America.
Referring to the recent merger announcement, SMA Founder Deb Smallwood,
said, "Mergers can present an assortment of challenges, but with strong
leadership support, focused plans and alignment, these challenges quickly
turn into infinite possibilities. It appears that this merger will
capitalize on the synergies between the companies, and the new assets from
this merger will align well to the RapidSure product offering."
Sapiens International Corporation N.V. is a leading global provider of
business solutions for the insurance industry, helping modernize business
processes and enabling insurance organizations to adapt quickly to change.
Sapiens' innovative solutions are widely recognized for their ability to
cost-effectively align IT with the business demands for speed, flexibility
and efficiency. Sapiens operates through its subsidiaries in North America,
the United Kingdom, EMEA and Asia Pacific. For more information, please
visit http://www.sapiens.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set
forth in this release are forward-looking statements that are dependent on
certain risks and uncertainties, including such factors, among others, as
market acceptance, market demand, pricing, changing regulatory environment,
changing economic conditions, risks in new product and service development,
the effect of the Company's accounting policies, specific system
configurations and software needs of individual customers and other risk
factors detailed in the Company's SEC filings.
Media Contact:
Osnat Segev-Harel, CMO
Sapiens International
+972-8-9382721
osnat.se@sapiens.com
Boart Longyear Launches New Spanish Edition of BoartLongyear.com
SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boart Longyear (http://www.BoartLongyear.com - ASX: BLY), the world's leading integrated drilling products and services provider, has announced an all-new Spanish language edition of the company website.
The Spanish version of the website has been launched today after several months of planning and development, and is part of a broad initiative to provide all company literature and other collateral in multiple languages.
"With customers and operations throughout Latin America and other Spanish-speaking regions around the globe, this initiative is very important to us, and speaks to the global nature of the mining business," says Kevin Tomaszewski, global director of product management and marketing communications for Boart Longyear. "We are proud to announce the Spanish language edition of boartlongyear.com. As our business grows in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking regions in Latin America, we feel that this will be extremely valuable to our customers."
Sensitive to the needs of the marketplace, the 120-year-old company also plans to launch a French edition of the website later this year.
About Boart Longyear
Boart Longyear (ASX: BLY) is a 120-year-old global mineral exploration company that provides mineral exploration services and drilling products for the global mining industry and also has a substantial drilling presence for water exploration, environmental sampling, energy, and oil sands exploration.
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, with 2010 sales of US$1.476 billion and over 9,000 employees worldwide, the company conducts contract drilling services in 40 countries, and provides mining products to customers in over 100 countries. Regional offices and operations are located in Asia Pacific, EMEA, Latin America, and North America.
AT&T Customers Get More Mobile Broadband Coverage in Ebensburg
New Cell Sites Activated as Part of Ongoing AT&T Investment in Local Wireless Network
EBENSBURG, Pa., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its continuing network investment to support growing demand for advanced mobile devices and applications, AT&T* today announced the activation of new mobile broadband cell sites that will enhance coverage for area residents and businesses in Ebensburg, Gallitzin, Cresson, Portage, Nanty-Glo, Cassandra and South Fork. Coverage was also expanded to portions of US 22, 219 and 422 as well as State Routes 271, 160, 164 and 53. With mobile broadband speeds, AT&T customers can surf the Web, download files faster, and enjoy the very latest interactive mobile applications.
The new cell sites are one part of AT&T's ongoing efforts to drive investment and innovation to deliver the nation's best, most advanced mobile broadband experience for customers. With the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities.
"Delivering dependable wireless coverage for consumers and businesses who need to stay connected is our ultimate objective," said J. Michael Schweder, president, AT&T Pennsylvania. "AT&T's ongoing investments in the Ebensburg area will help ensure that our customers have access to the wireless services that help drive economic growth."
"Our goal is for our customers to have an extraordinary experience. As part of these communities, we're always looking for new opportunities to provide enhanced coverage, and our investment in the local wireless network is just one way we're accomplishing that," said Larry Evans, vice president and general manager, AT&T Ohio and western Pennsylvania. "In addition, our recently announced agreement to acquire T-Mobile USA will strengthen and expand our network in Ebensburg and the surrounding communities. If approved, this deal means that we'll be able to expand the next generation of mobile broadband - 4G LTE - from our current plan of 80 percent of the U.S. population to more than 97 percent."
AT&T's mobile broadband network is based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies that includes GSM and UMTS, the most widely used wireless network platforms in the world. AT&T has the broadest international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than 220 countries and data service in more than 200 countries. AT&T also offers voice and data roaming coverage on more than 135 major cruise ships, as well as mobile broadband services in more than 130 countries.
AT&T also operates the nation's largest Wi-Fi network** with more than 24,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to more than 135,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn't count against customers' monthly wireless data plans.
For more information about AT&T's coverage in Pennsylvania or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure quality of coverage from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.
For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
** Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See http://www.attwifi.com for details and locations.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.
Vimeo Makes Quality Video Hosting Affordable for Small Businesses With the Launch of Vimeo PRO
New Vimeo PRO Service Combines High Quality Video Hosting With Business-focused Features for Small Businesses at a Yearly Rate of $199
NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Vimeo®, an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI), building on their reputation as the home for high quality video sharing today launched Vimeo PRO. The new Vimeo PRO account is the easiest and one of the most affordable professional video hosting solutions for small businesses available. The product will go live on the site today at 1:00pm Eastern.
Online video continues to experience explosive growth. Recent predictions(1) show that video will account for 50% of all consumer Internet traffic by the end of 2012. Nearly 60 percent of viewers(2) watch video before reading text on the same webpage and are more likely to make a purchase. This year, 83 percent of small businesses plan to use social media channels for their business(3). With the web rapidly moving from text to video, small businesses need to adapt to the shift in technology or quickly become irrelevant or less impactful to their consumers who expect to see video everywhere online.
"Until now, quality video hosting has been expensive, confusing, and extremely difficult for a small business owner to understand. Small businesses have fallen between the cracks of free video services and massive enterprise video solutions," said Dae Mellencamp, Vimeo's General Manager. "Vimeo PRO resolves the contradiction that best-of-breed video quality and hosting can also be easy and affordable."
Vimeo developed its PRO account, which will exist as a separate service outside of the Vimeo.com community, based on demand for a cost-effective video-hosting service equipped with core features that meets the growing needs of small businesses. It's priced at $199 for 50GB of storage and 250,000 plays as a flat annual fee. Customers can purchase increased storage capacity in 50GB increments for $199. Businesses can also purchase additional plays in increments of 100k for $199. Vimeo PRO is one of the most affordable professional video hosting solutions on the market.
Enabling small businesses to compete with larger companies, Vimeo PRO offers robust product features including exceptional video quality, customizable Portfolio websites, extensive video player customization, Video Review Pages, advanced statistics, social media sharing and broad privacy settings. Production companies will be able to create many separate portfolios and share rough cuts with clients. Restaurants can show their atmosphere and signature dish preparation online to potential diners. Real estate agents can provide home hunters with higher quality housing previews. And, even doctors can create private groups to educate patients and medical students.
Customers can upload up to a 5GB file at a time with no time limits and Vimeo will not run any advertising over their videos. Coupled with its current array of popular features like HD and HTML5 video, full tablet, mobile and connected TV support, and Vimeo Video School, Vimeo PRO provides all the major tools small businesses need to host videos online. In addition, Vimeo PRO accounts can opt-in to the Community Pass, which is a feature that allows PRO accounts to interact with the Vimeo.com community as long as the account and each individual video abide by the community guidelines.
About Vimeo, LLC
Leading video sharing site Vimeo® provides the easiest way for people to host and share their videos in high quality. The site provides great privacy features and inspiring videos from a vibrant, respectful community of creative users who care about how and where they show their work. Launched in 2004 and headquartered in New York, NY, Vimeo offers users a video sharing experience that is both entertaining and easy to use. Vimeo is a 2010 & 2009 Time Magazine Top 50 Website. Vimeo, LLC is a subsidiary of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI).
(1) "Cisco Visual Networking Index: Forecast and Methodology, 2010-2015"
New Study Finds Heightened Investments, Jobs with Reassignment of Spectrum to Mobile Broadband
300,000 newly created jobs and $230 billion additional GDP generated over the next five years
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Mobile Future, David Sosa, Ph.D. and Marc Van Audenrode, Ph.D. of the Analysis Group released a new study, Private-Sector Investment and Employment Impacts of Reassigning Spectrum to Mobile Broadband in the United States, which reveals the crucial role mobile broadband can play in boosting the nation's economy if additional spectrum is allocated for wireless networks.
The paper explains how robust private sector investment leading to substantial job creation, can be further stimulated by the reassignment of spectrum to mobile broadband. Between 2002 and 2010 alone, capital spending in the wireless industry exceeded $185 billion, creating roughly 420,000 jobs throughout the economy.
Reassigning an additional 300 MHz of spectrum to mobile broadband over five years, the report concludes, will spur $75 billion in new capital spending, creating more than 300,000 jobs and $230 billion in additional GDP. The release of an additional 200 MHz of new spectrum after five years will create an additional 200,000 jobs and increase GDP by an additional $155 billion.
U.S. mobile networks, however, currently are operating at 80 percent of capacity, well above the aggregate utilization rate of 65 percent for all countries worldwide. Drs. Sosa and Audenrode conclude that while "mobile broadband is a critical platform for future innovation, the U.S. wireless industry currently faces severe spectrum constraints, limiting the ability of companies to develop new mobile broadband products and services. Facilitating the reallocation of underutilized spectrum can create a favorable environment for private sector investment in critical wireless infrastructure that will create jobs, spur demand and encourage innovation. And that's just the tip of the iceberg in terms of long-run economic benefits. The sooner that spectrum is reassigned to mobile broadband, the sooner we'll see private sector investment and job creation."
The report stresses that the release of additional spectrum requires no handouts from the U.S. Treasury and will generate substantial spillover effects as innovative companies rush to create new mobile broadband products and services. Emerging wireless technologies and applications have the capacity to alter economic relationships, lead to productivity and gains, and ultimately boost employment and GDP.
"The future of innovation is powered by wireless technology," said Mobile Future chair Jonathan Spalter. "Reallocating underutilized spectrum is absolutely critical to growing an extensive and robust mobile broadband ecosystem that will create jobs, spur consumer demand and facilitate innovation and economic opportunities. This new data is particularly timely as Congress continues its important work to provide more mobile spectrum for American consumers."
Mobile Future is a coalition of cutting-edge American technology and communications companies, consumers and a diverse group of non-profit organizations, working to support an environment which encourages investment and innovation in the dynamic wireless sector. Our mission is to help inform and educate the public and key decision makers in business and government on the broad range of wireless innovations that are transforming our society and the nation's economy.
Vivisimo Announces Optimized Search and Collaboration Capabilities for SharePoint With Introduction of Velocity 8.1
New Features Provided in Velocity Platform 8.1 Offer Organizations Advanced Tools not Found in Standard SharePoint Search
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivisimo, the leader in Information Optimization, announced today Velocity 8.1, the next iteration of its award winning Velocity platform. Recognizing that SharePoint continues to gain acceptance as a key data silo that organizations leverage to store information, Vivisimo has introduced enhanced information access within SharePoint via its Velocity 8.1 version. To achieve this outcome, Velocity 8.1 includes new features, such as continuous updates, that optimize the way information is aggregated, shared and discovered within SharePoint and beyond.
Vivisimo customers are already using Velocity to gain maximum leverage from SharePoint content combined with information from other repositories both inside and outside the organization. With Velocity 8.1, Vivisimo is extending the power of Velocity within SharePoint with key new functionality that includes:
-- Continuous updates enable users to view more quickly and persistently
the content changes within SharePoint using a "light touch" approach.
Users will now have updated content immediately available for real-time
decision-making.
-- Ability to view a single blog and all of its related comments condensed
into a single search result. This enables users to see the context of
blog comments and more efficiently use search results.
-- Advanced presentation and browsing of SharePoint list items. When
searches return items from SharePoint lists that use SharePoint version
tracking, Velocity intelligently assembles all of the versions of the
list item into a single search result. Users can then browse the item
and all of its versions logically and efficiently to find the desired
content. This capability provides a superior user experience in contrast
to the standard SharePoint search where each item version appears as a
separate item, clogging the search results with redundant information
and forcing users to determine the right item from many choices.
-- Enhanced security. Velocity 8.1 can collect all user profile information
for a user, enabling more granular security and access control than the
traditional user and group permission model.
"We took SharePoint to the next level by providing our customers a replacement for its standard search in order to give them optimized information discovery and sharing capabilities," said Stacy Leidwinger, Senior Director of Product Management at Vivisimo. "When employees are in the front line of critical activities such as customer service, they need information in real-time with enhanced accuracy to deliver high quality service and innovation. Velocity 8.1 assists by helping employees to access, share and collaborate around the information stored in SharePoint and other applications around the enterprise."
Now with Velocity 8.1, users can have the flexibility of searching inside and outside SharePoint for content, allowing greater visibility and access into information critical to perform one's job. Support for Microsoft SharePoint is available at no extra charge with Vivisimo Velocity Platform 8.1. Existing Velocity customers under maintenance who are licensed to use the Velocity IO SharePoint Connector will receive the new Velocity SharePoint capabilities as part of their upgrade to Velocity 8.1.
In addition to enhancements to information access with SharePoint, Velocity 8.1 includes additional usability, performance and scalability features, assisting customers as they continue to build out Information Optimization solutions to deliver business value in areas of customer support, sales enablement, supply chain visibility, research and development, and all sectors of the federal government.
About Vivisimo, Inc.
Vivisimo provides enterprises with information optimization solutions that help maximize the business value of information. Unlike traditional information management products, Vivisimo's innovative solutions help end-users find and take advantage of all appropriate and available information, regardless of source, location or type. Vivisimo's innovative technology is delivered with a focus on end-user satisfaction and application control through easy-to-use interfaces, flexible security management and a modern architecture that enables quick deployment. Vivisimo products are available as standalone information optimization applications or as OEM versions embedded within partner applications and solutions. Vivisimo serves its clients from headquarters in Pittsburgh, USA, and through partners around the world. Visit Vivisimo.com for more information.
Press Contact: David SplivaloFreestyle PR515.223.4343david@freestylepr.com
Sales for Zenith Infotech's "Cloud Technology" Continue to Rise
SmartStyle Cloud Technology reaches a new benchmark
WARRENDALE, Penn., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zenith Infotech, an international company that specializes in delivering remote monitoring and management, innovative business continuity, and cloud computing solutions for IT service providers, today announced that more than 1,000 value-added resellers (VARs) and over 3,000 client sites are now experiencing the benefits of Zenith's private cloud platform.
While estimates on the market opportunity from cloud computing varies, it is clear that cloud computing is a hot topic in the technology landscape. According to Akash Saraf, CEO of Zenith Infotech, business owners are actively searching for IT advisors who can deploy enterprise-level cloud solutions scaled for the SMB market. "We are thrilled that many clients love the cost-effective and scalable benefits of having their Zenith private clouds deployed within the security of their own offices while retaining complete control over their information."
Like other Zenith solutions, SmartStyle is priced aggressively to attract solution providers and to create revenue opportunities. Zenith offers partners the flexibility to select the best option to fit their pricing structure with choices such as purchase, rental, or leasing. As part of Zenith's commitment to offering the best technology at a great price, they are offering a special limited time offer on the new mirror cloud business continuity solution. This offer allows for offsite storage at a price of 4 cents per GB*. For more details visit: http://www.zenithinfotech.com.
According to Richard Reiffer, the new vice president of cloud practice at Zenith, the best value differentiator behind SmartStyle is its fast deployment feature. "Some innovations are smarter than others. Our platform provides infrastructure virtualization, business continuity, and network storage, all in one." To a VAR, this results in minimum training as well as significant savings in terms of engineering time to launch and monitor the system.
"With all these key features, Zenith expects to further ascertain its leadership in the cloud technology market," says Maurice Saluan, senior vice president of sales.
About Zenith Infotech
Zenith Infotech is an international company specializing in delivering remote monitoring and management, innovative business continuity and cloud computing solutions for IT service providers.
Sprint and Asurion Team to Offer Sprint Customers a Special Chance to Protect Their Mobile Devices
Sprint's Open Enrollment for Total Equipment Protection will be available until August 31, 2011 and Includes a State-of-the-Art Protection App
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sprint (NYSE: S) and Asurion, the global leader in technology protection services, today announced an open enrollment period for Sprint's Total Equipment Protection (TEP) handset insurance program. Sprint TEP protects against loss; theft; damage, including water damage; and out-of-warranty mechanical failure; by quickly sending a replacement phone, usually overnight, re-connecting customers with the people and places that matter most to them.
"We're excited Sprint customers have this unique opportunity to not only protect their investment, but to also give themselves some peace-of-mind," said Bettie Colombo, spokesperson for Asurion. "Every day we see firsthand how many ways someone can lose or damage their mobile device - a mobile device that often costs hundreds of dollars. With Asurion and Sprint, that customer can rest easy knowing a replacement device will be on the way."
Whether a TEP customer's phone is lost, stolen, damaged or failing, the affordable, comprehensive Asurion-Sprint plan will often replace the device overnight when a claim is made by 11:00PM EDT. Other benefits of Sprint's TEP include:
-- Protection from high device replacement costs
-- Fast and easy, 24x7x365 claim filing
-- Online tools for lost phone & data protection
The recently-enhanced TEP includes a Protection App, allowing customers to find a misplaced phone by sounding an alarm inside the device. The same App includes the ability to remotely lock a missing phone, and then use GPS technology to locate the locked phone. Additionally, the Protection App gives customers the ability to automatically and wirelessly sync their contacts and transfer saved contacts to a new phone. The Protection App is available at no additional charge to TEP subscribers.
The TEP open enrollment is available to Sprint customers until August 31, 2011 - regardless of the age of their device. However, customers who were previously enrolled in the past 12 months are not eligible to re-enroll. To enroll, customers may simply visit http://www.tepenroll.com. To learn more about the recently-enhanced TEP, including the new Protection App, visit http://www.sprint.com/protection.
About Asurion
Asurion, a privately-held company operating across three continents, is the global leader in providing consumer technology protection services. Asurion offers support to help customers derive optimum benefit from the usage of electronics; security to help ensure content privacy; and peace of mind through rapid replacement of lost, stolen, damaged or malfunctioning devices. As the premier technology protection provider, Asurion's 5,000+ employees specialize in fulfilling the needs of more than 95 million consumers through strategic partnerships with the world's top wireless and cable brands. For more information about Asurion, please visit http://www.asurion.com.
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 51 million customers at the end of 1Q 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at http://www.sprint.com or http://www.facebook.com/sprint and http://www.twitter.com/sprint.
SOURCE Asurion
Asurion
CONTACT: Jerrod Resweber of Weber Shandwick, +1-469-375-0216, jresweber@webershandwick.com, for Asurion
LightSquared Delivers on Promise to Indian Health Service, Tribes and Tribal Organizations
RESTON, Va., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LightSquared(TM), the nation's first wholesale-only integrated 4G-LTE wireless broadband and satellite network, announced today the delivery of satellite devices for tribal nations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Arizona. These satellite phones represent LightSquared's commitment to assist the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribes and Tribal Organizations in reaching American Indian and Alaska Native communities located beyond the reach of landline and cell phone networks.
LightSquared agreed to donate to IHS up to 2,000 satellite phones along with the service to support them. The donation is a reflection of LightSquared's broader mission to bring twenty-first century communications to rural regions including Tribal areas that in some cases still lack basic telecommunications service.
"These satellite phones will play a critical role for health care workers who often find themselves in locations beyond the reach of traditional communications services. For Public Health Nurses (PHNs) and Community Health Representatives (CHRs), the ability to communicate to doctors and other health professionals while visiting patients in the remotest parts of Indian Country has a critical impact on delivery of health care," said IHS CIO Charles Gepford.
IHS is the lead federal health care agency for American Indian and Alaska Native populations. The first wave of LightSquared-provided satellite phones has already been delivered to IHS. These phones will be distributed to Tribally-operated health care facilities including the Coquille Indian Tribe Community Health Center in Coos Bay, Oregon; the Nisqually Tribal Health Clinic in Nisqually, Washington; the Benewah Medical Center in Plummer, Idaho; and facilities in the Tohono O'odham Nation in Sells, Arizona.
Federal and Tribal CHRs, PHNs and ambulances who work from these and other medical centers will be able to use the satellite phones as they travel in remote locations to provide medical care.
LightSquared has a history of providing communications services for improved connectivity in Tribal communities. Through its business partnerships, LightSquared provides equipment and services to Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement vehicles and to school buses operating on Tribal lands in New Mexico and Arizona.
With a similar focus on communities in need, the company has delivered essential communications services to areas hardest hit by natural disasters and destruction such as Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf, the earthquake in Haiti and the tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri.
"When providing health care to Tribal communities, medical providers need to focus on the task at hand, not on whether technology will work in rugged conditions," said Sanjiv Ahuja, chairman and chief executive officer of LightSquared. "We're happy to partner with IHS, Tribes and Tribal Organizations to bring critical communications equipment to these underserved communities."
About LightSquared
LightSquared'smission is to revolutionize the U.S. wireless industry. With the creation of the first-ever, wholesale-only nationwide 4G-LTE network integrated with satellite coverage, LightSquaredoffers people the speed, value and reliability of universal connectivity, wherever they are in the United States. As a wholesale-only operator, LightSquared will deploy an open 4G wireless broadband network to be used by existing and new service providers to sell their own devices, applications and services - at a competitive cost and without retail competition from LightSquared. The deployment and operation of LightSquared's network represent more than $14 billion of private investment over the next eight years. For more information about LightSquared, please go to http://www.LightSquared.com, http://www.facebook.com/LightSquared and http://www.twitter.com/LightSquared.
This release contains forward-looking statements and information regarding LightSquared and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of LightSquared'smanagement and are, therefore, subject to certain risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements expressed herein relate only to information as of the date of this release. LightSquared has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, nor is there any assurance that the plans or strategies discussed in this release will not change. The donation by LightSquared and use by IHS of this equipment is in no way to be interpreted as an endorsement by IHS of the equipment and services.
Tonight's debut is scheduled to feature during the 10pm showing of 'Have
I Got a Bit More News for You', which is repeated one hour later at 11pm on
Dave +1.
The advertisement itself is a 30-second long promotional clip wherein a
1950s-era gentleman discovers the Watch Hut (and Internet shopping in
general) for the very first time. Directed by Ian Sciacaluga and produced by
London-based Space City Productions, the ad follows our leading man John
Joannou's progress as he orders various watches (link to: http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk) for himself and his 'lady friend' (Laura
Wilder) and learns just how much choice is on offer.
The ad also highlights the Watch Hut's highly efficient delivery system
('See how fast they go!'), which offers free delivery on all orders and free
next day delivery on all orders over GBP60 placed before 4pm.
Over the month of August, the ad can be seen during many of Dave's
top-rated programmes including 'The Gadget Show', 'Red Dwarf', 'Top Gear'
and 'Mock the Week'. Dave can be viewed on Sky channel 111, Virgin channel
128 and Freeview channel 19.
The Watch Hut's foray into television is a long time coming. Since it
was established online in 2005, the website has become the UK's largest
dedicated online watches retailer with over 8000 watches from more than 80
brands.
For more information on the Watch Hut and its debut TV advertising
campaign, visit the Watch Hut at http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk.
To embed the video, please copy and paste the following code: <iframe
width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6gz_YidI4X0"
frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
1) Visit the Watch Hut's brand new Press pages (link to: http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/press) for more information on the
advertising campaign and other promotional material including press
releases, downloads and details on publications and events.
2) The Watch Hut has a dedicated Twitter page (follow us
@thewatchhut) and Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/the-watch-hut/174090112950
About the Watch Hut
The Watch Hut started ticking in November 2005. In a few short years, it
has become the largest online watch retailer in the UK, offering a wider
choice of timepieces than any other UK watch website, its total currently
standing at 8000+ watches from more than 80 brands.
The website's original aim of selling the best branded watches at the
best online prices has remained its guiding principle, with quality customer
service and a fast, efficient delivery service close behind.
The Watch Hut has established its own identity away from founding
company, respected jeweller T. H. Baker, but has built on the 120 years of
jewellery experience behind it to ensure success. Along with sister site the
Jewel Hut, a dedicated jewellery website, it is an authorised dealer of the
products it sells and offers an online alternative to high street jewellers.
In 2011, the Watch Hut underwent its most recent site makeover, with the
goal of enhancing the customer experience even further. Looking to the
future, the Watch Hut hopes to continue to evolve in new and exciting ways.
For press enquiries, please contact Luke McNaney on +44(0)1384-467592
or, alternatively, e-mail luke.mcnaney@thewatchhut.co.uk.
Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD) Launches Digster.fm
New Fan-Facing Music Playlist Service Allows Users to Listen Through Spotify
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD), a division of Universal Music Group, has launched a fan-facing music playlist service called Digster.fm (http://www.digster.fm). The announcement was made today by Jim Urie, President & CEO of UMGD, and Mitch Rotter, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Product Development of the company.
Digster.fm publishes playlists across a wide variety of musical genres and artists which fans can listen to through Spotify. UMGD is the first major music company to offer this service through Spotify. The service was first developed by Universal Music Sweden and originally launched there. All of the content is chosen by UMGD employees and uses music from all record companies offered within the Spotify service, not just Universal Music Group. The playlists are offered on Spotify's free and premium tiers, making them easily accessible to all Spotify users. Digster.fm plans on incorporating other subscription services in the coming weeks as well.
"Digster.fm provides an excellent platform to enhance Spotify's user experience," stated Mr. Rotter. "So whether you are looking for a soundtrack to a party, or want to find out what your favorite artist is listening to, Digster.fm can help you find the perfect playlist."
The playlists are curated exclusively by UMG employees and regularly updated. Digster playlists can be followed on Spotify by simply clicking a "+Subscribe" button and all Digster.fm playlists can be found within Spotify by entering spotify:user:digsterfm in the Spotify search box. For iTunes users, tracks can be purchased separately through clicking on the individual track within every playlist on the Digster.fm site.
Fans who register for the Digster.fm newsletter at http://umg.fm/q8HNhf can receive an invitation to Spotify's free tier while supplies last.
About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is the world's leading music company with wholly owned record operations or licensees in 77 territories. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, the industry's leading global music publishing operation.
Universal Music Group's record labels include A&M/Octone, Decca, Def Jam Recordings, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Geffen Records, Interscope Records, Island Records, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Polydor Records, Show Dog-Universal Music, Universal Motown, Universal Music Latino, Universal Republic and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which includes the last 100 years of the world's most popular artists and their recordings. UMG's catalog is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes eLabs, its new media and technologies division; Bravado, its merchandising company; and Twenty-First Artists, its full service management division.
Universal Music Group is a unit of Vivendi, a global media and communications company.
SOURCE Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group
CONTACT: Universal Music Group, maria.ho-burge@umusic.com, +1-212-331-2569
Communications Systems, Inc. Announces the Acquisition of Patapsco Communications
Integration with Transition Networks will Bolster Company's Ability to Address Additional Architectures for Broadband Delivery
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: JCS), a global provider of broadband network solutions, announced today the successful acquisition of Patapsco Designs Limited of the UK (who trade as Patapsco Communications) for its Transition Networks business unit. The acquisition significantly bolsters Transition Networks' position as a leading manufacturer of broadband hardware solutions aimed at service provider, enterprise and government networks.
The Patapsco acquisition adds pseudowire, also known as TDM over IP or Circuit Emulation Services (CESoIP), and a variety of ISDN products including ISDNoIP to Transition Networks' portfolio and capabilities. Their wide range of technology allows for the transportation of TDM traffic over IP and Ethernet packet networks. Patapsco has built a 20-year reputation for quality, customer support, and a focus on delivering solutions for difficult technical challenges, such as highly-accurate clocking and synchronization necessary for applications, such as mobile backhaul delivery via packet networks. Other established products address challenging migration issues from legacy systems to Next Generation Networks (NGNs).
"Patapsco's product line is a strategic addition for Transition Networks in expanding its product offering to the service provider market. Patapsco has a strong line of existing products that we can immediately leverage in Transition Networks' customer and distribution network around the world. Furthermore, the combined engineering efforts of Patapsco and Transition Networks will allow us to bring new products to market that utilize core technologies from both companies," stated William G. Schultz, President and CEO of Communications Systems, Inc.
The addition of Patapsco's technology to Transition's portfolio allows the company to offer new and innovative architectures for broadband delivery of both new and legacy services. Paired with Transition's established portfolio of robust Carrier Ethernet products, the company will now be able to offer a wider portfolio of flexible, cost-effective and unique solutions for customers as they migrate to packet-based networks. Patapsco's focus on quality and support is also a direct fit to Transition's business model which includes customer-friendly warranties and 24x7 customer support.
"I am delighted to be working with CSI; they bring the perfect combination in terms of established channels and customers that match our engineering skills and products/services. Patapsco's historic focus on engineering excellence and innovative migration products is an ideal fit with CSI's individual customer-orientated strategy. The company cultures are similar and we are already working closely in bringing established products to market under the Transition Networks banner as well as on exciting new developments, and I anticipate the arrangement will open many new opportunities," says Paul Strawbridge, founder and Managing Director of Patapsco Designs Limited.
About Communications Systems
Communications Systems, Inc. provides physical connectivity infrastructure and services for global deployments of broadband networks. Focusing on innovative, cost-effective solutions, CSI provides customers the ability to deliver, manage, and optimize their broadband network services and architecture. From the integration of fiber optics in any application and environment to efficient home voice and data deployments to the optimization of data and application access, CSI provides the tools for maximum utilization of the network from the edge to the user. With partners and customers in over 50 countries, CSI has built a reputation as a reliable global innovator focusing on quality and customer service.
About Transition NetworksInc.
With over 20 years of growth and expertise in hardware manufacturing, Transition Networks offers the ability to affordably integrate the benefits of fiber optics into any data network - in any application - in any environment. Offering support for multiple protocols, any interface, and a multitude of hardware platforms Transition's portfolio gives the power to deliver and manage network traffic reliably over fiber. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in over 50 countries. Transition Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: JCS).
About Patapsco Designs Ltd (who trade as Patapsco Communications)
Established in 1989 and based in the U. K., Patapsco Communications is a privately held company. They have developed a sophisticated and comprehensive range of highly-featured and manageable products for enterprise, system integrators, carriers, and governmental organizations. Focusing on TDM, ISDN and IP/Ethernet technologies and specializing in synchronization and quality of service, the company has designed and manufactured a wide range of sophisticated but simple-to-use Carrier-grade systems with a single management system supporting all platforms. Patapsco delivers their products worldwide via established partners and offers high levels of training, support, and remote assistance.
Statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in 2011 are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: competitive products and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE Communications Systems, Inc.
Communications Systems, Inc.
CONTACT: Patrick Schaber of Communications Systems, Inc., +1-952-996-1526, pats@transition.com
Zoosk Launches 'Find a Job. Get a Date.' Employee Recruitment Campaign
Social dating leader offers fantasy date with TV actors to a new hire--and $10,000 referral fee for engineering hires
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoosk®, one of the world's most popular social dating communities, today announced the launch of its 'Find a Job. Get a Date.' recruitment campaign to attract talented software engineers to the fast-growing company. Anyone who applies for open engineering positions at Zoosk and begins employment by September 30, 2011 is eligible for a chance to go on a date with Samantha, the star of Zoosk's latest TV commercial, 'Office Romance,' or Steve, star of Zoosk's popular TV commercial, 'Athlete,' which recently aired in the US, UK and Australia. Zoosk will cover the costs of the date, including a round-trip flight to Los Angeles, a chauffeured limousine and dinner. In conjunction with the recruitment campaign, Zoosk announced a $10,000 referral fee for new engineering hires through September 30, 2011.
"With Zoosk's focus on product innovation and our rapid global growth, we are constantly searching for the best possible engineering talent we can find," said Alex Mehr, co-founder and co-CEO of Zoosk. "Given our goal to change the face of the online dating category, we thought it only made sense to include a fun date with one of our talented TV actors in our new campaign to attract great engineers."
Zoosk's 'Find a Job. Get a Date.' recruitment campaign follows the company's announcement in Q1 of this year that it had grown its sales run rate approximately 250% in one year to more than $90 million, and its inclusion, for the second year in a row, in the Wall Street Journal's "Next Big Thing" list of promising startups. The company has more than doubled its San Francisco staff to 95 employees in the last 15 months, and hopes to hire several software engineers and other positions for its headquarters in San Francisco's Financial District.
Zoosk's commitment to hiring engineering talent has enabled it to bring new products to market quickly and efficiently. Recent product innovations include Zoosk Messenger, a downloadable desktop messenger client that enables users to chat in real-time with potential dates; integration of Facebook "Likes" into dating profiles and profile searches; and live video chat. The company recently added several mobile engineers to its team to accelerate development of the company's popular iPhone® and Android(TM) dating apps.
Another recent product development that came out of Zoosk's engineering team is Socialbox, a side project that let Facebook users video chat with their friends, before Facebook announced their own version of this feature. One of Zoosk's engineers came up with the idea to mash up the Zoosk Messenger downloadable chat client with Facebook Chat, layering in UX improvements and video capabilities. Zoosk's co-founders encouraged the team to build it, and within weeks, Socialbox was not only live but growing quickly to more than two million monthly active unique users.
"Socialbox is an example of how we encourage our team to approach their jobs at Zoosk," blogged Shayan Zadeh, co-founder and co-CEO of Zoosk. "We reward creative thinking and we give our people the resources and support to turn their ideas into reality. We need more people who embody this commitment to innovation."
To view open positions and to apply for jobs at Zoosk, visit http://www.zoosk.com/careers. To read more about the 'Find a Job. Get a Date.' campaign and Zoosk's engineer referral program and learn about applicable terms and conditions, please visit http://www.zoosk.com/competition.
About Zoosk
Zoosk is one of the world's most popular social dating communities, with millions of singles from around the globe using the service each month. Zoosk provides a fun and social online dating experience that users can easily access from Zoosk's website, social networking applications, mobile services, and a downloadable desktop application. Zoosk is available in 25 languages and has subscribers in more than 60 countries. The service enables users to join, browse, and send a limited number of messages for free. Zoosk users can upgrade to a premium subscription for full access or purchase virtual currency to buy select features and virtual gifts. Founded in 2007 by Shayan Zadeh and Alex Mehr, the company is based in San Francisco and backed by Canaan Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, and ATA Ventures.
Zoosk and Socialbox are trademarks of Zoosk, Inc. All other trademarks or names referenced are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE Zoosk
Zoosk
CONTACT: Alex Shapiro, +1-415-608-5044, alexs@zoosk.com
OPTI-Solar Announces New Wireless Monitoring Device
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- OPTI-Solar manufacturer of inverters from Taiwan announce new wireless Logger for its GT series inverter. Colorful design, large touch screen, user friendly software, makes it a perfect option for PV monitoring at home or work.
Some interesting features include external sensors and multiple inverter monitoring with single logger and connection to OPTI central server for web monitoring anywhere.
All data is stored in SD memory card. User can also receive daily reports and event alarms via E-mail, SMS and fax. Data can also be transferred to USB flash drive.
Product official launching will take place at OPTI-Solar's booth during SOLAR POWER INTERNATIONAL show Dallas this year in October.
OPTI-Solar introduced PV Grid inverters in North America last year for residential and commercial installation with sales and service centre in city of Industry LA.
OPTI-Solar Website:http://www.opti-solar.com
About OPTI:
OPTI-Solar, with their Taiwanese manufacturing facilities and global sales offices, is a growing brand for grid-tie inverters and PV modules. Vertical integration within their group of companies ensures the highest quality products and a wide range of complete system options.
Tommee Tippee Introduces The Day Baby Was Born(TM)
New, Free Digital Tool Allows Parents to Record and Share Their Journey through Pregnancy to the Birth of Their Children
WESTPORT, Conn., August 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Tommee Tippee®, the number-one brand of infant and toddler feeding products in Great Britain, today introduces a new, free and easy way for parents to capture the once-in-a-lifetime story of their journey through pregnancy. The new site, The Day Baby Was Born(TM) (thedaybabywasborn.com), is a free Web application that lets moms- and dads-to-be capture their own personal story from the moment they know there's a baby on the way, to the day their baby is born. After the birth of their child, parents can use the application to easily create a storybook that details their journey through pregnancy and provides a glimpse of what the world looked like on their child's birth day.
The Day Baby Was Born(TM) application helps parents chronicle and save the story of their baby's journey into the world, as well as news and facts on the day itself. Users can include all or some of the following, depending on how much time they want to spend:
-- Remembering Milestones and Well-Wishes: With so much going on during
pregnancy and birth, remembering and capturing the well-wishes of
family, friends and loved ones can easily be overlooked, especially in
this digital era. Now, parents can use The Day Baby Was Born(TM)
application to announce their pregnancy and their baby's birth on
Facebook. Once posted, The Day Baby Was Born(TM) application
automatically gathers the Facebook wall responses from friends and
family and adds them to the storybook, preserving these memories
forever.
-- Capturing and Sharing Your Story: Mom or Dad can keep a personal journal
chronicling each week of Mom and baby's journey to the birth day. The
Day Baby Was Born(TM) application even provides a guided journaling tool
to help parents tell the story of their baby's birth. From the first
positive pregnancy test to the last few days of waiting for baby to
arrive, each family's story can be captured and shared.
-- The Day You Were Born: Users can capture a glimpse of what the world
looked like on the day their baby arrived, choosing from a list of top
news items, entertainment and lifestyle headlines, the top books and
music, baby's horoscope, sports information, weather, stock-market
information and U.S. facts. No work required! The Day Baby Was Born(TM)
application finds the information for the user; just choose the story or
fact from a list to have it included.
-- Authoring a Letter to Baby: Welcoming a new baby is often accompanied by
overwhelming emotions. Parents can capture and share those feelings with
their child by writing a Letter to Baby, preserving forever how they
felt on the day their baby entered the world. A writer's tool is
provided for those who want a little help in making the most of their
creativity.
-- Telling Your Baby Story through Photos: Parents can choose to upload
images from their pregnancy and baby's first days to help illustrate the
page of their personalized storybook and preserve the memories of these
once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Throughout the process, users can export and share sections of their storybook with their friends and family on Facebook, and once their child is born, parents can both share the full-color storybook on Facebook and download it to their computer to keep and treasure forever.
"Pregnancy is a busy, exciting nine-month journey that goes by in an instant. The Day Baby Was Born was created to give parents an intuitively simple way to capture, save and share the experience," said Brenda Liistro, General Manager of Mayborn USA Inc. "Busy new parents now have a largely automatic way to preserve the many memories surrounding pregnancy and birth, capturing details not just for family and friends, but for their child when he or she is older. I wish I had this to answer the many questions my daughters ask now that they are older, like, 'Who was the President when I was born?' or 'What movie won the Academy Award that year?' We want to provide this free service to moms and dads to remind them that Tommee Tippee will be with them through every step of this wonderful new experience."
The Day Baby Was Born(TM) application is completely free and available to anyone in the United States who wishes to use it. Because the site uses Facebook Connect technology, users must have a Facebook account to log in to the site. However, only those items that the user specifically designates to be shared will be posted to the Facebook community. All other information will remain private and will not be shared without the user's permission. The application was designed to be used during a current pregnancy and cannot be used retroactively to capture previous births.
ABOUT TOMMEE TIPPEE
Tommee Tippee is the number-one brand of infant and toddler feeding products in Great Britain and one of the top brands of infant products and accessories in the global market. Loved by parents and children alike, Tommee Tippee has received numerous brand accolades in Great Britain, including top ranks in the prestigious Mother and Baby Awards, a head-to-head assessment of competitive products voted on by moms themselves. The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature® line of baby bottles has been chosen as Great Britain's best baby bottle, winning the Gold award in 2006/7, in 2008/9 and again in 2009/10. In 2009 and 2010, Tommee Tippee was the first and only children's feeding brand to be selected as a UK Superbrand in a nationwide poll of consumers, putting it on par with brands such as Microsoft®, Coca-Cola®, Nike®, Lego® and Google®.
For more information on Tommee Tippee and its products, please visit http://www.tommeetippee.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter at Tommee Tippee US.
SOURCE Tommee Tippee
Tommee Tippee
CONTACT: Christina Simmons of Mullen, for Tommee Tippee, +1-617-226-9963, csimmons@mullen.com
RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Union First Market Bank today announced that it has launched three mobile banking offerings, including mobile web, text message banking and an iPhone® application (app) making it the largest community bank in Virginia to offer a complete mobile banking product suite.
"Mobile banking is no longer an exclusive product from large national or regional banks," said G. William Beale, chief executive officer of Union First Market Bankshares. "Union First Market Bank now offers consumers the tools to bank when, where and how they want. We're able to rollout new products and keep the cost of banking low because of our large branch footprint and financial strength. Union remains one of the strongest banks in Virginia because it has continued to follow two key principles of community banking: take the time necessary to know your customers and make loans within your geographic footprint."
Starting today, iPhone® customers will be able to download the Union First Market Mobile Banking app from Apple's App Store. Union First Market Bank's online banking customers with access to mobile web browsers can visit m.bankatunion.com to access their account information. Customers who want to bank via text messaging can set up this service within Online Banking.
About Union First Market Bankshares Corporation
Headquartered in Richmond, Union First Market Bankshares Corporation (NASDAQ: UBSH) is the holding company for Union First Market Bank, which has 99 branches and more than 160 ATMs throughout Virginia, Union Investment Services, Inc., which provides full brokerage services, Union Mortgage Group, Inc., which provides a full line of mortgage products, and Union Insurance Group, LLC, which offers various lines of insurance products. Union First Market Bank also owns a non-controlling interest in Johnson Mortgage Company, LLC.
Gorilla Logic Announces FlexMonkey 5 Open Source Automated Test Software for Adobe Flex and AIR
FlexMonkey 'Reloaded' offers completely new testing platform, including new console, additional testing commands, tighter integration with FlexUnit, and new test-trace options
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gorilla Logic (http://www.gorillalogic.com), a leader in enterprise application development services and creators of open source test tools for mobile and Rich Internet Applications (RIA), today announced the availability of FlexMonkey 5 (http://www.gorillalogic.com/flexmonkey), the industry's leading open source automated testing tool for Adobe Flex and AIR. FlexMonkey 5 represents a major re-write of the FlexMonkey core open source test tool, resulting in better performance and increased reliability.
"Functional user experience testing is more critical than ever with the explosion of new consumer computing and devices," explained Stu Stern, CEO and co-founder of Gorilla Logic. "This latest version offers the community the next generation of FlexMonkey, making it more extensible and supportable. It showcases our passion for quality, our technical expertise, and our connection to the tools and culture of Agile delivery."
FlexMonkey is the most widely used open source tool for testing Adobe Flex and AIR applications. With more than 11,000 downloads, FlexMonkey has established itself as the de-facto standard in the industry. It allows developers and testers of RIA to record, playback and verify real-world user interactions. If desired, the test automation tool can also generate ActionScript test scripts that teams can easily use within a continuous integration environment. Gorilla Logic created FlexMonkey in 2008, and continues to contribute to the Flex ecosystem with ongoing enhancements and dedicated support to the community.
New enhancements contained in FlexMonkey 5 include:
-- A new console interface
-- A new test execution model based on FlexUnit 4
-- New SetProperty, StoreValue, and CallFunction commands providing
increased power and expressiveness without modifying ActionScript
-- A new test-code generation model, friendlier to customization of
generated code
-- Plus hundreds of other changes driven by real-world feedback from the
FlexMonkey community and Gorilla Logic's customers
Stern says these new features translate into some powerful benefits to the FLEX open source functional testing community. Teams delivering Adobe Flex applications can reap the dramatic quality and speed gains delivered from automated user experience testing. "User experience testing for the Adobe Flex/AIR platform now is more powerful, easier to use, faster, and more reliable - plus, it is free because it is open source," he says. "For FlexMonkey customers that use Agile methods and have complex testing needs, FlexMonkey 5 offers new improvements in test extensions and Continuous Integration (CI) environments."
Gorilla Logic continues to lead in developing open-source automated test tools for emerging development platforms. In addition to FlexMonkey, Gorilla Logic recently released FoneMonkey 5 (http://www.gorillalogic.com/fonemonkey), bringing record-and-playback automated testing capabilities to the iPhone and iPad for the first time anywhere. Gorilla Logic's open source testing tools have grown out of the company's extensive experience providing mobile, web and RIA development services to customers, from Fortune 500 companies to next-generation Internet start-ups.
FlexMonkey 5 is upward-compatible for tests recorded with FlexMonkey 4.1. The FlexMonkey development team intends to support the 4.1.x version for sustaining development for six months. To download a copy of FlexMonkey 5, visit http://www.gorillalogic.com/flexmonkey.
About Gorilla Logic:
Gorilla Logic provides custom enterprise application development services to many of the world's leading software-driven organizations. It has a rich history of applying software engineering best practices to reduce the time and cost of delivering high-quality, full-featured applications with advanced functionality. Its technical leadership in mobile, rich Internet and enterprise applications showcases its broad platform expertise and exemplifies its commitment to software development best practices and quality. Its innovative work with emerging development platforms led to the creation of two industry leading open source tools for automated testing, FlexMonkey (Flex applications) and FoneMonkey (iPhone/iPad Apps). To download Gorilla Logic's open source tools, and to learn more about the company and its services, please visit http://www.gorillalogic.com.
Media Contact:Christie DennistonCatapult PR-IROffice: 303-581-7760, ext. 13Mobile: 303-827-5164cdenniston@catapultpr-ir.com
Alaska Airlines and Visa Signature® Offer Free Wi-Fi on Smart Phones
Complimentary Wi-Fi on smart phones through Sept. 30, 2011
SEATTLE, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines announced today that it will offer complimentary Gogo® Wi-Fi service for passengers with Web-enabled smart phones and iPod Touches throughout August and September 2011. The offer, compliments of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card, is also available to customers who rent a digEplayer, Alaska's portable inflight entertainment system.
"Alaska Airlines' Inflight Wi-Fi has been a hit with our customers and we're excited to offer it free to those with smart phones throughout the next two months," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing. "Whether you're a business traveler needing access to e-mail or just can't wait to check Facebook, free access to the Internet is a huge benefit."
Gogo is now available on nearly all aircraft in Alaska Airlines' fleet operating within the Lower 48 and specific areas in Alaska. Using Gogo, Alaska Airlines passengers with Wi-Fi-enabled devices can browse the Web; access online music, games, podcasts and webcasts; send and receive e-mail; and connect to virtual private networks while flying. The easy-to-use service provides passengers with full Internet access on any Wi-Fi-equipped laptop or personal electronic device at speeds similar to wireless mobile broadband services on the ground.
"We are extremely excited for this sponsorship since it's the first free mobile offering on Gogo," said Ash ElDifrawi, Gogo's chief marketing officer. "Many smart phone users simply aren't aware that you can turn your cellular phone service off on a Gogo-equipped plane, yet still access the Internet through a Wi-Fi-enabled mobile device and surf the Web, send e-mail and access most of the features on your mobile device."
Prices for Gogo on other devices such as laptops, iPads, netbooks or tablets start at $4.95 and are based on length of flight and device used. Gogo also offers 24-hour Wi-Fi passes and monthly subscriptions. Customers can visit http://www.alaskaair.com for more information about Alaska Airlines' Inflight Wi-Fi.
Alaska Airlines' digEplayers are available on flights longer than three hours. The price is $8 on flights less than 4.5 hours and $14 on flights longer than 4.5 hours, and includes Gogo Wi-Fi access. Customers receive a $2 discount when they reserve a digEplayer in advance via http://www.alaskaair.com.
The Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature card offers customers access to exclusive offers, events and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. To learn more, visit http://www.visasignature.com/alaskaairlines.
About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together serve 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Network Carriers" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 North America Airline Satisfaction Studies(SM). For reservations, visit http://www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at http://www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.
About Gogo
Gogo is fast becoming everyone's favorite part of flying. By allowing travelers to get online in the air, Gogo keeps them connected to life. Using Gogo's exclusive network and services, passengers with laptops and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices can get online on all domestic AirTran Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin America flights and on select Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Frontier, United Airlines, and US Airways flights.
SOURCE Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
CONTACT: Marianne Lindsey, +1-206-392-5101, for Alaska Airlines
Seven New 24-bit and 16-bit Pin-Compatible ICs Accelerate Sensor Interface Design
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- National Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: NSM) today introduced seven new 24-bit and 16-bit multi-channel, sensor analog front-ends (AFE) that offer system designers a greater range of choices from high-performance to low-cost options that span channel configurations, current sources, and resolution. National's LMP900xx sensor AFE integrated circuits (ICs) provide an easy to configure signal path solution for interfacing sensors to microcontrollers. They are targeted at precision sensing systems used to monitor and control temperature, pressure, load, force, motion/position and voltage in industrial, medical, and test and measurement applications.
The pin-compatible LMP900xx sensor AFEs expand on the LMP90100 released earlier this year. They team with National's WEBENCH® Sensor AFE Designer software tool and bench-top development system, enabling design engineers to attach a sensor, configure the signal path, optimize the design, and download configuration data to the sensor AFE for immediate prototyping. Weeks or months of design are reduced to just minutes using National's integrated hardware/software development system.
System designers can choose from a family of pin-compatible LMP900xx sensor AFEs that meet their specific resolution, channel and current source needs. The LMP900xx family features either a 24-bit or 16-bit sigma-delta ADC with a programmable input (mux) configuration that interfaces up to 4-differential inputs, or 7-single-ended inputs in any combination of input types. The microcontroller interface is supplied through a standard SPI 4-wire serial interface with CRC data link error correction and seven general purpose I/O ports. Each IC is guaranteed over the -40 degrees C to 125 degrees C temperature range.
The LMP900xx IC's true background calibration at all gains (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128) eliminates offset and gain drift over time and temperature without disturbing the measured signal. Each channel is independently configurable for gain and sample rate, with automatic, manual and single scan of selected channels. They also provide continuous background sensor diagnostics for detecting shorts, opens and out-of-range signals.
The LMP90099/98/97 24-bit multi-channel, sensor AFEs provide various channel configurations and are supplied with or without matched current sources:
-- The LMP90099 provides 24-bit resolution, 4-differential and
7-single-ended inputs without current sources.
-- The LMP90098 provides 24-bit resolution, 2-differential and
4-single-ended inputs with two matched current sources.
-- The LMP90097 provides 24-bit resolution, 2-differential and
4-single-ended inputs without current sources.
The LMP90080/79/78/77 16-bit multi-channel, sensor AFEs provide various channel configurations and are supplied with or without matched current sources:
-- The LMP90080 provides 16-bit resolution, 4-differential and
7-single-ended inputs with two matched current sources.
-- The LMP90079 provides 16-bit resolution, 4-differential and
7-single-ended inputs without current sources.
-- The LMP90078 provides 16-bit resolution, 2-differential and
4-single-ended inputs with two matched current sources.
-- The LMP90077 provides 16-bit resolution, 2-differential and
4-single-ended inputs without current sources.
More information about National's sensor AFEs, WEBENCH Sensor AFE Designer and development system is available at http://www.national.com/sensorAFE.
Pricing and Availability
Offered in 28-pin TSSOP packages, National's LMP900xx sensor AFE ICs are available now and range in cost from $3.25 to $4.95 in 1,000-unit quantities. For more information on the LMP90099/98/97 24-bit sensor AFEs or to order samples and an evaluation board, visit http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LMP90100.html. For more information on the LMP90080/79/78/77 16-bit sensor AFEs or to order samples and an evaluation board, visit http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LMP90080.html.
About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor is a leader in power management technology. Known for its easy-to-use analog integrated circuits and world-class supply chain, National's high-performance analog products enable its customers' systems to be more energy efficient. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., National reported sales of $1.52 billion for fiscal 2011. Additional information is available at http://www.national.com.
National Semiconductor and WEBENCH are registered trademarks of National Semiconductor Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Media ContactMark Alden(408) 721-6929mark.alden@nsc.comReader InformationDesign Support Group(800) 272-9959www.national.com
Plusnet, the Yorkshire-based ISP, has announced it will return with a
new TV advertising campaign in August.
To celebrate Yorkshire Day, the Sheffield-based home broadband
[http://www.plus.net/residential/we_are_different.shtml ] provider will
debut the first 30-second commercial during the ad-break of "Emmerdale"
(ITV1) on Monday 1st August at approx. 19.15hrs. The campaign, planned and
bought by Maxus, will again make use of Yorkshire values and will feature a
straight-talking character named Joe. The new advert will also introduce
Joe's Dad who will enter the public's TV consciousness on a ride-on lawn
mower.
The campaign, which will run throughout the remainder of 2011, will
promote the UK-based, 24/7 customer support from the broadband provider
[http://www.plus.net/broadband ]. With call centre support based entirely in
the UK, Plusnet is one of few broadband and phone
[http://www.plus.net/packages/broadband-calls ] companies where all advisors
are technically trained and do not work from scripts - a point of reverence
that has seen Plusnet already pick up six awards and be highly commended 13
times across the industry for its product and services in 2011*. Later in
the month, Plusnet will air a second advert in which audiences will be
treated to a rendition of Kaiser Chiefs' "Ruby" played by the Plusnet Brass
Band. This 40-second commercial will run for four weeks promoting Plusnet's
great value.
Nick Rawlings, Commercial Director at Plusnet said: "We've always been
proud of our Sheffield roots. Our customer feedback suggests the 24/7
availability of our UK operations is popular so, we wanted to convey our
local and friendly approach in the new campaign."
Shot on location in Ilkley and Ripon, the adverts have been created by
Karmarama ad agency and directed by film and TV director, Steve Bendelack,
whose work includes "The Royle Family", "The League of Gentlemen", "Little
Britain" and "Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)". Both Karmarama and Steve
worked together when Plusnet made its TV advertising debut in 2010.
Sam Walker, the creative lead on the campaign at Karmarama said: "We
have developed an ad that would best exemplify Plusnet's key differential -
a UK call centre that is free to call, from a landline, at any time.
"We chose to use a local theme and convey the emotional benefits of
helpfulness and community that stem from this whilst keeping the character
of Joe and the sense of Yorkshire we had created in our previous
advertising. We have introduced his Dad after he worked well in radio
executions back in the spring."
Notes to Editors
*Several accolades in the 2011 uSwitch Broadband Satisfaction Survey
including: "Best Overall Customer Satisfaction", "Most Likely to be
Recommended", "Best Customer Service", and "Best Quality of Connection". The
company was awarded the JD Power award for "Best Fixed ISP" and "Best Budget
Broadband" at the Broadband Genie Home Broadband Awards 2011 & Broadband
Choices 2011 "Highly Commended" all providers quality and reliability.
About Plusnet:
Back in 1997 Plusnet was born. Its plan was simple; to think and act
differently from other providers and save the customer money. That's not
changed since the day it launched. More than a decade later Plusnet is still
providing great value broadband and phone packages
[http://www.plus.net/packages ] from its HQ in Yorkshire.
Plusnet's customers and industry professionals think it supports them so
well that the company has been given a stack of awards to prove it. Plusnet
was especially proud to have won "Best Overall Customer Satisfaction" in the
2011 uSwitch Broadband Satisfaction Survey.
Plusnet always takes pride in having a great relationship with its
customers, offering great broadband customer service
[http://www.plus.net/residential/awards.shtml ]. It believes it's only fair
to talk openly and honestly with them, help fix problems and talk about
pretty much anything related to broadband over on its Community site, blogs
and forums. Plusnet customers also get generous rewards for telling their
friends about the company.
PR Contact:
Laura Mottram
Head of PR
2 Tenter Street
Sheffield
S1 4BT
+44(0)870-705-8055 http://www.plus.net
Comwave ePhone for BlackBerry® PlayBook(TM) Gets Better
TORONTO, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --Comwave ePhone now includes unlimited video calling between ePhone users. Due to popular demand Comwave ePhone is now available in the US & the UK with other countries planned shortly. "BlackBerry® PlayBook(TM) users have sent us a steady stream of feedback, and we're responding quickly," says Darryl Singer, Director of Digital Marketing for Comwave. "With Comwave ePhone, PlayBook(TM) users can easily Video Chat for free, call around the globe and even receive calls just like a regular phone."
Comwave ePhone is currently the only BlackBerry® PlayBook(TM) App that allows you to make and receive phone calls using your PlayBook(TM) from anywhere you want! Additionally, Comwave ePhone allows consumers to make Video Calls to other ePhone users as well at no additional charge.
For a limited time only, Consumers can download a 30-Day Risk Free trial and enjoy 100 minutes of free calling to almost 60 countries, unlimited incoming calls, and unlimited talk between ePhone users. Consumers will also receive their own phone number to receive calls directly to their BlackBerry® PlayBook(TM). Once the free trial has expired, consumers will have the option to purchase the App for just $20/year which includes:
- Unlimited Free Incoming calls
- Unlimited ePhone-2-ePhone
- 250 Free Minutes every month for 1 year to call almost 60 countries
- No monthly bills or fees....Just an annual fee of $20 for the App
Download Comwave's free PlayBook(TM) App today by searching "Comwave" on BlackBerry App World(TM) from your BlackBerry® PlayBook(TM).
About Comwave
Comwave is Canada's largest independent communications company specializing in Voice Over IP (VoIP), long distance and mobile for residential and business customers. Led by President and CEO, Yuval Barzakay, Comwave has become Canada's leader in VoIP solutions. Comwave serves over 1,000 cities in Canada and over 11,000 in the United States.
In our competitive landscape Comwave has always been the go-to company for great savings and we continue to bring our customers the absolute best rates. We are never undersold, and we don't compromise on reliability and customer satisfaction.
Our Focus:
-- To improve on the customer experience and overall satisfaction
-- Keep things simple
-- Innovate
SOURCE Comwave
Comwave
CONTACT: Darryl Singer, Director of Digital Marketing, +1-416-663-9700 x 382, dsinger@comwave.net
Capco Extends Global Reach With Addition of South African Office to Enable Financial Firms to Implement Post-crisis Change Programmes
JOHANNESBURG, August 1, 2011/PRNewswire/ --
- Johannesburg-based Team Hired to Serve Africa-based Financial Services
Institutions
Capco [http://www.capco.com ], the global business and technology
consultancy dedicated solely to the financial services industry, today
announced the opening of an office in Johannesburg, South Africa. Staffed by
a team of financial services industry experts, the South African office has
been launched to better serve Capco's existing Africa-based clients and
attract the attention of prospective banking and capital markets clients
interested in working with a consultancy dedicated to the financial services
industry.
The new South African office is Capco's thirteenth office location
across four continents, and further strengthens the firm's global reach.
Capco research suggests that, while the South African financial services
industry has not been as hard hit as other global financial centres,
Africa-based financial services institutions are still looking to make
significant improvements to their business operations. The most common focus
of local change programmes include:
1) Cost reduction, with a more aggressive look at outsourcing
and consolidation of core operations
2) Driving top-line growth, with firms looking for innovative ways
to both serve existing customers and attract new customer segments with
the development of new products, new services, and penetration of new
geographies
3) A push to complete core systems replacement initiatives begun
when the financial crisis first hit
4) An increased focus on compliance driven by ongoing changes in
international banking legislation.
Already operational, the Capco SA office is based in the heart of the
Johannesburg financial district and is led by financial services consulting
expert, Bruce Gordon.
"This is a great time to be joining the fastest-growing professional
services firms operating in the financial services industry," said Bruce
Gordon, Capco Partner. "Capco clients appreciate the firm's ability to field
individuals with a tremendously rich understanding of industry issues and
practical experience. They also value the ability to access
industry-recognised thought leadership that addresses the challenges faced
by financial institutions today."
Commenting on the office opening, Peter Schurau, CEO of Capco Europe,
added: "I am very excited at the addition of our new office in a significant
financial services market. Our experienced team and now established local
presence will enable us to effectively serve both local South African
clients, as well as major institutions across Africa. Our local presence
also positions us to collaborate more closely with our parent company FIS,
as and when client needs dictate."
About Capco
Capco, a global business and technology consultancy dedicated solely to
the financial services industry. Our professionals combine innovative
thinking with our unrivalled first-hand industry knowledge to offer our
clients consulting expertise, complex technology and package integration,
and managed services to move their organisations forward.
Through our collaborative and efficient approach, we help our clients
successfully increase revenue, manage risk and regulatory change, reduce
costs and enhance control. We specialise in banking; capital markets; wealth
and investment management; finance, risk & compliance; and technology. We
serve our clients from offices in leading financial centres across North
America, Europe, Asia and Africa. To learn more, visit our web site at
capco.com [http://www.capco.com ] and subscribe to Capco's newsroom RSS
feed. [http://feeds.feedburner.com/capco/newsroom ]
Source: Capco
Robert Akam, T: +44(0)20-7400-4480, E: rakam@hanovercomms.com; Joe Eldridge, T: +44(0)20-7400-4480, E: jeldridge@hanovercomms.com
Nation's Largest Bilingual Program to Close the Digital Divide
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To help close the Digital Divide that disproportionately affects Hispanic families in America, impreMedia is launching Club Digital, the nation's most comprehensive bilingual, multimedia Internet training program.
Club Digital's summer pilot program will reach nearly three million Hispanics in California. The program launches August 1st with an extensive 30-day multimedia Internet training program in select impreMedia publications, including La Opinion, La Opinion Contigo and El Mensajero, and a network of community-based partnerships. Club Digital will provide a free opportunity for Californians to learn basic Internet skills. The program also includes an interactive bilingual website, http://www.laopinion.com/clubdigital, updated daily throughout August with new training lessons.
"Going online is a fast and easy way to find benefits that not only save money, but also transform lives," said Monica Lozano, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer, impreMedia. "It's all there for the taking, whether we are talking about job listings, scholarships for college students, educational opportunities, medical resources or government services."
Training lessons will cover a range of topics including Internet basics, Internet safety, online employment, education and health care opportunities. All lessons will be available on Club Digital's bilingual website with many lessons accompanied by entertaining step-by-step instructional videos.
"Without access to the Internet and basic computer skills, millions of Californians remain at a competitive disadvantage in the job market," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "I am proud to support a program that empowers the people who remain on the wrong side of the Digital Divide by giving them the tools they need to take the first step into the digital age."
While the adoption of broadband technology is steadily expanding across the nation and in California, and people increasingly use cell phones to go online, there are still vast differences among various ethnic and socio-economic groups, according to a 2011 statewide survey on Californians and Internet Technology by the Public Policy Institute of California. "We want to connect all Californians, especially the underserved, to the resources of the Internet," said Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF). "Together we can work to close the Digital Divide and ensure no one is left behind."
Club Digital has been made possible through a partnership with impreMedia, AT&T, CETF, and Dewey Square Group. "AT&T is committed to bringing high-speed Internet access to as many people and communities as possible," said Anita Gabrielian, Regional Vice president of AT&T External Affairs. "The Club Digital training program will provide new opportunities and an improved way of life for all people."
The California pilot program is the first step in a nationwide campaign. Club Digital will expand nationally in January 2012, and will reach more than 9.4 million Hispanics across several major U.S. cities.
For more information about Club Digital, please visit http://www.laopinion.com/clubdigital or call 888-534-4820. If you would like to become a Club Digital partner email Brittany Jibby at bjibby@deweysquare.com.
Public Service Announcements by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa about Club Digital are available here:
impreMedia is the leading Hispanic news and information company. impreMedia's multi-platform offerings range from online to video, social media, mobile, audio, newspapers and magazines, including the http://www.impre.com portal. 25.5% of U.S. Hispanic adults use an impreMedia network product. The network is also the nation's largest Hispanic newspaper publisher with newspapers in top U.S. Hispanic markets, reaching 15 markets total that represent 59% of the U.S. Hispanic population. Its leading publications include La Opinion in Los Angeles and El Diario La Prensa in New York. For more information, visit: http://www.impremedia.com.
CETF provides leadership statewide to minimize the Digital Divide by accelerating the deployment and adoption of broadband and other advanced communication services to unserved and underserved communities. The organization invests in programs and projects to improve access, affordability, applications, accessibility, and assistance to broadband -to help increase broadband adoption throughout the state.
A portion of Club Digital was funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce American Reinvestment and Recovery Act Funds and the California Emerging Technology Fund.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.
About Dewey Square Group (DSG)
Dewey Square Group is one of the nation's leading public affairs firms, providing communications, grassroots organization and strategic services to a wide range of non-profit and corporate clients. A pioneer in the application of private sector strategies to public sector problems, DSG this year launched a nationwide Social Innovation and Philanthropy Practice, dedicated to creating innovative public-private solutions to a wide range of social challenges including bridging the digital divide, connecting families to money-saving programs and services, and creating opportunities for special needs communities. http://www.deweysquare.com