Companies news

DayStar Technologies Announces FY 2007 Financial Results

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DayStar Technologies, Inc. , a developer of photovoltaic products based on CIGS thin film semiconductor technology, today announced financial results for the year-ended Dec. 31, 2007.

On Dec. 31, 2007, DayStar had cash and U.S. treasury funds of $61.4 million, compared with $2.9 million at the end of 2006. Except for operating accounts, all cash is invested in treasury instruments. The company had total liabilities of $6.2 million, including $2.6 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses and $2.8 million in stock warrants, with minimal amounts in notes and capital leases at the end of the year. Total stockholders' equity was $65.1 million.

DayStar reported a net loss for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007 of $36.1 million or a loss of $2.09 per share, compared with a net loss of $20.4 million or a loss of $3.00 per share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006. The overall increase in net loss was primarily the result of an increase in non-cash, and more specifically, non-recurring non-cash expenses during the year. Of the $36.1 million loss, $21.2 million came in the form of non-cash expenses.

DayStar will hold its fourth quarter conference call today, March 6, 2008, at 2 pm Pacific time. To listen to the call, please dial 210/234.0003 (passcode is Daystar) at approximately 1:50 pm. To listen to the replay, dial 203/369.3737. A webcast will be available on the investor relations section of the DayStar website at http://www.daystartech.com/ for approximately one month after the call.

About DayStar Technologies, Inc.

DayStar Technologies, Inc. is engaged in the development, manufacturing and marketing of photovoltaic products based upon CIGS thin film semiconductor technology. For more information, visit the DayStar website at http://www.daystartech.com/.

Certain statements contained in this press release, including statements regarding the future business of DayStar, and other statements contained herein regarding matters that are not historical facts, are "forward-looking" statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed with the SEC on November 30, 2007. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this press release, and we disavow any obligation to update or supplement those statements in the event of any changes in the facts, circumstances, or expectations that underlie those statements.

DAYSTAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY (A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE) CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET December 31, 2007 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and U.S. treasury funds $61,365,559 Other current assets 666,511 Total current assets 62,032,070 Property and Equipment, at cost 14,911,021 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (5,774,823) Net property and equipment 9,136,198 Other Assets 72,427 Total Assets $71,240,695 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $2,620,635 Notes and capital leases payable, current portion 174,996 Deferred revenue and gain 2,333 Total current liabilities 2,797,964 Long-Term Liabilities: Notes and capital leases payable 171,983 Deferred revenue 420,000 Stock warrants 2,771,090 Total long-term liabilities 3,363,073 Commitments and Contingencies -- Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding -- Common stock, $.01 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized; 32,621,262 shares issued and outstanding 326,213 Additional paid-in capital 135,387,049 Accumulated deficit (10,145,391) Deficit accumulated during the development stage (60,488,213) Total stockholders' equity 65,079,658 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $71,240,695 DAYSTAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY (A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 Revenue: Product revenue $- $3,528 Research and development contract revenue 60,000 180,000 Total revenue 60,000 183,528 Costs and Expenses: Research and development 10,420,541 9,960,568 Selling, general and administrative 6,875,610 5,771,591 Restructuring 2,840,996 439,054 Depreciation and amortization 3,013,149 1,758,925 Total costs and expenses 23,150,296 17,930,138 Other Income (Expense): Other income 566,533 1,094,426 Interest expense (523,355) (1,733,325) Amortization of note discount and financing costs (4,176,138) (4,747,806) Gain (loss) on derivative liabilities (2,828,136) 2,692,114 Loss on extinguishment of debt (6,091,469) - Total other income (expense) (13,052,565) (2,694,591) Net Loss $(36,142,861) $(20,441,201) Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (Basic And Diluted) 17,302,763 6,824,816 Net Loss Per Share (Basic and Diluted) $(2.09) $(3.00) DAYSTAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY (A DEVELOPMENT STAGE ENTERPRISE) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 2006 Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net loss $(36,142,861) $(20,441,201) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 3,013,149 1,758,925 Share-based compensation 4,090,045 1,341,114 Non-cash interest 279,369 1,325,715 Amortization of note discount and non-cash financing costs 3,634,439 4,747,806 (Gain)\ loss on derivative liabilities 2,828,136 (2,692,114) Non-cash restructuring charges 1,278,253 - Loss on extinguishment of debt 6,091,469 - Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Receivables 3,906 516,115 Other assets 2,939,109 (3,416,527) Accounts payable and accrued expenses (79,678) 1,548,905 Deferred revenue (67,000) (7,000) Net cash used in operating activities (12,131,664) (15,318,262) Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Purchase of investments - (11,183,526) Proceeds from sale of investments - 16,264,541 Purchase of equipment and improvements (1,658,226) (8,445,264) Net cash used in investing activities (1,658,226) (3,364,249) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Proceeds from sale of stock 78,312,500 - Proceeds from issuance of notes 9,000,000 15,000,000 Payments on notes and capital leases (10,651,264) (468,746) Cost of financing (5,417,582) (924,797) Proceeds from exercise of warrants and stock options 1,051,076 653,478 Net cash provided by financing activities 72,294,730 14,259,935 Increase \ (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 58,504,840 (4,422,576) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 2,860,719 7,283,295 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $61,365,559 $2,860,719

DayStar Technologies, Inc.

CONTACT: IR Contact, Alexis Pascal, Alexis@stapleton.com, or Cathryn
Johnson, Cathryn@stapleton.com, both of Stapleton Communications Inc.,
+1-650-470-0200, for DayStar Technologies, Inc., or Media Contact, Erica
McGill of DayStar Technologies, Inc., +1-518-383-4600,
emcgill@daystartech.com

Web site: http://www.daystartech.com/

BVR Systems (1998) Ltd. Reports Fourth Quarter and Year EndResults for 2007

ROSH HA'AYIN, Israel, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BVR Systems (1998) Ltd. (OTCBB: BVRSF.OB), a diversified world leader in advanced military training and simulation systems, today announced a net loss of $2 million or $0.02 per share for the fourth quarter of 2007, compared with a net loss of $0.1 million, or $0.00 per share for the fourth quarter of 2006. Net loss for fiscal year 2007 was $3.9 million or $0.03 per share, compared with a net loss of $2.2 million or $0.02 per share for fiscal year 2006.

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2007 were $3.4 million, compared with revenues of $3.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2006. In fiscal year 2007, BVR's revenues were $13.1 million compared with revenues in fiscal year 2006 of $10.1 million.

Gross loss for the fourth quarter of 2007 was $0.6 million, compared with a gross profit of $1.2 million for the fourth quarter of the previous year. The gross loss for the fourth quarter of 2007 includes an inventory write-off of $0.7 million. For fiscal year 2007, gross profit was $1.7 million compared with a gross profit of $2.2 million for fiscal year 2006.

Operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2007 was $2.0 million, compared with an operating loss of $35 thousand for the same period last year. Operating loss for fiscal year 2007 was $3.8 million compared with an operating loss of $2.0 million for fiscal year 2006.

BVR's order backlog at the end of fiscal year 2007 was approximately $50.9 million.

The company concluded 2007 with new booked orders in the total value of approximately US $42.0 million. In January 2008 the company announced the award of two new orders in the total value of approximately US $21.6 million.

BVR Systems (1998) Ltd., (OTCBB: BVRSF.OB) is a diversified world leader in advanced defense training and simulation systems. For more information, visit the Company's web site at http://www.bvrsystems.com/.

Safe Harbor

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the current expectations or beliefs of BVR Systems' management and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. These factors include but are not limited to the fact that the Company has experienced reductions in backlog; the Company has reported operating and/or net losses in the past and may report operating and/or net loses in the future, conditions in Israel affect the Company's operations and may limit its ability to produce and sell its products, changes in technology and market requirements; decline in demand for the Company's products; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition. For other factors that could cause BVR Systems' results to vary from expectations, please see the Company's reports filed from time to time with the SEC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 2007 2006 US$ thousands US$ thousands Unaudited Audited Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 1,520 3,421 Restricted bank deposits 1,328 967 Trade receivables 2,780 4,383 Other receivables and prepaid expenses 313 262 Inventories 1,322 2,021 Total current assets 7,263 11,054 Other non-current assets 2,242 1,155 Fixed assets, net 880 865 Other assets, net 122 219 Total assets 10,507 13,293 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 2007 2006 US$ thousands US$ thousands Unaudited Audited Liabilities and Shareholders' equity Current liabilities Short-term bank credit and current maturities of long-term bank loans 466 516 Short-term loan 620 120 Trade payables 1,922 1,487 Excess of advances from customers over amounts recognized as revenue 3,583 2,952 Other payables and accrued expenses 2,167 2,492 Total current liabilities 8,758 7,567 Long-term liabilities Long-term payable in respect of income tax - 154 Liability for employee severance benefits, net 189 166 Total long-term liabilities 189 320 Shareholders' equity Share capital: Ordinary shares, NIS 1.00 par value 400,000,000 shares authorized, 116,863,757 shares issued, and outstanding as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 25,861 25,861 Additional paid-in capital 17,010 16,992 Accumulated deficit (41,311) (37,447) Total shareholders' equity 1,560 5,406 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 10,507 13,293 Consolidated Statements of Operations Year ended December Three months ended 31 December 31 2007 2006 2007 2006 US$ US$ US$ US$ thousands thousands thousands thousands Unaudited Audited Unaudited Audited Revenues: Sales 12,547 9,827 3,344 3,679 Royalties and commissions 559 276 31 64 Total revenues 13,106 10,103 3,375 3,743 Cost of sales 10,719 7,866 3,233 2,578 Inventory write-off 699 - 699 - Total cost of revenues 11,418 7,866 3,932 2,578 Gross profit 1,688 2,237 (557) 1,165 Operating expenses: Research and development 959 615 240 158 Selling and marketing 2,232 1,430 602 411 General and administrative 2,343 2,155 651 631 Operating loss (3,846) (1,963) (2,050) (35) Financial expenses, net (18) (185) 27 (93) Losses before income taxes (3,864) (2,148) (2,023) (128) Tax expenses - (75) - - Net loss for the period (3,864) (2,223) (2,023) (128) loss per share: Basic and diluted loss per share (in US$) (0.03) (0.02) (0.02) (0.00) Weighted average number of ordinary shares (in thousands) used in calculation of the basic and diluted loss per share 116,864 112,361 116,864 116,831 Contacts: Ilan Gillies, CEO BVR Systems (1998) Ltd. Tel: +972-3-900-8000

BVR Systems (1998) Ltd.

CONTACT: Contacts: Ilan Gillies, CEO, BVR Systems (1998) Ltd., Tel:
+972(0)11-972-3-900-8000

National Semiconductor Reports Results for Third Quarter Fiscal 2008- Q3 sales were $453.4 million, down 9.1% from Q2 of fiscal 2008 and up 5.2% from Q3 of fiscal 2007- Gross margin percentage of 64.3%, down slightly from 64.4% in Q2 but up from the 59.8% posted in last year's Q3- EPS of 28 cents, down from 33 cents in Q2 but up from 22 cents in Q3 of fiscal 2007- Sales outlook for Q4 of fiscal 2008 expected to range from $440 million to $460 million

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Semiconductor Corporation today reported sales of $453.4 million and net income of $71.2 million, or 28 cents per share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 which ended February 24, 2008. National's third quarter of fiscal 2008 results included $19.6 million of pre-tax severance and restructuring expenses related to a previously announced factory modernization effort. Third quarter results also included approximately $11 million of discrete tax benefits that were recognized in the quarter.

National's third quarter fiscal 2008 sales decreased 9.1 percent sequentially from the second quarter of fiscal 2008, when the company reported $499.0 million in sales and earnings of 33 cents per share.

"Our business was impacted by lower-than-expected shipments into the wireless handset and personal mobile device markets; however, our margins held up well," said Brian L. Halla, National's chairman and CEO.

Gross margin of 64.3 percent in National's third quarter of fiscal 2008 was down slightly from the 64.4 percent gross margin percentage achieved in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Notwithstanding the sequential decline in revenues, third quarter gross margin benefited from higher-value product mix as well as manufacturing efficiencies.

Compared to last year, third quarter fiscal 2008 sales were up from the $431.0 million reported in the third quarter of fiscal 2007, and earnings per share were above the 22 cents recorded a year ago. Gross margin in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 was also higher than the 59.8 percent reported in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 due to improvements in both product mix and manufacturing.

Bookings for Q3, Fiscal 2008

National's bookings in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 declined sequentially by approximately 14 percent, driven primarily by lower orders for wireless handsets and other personal mobile devices. Regionally, the third quarter bookings decrease was most prominent in Asia Pacific and Europe.

Other Notable Items in Q3, Fiscal 2008 Results

Included in third quarter fiscal 2008 results was $22.4 million in pre-tax stock compensation expense under FASB Statement 123(R). One year ago, the third quarter of fiscal 2007 included $29.5 million of pre-tax stock compensation expense. Third quarter fiscal 2008 net results also included approximately $11 million of discrete tax benefits.

Outlook for Q4, Fiscal 2008

National anticipates that sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 will range from $440 million to $460 million.

Stock Repurchase Program

During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, the company repurchased approximately $120 million of stock under its stock buyback program. As of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2008, National had approximately $480 million of authorization still available under approved programs for future stock repurchases. National Semiconductor's fully diluted weighted average share count for the third quarter of fiscal of 2008 was 255.5 million shares, down from 271.5 million shares in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.

Company Declares Dividend

The company announced that the Board of Directors today has declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per outstanding share of common stock. This dividend will be paid on April 7, 2008 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 2008.

Special Note

This release contains forward-looking statements dependent on a number of risks and uncertainties pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including management's expectations regarding future performance, are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not restricted to, such factors as new orders received and shipped during the quarter, the degree of factory utilization, the sale of inventories at existing prices, and the ramp up and sale of new analog products. Other risk factors are included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 27, 2007 under the captions "Outlook", "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations" contained therein and the 10-Q for the quarter ended November 25, 2007.

About National Semiconductor

National Semiconductor, the industry's premier analog company, creates high-value analog devices and subsystems. National's leading-edge products include power management circuits, display drivers, audio and operational amplifiers, interface products and data conversion solutions. National's key analog markets include wireless handsets, displays, communications infrastructure, medical, automotive, industrial, and test and measurement applications. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., National reported sales of $1.93 billion for fiscal 2007, which ended May 27, 2007. Additional company and product information is available at http://www.national.com/.

NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Feb. 24, Feb. 25, Feb. 24, Feb. 25, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Net sales $453.4 $431.0 $1,423.9 $1,474.0 Cost of sales 161.7 173.3 514.1 586.6 Gross margin 291.7 257.7 909.8 887.4 Research and development 87.1 89.7 272.8 268.0 Selling, general and administrative 77.4 76.4 235.7 235.9 Severance and restructuring expenses 19.6 - 18.1 4.0 Gain on sale of manufacturing plant assets - - (3.1) - Litigation settlement - - 3.3 - In-process research and development charge - 6.1 - 6.1 Other operating (income) expense, net 0.4 (0.2) (0.2) (2.2) Operating expenses 184.5 172.0 526.6 511.8 Operating income 107.2 85.7 383.2 375.6 Interest income 7.7 9.4 29.0 30.3 Interest expense (22.6) (0.4) (65.9) (1.3) Other non-operating income (expense), net (5.4) 0.1 (7.3) 1.1 Income before taxes 86.9 94.8 339.0 405.7 Income tax expense 15.7 21.1 91.6 120.5 Net income $71.2 $73.7 $247.4 $285.2 Earnings per share: Basic $0.29 $0.23 $0.96 $0.89 Diluted $0.28 $0.22 $0.92 $0.85 Selected income statement ratios as a percentage of sales: Gross margin 64.3% 59.8% 63.9% 60.2% Research and development 19.2% 20.8% 19.2% 18.2% Selling, general and administrative 17.1% 17.7% 16.6% 16.0% Net income 15.7% 17.1% 17.4% 19.3% Effective tax rate 18.1% 22.3% 27.0% 29.7% NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (In millions) Feb. 24, May 27, 2008 2007 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $871.0 $828.6 Receivables 153.5 150.6 Inventories 146.4 176.0 Deferred tax assets 100.9 73.2 Other current assets 25.5 62.1 Total current assets 1,297.3 1,290.5 Net property, plant and equipment 564.8 583.5 Goodwill 60.5 63.6 Deferred tax assets 233.6 194.4 Other assets 91.7 69.9 Total assets $2,247.9 $2,201.9 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $62.5 $- Accounts payable 71.0 59.9 Accrued expenses 161.2 122.7 Income taxes payable 26.8 117.4 Total current liabilities 321.5 300.0 Long-term debt 1,428.8 20.6 Long-term income taxes payable 143.8 - Other non-current liabilities 96.2 132.5 Total liabilities 1,990.3 453.1 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders' equity: Common stock of $0.50 par value 121.3 155.1 Retained earnings 228.6 1,685.7 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (92.3) (92.0) Total shareholders' equity 257.6 1,748.8 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $2,247.9 $2,201.9 NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In millions) Nine Months Ended Feb. 24, Feb. 25, 2008 2007 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $247.4 $285.2 Adjustments to reconcile net income with net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 99.7 110.5 Share-based compensation expense 70.0 86.6 Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements (13.8) (7.0) Tax benefit associated with stock options 23.5 18.4 Loss (gain) on investments 7.1 (1.1) Loss on disposal of equipment 2.9 0.9 Non-cash restructuring expenses 4.5 - Gain on sale of manufacturing plant assets (3.1) - In-process research and development charge - 6.1 Other, net 2.3 0.8 Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net: Receivables (3.0) 41.8 Inventories 29.8 20.2 Other current assets 21.5 (6.8) Accounts payable and accrued expenses 35.8 (122.4) Income taxes 21.9 (17.4) Other non-current liabilities (28.4) 15.4 Net cash provided by operating activities 518.1 431.2 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (79.3) (88.3) Business acquisition, net of cash acquired - (8.2) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment 16.5 0.6 Sale and maturity of available-for-sale securities - 110.8 Proceeds from sale of investments 0.2 - Funding of benefit plan (5.5) (7.9) Other, net (1.9) 1.9 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (70.0) 8.9 Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from unsecured senior notes, net of issuance costs 992.9 - Proceeds from bank borrowings, net of issuance costs 1,996.5 - Repayment of bank borrowing (1,531.2) - Payment on software license obligations (8.7) (8.7) Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements 13.8 7.0 Minimum tax withholding paid on behalf of employees for net share settlements (14.2) (1.1) Issuance of common stock 81.2 44.5 Purchase and retirement of treasury stock (1,899.8) (603.8) Cash dividends declared and paid (36.2) (32.5) Net cash used in financing activities (405.7) (594.6) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 42.4 (154.5) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 828.6 932.2 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $871.0 $777.7 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION EARNINGS PER SHARE (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Feb. 24, Feb. 25, Feb. 24, Feb. 25, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.29 $ 0.23 $ 0.96 $ 0.89 Diluted $ 0.28 $ 0.22 $ 0.92 $ 0.85 Net income used in basic and diluted earnings per share calculation $ 71.2 $ 73.7 $247.4 $285.2 Weighted-average shares: Basic 245.4 315.7 258.2 322.0 Diluted 255.5 330.1 270.3 336.4 OTHER FINANCIAL STATEMENT DETAIL (In millions) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Other operating Feb. 24, Feb. 25, Feb. 24, Feb. 25, (income) expense, net 2008 2007 2008 2007 Net intellectual property income $ (0.1) $ (0.2) $ (0.2) $ (1.2) Other 0.5 - - (1.0) Total other operating (income) expense, net $ 0.4 $ (0.2) $ (0.2) $ (2.2) Other non-operating income (expense), net Gain (loss) on investments $ (5.4) $0.1 $ (7.1) $1.1 Charitable contribution - - (0.2) - Total other non-operating income (expense), net $ (5.4) $0.1 $ (7.3) $1.1

The loss on investments of $5.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 represents a decline in the market value of the investment assets held in a trust for the employee deferred compensation plan. The decline in the market value of the investment assets in this same trust for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 was $7.3 million, which was partially offset by a $0.2 million gain from other investments not associated with the deferred compensation plan.

Media Contact: Financial: LuAnn Jenkins Long Ly National Semiconductor National Semiconductor (408) 721-2440 (408) 721-5007 luann.jenkins@nsc.com invest.group@nsc.com

National Semiconductor Corporation

CONTACT: Media, LuAnn Jenkins, +1-408-721-2440, luann.jenkins@nsc.com,
or Financial, Long Ly, +1-408-721-5007, invest.group@nsc.com, both of National
Semiconductor

Web site: http://www.national.com/

The Team Behind Wallstrip Introduces MOBLOGICNew Daily Webshow Combines News and Politics with Plenty of AttitudeWeb Sensation Lindsay Campbell to Host

NEW YORK, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CBS Interactive today announced that the team that created and produced Wallstrip, an irreverent online program focused on finance, is launching a new daily webshow called MOBLOGIC. Starting tomorrow, the MOBLOGIC team will put the News-Of-The-Day and the latest from the campaign trail into perspective through the witty and insightful People-On-The-Street and People-In-The-Know style interviews that made Wallstrip popular. MOBLOGIC will be viewable daily on moblogic.tv and will be distributed across the CBS Audience Network.

MOBLOGIC officially launches tomorrow but click here for a sneak peak: http://www.moblogic.tv/cbs.

Lindsay Campbell, the former host of Wallstrip, will serve as host and producer of MOBLOGIC, and CBS Interactive Web producers Adam Elend and Jeff Marks, both who created and continue to oversee Wallstrip, will serve as the writers and co-executive producers.

"We are taking all the spirit of Wallstrip and playing it for a broader audience," said Campbell. "The collaboration and team dynamic between Jeff, Adam and myself is what motivated us to create a new show that appeals to Web viewers who care about news, politics ... and Guitar Hero. MOBLOGIC is all about taking the news right to people on the street -- that's what's so exciting. We might find a WWII veteran with a perspective on the war that no one's thought of, or a naked juggler who sings. Every day's going to be different."

"The real opportunity behind acquiring Wallstrip has always been to have core DNA inside CBS that appreciates the Web as a new medium entirely," said Quincy Smith, President, CBS Interactive. "This is about taking Wallstrip and all of its success and growing the model across other verticals that users love -- Moblogic is that first vertical. The object is not to ultimately run Wallstrip or Moblogic content on the TV or on Radio for that matter, instead it's original Web programming designed to seed experiences on the Web for the Web."

To celebrate the kick-off, the MOBLOGIC team will host a launch party at the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas on Sunday, March 9. The event is open to the press attending SXSW.

For the complete MOBLOGIC experience, users can visit moblogic.tv where they can watch the daily videos, see related shows, and post comments about the show. Additionally, through the CBS Audience Network the show will be distributed broadly across the Web to partner Web sites ranging from AOL, to Bebo. You can also subscribe to MOBLOGIC on iTunes, visit them on YouTube or become a fan of the show on Facebook or watch it on MySpace.

Meanwhile, on Jan. 14, Campbell handed her Wallstrip hosting duties over to Julie Alexandria. The show has continued to show growth posting its biggest month ever in February. To sample some of Wallstrip's most recent daily webshows visit: http://www.wallstrip.com/archives-shows/.

About CBS Interactive

CBS Interactive, a division of CBS Corporation , oversees all CBS Consumer Interactive properties including CBS.com, the CBS Audience Network, CBSSports.com, CBSNews.com, CBS Mobile, CBS EyeLab, Last.fm and Wallstrip. Content distributed throughout CBS-owned properties and partner Web sites includes network and original programming, live shows produced exclusively for the Internet as well as clips, podcasts and mob-isodes of CBS shows, among other features.

CBS Corporation

CONTACT: Shannon Jacobs, CBS Corporation, +1-212-975-3161,
sljacobs@cbs.com

Web site: http://www.cbs.com/
http://www.moblogic.tv/
http://www.moblogic.tv/cbs

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/185007.html

EMC Extends #1 Position in External Disk Storage Systems for 2007, Analyst Firm ReportsTenth Consecutive Year as Storage Market Leader According to IDC; EMC Outgrows Competition

HOPKINTON, Mass., March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- EMC Corporation , the world leader in information infrastructure solutions, continued as the top provider of external disk storage systems for the tenth consecutive year in 2007, according to the latest IDC Worldwide Quarterly Disk Storage Systems Tracker, March 2008. [1]

In addition to being #1 in revenue and capacity shipped in the external disk storage systems market for 2007, EMC extended its revenue share lead over its two largest competitors. Sales of EMC combined with co-branded EMC/Dell external disk storage systems sold by Dell accounted for almost one-third of the overall growth of the entire external storage systems market, according to researchers.

EMC's #1 position in share of the worldwide networked storage market in 2007 - which includes NAS (network attached storage), Open SAN (storage area network) and iSCSI SAN - was more than double that of Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Network Appliance. In NAS, EMC extended its #1 position in 2007 by taking market share and growing revenue almost twice as fast as Network Appliance.

"In 2007, EMC introduced new versions of each of its storage systems, the largest platforms refresh in the company's history, with new features and functionality that were quickly embraced by customers," said BJ Jenkins, EMC's Senior Vice President, Global Marketing. "The strength and flexibility of our complete portfolio - from our high end, mid-tier and entry level SAN systems to the industry's easiest to use NAS systems - demonstrates our ability to provide customers with the right solution to meet their requirements. And that momentum has continued into 2008, with EMC delivering even more storage innovation and choice for businesses and organizations of all sizes."

[1] - Source: IDC, March 6, 2008 About EMC

EMC Corporation is the world's leading developer and provider of information infrastructure technology and solutions that enable organizations of all sizes to transform the way they compete and create value from their information. Information about EMC's products and services can be found at http://www.emc.com/.

EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

EMC Corporation

CONTACT: Todd Cadley of EMC Corporation, +1-843-569-2715,
cadley_todd@emc.com

Web site: http://www.emc.com/

RADA Electronic Industries Announces Full Year 2007 Results

NETANYA, Israel, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. today reported its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2007. The company reported a net loss of $1.1 million or $0.12 per share. This compares with a net loss of $2.0 million or $0.23 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2006. Revenues in 2007 were $14.0 million, an increase of 8% from 2006. The company's gross margin increased to 24% in 2007 from 16% in 2006.The company's operating loss for the year was $387,000 compared with an operating loss of $1.3 million in 2006.

Commenting on the results, Zvika Alon, RADA's CEO said, "Our financial results in 2007 improved over the last two years. The improvement is mainly due to the higher gross profit margin on our off-the-shelf products. We expect that our production deliveries will continue to increase in 2008 and we plan to continue investing during 2008 in research and development primarily in our new Inertial Navigation product line. Our marketing efforts during 2007 were very successful resulting in an increased backlog. We are continuing these efforts, focusing on our main markets in Israel, U.S. and India."

About RADA

RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. is an Israel based company involved in the military and commercial aerospace industries. The company specializes in Avionics systems (Digital Video Recorders, Ground Debriefing Stations, Stores Management Systems, Flight Data Recorders, Inertial Navigation Systems), Trainer Aircraft Upgrades, Avionics systems for the UAV market, and Electro-optic cameras for airplanes and armored vehicles.

Note: Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. Such risk uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, changes in general economic conditions, risks in product and technology developments, market acceptance of new products and continuing product demand, level of competition and other factors described in the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share data December 31, 2007 2006 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents $ 835 $ 990 Restricted cash 598 704 Trade receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $ 62 and $ 34 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively) 4,907 4,296 Other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses 305 200 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts 701 668 Inventories 2,609 2,468 Total current assets 9,955 9,326 LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES AND DEPOSITS: Long-term receivables 983 983 Leasing deposits 57 78 Severance pay fund 2,038 1,624 Total long-term receivables and deposits 3,078 2,685 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET 2,745 3,359 OTHER ASSETS: Intangible assets, net 1,414 1,906 Goodwill 214 166 Deferred charges, net - 13 Total other assets 1,628 2,085 Total assets $ 17,406 $ 17,455 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Short-term bank credit and current maturities of long-term loans $ 490 $ 559 Convertible note - 2,858 Trade payables 1,472 1,611 Other accounts payable and accrued expenses 3,666 3,419 Deferred revenues 181 84 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts 88 285 Total current liabilities 5,897 8,816 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Long-term loan - 142 Loan from shareholders, net 261 - Convertible note from a shareholder, net 1,622 - Accrued severance pay 2,442 2,026 Total long-term liabilities 4,325 2,168 MINORITY INTERESTS 459 397 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Share capital - Ordinary shares of NIS 0.015 par value - Authorized: 16,333,333 shares at December 31, 2007 and 2006; Issued and outstanding: 8,705,788 shares at December 31, 2007 and 2006 Additional paid-in capital 116 116 Accumulated deficit 68,968 67,239 (62,359) (61,281) Total shareholders' equity 6,725 6,074 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 17,406 $ 17,455 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data Year ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Revenues: Products $ 11,704 $ 10,984 $ 11,303 Services 2,317 2,053 2,118 14,021 13,037 13,421 Cost of revenues: Products 9,501 9,517 10,601 Services 1,180 1,482 1,481 10,681 10,999 12,082 Gross profit 3,340 2,038 1,339 Operating costs and expenses: Research and development 324 181 - Marketing and selling 1,213 1,316 1,155 General and administrative 2,190 1,794 1,939 Total operating costs and expenses 3,727 3,291 3,094 Operating loss (387) (1,253) (1,755) Financial expenses, net (629) (775) (624) Other income, net - 45 33 (1,016) (1,983) (2,346) Minority interests in losses (earnings) of a subsidiary (62) (17) 17 Net loss $ (1,078) $ (2,000) $ (2,329) Net loss per share: Basic net loss per share $ (0.12) $ (0.23) $ (0.31) Diluted net loss per share $ (0.12) $ (0.23) $ (0.31) Contact: Shiri Lazarovich- C.F.O RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. Tel: +972-9-8921111

RADA Electronic Industries Ltd

CONTACT: Contact: Shiri Lazarovich- C.F.O, RADA Electronic Industries
Ltd. Tel: +972-9-8921111

ACS Launches Medicaid Cost Savings InitiativeNew Program Offers Millions in Potential Savings

DALLAS, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- State Medicaid programs can potentially save millions of dollars annually through an innovative initiative of Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. and RxHub, LLC. The proprietary program helps ACS' healthcare clients avoid costly, manual recovery of drug claims from commercial insurers.

The new program enables pharmacies to immediately identify pharmacy benefit coverage at the point-of-sale. This eliminates the costly, inefficient "pay and chase" programs state Medicaid agencies currently use to recover monies when other insurance coverage is discovered.

"The potential savings identified through this new program is another way in which ACS provides innovative technology to our state partners to help reduce the costs of administering their Medicaid programs," said Christopher T. Deelsnyder, ACS senior vice president and managing director, Government Healthcare Solutions.

Federal law requires that commercial insurers pay before Medicaid pays on claims of beneficiaries who are also covered by Medicaid. In today's paper-based world, it is difficult to determine if Medicaid beneficiaries also have commercial insurance coverage when they receive care.

Once state Medicaid agencies have determined that a potentially liable third party exists, they must either try to avoid those costs or resort to "pay and chase," in which the state agencies pay beneficiaries' medical bills and then attempt to recover whatever portion of the claims are owed by commercial insurers. This complex process often takes months and yields a very small percentage of the millions of dollars due to the states each year.

The new program enables the pharmacist to check benefit coverage at the point-of-sale using ACS' proprietary SmartPA(SM) prior authorization solution. This is done in real time while the prescription is being processed by systematically checking St. Paul, Minn.-based RxHub's Master Patient Index (MPI). It permits almost instantaneous identification of any coverage by commercial insurers and allows pharmacies to bill them instead of Medicaid. The RxHub MPI contains access to more than 200 million patient records. The program was launched in February 2008.

"This program could eventually eliminate the need for 'pay and chase' pharmacy recovery programs in all state Medicaid programs," said J.P. Little, chief operating officer of RxHub, LLC.

RxHub (http://www.rxhub.net/) provides authorized clinicians with secure access to real-time, patient specific prescription information for more than 200 million Americans within the United States. Prescription eligibility, formulary and benefits, and medication history information is provided -- for consenting patients -- to authorized clinicians at the point of care. This real-time decision support information is used by clinicians to effectively manage the patient's use of medications and enables the most clinically appropriate and cost effective medication therapy to be electronically prescribed for the patient. RxHub partners with prescription payers, technology providers, and pharmacy networks to improve patient safety, increase workflow efficiency and reduce the overall cost of health care delivery.

ACS is a national leader in state healthcare program administration, offering a full spectrum of systems and complementary services through an integrated solution, from care management solutions and child health programs to pharmacy benefits management and traditional Medicaid fiscal agent services. ACS supports more than 23 million program recipients and processes nearly 550 million Medicaid healthcare claims annually, representing close to $50 billion in provider payments. As the nation's largest government program pharmacy benefits administrator, ACS serves 28 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Labor with drug expenditures totaling more than $13 billion.

ACS, a global FORTUNE 500 company with 62,000 people supporting client operations reaching more than 100 countries, provides business process outsourcing and information technology solutions to world-class commercial and government clients. The company's Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ACS." Learn more about ACS at http://www.acs-inc.com/.

The statements in this news release that do not directly relate to historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's control. As such, no assurance can be given that the actual events and results will not be materially different than the anticipated results described in the forward-looking statements. Factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. For a description of these factors, see the Company's prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filing. ACS disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event, or otherwise.

Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.

CONTACT: investor relations, Jon Puckett, Vice President, Investor
Relations, +1-214-841-8281, jon.puckett@acs-inc.com, or media, Andy Wilson,
Director, Corporate Communications, +1-214-841-8004, andy.wilson@acs-inc.com,
both of Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.

Web site: http://www.acs-inc.com/
http://www.rxhub.net/

FairPoint Communications Announces Commencement of $540 Million Bond Offering

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FairPoint Communications, Inc., or FairPoint announced today the commencement of an offering of $540 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2018 of Northern New England Spinco Inc. ("Spinco"), a subsidiary of Verizon Communications Inc. ("Verizon") that will be merged with and into FairPoint immediately prior to the completion of the offering of the notes. The notes are being offered for sale by certain selling securityholders to qualified institutional buyers in an offering exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and to persons outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The notes will be initially issued to a subsidiary of Verizon and subsequently exchanged by Verizon for outstanding indebtedness of Verizon held by the selling securityholders. Neither FairPoint nor Spinco will receive any proceeds from the sale of the notes by the selling securityholders.

The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and unless so registered, may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offering, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About FairPoint

FairPoint Communications, Inc. is an industry leading provider of communications services to rural and small urban communities across the country. Today, FairPoint owns and operates 30 local exchange companies in 18 states offering advanced communications with a personal touch including local and long distance voice, data, Internet, video and broadband services. FairPoint is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FRP. Learn more at http://www.fairpoint.com/.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements by FairPoint that are not based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions and statements. Because these forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results, events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such factors include those risks described from time to time in FairPoint's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including, without limitation, the risks described in FairPoint's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K on file with the SEC. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All information is current as of the date this press release is issued, and FairPoint undertakes no duty to update this information.

Investor Contact: Brett Ellis (866) 377-3747 bellis@fairpoint.com Media Contact: Rose Cummings (704) 602-7304 rcummings@fairpoint.com

FairPoint Communications, Inc.

CONTACT: Investor: Brett Ellis, +1-866-377-3747, bellis@fairpoint.com,
or Media: Rose Cummings, +1-704-602-7304, rcummings@fairpoint.com, both of
FairPoint Communications, Inc.

Web site: http://www.fairpoint.com/

Hostopia email service now available for BlackBerry smartphonesBlackBerry customers can now utilize Hostopia's wholesale managed email service

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hostopia.com, Inc. (TSX: H), today announced that its Hostopia email service now offers integrated support for BlackBerry(R) Internet Service from Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM). Hostopia's wholesale, managed email platform provides email services to leading global service providers of telecommunications and Internet services, who, in turn, offer email services to millions of businesses and consumers worldwide.

The Hostopia email service now allows BlackBerry(R) smartphone users to automatically receive messages from their Hostopia email account. To instantly configure and connect with their Hostopia email account users can simply enter their email credentials into their BlackBerry smartphone.

Hostopia's Chief Marketing Officer, Paul D. Engels, comments, "This new relationship with RIM will allow us to offer the benefits of the BlackBerry Internet Service push email architecture to broadband service providers. This will enable their end users to instantly activate high-performance, mobile email simply by entering their personal email credentials into their BlackBerry smartphone. BlackBerry Internet Service is a natural complement to Hostopia's email platform, which now includes webmail and SyncSuite, our mobile data synchronization clients, for the BlackBerry platform, Outlook and others. The Hostopia client lets email users wirelessly update contact and other personal data between their desktop PC and a BlackBerry smartphone."

Over two million email users on Hostopia's system will be able to utilize BlackBerry Internet Service. Hostopia will market the service on a wholesale basis, selling to telecommunications companies, cable providers and other broadband ISPs who require email for their end-user customers. Customers who also take advantage of Hostopia's SyncSuite applications can wirelessly synchronize their calendars, contacts and task information so that changes made on a BlackBerry smartphone can be automatically synchronized, over-the-air with Outlook and Webmail.

"Whether for business or personal use, wireless email is a powerful service that offers customers a multitude of benefits, including enhanced communications, productivity and flexibility," said Mark Guibert, Vice President, Corporate Marketing at Research In Motion. "We are pleased to be working with Hostopia to enrich the email experience for our mutual customers."

About Hostopia

Hostopia is a leading provider of web services that enable small- and medium-sized businesses to establish and maintain an Internet presence. The company's customers are communication services providers, including telecommunication carriers, cable companies, Internet service providers, domain registrars, and web hosting service providers. Hostopia's customers purchase their web services on a wholesale basis and resell these services under their own brands to small- and medium-sized businesses. The company provides customers with the technology, infrastructure, and support services to enable them to offer web services, while saving them research & development, as well as the capital and operating costs, typically associated with the design, development, and delivery of web services. For more information, visit http://www.hostopia.com/.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" and forward-looking information that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts and statements identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" or words of similar meaning. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information upon completion of the review of our year end results by our independent registered public accounting firm. These statements are based on our current beliefs or expectations and there are a number of important factors that could cause the actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including without limitation, our ability to maintain our sales efficiency, our ability to maintain our existing, and develop new, strategic relationships, the number of our net subscriber additions, our monthly customer turnover and our ability to successfully integrate recently acquired businesses and operations and those risks set forth or referenced under the caption "Risk Factors" in Hostopia's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are available on a website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov/ and on our corporate website http://www.hostopia.com/ under Investor Relations.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services.

Hostopia.com Inc.

CONTACT: Jamie McCormick, Marketing Communications, Hostopia.com, Inc.,
Tel: (800) 322-9438, Email: marketing@hostopia.com; Gordie Campbell, Investor
Relations, Hostopia.com, Inc., Tel: (877) 444-4116, Email:
invest@hostopia.com

Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software BetaIncludes SDK & Built-in Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync

CUPERTINO, Calif., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today previewed its iPhone(TM) 2.0 software, scheduled for release this June, and announced the immediate availability of a beta release of the software to selected developers and enterprise customers. The iPhone 2.0 beta release includes both the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) as well as new enterprise features such as support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to provide secure, over-the-air push email, contacts and calendars as well as remote wipe, and the addition of Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to private corporate networks.

"We're excited about creating a vibrant third party developer community with potentially thousands of native applications for iPhone and iPod touch," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "iPhone's enterprise features combined with its revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface and advanced software architecture provide the best user experience and the most advanced software platform ever for a mobile device."

The iPhone SDK provides developers with a rich set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and tools to create innovative applications for iPhone and iPod(R) touch. Starting today, anyone can download the beta iPhone SDK for free and run the iPhone Simulator on their Mac(R). Apple today also introduced its new iPhone Developer Program, giving developers everything they need to create native applications, and the new App Store, a breakthrough way for developers to wirelessly deliver their applications to iPhone and iPod touch users.

With the iPhone SDK, third party developers will be able to build native applications for the iPhone with a rich set of APIs, including programming interfaces for Core OS, Core Services, Media and Cocoa Touch technologies. The iPhone SDK will allow developers to create amazing applications that leverage the iPhone's groundbreaking Multi-Touch(TM) user interface, animation technology, large storage, built-in three-axis accelerometer and geographical location technology to deliver truly innovative mobile applications.

Apple has licensed Exchange ActiveSync from Microsoft and is building it right into the iPhone, so that iPhone will connect out-of-the-box to Microsoft Exchange Servers 2003 and 2007 for secure over-the-air push email, contacts, calendars and global address lists. Built-in Exchange ActiveSync support also enables security features such as remote wipe, password policies and auto-discovery. The iPhone 2.0 software supports Cisco IPsec VPN to ensure the highest level of IP-based encryption available for transmission of sensitive corporate data, as well as the ability to authenticate using digital certificates or password-based, multi-factor authentication. The addition of WPA2 Enterprise with 802.1x authentication enables enterprise customers to deploy iPhone and iPod touch with the latest standards for protection of Wi-Fi networks.

The iPhone 2.0 software provides a configuration utility that allows IT administrators to easily and quickly set up many iPhones, including password policies, VPN setting, installing certificates, email server settings and more. Once the configuration is defined it can be easily and securely delivered via web link or email to the user. To install, all the user has to do is authenticate with a user ID or password, download the configuration and tap install. Once installed, the user will have access to all their corporate IT services.

The iPhone 2.0 software release will contain the App Store, a new application that lets users browse, search, purchase and wirelessly download third party applications directly onto their iPhone or iPod touch. The App Store enables developers to reach every iPhone and iPod touch user. Developers set the price for their applications -- including free -- and retain 70 percent of all sales revenues. Users can download free applications at no charge to either the user or developer, or purchase priced applications with just one click. Enterprise customers will be able to create a secure, private page on the App Store accessible only by their employees. Apple will cover all credit card, web hosting, infrastructure and DRM costs associated with offering applications on the App Store. Third party iPhone and iPod touch applications must be approved by Apple and will be available exclusively through the App Store.

The iPhone SDK provides a reliable, fast and secure way to create innovative applications for the iPhone and iPod touch. In addition to the rich set of iPhone OS APIs, the iPhone SDK also provides advanced tools for creating native iPhone and iPod touch applications including: Xcode(R) for source code editing, project management and graphical debugging; Interface Builder with drag and drop interface creation and live preview; Instruments to monitor and optimize iPhone application performance in real time; and the iPhone Simulator to run and debug applications.

During the beta iPhone SDK program, a limited number of developers will be accepted into Apple's new iPhone Developer Program and offered the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing. The Standard Program costs $99 (US) per year and gives members an iPhone SDK and development tools; access to pre-release iPhone software; technical support; the ability to get code onto iPhones for testing; and distribution of applications via the new App Store. The Enterprise Program costs $299 (US) per year.

In addition to these new iPhone network and security features, the beta iPhone 2.0 software provides several new Mail features such as the ability to view PowerPoint attachments, in addition to Word and Excel, as well as the ability to mass delete and move email messages.

Pricing & Availability

Apple plans to release the final iPhone 2.0 software, including the iPhone SDK and new enterprise features, as a free software update for all iPhone customers by the end of June. Third party applications created for the iPhone will also run on the iPod touch, and iPod touch users will be required to purchase a software update to run these applications. The free beta iPhone SDK is available immediately worldwide and can be downloaded at developer.apple.com/iphone/program. The iPhone Developer Program will initially be available in the US and will expand to other countries in the coming months. Apple is accepting applications beginning today from enterprise customers who would like to join the private iPhone Enterprise Beta Program (http://www.apple.com/iphone/enterprise).

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

(C) 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPhone, iPod, Multi-Touch and Xcode are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Leading Developers, Enterprise Customers & Partners Applaud iPhone 2.0 Software AOL

"No question the powerful tools and APIs in the iPhone SDK made it easy to develop a feature-rich mobile application for the iPhone," said Kevin Conroy, executive vice president, AOL. "The rapid development cycle for this application was very intuitive, and when you add the App Store, it's an unbeatable combination for development and distribution of mobile applications."

Cisco

"As a result of this collaboration between Cisco and Apple, iPhone users will have seamless and highly secure access to mission critical information as it is needed from anywhere in the world," said Richard Palmer, senior vice president of the Security Technology Group, Cisco. "The connected world is becoming more mobile and collaborative where employees need access to private business information no matter where they are."

Disney

"Apple has really done their homework, addressing issues of security, manageability and integration," said Randy Brooks, senior vice president, IT Strategy and Architecture, The Walt Disney Company. "We currently have hundreds of iPhone users and expect the demand to grow significantly with this release."

Electronic Arts

"The animation technology in the iPhone OS enables us to build awesome games," said John Riccitiello, CEO of Electronic Arts. "I think iPhone consumers are going to be blown away by the games we create for this platform."

Epocrates

"By putting so much computing power into such an elegant mobile device, Apple has opened up tremendous opportunities for application developers," said Kirk Loevner, chairman and CEO, Epocrates, Inc. "The technology and software in the iPhone OS will allow us to create new and innovative applications that help improve patient safety and provide healthcare professionals with an unsurpassed user experience."

Genentech

"I believe the iPhone is a watershed event in mobile computing for corporations," said Todd Pierce, vice president, Corporate Information Technology, Genentech, Inc. "Genentech's pilot with iPhone has shown its potential to be the most useful business mobility tool we've ever used. We now have 3,000 planned for deployment based on how easy and simple it was to integrate iPhone with our corporate email system."

Microsoft

"Licensing Exchange ActiveSync to Apple enables them to build support right into the iPhone for simple, out-of-the-box connectivity with Exchange Server," said Terry Myerson, corporate vice president, Unified Communications Group, Microsoft. "Microsoft believes in building open and interoperable products, and Microsoft Exchange Server is no exception."

Nike

"With support for Exchange ActiveSync, this new iPhone release really delivers a true plug-and-play enterprise solution," said Roland Paanakker, vice president and CIO, Nike. "We already had Nike employees using iPhones, and now look forward to deploying more iPhones to more business users."

Salesforce.com

"The opportunity to use the innovative iPhone OS platform to deliver compelling Software-as-a-Service applications to mobile users is empowering to us, and ultimately, our customers," said Marc Benioff, chairman and CEO of Salesforce.com. "They are asking us for new ways to harness the power of Force.com to access their business information on any device regardless of location."

Sega

"The iPhone OS is a robust development platform that will allow Sega to deliver mobile gaming experiences that are truly compelling," said Simon Jeffery, president and COO, Sega of America. "Using the iPhone's accelerometer to power a tilt control feature adds a whole new dimension to Super Monkey Ball, and we can't wait for gamers to try it."

Apple

CONTACT: Natalie Kerris, +1-408-974-6877, nat@apple.com, or Jennifer
Bowcock, +1-408-974-9758, jennifer.b@apple.com, both of Apple

Web site: http://www.apple.com/

Verizon Business Supports FEMA Disaster DrillCompany Issues 'Smart Credentials' to Emergency Response Personnel During First-Responder Demonstration

ARLINGTON, Va., March 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Verizon Business today demonstrated its ability to provide security and communications solutions to public safety agencies under crisis conditions, in a mock disaster demonstration run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Operating from one of its mobile communication command centers at the Women in the Military for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery here, Verizon Business provided smart credentials for identity credentialing of emergency response officials participating in three disaster scenarios, as well as state-of-the art voice and Internet connections.

FEMA's use of the smart credentials issued by Verizon Business and other vendors enables quick and easy electronic validation of identity credentials for emergency response officials during emergency situations. This approach lets FEMA ensure that only individuals who have their identity electronically validated and their "attributes" (skill sets) electronically authenticated can enter a designated area to perform specific tasks. For example, based on credentialing, a police officer would be authorized to enter a disaster zone with a weapon. It is crucial in emergencies that emergency response officials and other key personnel are quickly and accurately assessed and then directed to the appropriate zones.

The use of smart-card technology enables FEMA to comply with the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201, which was developed to satisfy the requirements of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), the presidential mandate establishing common identification requirements for federal employees and contractors. It includes the use of smart credentials for federal employees and contractors to gain access to the appropriate physical and logical systems.

"Because we never know when disaster will strike, preparation is key," said Kerry Bailey, vice president of Verizon Business Security Solutions. "During a disaster, it is critical that emergency response officials can access the scene swiftly, and immediately go to work. Verizon Business' credentialing service enables us to validate that the right folks are at the right place so they can deliver the right level of care and support."

Mobile Communication Command Center

Verizon Business' state-of-the-art mobile command center is equipped with individual telephone stations using wired voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) telephones, wireless IP telephones, and wired and wireless high-speed access for laptops. When the vehicle is deployed, users can make local, long-distance and international phone calls or access the Internet, via satellite technology, connecting to the Verizon Business global IP network.

These vehicles are available for use by Verizon customers -- including government, and large and small businesses -- for mobile communication use in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Among many other deployments, the vehicles have been used to support relief efforts along the Gulf Coast following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; in New York City following the September 11, 2001, attacks; in Southern California during the 2003 and 2007 wildfires; and in Oklahoma City following the bombing of the federal building there in 1995. The vehicles have also been deployed to provide enhanced communications services to thousands of U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq.

Verizon Business, one of the largest providers of communications services to the U.S. federal government, serves virtually every federal agency. Government agencies and enterprises rely on Verizon Business to help them manage security risk and protect critical company assets. Verizon Business Security Solutions offers a comprehensive portfolio of security services that include threat and vulnerability management; identity management; security and compliance programs; and security strategy and consultation. The more than 1,100 security professionals around the globe deliver these offerings through a range of managed services, professional services and products.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications , is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large-business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced communications, security and other professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. For more information, visit http://www.verizonbusiness.com/.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

Verizon Business

CONTACT: Brianna Carroll Boyle, +1-703-886-7093,
brianna.boyle@verizon.com, for Verizon Business

Web site: http://www.verizonbusiness.com/
http://www.verizon.com/
http://www.verizon.com/news

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

Dow Jones Insight-2008 Presidential Election Media Pulse: Obama Touts 'Change' and Clinton Embraces 'Experience' While 'Progress' Fizzles Out

NEW YORK, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Results from the Dow Jones Insight-2008 Presidential Election Media Pulse show that each of the presidential campaigns is working hard at branding its candidate. The concept of "change" is leading the charge as the most coveted word for the Democrats.

The Dow Jones Insight-2008 Presidential Election Media Pulse showed that during the past 30 days, the word "change" was found in the context of Senator Obama (51,776 mentions) while Senator Clinton is using "experience" (31,407 mentions) to set herself apart. The concept of "progress" has not really taken off for either candidate. It was mentioned only 2,527 times for Clinton to Obama's 2,448 mentions.

With the GOP race essentially over for a while, Senator McCain had many fewer media mentions. There is a possibility that McCain might brand himself around "hope" in the days going forward as he used the term multiple times after securing the GOP nomination on Tuesday night.

New Issues Gaining Traction

Dow Jones Insight's discovery technology, which finds and counts previously untracked terms, identified "NAFTA" and "religion" as the two new concepts that seem to surface above the rest of the media chatter.

Religion associated with media interest in Barack Obama's middle name ("Hussein") and talk of support from Louis Farrakhan seemingly moved the discussion.

Economy Continues to Top 2008 Campaign Agenda

The Dow Jones Insight-2008 Presidential Election Media Pulse also highlights domestic issue coverage, across mainstream and social media and in proximity to the remaining candidates, and calls out economy as the number one topic of choice. Key differences among the candidates include:

-- Health care remains big for the Democrats (24 percent of all mentions) and small for the GOP (9 percent). -- Difference in domestic issue coverage between Obama and Clinton is slight, with "terrorism" and "health care" being the only places where there is noticeable difference. -- Obama gets more mentions in close proximity to terrorism while Clinton continues to own health care. -- Terrorism continues to be McCain's issue, second only to the economy.

The Dow Jones Insight-2008 Presidential Election Media Pulse tracks four key areas of media coverage related to the election, as reported across traditional and social media sources, including:

-- Coverage of key issues by party -- Issue ownership by party -- Coverage of policies by media type -- Share of voice analysis -- press coverage by each candidate

The Dow Jones Insight-2008 Presidential Election Media Pulse provides a high-level view of a competitive media landscape and demonstrates how candidates and issues are covered in the media and how that coverage changes over time. Dow Jones Insight combines proven research methodologies, trusted content and advanced text-mining and visualization tools to deliver strategic qualitative and quantitative media measurement metrics. Organizations use the analysis to nurture their reputation, demonstrate the effectiveness of their communications strategies and achieve business objectives. The platform processes nearly a million articles, Web pages, blogs and message board posts per day.

The charts are available at http://dowjonesinsight.blogspot.com/ and can be reproduced in print and online media.

For further information about the Dow Jones Insight solutions or The Dow Jones Insight-2008 Presidential Election Media Pulse, please contact Shannon Sullivan at +1 609 627 2312 or shannon.sullivan@dowjones.com.

ABOUT DOW JONES

Dow Jones & Company (http://www.dowjones.com/) is a News Corporation company (NYSE: NWS, NWS.A; ASX: NWS, NWSLV; http://www.newscorp.com/). Dow Jones is a leading provider of global business news and information services. Its Consumer Media Group publishes The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, MarketWatch and the Far Eastern Economic Review. Its Enterprise Media Group includes Dow Jones Newswires, Dow Jones Factiva, Dow Jones Client Solutions, Dow Jones Indexes and Dow Jones Financial Information Services. Its Local Media Group operates community-based information franchises. Dow Jones owns 50% of SmartMoney and 33% of STOXX Ltd. and provides news content to radio stations in the U.S.

Dow Jones & Company

CONTACT: Shannon Sullivan, Enterprise Media Group Public Relations -
Americas, Asia Pacific of Dow Jones & Company, +1-609-627-2312, Fax,
+1-609-627-2301, shannon.sullivan@dowjones.com

Web site: http://www.dowjones.com/
http://dowjonesinsight.blogspot.com/
http://www.newscorp.com/

Michigan Governor Granholm Tours United Solar Ovonic's State-Of-The-Art Manufacturing Facility in Promoting State's Emerging Leadership in Alternative EnergyRapidly Growing Thin Film Solar Laminate Company an Example of What Michigan's Economic Future May Hold

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited United Solar Ovonic's Greenville manufacturing facility as part of her Alternative Energy Tour highlighting the state's growing emphasis on renewable energy initiatives. United Solar Ovonic, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. , is a leading producer of lightweight and flexible solar panels, branded under the UNI-SOLAR(R) name.

The first phase of the United Solar Greenville site is a 203,000 square-foot facility that commenced operations in November 2007 and currently employs 185 people. When fully ramped in 2009, the two facilities will employ more than 400 people and have an annual production capacity of 120 megawatts of solar laminates, enough electricity to power 48,000 homes.

"United Solar Ovonic is a great example of the type of investment needed to ensure Michigan's economic success in the 21st century," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "The company is a strong anchor for Michigan's alternative energy industry -- and they are taking full advantage of Michigan's exceptional workforce, first-tier engineering, R & D talents and a business climate tuned to growing emerging businesses."

"We applaud Governor Granholm for her support in fostering opportunities for Michigan to play a leadership role in the rapidly growing global alternative energy industry," stated Mark Morelli, president and chief executive officer of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD). We have been pleased with the partnership we have forged with Governor Granholm and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to make it possible for us to build new facilities and create additional jobs right here in Michigan. We look forward to continuing to strengthen this relationship."

In addition to its Greenville operations, United Solar has two manufacturing facilities in Auburn Hills, Michigan with annual production capacities of 28 and 30 megawatts, respectively. United Solar expects to expand its annual manufacturing capacity to 300 megawatts by 2010. United Solar Ovonic currently employs 883 people in Michigan and more than 1350 people worldwide.

As part of her Alternative Energy Development plan for Michigan, Governor Granholm will soon present a proposal to the state Legislature to establish a Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) for its statewide electricity production. The proposal would require 10% of Michigan's electricity generation to come from clean, renewable sources like wind, solar and biofuels by 2015. Once that standard has been set, a second phase would expand the RPS to a full 25% of the state's electrical energy by 2025.

About United Solar Ovonic

United Solar Ovonic, a subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. , manufactures and sells thin-film solar laminates that convert sunlight to energy using proprietary technology. Distributed globally under the UNI-SOLAR(R) brand, the company's products are ideally suited for cost- effective solar roofing solutions because they are lightweight, durable, flexible, can be integrated directly with building materials, and generate more energy in real-world conditions. For more information, please visit http://www.uni-solar.com/ and http://www.ovonic.com/.

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which ECD, as of the date of this release, believes to be reasonable and appropriate. ECD cautions, however, that the actual facts and conditions that may exist in the future could vary materially from the assumed facts and conditions upon which such forward-looking statements are based. The risk factors identified in the ECD filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, could impact any forward-looking statements contained in this release.

United Solar Ovonic

CONTACT: Brad Wilks or Mac McNeer of Sard Verbinnen & Co.,
+1-312-895-4700

Web site: http://www.uni-solar.com/
http://www.ovonic.com/

Solera Holdings, Inc. Appoints Douglas Linn as Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources

SAN DIEGO, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Solera Holdings, Inc. , the leading global provider of software and services for the automobile insurance claims processing industry, today announced the appointment of Doug Linn as Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources.

Linn has more than 20 years experience in human resources - holding both domestic and international human resource positions - and a proven track record of helping companies build high-performing organizations around the world. Most recently, he was Vice President of Human Resources for the Global Technologies Division of Sweden-based Assa Abloy. Prior to that, Linn was with the management consulting firm Humanatek, where he was Vice President, Human Resources. He has also held senior level positions at Schlumberger, United Parcel Service, Integrated Telecom Express and Advantest America.

Commenting on the appointment, Solera's Founder, Chairman and CEO, Tony Aquila, said, "Developing, retaining and attracting associates is key to our Company's success and global expansion. We have a very talented and motivated team and with Doug's leadership in human resources, we look forward to building upon this already strong foundation."

Linn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Metropolitan State College in Denver, CO. He is based in Solera's San Diego office and will report directly to Aquila.

About Solera

Solera is the leading global provider of software and services for the automobile insurance claims processing industry. Solera is active in over 50 countries across six continents. The Solera companies include Audatex in the United States, Canada, and in more than 45 additional countries, Informex in Belgium, Sidexa in France, ABZ in the Netherlands, Hollander serving the North American recycling market, and IMS providing medical review services. For more information, please refer to the Company's website at http://www.solerainc.com/.

Contacts: Investor Relations Kamal Hamid Solera Holdings, Inc. 858-946-1676 kamal.hamid@audatex.com Media Relations Kendra DeWitt Solera Holdings, Inc. 858-946-1453 kendra.dewitt@audatex.com

Solera Holdings, Inc.

CONTACT: Investor Relations: Kamal Hamid, +1-858-946-1676,
kamal.hamid@audatex.com, or Media Relations: Kendra DeWitt, +1-858-946-1453,
kendra.dewitt@audatex.com, both of Solera Holdings, Inc.

Web site: http://www.solerainc.com/

AT&T Expanding Wireless and Broadband Coverage in Louisiana; Investing Nearly $104 Million in Wireless Network Upgrades in 2008Company Deploying 76 New Cell Sites in Louisiana This Year; Investment in Wired and Wireless Networks Nears $1 Billion Over the Past Three Years

NEW ORLEANS, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Inc. , the world's largest communications company, announced today an investment of more than $104 million in the Louisiana network to expand wireless coverage.

AT&T will add 76 new cell sites in the state and will roll out its higher-speed wireless network in Shreveport, Lafayette and Lake Charles by the end of 2008. The company also plans to expand high speed third-generation (3G) coverage in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metro areas. The company has invested nearly $1 billion from 2005 through 2007 in Louisiana's wired and wireless networks.

"Our goal is to provide high-quality coverage and the ability to communicate wherever you are and however you want," said Joe Larussa, vice president and general manager for AT&T's wireless operations in the Gulf States. "Customers rely on us for exceptional service, and this investment is a testament that being the best communications and entertainment company for our customers is paramount."

AT&T has delivered dramatic changes in Louisiana since introducing the 3G wireless broadband network in New Orleans and Baton Rouge in 2006. This year, AT&T will expand its wireless 3G network in the U.S. to more than 80 additional cities, including Shreveport, Lafayette and Lake Charles. The planned expansion of the service area around New Orleans and Baton Rouge by the end of 2008 will bring AT&T's 3G wireless services to nearly 350 leading U.S. markets, including all of the top 100 cities.

AT&T's 3G wireless network allows customers to use their 3G handsets to quickly access feature-rich wireless content, including videos, games, pictures, music, entertainment, news and weather -- all through MEdia Net, the company's mobile Internet portal. AT&T's 3G customers also can take advantage of Video Share, a first-of-its-kind technology in the U.S. that allows users to share live video during a wireless call. Additionally, the AT&T 3G network offers AT&T BroadbandConnect mobile customers faster speeds for their laptops and the ability to send and receive large files, as well as access to the Internet and their company's intranet from anywhere within the 3G network.

Last year, AT&T added eight new cell sites in Louisiana. This year, 76 new sites and other network enhancements are planned to expand and improve wireless coverage for consumers and businesses in:

-- The Greater Baton Rouge area, including Gonzales and Zachary, and inside and around the Mall of Louisiana. -- The Greater New Orleans area, including Kenner and other key areas of town. -- Slidell, Covington and other areas on the Northshore. -- Lake Charles and the surrounding areas. -- The Greater Lafayette area. -- The Greater Shreveport and Bossier City areas, including Barksdale Air Force Base and other key areas. -- Monroe and surrounding areas.

"We're committed to the state of Louisiana," said William Oliver, president of AT&T Louisiana. "AT&T's investments will have a positive impact on both the state and community levels, in addition to the benefits that our customers will receive."

AT&T diligently monitors the quality and coverage of its wireless network. In addition to third-party vendors that assess the company's performance, AT&T engineers constantly monitor the network and annually drive nearly 300,000 miles across the state to ensure that the network is operating at peak efficiency.

AT&T's wireless network is based on Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology, the most open and widely used network platform in the world. The company is already establishing a path to develop a 4G network. AT&T plans to roll out the nation's first High Speed Packet Access (HSUPA) network by midyear, which will provide even faster capabilities to HSUPA-enabled laptop users and allow them to send large files and take advantage of the latest interactive Internet and business applications.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. 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. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. 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/.

Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: Sue Sperry of AT&T Louisiana, +1-504-528-2298, mobile,
+1-504-343-2350, sue.sperry@att.com

Web site: http://www.att.com/

NSA Certifies General Dynamics Sectera(R) Edge(TM) 'Smartphone' for Classified Voice and Data Communication

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Security Agency (NSA) has certified the wireless Sectera(R) Edge(TM) smartphone, a product of General Dynamics C4 Systems, for voice communications classified up to the Top Secret level and access to email and web-sites classified at the Secret level and below. General Dynamics C4 Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics .

"For the first time, authorized military and government personnel can now wirelessly access both classified and unclassified voice and data communications on the same device," said John Cole, vice president of Information Assurance at General Dynamics C4 Systems. "The Sectera Edge is an all-in-one communications solution allowing users to easily switch between classified and unclassified information by pressing a single key."

Similar in form and function to a commercial cell phone/personal digital assistant (PDA), the Sectera Edge is capable of synchronizing information with a user's computer, enabling access to calendar, address book, calculator, notepad and other PDA capabilities. The smartphone operates on existing Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) commercial cellular networks. Planned enhancements will provide interoperability with wireless fidelity (WiFi) local area networks.

The smartphone interfaces with the U.S. Department of Defense Public Key Infrastructure using the government's standard Common Access Card. Information stored in the Sectera Edge is protected using data-at-rest encryption.

Developed under the NSA Secure Mobile Environment/Portable Electronic Device (SME PED) program, the Sectera Edge smartphone is compliant with the Secure Communication Interoperability Protocol (SCIP), enabling secure interoperability with SCIP devices including the Secure Telephone Equipment (STE) and existing Sectera phones and terminals. The smartphone is also compliant with the High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor Interoperability Specification (HAIPE(R) IS) for secure interoperability with in-line encryption devices, including TACLANE(R) encryptors, that secure information on the U.S. Government's Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet).

General Dynamics C4 Systems is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. The company specializes in command and control, communications networking, space systems, computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the United States and abroad. More information on Sectera Edge is available on the Internet at http://www.gdc4s.com/secteraedge.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 83,500 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at http://www.generaldynamics.com/.

General Dynamics C4 Systems

CONTACT: Fran Jacques of General Dynamics C4 Systems, +1-480-441-2885,
Cell, +1-480-586-1886, Fran.Jacques@gdc4s.com

Web site: http://www.gdc4s.com/
http://www.generaldynamics.com/
http://www.gdc4s.com/secteraedge

Verizon Business Positioned in Leaders Quadrant in North American Help Desk Outsourcing Services Magic Quadrant

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Business announced Thursday (March 6) that it has been positioned by leading industry analyst firm Gartner Inc. in the Leaders Quadrant of its report, "Magic Quadrant for Help Desk Outsourcing Services, North America, 2008."(1)

According to Gartner, "Leaders are performing well, have a clear vision of market direction and are actively building competencies to sustain their leadership positions in the market."

Nancy Gofus, Verizon Business senior vice president and chief marketing officer, said, "We believe this placement confirms our help-desk outsourcing expertise and our world-class services and tools, as well as our understanding of how to deliver top-notch support to end-users in the enterprise. Help-desk outsourcing services are among our many solutions offerings that enable organizations to outsource specific IT functions to a trusted industry leader. These services are especially beneficial for companies moving to a single- source provider for both IT and networking services."

In the report, Gartner analyzed 24 leading providers of help-desk outsourcing services with more than $15 million in help-desk revenue from North American clients -- which handle technology issues and queries from employees at client companies -- based on each provider's completeness of vision and ability to execute.

Gartner criteria for completeness of vision include market understanding, offering strategy, business model, innovation and geographic strategy. Criteria for ability to execute include product/service capabilities, customer experience, market responsiveness and track record, overall viability, and operational attainment.

Verizon Business handles an average of more than 2.5 million help-desk calls annually and supports hundreds of thousands of users. In 2007, its business continued to expand, with help-desk service contracts increasing 38 percent over 2006.

Verizon Business offers complete and cost-effective Help Desk Services that can be customized to meet an organization's specific IT support goals and objectives, helping to facilitate enhanced end-user satisfaction. As the basis for its delivery of IT Service Desk offerings, the help-desk quality management system is ISO 9001:2000 certified -- or the tenth consecutive year -- and employs best practices defined by Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).

About the Magic Quadrant

The Magic Quadrant is copyrighted 2007 by Gartner Inc. and is reused with permission. The Magic Quadrant is a graphical representation of a marketplace at and for a specific time period. It depicts Gartner's analysis of how certain vendors measure against criteria for that marketplace, as defined by Gartner. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in the Magic Quadrant and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors placed in the Leaders quadrant. The Magic Quadrant is intended solely as a research tool and is not meant to be a specific guide to action. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications , is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large-business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced technology and professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. For more information, visit http://www.verizonbusiness.com/.

(1) Gartner Research: "Magic Quadrant for North American Help Desk Outsourcing, North America, 2008," Richard T. Matlus and William Maurer, February 28, 2008.

Verizon Business

CONTACT: Janet Brumfield of Verizon Business, +1-614-723-1060,
janet.brumfield@verizon.com

Web site: http://www.verizonbusiness.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

Cablevision Adds Popular Titles From Food Network and HGTV to Free Video On Demand OfferingNew Programming Available To iO TV(SM) Customers At No Additional Charge Includes 30 Minute Meals With Rachel Ray, Good Eats With Alton Brown and House Hunters

BETHPAGE, N.Y., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cablevision Systems Corp. today announced the addition of popular shows from Food Network and HGTV to the array of free video on demand (VOD) programming available to iO TV digital cable customers. With a focus on the culinary world and home decorating and design, new titles include popular shows like 30 Minute Meals with Rachel Ray, Giada's Weekend Getaways, Good Eats, Unwrapped: Good Food, House Hunters, Selling Secrets and much more.

"Cablevision continues to enhance our free VOD offering by adding quality, branded content from the most popular cable television networks, in addition to the kind of local programming that isn't available from any other provider," said John Trierweiler, Cablevision's senior vice president of product management. "These new shows from Food Network and HGTV are a terrific addition to our iO TV digital cable service, and we are confident they will be a hit with our customers."

The Scripps Networks' programming is accessible at no additional charge to digital cable customers with a set-top box through the Free On Demand menu on the iO TV user interface. All of Cablevision's more than 2,000 On Demand titles are presented in crystal clear quality with DVD-like functionality including the ability to pause, fast-forward and rewind programs through the remote control.

With more than 2.6 million iO TV customers, approximately 84 percent of Cablevision's cable customers are iO TV digital cable customers, the highest digital penetration in the nation. iO TV offers customers access to 360 channels, including 53 premium movie channels, 48 channels of commercial-free digital music, more than 2,000 titles available on demand at all times, an interactive programming guide, 45 high-definition programming services and groundbreaking interactive television applications including News 12 Interactive.

About Cablevision

Cablevision Systems Corporation is one of the nation's leading entertainment and telecommunications companies. Its cable television operations serve more than 3 million households in the New York metropolitan area. The company's advanced telecommunications offerings include its iO TV(SM) digital television, Optimum Online(R) high-speed Internet, Optimum Voice(R) digital voice-over-cable, and its Optimum Lightpath integrated business communications services. Cablevision's Rainbow Media Holdings LLC operates several successful programming businesses, including AMC, IFC, WE tv and other national and regional networks. In addition to its telecommunications and programming businesses, Cablevision owns Madison Square Garden and its sports teams, the New York Knicks, Rangers and Liberty. The company also operates New York's famed Radio City Music Hall, and owns and operates Clearview Cinemas.

Cablevision Systems Corp.

CONTACT: Patrick MacElroy of Cablevision, +1-516-803-1249,
pmacelro@cablevision.com

Web site: http://www.cablevision.com/

CIBER, Inc. Files 2007 Form 10-K

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CIBER, Inc. has filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010927/CBRLOGO)

The Form 10-K can be accessed on CIBER's website at http://www.ciber.com/cbr, as well as on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/. Shareholders may receive a hard copy of the Form 10-K, containing the Company's complete audited financial statements, upon request to CIBER's Investor Relations Department.

About CIBER, Inc.

CIBER, Inc. is a pure-play international system integration consultancy with superior value-priced services and reliable delivery for both private and government sector clients. CIBER's services are offered globally on a project- or strategic-staffing basis, in both custom and enterprise resource planning (ERP) package environments, and across all technology platforms, operating systems and infrastructures. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colo., CIBER now serves client businesses from over 60 U.S. offices, 25 European offices and seven offices in Asia/Pacific. Operating in 18 countries, with more than 8,000 employees and annual revenue over $1 billion, CIBER and its IT specialists continuously build and upgrade clients' systems to "competitive advantage status." CIBER is included in the Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Small Cap 600 Index. CIBER, ALWAYS ABLE. http://www.ciber.com/. CIBER and the CIBER logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of CIBER, Inc. Copyright(C) 2008.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

Statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, as discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CIBER undertakes neither intention nor obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010927/CBRLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com CIBER, Inc.

CONTACT: Jennifer Matuschek, VP/Investor Relations,
jmatuschek@ciber.com, or Diane Stoner, Media Relations, dstoner@ciber.com,
both of CIBER, Inc., +1-303-220-0100

Web site: http://www.ciber.com/

Microsoft Launches Document Interoperability InitiativeCompany delivers important milestone in its commitment to increase the openness of its products and drive greater interoperability.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. today announced the launch of its Document Interoperability Initiative, which is aimed at promoting user choice among document formats and expanded opportunity for developers, partners and competitors. The launch of this initiative is an important step in Microsoft's commitment to implement a set of strategic changes in its technology and business practices to expand interoperability through the implementation of its interoperability principles. The Document Interoperability Initiative focuses on bringing vendors together to promote interoperability between document format implementations through testing and refining those implementations, creation of format implementation test suites, and the creation of templates designed for optimal interoperability between different formats.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

Microsoft hosted in Cambridge today a number of independent software vendors (ISVs), including Novell Inc., Mark Logic Corp., Quickoffice Inc., DataViz Inc. and Nuance Communications Inc., to launch this collaborative, community-based initiative. The Cambridge event is the first in a series of labs around the world that will bring together vendors to test interoperability between their implementations of well-known document formats, and between implementations of different formats. The Cambridge lab will test interoperability between existing implementations of Microsoft Office Open XML Formats and the Open Document Format (ODF) on a variety of platforms and devices including Mac OS X Leopard, iPhone, Palm OS, Symbian OS, Linux and Windows Mobile.

"Microsoft believes that the industry has a responsibility to come together to address the interests of users in achieving greater interoperability and effective data exchange between widely deployed document format implementations," said Jean Paoli, general manager for Interoperability and XML Architecture at Microsoft. "The labs are designed to bring technical staff together to roll up their sleeves and test interoperability between implementations of formats and address issues that are identified either in those implementations or in the translation technologies used to work across formats."

"We are pleased to collaborate with Microsoft to meet customer demands for content solutions that easily interoperate. Utilizing open document standards, such as Open XML and ODF, will improve the way organizations work across disparate platforms," said Andy Feit, senior vice president of Marketing at Mark Logic. "Enhancing document format interoperability between MarkLogic Server and other products in the marketplace will make it much easier for our customers to deploy applications for content assembly, reuse and delivery."

The labs will also include a set of integrated round table discussions between vendors about what steps should be taken to promote real-world interoperability between document format implementations in the marketplace. This will include discussions about how testing can be refined, how best to develop conformance testing suites for popular formats, and how to create document templates that are optimized for interoperability between different format implementations.

"Microsoft recognizes that users want to choose the document format that best suits their needs and that vendors have a responsibility to work together to achieve interoperability between different format implementations," said Tom Robertson, general manager, Interoperability and Standards at Microsoft. "The Document Interoperability Initiative brings vendors together to achieve real-world interoperability between documents that customers use through testing of implementations, building conformance test suites and creating document formats that optimize interoperability between different formats. As part of the interoperability principles we announced on Feb. 21, this initiative helps achieve our goal of reshaping business practices to meet the interoperability needs of our customers and the market."

New Translator Embraces Interoperability Principles

Also announced today is the 1.1 release of a translator between ODF and Open XML for Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet) and Microsoft PowerPoint (presentation) applications. This is the result of an ongoing open source project for which Microsoft announced its support in July 2006. Key performance enhancements and end-user improvements reflected in the new translators are based on feedback received from numerous public and private organizations.

Microsoft has committed to support future releases of the translator taking advantage of the improvements in Microsoft Office converter APIs announced as part of the interoperability principles on Feb. 21 to provide a better integrated experience for customers to open and save ODF files. These APIs and the guidance provided by the OpenXML-ODF Translator project will also make it easier for users to take advantage of other document formats, such as UOF and DAISY.

Microsoft's Feb. 21 announcement of its interoperability principles described four new interoperability principles and corresponding actions across its high-volume business products. Additional Microsoft-sponsored document interoperability labs are currently planned in Seoul, Korea, the week of March 10, and in Berlin, Germany, in early April. Further details on these labs, the broader Document Interoperability Initiative and Microsoft's interoperability principles can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/interop/principles.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Rapid Response Team of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide,
+1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com, for Microsoft Corp.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/

Steampunk Fantasy Game 'Edge of Twilight' Coming To Xbox 360(TM), PLAYSTATION(R)3 System and Windows PCStrikingly Original Action Adventure Game, Powered By Unreal Engine 3, Hits Shelves in 2009

GRAPEVINE, Texas, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- SouthPeak Games announced today that FUZZYEYES' "Edge of Twilight" will be available for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC in 2009. The game is currently deep in development at FUZZYEYES utilizing SouthPeak's studio-wide Unreal Engine 3 license.

"We are very excited to help bring FUZZYEYES' creative vision to life. The team spent a lot of time developing a comprehensive story to give the universe a history and purpose, which can change based on the players' interaction within the world," said Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak.

"Edge of Twilight" takes the player into a lavishly envisioned steampunk world to play as Lex, an outcast bounty hunter who finds himself caught between clashes of two polar opposite civilizations. Delivering a unique brand of fast-paced cinematic action, the game will be a truly immersive experience.

"It is energizing to see our unique vision take shape. We are bringing some unusual ideas to the table and so far we couldn't be happier with the results," said Wei-Yao Lu, CEO of FUZZYEYES. "Gamers should look forward to 2009!"

Edge Of Twilight will be released in 2009. Visit http://www.edge-of-twilight.com/ for more.

About SouthPeak Games

SouthPeak Interactive, LLC develops and publishes interactive entertainment software for all current hardware platforms including: PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Xbox360(TM) video game and entertainment system, Wii(TM), Nintendo DS(TM) and PC. SouthPeak's games cover all major genres including action/adventure, role-playing, racing, puzzle/strategy, fighting and combat. SouthPeak's products are sold in retail outlets in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. SouthPeak is headquartered in Midlothian, Virginia, and has offices in Grapevine, Texas and London, England. http://www.southpeakgames.com/

In January, SouthPeak Interactive, LLC and Global Services Partners Acquisition Corp. (BULLETIN BOARD: GSPA, GSPAB, GSPAW, GSPAZ) jointly announced that they have agreed to a business combination resulting in a new publicly held entity that will be called SouthPeak Interactive Corporation. The transaction will allow SouthPeak to access the public markets to accelerate its growth strategy and take advantage of strong industry growth trends.

About Unreal Engine 3

The award-winning Unreal Engine is known for cutting-edge graphics and its best-of-breed toolset. Unreal Engine 3 maintains those features while adding massive world support, multi-processor support, next-generation console optimizations, and one of the most mature tool pipelines in the industry. Unreal Engine 3's advanced toolset is designed specifically to accelerate developers' productivity for ultra-complex, next-generation content. Additional information on Unreal Engine can be obtained through the Unreal Technology Web site at http://www.unrealtechnology.com/.

About FUZZYEYES:

FUZZYEYES focuses on developing high quality original IP titles for PLAYSTATION(R)3, Xbox 360(TM), PlayStation(R)2 and PC. With offices in Brisbane (Headquarters), Taipei, Beijing (2007) and Singapore (2008), FUZZYEYES provides a competitive advantage in multiplex markets.

Unreal is a registered trademark of Epic Games, Inc. in the United States of America and elsewhere. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SouthPeak Games

CONTACT: Rob Fleischer of Sandbox Strategies for SouthPeak Games,
+1-212-213-2451, rob@sandboxstrat.com; or FUZZYEYES Studio, +61-7-3014-9888,
Fax, +61-7-3341-6660, general@FUZZYEYES.com

Web site: http://www.southpeakgames.com/
http://www.unrealtechnology.com/
http://www.edge-of-twilight.com/

Enliven Marketing Technologies Corporation Schedules Conference Call to Present Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2007 Financial Results

NEW YORK, March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Enliven Marketing Technologies Corporation , a leading internet marketing technology company, announced today it has scheduled a conference call and live Web cast to be held on Friday, March 14, 2008 at 9:00 AM ET to discuss the Company's financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year ended December 31, 2007.

The conference call will be available via the Internet in the Company Webcasts section of Enliven's Web site at http://www.enliven.com/, as well as through Thomson/CCBN at http://www.earnings.com/.

If you are not able to access the live Web cast, dial in information is as follows:

Date: Friday, March 14, 2008 Time: 9:00 AM (ET) Toll-Free Telephone Number: (800) 603-7883 International Telephone Number: (706) 643-1946 Passcode: 36918714

Participants should call at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.

A complete replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call by dialing (800) 642-1687 through Friday, March 21, 2008. Callers should enter the passcode above to access the recording.

ABOUT ENLIVEN MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES

Enliven Marketing Technologies Corporation (formerly Viewpoint Corporation) is a leading Internet Marketing Technology Company, offering Internet marketing and online advertising solutions through a powerful combination of proprietary visualization technology, and a Premium Rich Media advertising platform for the creation, delivery and reporting of PRM. Enliven's family of brands include Unicast, the Internet Marketing and Advertising Technology Group, and Springbox, the Creative Digital Marketing Solutions Group. The company's technology and online advertising solutions are leveraged by some of the world's most esteemed brands, including AOL, GE, Sony, and Toyota. More information can be found at http://www.enliven.com/. The company has approximately 140 employees with offices in New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, Austin, TX and London, England.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking" statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar expressions that reflect Enliven's current expectations about its future performance. These statements and expressions are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause Enliven's actual performance to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements and expressions. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include those described in Enliven's filings and reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Copyright (C) 2008 Enliven Marketing Technologies Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Enliven, Viewpoint, Unicast, and Springbox are trademarks or registered trademarks of Enliven Marketing Technologies Corporation.

Enliven Marketing Technologies Corporation

CONTACT: Investor Relations: +1-212-201-0800, ir@enliven.com

Web site: http://www.enliven.com/

Fans Vote in Record Numbers to Determine the Final Nominees for the '2008 CMT Music Awards'Brad Paisley and Sugarland Lead the Nominees of Country Music's Only Fan-Voted Awards Show with Four Nominations Each

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Shattering all previous records, over two million votes were cast for the final nominees of the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS, putting country superstars Brad Paisley and Sugarland in the lead with four final nominations. Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Kenny Chesney, LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and Trace Adkins share the designation of three nominations each. 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS host Billy Ray Cyrus garners his first nomination for the tear jerking "Ready, Set, Don't Go." The 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS continues to be the genre's only fan-voted awards show and will air live from Nashville's Curb Event Center at Belmont University on Monday, April 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT* on CMT and CMT.com.

"Voting for the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS is at an all-time high, making the awards more competitive than ever," said Brian Philips, executive vice president and general manager, CMT. "With superstar performances like those from our top nominees Brad Paisley and Sugarland and exciting new categories, this year's show promises to be a night full of surprises."

Fans can now vote online at CMT.com through Friday, April 11 to determine the night's winners. The final nominees for VIDEO OF THE YEAR will be announced at the beginning of the show, and fans can vote at CMT.com, as well as via mobile phone, throughout the live broadcast (ET/CT only) to determine the night's big winner. Log on to CMT.com to view streaming clips of nominated videos.

The final nominees in each of the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS categories include:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.

-- Brad Paisley -- "Online" (Director: Jason Alexander) -- Carrie Underwood -- "Wasted" (Director: Roman White) -- Kenny Chesney -- "Don't Blink" (Director: Shaun Silva) -- LeAnn Rimes -- "Nothin' Better To Do" (Directors: David McClister and LeAnn Rimes) -- Rascal Flatts -- "Take Me There" (Director: Shaun Silva) -- Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson -- "Because of You" (Director: Roman White) -- Sugarland -- "Stay" (Director: Shaun Silva) -- Taylor Swift -- "Our Song" (Director: Trey Fanjoy) MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist -- Brad Paisley -- "Online" -- Keith Urban -- "I Told You So" -- Kenny Chesney -- "Don't Blink" -- Toby Keith -- "High Maintenance Woman" -- Trace Adkins -- "I Got My Game On" FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist -- Carrie Underwood -- "So Small" -- LeAnn Rimes -- "Nothin' Better to Do" -- Martina McBride -- "Anyway" -- Miranda Lambert -- "Famous in a Small Town" -- Taylor Swift -- "Our Song" GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR Best video by a group; awarded to the artists -- Bon Jovi -- "(You Want To) Make a Memory" -- Little Big Town -- "A Little More You" -- Rascal Flatts -- "Stand" -- Rascal Flatts -- "Take Me There" DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists -- Big & Rich -- "Lost in this Moment" -- Brooks & Dunn -- "Proud of the House We Built" -- Montgomery Gentry -- "What Do Ya Think About That" -- Sugarland -- "Stay" USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video from an artist's major debut album; awarded to the artist (male, female, or group/duo)

-- Bucky Covington -- "A Different World" -- Chuck Wicks -- "Stealing Cinderella" -- Kellie Pickler -- "I Wonder" -- Luke Bryan -- "All My Friends Say" COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR*

Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)

-- Bon Jovi feat. LeAnn Rimes -- "Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore" -- Garth Brooks and Huey Lewis -- "Workin' for a Livin'" -- Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson -- "Because of You" -- Tim McGraw feat. Faith Hill -- "I Need You" PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR*

Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on a broadcast or major cable network; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

-- Dierks Bentley -- "Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)" from A Capitol Fourth 2007 (PBS) -- Kellie Pickler -- "I Wonder" from the 41st Annual CMA Awards (ABC) -- Sugarland -- "Stay" from the 2007 CMT MUSIC AWARDS (CMT) -- Tim McGraw -- "If You're Reading This" from the 42nd Annual ACM Awards (CBS) SUPPORTING CHARACTER OF THE YEAR*

Best supporting character whose guest appearance enhances the video concept; awarded to the special guest

-- Christian Kane for Carrie Underwood's "So Small" -- Jason Alexander for Brad Paisley's "Online" -- Rodney Carrington for Trace Adkins' "I Got My Game On" -- Tyler Hilton for Taylor Swift's "Teardrops On My Guitar" WIDE OPEN COUNTRY VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video from an artist outside the mainstream of country music; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration)

-- Alison Krauss and Robert Plant -- "Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On)" -- The Eagles -- "How Long" -- Jack Ingram -- "Measure of a Man" -- Willie Nelson -- "Gravedigger" TEARJERKER VIDEO OF THE YEAR*

Best video most likely to stir emotion, whether tears of joy or sadness; awarded to the artist

-- Billy Ray Cyrus -- "Ready, Set, Don't Go" -- Kellie Pickler -- "I Wonder" -- Kenny Chesney -- "Don't Blink" -- Sugarland -- "Stay" COMEDY VIDEO OF THE YEAR*

Best video to convey a song's humor and wit; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

-- Blake Shelton -- "The More I Drink" -- Brad Paisley -- "Online" -- Toby Keith -- "High Maintenance Woman" -- Trace Adkins -- "I Got My Game On" VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Best video director of the year; awarded to the director for his or her body of work from the past year

-- Michael Salomon (award eligible videos include: Toby Keith's "High Maintenance Woman" and Trace Adkins' "I Got my Game On") -- Roman White (award eligible videos include: Carrie Underwood's "So Small" and Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You") -- Shaun Silva (award eligible videos include: Kenny Chesney's "Don't Blink" and Rascal Flatts' "Stand") -- Trey Fanjoy (award eligible videos include: Bucky Covington's "A Different World" and Taylor Swift's "Our Song") *indicates new category for 2008

Hosted by music's hottest father and daughter, Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus, the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS air live from Nashville's Curb Event Center at Belmont University on Monday, April 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT* on CMT and CMT.com. Performances include Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Toby Keith, as well as Billy Ray and Miley, with more performances to be announced.

Visit CMT's press-only web site http://www.cmtmusicawardspress.com/ for more information about the 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS and media credentialing.

CMT, a unit of Viacom's MTV Networks , is the leading television and digital authority on country music and Heartland entertainment, reaching more than 87 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network's digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 150 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 300 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

*EDITORS: The 2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS premiere LIVE on Monday, April 14 at 8:00 PM, Eastern and 7:00 PM, Central; and at 9:00 PM, Mountain and 8:00 PM, Pacific (tape delayed).

CMT

CONTACT: Cindy McLean, +1-615-335-8404, cindy.mclean@cmt.com; or Natasha
Powell, +1-615-335-8412, natasha.powell@cmt.com, both of CMT

Web site: http://www.cmt.com/
http://www.cmtmusicawardspress.com/

BNY ConvergEx Group Announces Integration of DerivatEx Options Execution with the Eze OMS

NEW YORK, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- BNY ConvergEx Group, LLC, a leading provider of global agency brokerage and investment technology solutions, today announced that the DerivatEx(SM) options execution platform has been integrated into the award-winning Eze Order Management System (OMS).

The integration enables Eze OMS users to send option orders directly into DerivatEx and receive execution reports back through the Eze OMS blotter. In addition, Eze OMS users will now be able to access the recently released ConvergEx suite of options algorithms, designed to help clients limit their market impact and find liquidity across all options exchanges.

The DerivatEx system gives Eze OMS users full electronic direct market access (DMA) to all U.S. listed options exchanges and provides the ability to sweep those exchanges in order to seek enhanced liquidity and potential price improvement.

Tom Gavin, CEO of Eze Castle Software notes, "We continue to leverage the capabilities within ConvergEx to expand our Eze OMS offering and provide our clients a variety of choices for execution. This integration gives our clients the flexibility to easily execute options orders through the innovative DerivatEx platform."

"We are constantly seeking ways to keep ConvergEx customers ahead of the curve. With this integration, Eze OMS customers now have seamless access to both the DerivatEx low latency options execution platform and our advanced execution algorithms," stated Anthony J. Saliba, CEO of LiquidPoint. "The 'natural fit' of the Eze and LiquidPoint offerings brings the client the best integrated solution."

Eze OMS is a multi-asset class system that offers buy-side firms execution integration for various asset classes to optimize the investment workflow. It is a product of Eze Castle Software LLC, a member company of BNY ConvergEx Group. It is used by over 310 buy-side firms to manage their investment process. Eze Castle Software has also partnered with Credit Suisse and UBS to integrate their options algorithms into the Eze OMS.

DerivatEx is powered by LiquidPoint, LLC, and provides both electronic trading technology and order execution services to deliver a state-of-the-art front end for options analytics and trading, a FIX compliant algorithmic server for model-driven trading and FIX compliant low-latency Direct Market Access for trading on all U.S. options exchanges. LiquidPoint, LLC, is a listed options execution and trading technology firm and a member company of BNY ConvergEx Group. LiquidPoint's cutting-edge derivatives execution management technology has also been integrated with the Trading Screen, NeoVest and Townsend RealTick Order Management Systems.

About BNY ConvergEx Group

BNY ConvergEx Group, LLC provides global institutional agency brokerage and investment technology solutions to institutional clients worldwide. The Company's key business lines - Liquidity and Execution Management, Investment Technologies and Intermediary and Clearing Services - focus on a broad array of services designed to deliver a comprehensive, integrated platform of performance-driven, global multi-asset class trading capabilities. BNY ConvergEx Group is comprised of the following businesses: BNY ConvergEx Execution Solutions LLC (member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC), including BNY Global Transition Management and LJR Recapture Services; LiquidPoint, LLC (member CBOE/SIPC); Eze Castle Transaction Services LLC (member FINRA/SIPC); Westminster Research Associates LLC (member FINRA/SIPC); G-Trade Services LLC (member FINRA/SIPC); BNY Jaywalk LLC; ConvergEx Global Markets Ltd. and Eze Castle Software LLC. BNY ConvergEx Group is an affiliate of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. . Additional information is available at http://www.bnyconvergex.com/.

BNY ConvergEx Group, LLC

CONTACT: Patrick Phalon, +1-212-468-7713

Web site: http://www.bnyconvergex.com/
http://www.bnymellon.com/