Companies news

Presstek Announces Information Regarding Fourth Quarter 2007 Financial Results

HUDSON, N.H., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Presstek, Inc. , a leading manufacturer and marketer of high tech digital imaging solutions for the graphic arts and laser imaging markets, today announced it will release its fourth quarter 2007 financial results before the market opens on Thursday, April 3, 2008. In conjunction with this announcement, Presstek senior management will host a conference call on April 3, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to discuss the results.

The call will be open to all interested parties and may be accessed by using the following information:

CONFERENCE CALL ACCESS Domestic Dial In: (866) 362-5158 International Dial In: (617) 597-5397 Passcode: 49516636

Investors can access the call in a "listen only" mode via the Internet at http://www.presstek.com/.

In addition, for those unable to participate at the time of the call, a rebroadcast will be available following the call from Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 10:30 AM Eastern Standard Time until Thursday, April 10, 2008 Eastern Standard Time at midnight. The rebroadcast may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.presstek.com/ or by telephone using the following information:

REBROADCAST ACCESS Domestic Dial In: (888) 286-8010 International Dial In: (617) 801-6888 Passcode: 75496937 About Presstek

Presstek, Inc. is the leading manufacturer and marketer of high tech digital imaging solutions to the graphic arts and laser imaging markets. Presstek's patented DI(R), CTP and plate products provide a streamlined workflow in a chemistry-free environment, thereby reducing printing cycle time and lowering production costs. Presstek solutions are designed to make it easier for printers to cost effectively meet increasing customer demand for high-quality, shorter print runs and faster turnaround while providing improved profit margins.

Presstek subsidiary, Lasertel, Inc., manufactures semiconductor laser diodes for Presstek's and external customers' applications.

For more information visit http://www.presstek.com/, or call 603-595-7000 or email: info@presstek.com.

Contact: Kathleen Makrakis Director Investor Relations (203) 485-7534, ext 1432

Presstek, Inc.

CONTACT: Kathleen Makrakis, Director Investor Relations of Presstek,
Inc., +1-203-485-7534, ext. 1432

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

Southern Nuclear Files for Combined Construction and Operating License on Behalf of Owners of Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southern Nuclear Operating Company today filed an application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a Combined Construction and Operating License (COL) on behalf of the owners of the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant near Waynesboro, Ga. Plant Vogtle is owned by Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Dalton Utilities.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020207/SOCOLOGO )

The COL is another step in the NRC's new, streamlined licensing process designed to reduce regulatory uncertainty by completing the process in stages. A COL is a one-step licensing process by which the NRC approves and issues a license to build and operate a new nuclear power plant. Submitting this application does not commit the owners to build new units, but is part of the licensing process should they decide that nuclear power is the best option for providing additional generation.

The COL process involves evaluating an NRC certified plant design at a specific site. The Plant Vogtle owners have selected Westinghouse AP1000 technology for two additional units at the plant site. The NRC certified the AP1000 design after nearly 20 years of analysis by technical experts. Southern Nuclear applied for an Early Site Permit (ESP) for Plant Vogtle in August 2006. Georgia Power also would need approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission before making a final decision to build the new units. Bids to meet the demand for electricity in the 2016-2017 timeframe are due May 1 to the Georgia Public Service Commission.

"We expect demand for electricity in the Southeast, specifically in Georgia, to increase significantly by 2015 and beyond," said Southern Nuclear President and CEO Barnie Beasley. "Nuclear power is a safe, reliable, cost- effective power source that has a low impact on the environment. Submitting this COL application preserves nuclear energy as an option to meet future electricity needs."

Southern Nuclear, a subsidiary of Southern Company, operates Plant Vogtle's two existing nuclear power units for the plant owners. Southern Nuclear also operates the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant near Baxley, Ga. and the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant near Dothan, Ala.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.3 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.

Oglethorpe Power Corporation is a $4.9 billion power supply cooperative serving 38 Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs) in Georgia. These EMCs provide retail electric service to more than 4.1 million Georgians throughout the state. Oglethorpe Power is the nation's largest electric cooperative in terms of assets, annual kilowatt-hour sales and ultimate consumers served.

The Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG Power), headquartered in Atlanta, is a public generation and transmission corporation providing power to 49 Georgia communities with annual electric sales in excess of $721 million and more than 10 million megawatt hours of delivered energy in 2006. MEAG Power has assets of more than $4.9 billion, co-owns four generating plants with a generating capacity of 1,566 megawatts and has sole ownership of a combined cycle facility with a generating capacity of 503 megawatts.

Established in 1889, Dalton Utilities provides water, wastewater, electric and natural gas services to Dalton/Whitfield County and portions of Whitfield, Murray, Gordon, Catoosa and Floyd counties. In 1999, Dalton Utilities' OptiLink division began offering broadband connectivity, cable television, telephone and Internet for area homes and businesses. Dalton Utilities serves approximately 73,000 customers.

With nearly 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast, one of America's fastest-growing regions. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for eight consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Visit our Web site at http://www.southerncompany.com/.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020207/SOCOLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Southern Company

CONTACT: Beth Thomas of Southern Company, +1-205-992-5395,
enweathe@southernco.com

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

THX 4 UR MSG: Verizon Wireless Customers Send and Receive 20 Billion Messages in a Single MonthNumber of Texts on the Verizon Wireless Network Doubles in Just Eight Months

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven years after the launch of basic text messaging, Verizon Wireless customers sent and received more than 10 billion messages in a single month -- June 2007.

Eight short months later, the number of text messages on the Verizon Wireless network in a month (Feb. 2008) doubled to nearly 20 billion.

"The volume of text messages being sent and received by Verizon Wireless customers is growing exponentially," said Mike Lanman, chief marketing officer of Verizon Wireless. "Whether it's sports scores, news updates, the latest weather forecast, or the 'joke of the day', text messages are a tremendous way for anyone to stay on top of what's happening in the world.

"Not to mention all of the parents -- and grandparents -- keeping up with their kids, or kids texting each other throughout the day, text messaging is becoming an increasingly important way to communicate for people of all ages," Lanman added.

Benefits of Text Messaging

As texting grows into a more mainstream communications channel, opportunities grow for new and innovative messaging programs -- some involving short codes -- that allow citizens to participate in activities of their choice.

Hundreds of contests, promotions and other "opt-in" campaigns have been launched in the past few years, giving marketers and advocates other ways to reach consumers with unique offers or information. Since 2005, wireless service providers have offered Wireless AMBER Alerts, allowing consumers to "opt-in" to receive a text message when an AMBER Alert about a missing or abducted child is issued in their area.

Using text messaging to fundraise for charity is another of those opportunities. Verizon Wireless believes it's time to create a set of best practices around mobile giving, so Americans who contribute are protected and there is a solid framework in place for these campaigns.

Stopping Unwanted Text Messages and Wireless Spam

As the use and popularity of text messaging has increased, Verizon Wireless has been increasingly vigilant in its efforts to thwart wireless spam. Network filters prevent as many as 200 million spam messages per month from reaching customers' handsets. When spam messages do get through, the company investigates outbreaks and in some cases, brings lawsuits against the spammers.

Verizon Wireless offers numerous ways for customers to block text messages -- everything from stopping messages that originate on the Internet or e-mail (where most spam is generated) from being delivered, to blocking short code- based text message campaigns that involve premium charges, to completely turning off messaging to and from a handset. For example:

-- Vtext.com: Customers can log in with their mobile number and password, choose preferences, and choose text blocking, where they will see several options: 1) block all messages from the Web/Internet; 2) block all messages from e-mail; 3) block messages from up to 15 specific domain names or e-mail addresses. Customers can also choose to allow only texts sent to a nickname@vtext.com. Nicknames can be created by choosing the "nickname" tab on the left-hand side of the screen. The Web site can be accessed at http://www.vtext.com/ or text.vzw.com. -- Premium SMS Blocking: Beginning in Jan. 2008, Verizon Wireless made available this feature which enables customers to block only text messages for short code campaigns that involve premium charges. Customers can add this option by visiting the "My Account" page on http://www.verizonwireless.com/, then selecting features and choosing the add/delete button. They can also contact Customer Service. -- V-BLOCK: This feature prevents incoming and outgoing text messages from being sent or received from a certain mobile number/handset. The only messages the customer will receive are voicemail alerts. Customers can add this option by calling Customer Service.

Federal Communications Commission regulations prohibit the use of automated dialers to call or send unsolicited text messages to cellphone numbers. Automated dialers are standard in the telemarketing industry; so most telemarketers are barred from calling consumers on their cellphones without their consent. Customers who want to add their cellphone number to the national Do Not Call registry may do so online at http://www.donotcall.gov/.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 65.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast- quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Jeffrey Nelson, +1-908-559-7519,
Jeffrey.Nelson@verizonwireless.com, or Debra Lewis, +1-908-559-7512,
Debra.Lewis@verizonwireless.com, both of Verizon Wireless

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.vtext.com/
http://www.text.vzw.com/

Pericom Expands PCIe Offering With Industry First One Chip PCIe to UART 'Serial Bridge' FamilyNew SBridge product family offers complete one chip cost effective design solution for expanding UART market requirements

SHANGHAI, China, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- INTEL DEVELOPER FORUM -- Pericom Semiconductor Corporation , a worldwide preferred supplier of PCI Express technology used for switching, timing, bridging and signal integrity, today announced the addition of a new industry first PCI Express SBridge(TM) (serial bridge) product family offering a complete one chip cost effective solution for the expanding CPU to UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) I/O market. Moxa is the first customer to incorporate Pericom's new UART offering.

The new product family integrates a complete PCI Express interface bridge with a fully featured multi port, multi protocol UART controller, and is targeted to volume industrial and building control, point of sale, instrumentation, PDA, and GPS system I/O applications. Pericom will showcase these new products with a 'live' demonstration at booth CE 002 at the Intel Developer Forum, Shanghai International Convention Center, April 2-3, 2008.

"The UART controller market TAM is expected to grow to over 60 million ports by the end of 2008," according to Jag Bolaria, senior analyst at semiconductor market research firm The Linley Group. "Pericom is well positioned to capitalize on this growth with leading edge single chip solutions required by next generation embedded control systems."

"Pericom's one chip UART solutions give MOXA the performance, flexibility, footprint, and cost savings we require to deliver the most competitive industrial and commercial platforms to our customers," said Sureen Lee, director of HA Strategic Business Unit for Moxa, Inc., a global company that designs and manufactures device networking products for industrial automation (http://www.moxa.com/).

"Pericom is pleased to add these three new advanced performance SBridge products to our industry leading variety of PCI Express product functions," said Bill Weir, Pericom's senior marketing director for Connect Products. "UART market growth is fueled by accelerated adoption of embedded UART I/O in building control systems for HVAC, environmental, emergency, and communications control to host CPU applications. We have completed our beta testing and now have design wins with Tier 1 embedded controller providers, such as Moxa."

Key Features and Benefits:

The Pericom SBridge PCIe to UART family consists of three different UART port count configurations: 2 ports (PI7C9X7952), 4 ports (PI7C9X7954), and 8 ports (PI7C9X7958). The product family is specifically designed for low power consumption and small package size, optimized PCB layout, fully meets the requirements of the latest PCI-SIG PCIe 1.1 and PCI 1.2 specifications, and is listed on the PCISIG certification list. Unique features include:

-- Complete one chip PCIe to high performance UART solution -- High performance 16C950 (RS-232) UART ports -- Backward compatible to 16C550/650/750/850 software -- Supports Baud rates to 62.5Mb/sec (sync mode) -- RoHS compliant and small footprint packages (PQFP and BGA) -- Customer programmable EEPROM port for ultimate flexibility -- Software drivers for major OS -- Windows, Linux

In addition to displaying its new SBridge product family at IDF Shanghai, Pericom will present live demonstrations of its new PCI Express to HDMI/DisplayPort switch, a Pericom PCIe enabled video surveillance system, and display various PCIe applications cards. The demonstrations and cards utilize Pericom's PCIe Packet Switch, Bridge, ReDriver, Signal Switch, and Timing products.

Pricing and Availability: -- Samples, eval board and OS driver development kits are available now, with production quantities available in May, 2008. OEM retail pricing in 10Ku quantities: PI7C9X7952 -- $5.3 -- PI7C9X7954 -- $6.8 -- PI7C9X7958 -- $9.5

Further information is available from Pericom sales representatives, with offices worldwide, or by visiting http://www.pericom.com/pciexpress/

High Resolution Press Graphic:

For high-resolution graphics go to http://www.pericom.com/img/press/high/167_high.jpg

About Pericom

Pericom Semiconductor Corporation enables serial connectivity with the industry's most complete solutions for the computing, communications and consumer market segments. Its analog, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuits and SaRonix-eCERA frequency control products are essential in the timing, switching, bridging, and conditioning of high-speed signals required by today's ever-increasing speed and bandwidth demanding applications. Company headquarters are in San Jose, California, with design centers and technical sales and support offices located globally. http://www.pericom.com/

PCI Express is a registered trademark of PCI SIG (pcisig.org)

Pericom Semiconductor Corporation

CONTACT: Marketing, Bill Weir, Sr. Director, Connect Products of Pericom
Semiconductor Corporation, +1-408-435-0800, bweir@pericom.com; or Media, Sacha
Arts of Bella Vista Communications, +1-408-356-3099, S.arts@comcast.net for
Pericom Semiconductor Corporation

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

ReBuilder Medical Technologies, Inc. Announces Best Sales Day in 5 Years

CHARLES TOWN, W.V., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ReBuilder Medical Technologies, Inc. (Pink Sheets: RBRM), developers of state of the art electronic devices for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Molluscum Contagiosum, and MRSA; today reported their best sales day ever on March 3rd, 2008 when they sold over $25,000 in products.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061128/REBUILDERLOGO )

"Our sales have not been affected thus far by the so called recession," says David B. Phillips, Ph.D., President of ReBuilder Medical Technology, Inc. (RBRM). "Perhaps the fact that we manufacture our own products from American raw materials is aiding our company's sales strength during this time."

Daena Carter, CFO, has a different take on their success. "I believe that our export market worldwide is helping to maintain our sales. The UK and Australia are significant buyers of our medical products. Coupled with the fact that all our sales are paid for in full before we ship, our cash flow has remained strong."

For more information visit: http://www.rebuildermedical.com/ and http://www.molluscum.com/.

Safe Harbor: This letter contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation, the ability of the Company to successfully implement its turnaround strategy, changes in costs of raw materials, labor, and employee benefits, as well as general market conditions, competition and pricing. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this letter will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as representation by the Company or any other person that the objectives and plans of the Company will be achieved. In assessing forward-looking statements included herein, readers are urged to carefully read those statements. When used in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words "estimate," "anticipate," "expect," "believe," and similar expressions are intended to be forward-looking statements.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061128/REBUILDERLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com ReBuilder Medical Technologies, Inc.

CONTACT: Daena Carter of ReBuilder Medical Technologies, Inc.,
+1-304-725-2202

Web Site: http://www.molluscum.com/
http://www.rebuildermedical.com/

Kiwibox Announces Strategic Agreement With 4INFOTeen Social Network to Offer Mobile Access using Leading Text Message Advertising Platform

NEW YORK, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Magnitude Information Systems, Inc. (Magnitude) (BULLETIN BOARD: MAGY) disclosed today the following developments concerning Kiwibox, its primary business unit.

Kiwibox (http://www.kiwibox.com/), the first social networking destination and online magazine where teens produce, discover, and share content, today announced an agreement with 4INFO, the leader in Short Messaging Service (SMS) publishing and advertising. The agreement will allow Kiwibox to deliver free text message alerts with exclusive teen-focused content. The service will launch in the second quarter of 2008, and will be available to the more than 1.8 million current Kiwibox members and their friends.

Through this strategic agreement with 4INFO, Kiwibox members and their friends will be able to use their mobile phones to receive the latest content from Kiwibox.com. These SMS services will work on any text-messaging-capable mobile phone and are free of charge*. Teens can opt into the service by sending a text message to short code 4KIWI (45494), or by visiting Kiwibox.com. The content and frequency of alerts - real-time, daily, or weekly - can be personalized based on user preference.

"Adding mobile applications to our vibrant social networking destination is a logical next step for Kiwibox in that it allows our members and their community of friends to stay connected to content that matters most to them," said Lin Dai chief executive officer of Kiwibox. "Teens will be able to use their cell phones to stay up to date on the latest news and gossip about their favorite celebrities and share the scoop with their friends. This is the first in a series of mobile applications we plan to offer in the months ahead."

4INFO provides text messaging services to USA Today, TV Guide, NBC Universal and many other premier publishers and content providers.

"Teens are avid users of text messaging, so our mobile application allows them to stay connected to friends and content in a way that's already intuitive to them," said Ted Burns, vice president of product for 4INFO. "And as a result of this partnership, advertisers who use 4INFO's text message ad network have the opportunity to effectively build and maintain the relevancy of their brands with this coveted audience."

*regular text messaging rates apply About Kiwibox

Founded in 1999, Kiwibox.com is the first social networking destination and online magazine where teens produce, discover, and share content. Kiwibox members are teens in the know who go to Kiwibox to enjoy personalized content and share their interests with peers. With more than 1.8 million registered members, Kiwibox provides one of the largest distribution and marketing channels to connect advertisers with the highly sought after teen audience, in a controlled and interactive environment. For more information, visit http://www.kiwibox.com/.

About 4INFO

The leader in text messaging services, 4INFO helps people stay in the know while they're on the go. Founded in 2004, 4INFO delivers millions of real-time SMS answers and entertainment messages - both as a response to a search query, or as an alert on subjects ranging from sports scores and weather updates to stock quotes and celebrity gossip. 4INFO's services work on any cell phone and are free of charge. Companies also partner with 4INFO to connect with their mobile audiences and deliver free ad-supported SMS content. 4INFO's SMS ad serving technology and targeted advertising programs give businesses the ability to reach consumers in a new medium with measurable results. Headquartered in San Mateo, Calif., 4INFO is backed by Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Gannett Company, Inc., NBC Universal, Sand Hill Capital, and U.S. Venture Partners. Learn more at: http://www.4info.net/.

This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from either historical or anticipated results, depending on a variety of factors. Potential factors that could impact results include the general economic conditions in different countries around the world, fluctuations in global equity and fixed income markets, exchange rates, rating agency actions, resolution of pending regulatory investigations and related issues, including those related to compensation arrangements with underwriters, pension funding, ultimate paid claims may be different from actuarial estimates and actuarial estimates may change over time, changes in technology and internet developments, commercial property and casualty markets and commercial premium rates, the competitive environment, the actual costs of resolution of contingent liabilities and other loss contingencies, and the heightened level of potential errors and omissions liability arising from placements of complex policies and sophisticated reinsurance arrangements in an insurance market in which insurer reserves are under pressure. Further information, concerning the Company and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect the Company's financial results, is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Magnitude Information Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: Kiwibox.com, Todd Barrish or Bill McCue, Dukas Public
Relations, +1-212-704-7385, todd@dukaspr.com; 4INFO, Jennifer Colton,
Flashpoint Public Relations, +1-415-551-9621, colton@flashpointpr.com;
Magnitude Information Systems Inc., Edward L. Marney, President and Chief
Executive Officer, +1-772-286-9292

Web site: http://www.kiwibox.com/
http://www.4info.net/

See More, Do More: Siemens Highlights New Generation of Interventional Imaging Systems for Cardiology at ACCNew Artis zee Family Provides Interventional Cardiologists with Enhanced Imaging for Faster, More Precise Procedures

CHICAGO, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease ranks as America's No. 1 killer, with an average of one death every 37 seconds. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise and the obesity epidemic have contributed to the surge of Americans with cardiac issues. To address this nationwide crisis, the medical community has stepped up by developing holistic cardiology solutions that not only provide earlier and better detection, but also enable doctors to treat cardiac patients with less invasive surgery.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO )

In response, Siemens Healthcare (http://www.siemens.com/healthcare) has introduced the Artis zee(R) family -- its next generation of interventional imaging systems for cardiology, offering enhanced image quality, optimized workflow, and increased return on investment. Siemens will be showcasing the new Artis zee family at the 57th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) from March 29 through April 1 at booth # 3006.

One of the first facilities in North America to receive Artis zee systems is Bethesda Heart Institute in Boynton Beach, Fla. "Artis zee from Siemens is extremely fast and provides superb imaging," said Dr. Louis D. Snyder, Medical Director, Bethesda Heart Institute. "The imaging enhancements mean we can see vessel edges more clearly and position stents with greater confidence resulting in more effective treatment for our patients, as well as greater efficiencies in our workflow."

The innovativeness of the Artis zee family is exemplified by the recently FDA 510(k) cleared Artis zeego(R), which extends imaging capabilities through virtually unrestricted C-arm positioning. The ability to deliver two non- concentric rotations supports advanced cross-sectional imaging, which is not achievable with traditional C-arm systems. The Artis zeego makes it possible for the position of the isocenter to be adjusted according to the procedural needs or the height of the physician, which is particularly beneficial to a physician during lengthy procedures, while wearing a heavy lead-shielded apron. Furthermore, the Artis zeego can be parked compactly to give the clinical team easier access to the patient, making it ideal for hybrid rooms.

Additionally, Frost & Sullivan recently selected the Artis zeego as winner of the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award at their Excellence in Medical Technologies Awards banquet.

Faster, More Effective Procedures

The entire Artis zee family of systems features an enhanced imaging chain -- spanning acquisition to processing and documentation -- that delivers sharply detailed images required for interventional procedures, enhances clarity in 2D imaging, and enables an array of 3D imaging applications to help enhance clinical decision-making.

"The interventional cardiologist now faces greater demands than ever as the number of minimally invasive procedures grows and the need to visualize fine vessels and small devices is increasingly critical," said Claus Grill, Vice President, Angiography, Cardiac, and X-ray Systems, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. "Siemens developed the Artis zee portfolio of products to provide clinicians with excellent image quality, enabling them to diagnose and treat with greater speed, efficiency and precision, all the while improving patient outcomes and workflow."

From 2D to 4D: Imaging a moving structure, such as the heart, has always been a challenge. Now, with the Artis zee, outstanding image quality is provided from 2D fluoroscopy and 3D imaging and even a 4D image application, where the time phases of the heartbeat are taken into account. In 2D fluoroscopy, features like advanced temporal filtration use an intelligent motion detection algorithm. This technology separates moving from non-moving structures in real time to improve the clarity of therapeutic instruments. Intelligent noise reduction enables high image quality during live fluoroscopy and acquisition by significantly reducing quantum noise without an increase in radiation exposure dose.

Stent and vessel visualization: Artis zee enables clinicians to see vessel edges more precisely than ever before, providing for improved stent positioning within seconds, which can be particularly difficult in obese patients. Stents and other interventional devices are becoming less radio- opaque, making visualization under fluoroscopy more difficult. Siemens IC stent, an automatic processing algorithm, is a tool that enhances stent visualization by combining multiple images and compensating for motion between images through a registration process. The fully automated process uses the gold markers of the deployment balloon as reference points. Images are automatically shifted and rotated to match the gold markers summed together to form a final image with a clearer visibility of the stent.

Additionally, Siemens syngo(R) DynaCT Cardiac, widens the 3D spectrum to 4D. By using rotational angiography and special reconstruction algorithms, syngo DynaCT Cardiac creates CT-like images of the beating heart right in the electrophysiology lab. During acquisition, it can use an ECG-triggered mode to acquire only images from the same heart phase. With this feature it is now possible to reconstruct 4D images of the heart and its vessels during the procedure.

Enhanced workflow: The Artis zee systems are designed to streamline workflows and create efficiencies to help keep pace with increased interventional volume. Intuitive, menu-driven workflows streamline such procedures as obtaining soft tissue results for both frequent and infrequent users. The Artis zee family also enables all system movements to be easily controlled with one ergonomic tableside device.

Configurable to each customer's unique needs: The Artis zee family is available in floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and biplane configurations including magnetic navigation, as well as the multi-axis Artis zeego. In addition to improving patient outcomes within the cardiology suite, Artis zee is also available for the interventional radiology and operating room environments, as well.

About Siemens Healthcare

Siemens Healthcare is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first fully integrated diagnostics company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care -- from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. The company employs more than 48,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of euros 9.85 billion, orders of euros 10.27 billion, and group profit of euros 1.32 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Siemens Healthcare

CONTACT: Tom Schaffner of Siemens Healthcare, +1-610-448-1477,
thomas.schaffner@siemens.com

Web site: http://www.siemens.com/healthcare

Nocopi Technologies, Inc., West Conshohocken, Pa., Posts 120% Increase in Gross Profit for 2007 over 2006

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nocopi Technologies, Inc., (BULLETIN BOARD: NNUP) announced today that the Company has posted a gross profit of $845,300 for 2007, up approximately 120% from $385,000 in 2006 and net income of $386,000 in 2007 compared to a net loss of $190,100 in 2006, due primarily to increased licensing revenues and product sales in its Entertainment and Toy Products business. Revenues for 2007 were $1,393,800, an increase of approximately 82%, from $766,500 in 2006. The Company believes that revenues from licensees in the Entertainment and Toy Products market will grow in the future.

"Nocopi's progress is continuing as reflected by our growth in revenues and profit for 2007" said Michael A. Feinstein, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. "We continue to be very pleased with the excellent relationship we have with our publishing partners, who during 2007 successfully launched a number of new children's activity products that incorporate our technology. We work as a team with our partners, and we are actively involved in the process of developing new and innovative products for kids of all ages.

Nocopi has benefited from the growth in revenues since we decided in 2003 to develop specific technologies for applications in the large entertainment and toy products market. Nocopi expects more progress as we continue to introduce new and improved innovations targeting this market."

Dr. Feinstein also said, "We have recently developed and are currently marketing a new application in response to recent legislation requiring tamper-resistant features beginning in April 2008 in prescription pads used by physicians nationwide for patients enrolled in Medicaid Programs. Information about the availability of our Secure Rub Tamper Resistant Prescription Pads has been discussed by us in meetings with Health Professionals including the leadership of the United States Pharmacopeia. We also feature this new product as well as others on our new website http://www.nocopi.com/.

We are continuing to research, develop, and offer technologies ideal for our other business applications which include developing solutions against counterfeiting, product diversion, document security, and authentication via patented technologies including invisible inks, color changing inks, reactive thread and document security inks and paper products.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rich Selah as our new Director of Security Sales. Rich is designing business development programs focusing on product and document security."

The current Form 10-KSB can be accessed at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website http://www.sec.gov/.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

The foregoing contains forward-looking information within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements (a summary of which may be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2007 under the caption "Risk Factors"). The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or further changes make it clear that any projected results (expressed or implied) will not be realized.

Nocopi Technologies, Inc.

CONTACT: Rudolph Lutterschmidt, Chief Financial Officer, Nocopi
Technologies, Inc., +1-610-834-9600

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

Verizon Wireless Seeks to Expand Local Workforce at Job Fair in MelvilleGrowth in Hispanic Population and Customer Base Fuels Search for Bilingual Employees

ORANGEBURG, N.Y., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless company with the most reliable voice and data network, is seeking highly-qualified applicants to fill customer-facing positions now available in the company's business sales, telesales and Communications Store teams throughout the New York Metro area.

The Melville job fair will take place Monday, April 7, from 3 to 8 p.m., at the Melville, Marriott located at 1350 Old Walt Whitman Road.

Among the new full-and part-time employees being sought are English-Spanish speaking candidates to meet the needs of the New York Metro area's growing Hispanic population.

Verizon Wireless consistently ranks as one of the best places to work in the United States. For example, for seven consecutive years, Verizon Wireless has been named to Working Mother Magazine's "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" list and to Training Magazine's annual list of "Top 125 Training Organizations in America." In 2007, the company was the highest ranked wireless company on the list, coming in at #4. (For more information visit http://aboutus.vzw.com/awards2007) Most recently, Verizon Wireless was listed as one of the "Ten Best Places to Work" by both the Hudson Valley Magazine and Rockland Magazine.

The company offers highly competitive salaries and benefits including health care coverage that begins on the first day of employment, a 401(k) program with dollar-for-dollar matching of up to six percent of the employee's salary contribution, profit-sharing, tuition reimbursement for continuing education and long-term incentive plans. Employees also can take advantage of numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Job requirements include one-to-two years of retail sales or service experience. A college degree is highly desirable. To learn more, interested candidates may visit the company's website at http://www.verizonwireless.com/careers.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 65.7 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, NJ, with 69,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: David Samberg, +1-845-365-7212,
david.samberg@verizonwireless.com, or Gisela Lopez, +1-973-968-7928,
gisela.lopez@vivianipr.com, both of Verizon Wireless

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.verizonwireless.com/careers

Verizon Wireless Seeks to Expand Local Workforce at Job Fair In ManhattanGrowth in Hispanic Population and Customer Base Fuels Search for Bilingual Employees

The Manhattan job fair will take place Thursday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Metropolitan Pavilion, located at 125 West 18th Street.

Among the new full-and part-time employees being sought are English-Spanish speaking candidates to meet the needs of the New York Metro area's growing Hispanic population.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: David Samberg, +1-845-365-7212,
david.samberg@verizonwireless.com; Gisela Lopez, +1-973-968-7928,
gisela.lopez@vivianipr.com

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

Bronx Residents Reminded to Recycle Old Cell Phones at Spring Electronics Recycling Event, April 5 and 6NYC Department of Sanitation and Office To Combat Domestic Violence Join Verizon Wireless to Recycle Cell Phones to Aid Survivors of Domestic Violence

NEW YORK, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty is reminding Bronx residents that the New York City Department of Sanitation's Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling is teaming up with Verizon Wireless to collect old cell phones at its annual Electronics Recycling and Clothing Donation events this spring. Doherty is urging all New York City residents to donate their old, unused wireless phones to help survivors of domestic violence.

Bronx residents are asked to bring their old phones to the recycling event on Saturday, April 5 and/or Sunday, April 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. The event will be held at the Soundview Composting Site on Randall Avenue near Metcalf Avenue and the Bruckner Expressway.

All collected phones will be donated to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine(R) program, which will refurbish, recycle or sell the phones and donate the proceeds to domestic violence advocacy groups in the form of cash grants and prepaid wireless phones for victims. Phones that cannot be refurbished are disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

"Joining forces with Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program creates a win-win situation for the residents of New York City," said Commissioner Doherty. "We're always interested in programs that encourage reusing items that otherwise might end up in the waste stream. When you donate your old phone to HopeLine, you'll not only give a product a second life -- you'll also give a family in need a second chance at life."

The City's first 2008 Spring Electronics Recycling and Clothing Donation Event held in Union Square on March 16 drew 3,000 people who recycled nearly 600 pounds of cell phones.

Verizon Wireless was the first wireless carrier in the nation to collect and recycle old cell phones and has done so since January 1999 -- first in New York and then across the U.S. To date, thanks to conscientious consumers, the company's national HopeLine program has:

-- Kept more than 200 tons of electronics waste and batteries out of landfills. -- Collected nearly 4.5 million wireless phones. -- Properly disposed of nearly 1 million wireless phones. -- Recycled more than 170,000 pounds of batteries in cooperation with Call2Recycle(TM)

"HopeLine was created more than 10 years ago as a means for Verizon Wireless to put its products and services to work to help survivors of domestic violence and help the environment at the same time," said Pat Devlin, president of Verizon Wireless' New York Metro Region. "More than $5 million in cash grants has been awarded to local shelters and groups working to fight family violence across the nation, and nearly 60,000 wireless phones with airtime have helped survivors rebuild their lives."

Locally, HopeLine's direct and in-kind donations total nearly $900,000 including more than $150,000 to the New York City Family Justice Center Initiative.

"Many of us take our cell phones for granted," said Commissioner Yolanda Jimenez of the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence. "But for a woman who is being abused or stalked, it is often her first line of defense."

In addition to the City's neighborhood recycling events, HopeLine phone donations are accepted year-round at all Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in New York City and across the nation. For store locations and additional information, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About Verizon Wireless

About New York City's Department of Sanitation

Since 1881, when the New York City Department of Sanitation -- originally known as the Department of Street Cleaning -- was founded, waste collection and disposal have come virtually full circle. At the end of the 19th century, one of the Department's most prolific commissioners, Colonel George Waring, instituted efficiencies and waste reduction programs that foretold the programs of today -- including recycling, street sweeping and a dedicated uniformed cleaning and collection force. Today, the Department is the world's largest, collecting over 12,000 tons of residential and institutional refuse and recyclables a day. The City's businesses, whose waste is collected by private carting companies, generate another 13,000 tons of refuse each day. And under the leadership of Commissioner John J. Doherty, New York City's streets are cleaner today then they have been in over 30 years.

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: David Samberg of Verizon Wireless, +1-845-365-7212,
david.samberg@verizonwireless.com; or Vito Turso of NYC Department of
Sanitation, +1-646-885-5020, vturso@dsny.nyc.gov

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline
http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia

NUR Macroprinters Announces Changes in Its Principal Shareholders and Board Composition; Intends to Identify and Pursue Business Opportunities; Announces Appointment of Interim CEO

LOD, Israel, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NUR Macroprinters Ltd. (NURMF.PK) (NUR or the Company), announced today that its principal shareholders, the Fortissimo entities, informed it that they have completed the sale of all of the shares and a majority of the warrants held by them to Kanir Joint Investments (2005) L.P., one of the Company's current shareholders, and S. Nechama Investments (2008) Ltd. According to information provided to the Company, Kanir and S. Nechama have entered into a shareholders agreement and will hold, following this transaction and other transactions previously consummated, 28.6% and 25.9%, respectively, of the Company's ordinary shares, on a fully diluted basis.

In connection with the sale of the Fortissimo securities, three members of the Company's Board of Directors, Yuval Cohen, who was also the Chairman, Eli Blatt and Shmoulik Barashi, resigned from the Board, three directors, Shlomo Nechama, Anita Leviant and Ran Fridrich, joined the Board, and Mr. Shlomo Nechama was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors, all effective immediately.

Alon Lumbroso, one of the external directors of the Company, informed the Company of his intent to resign his position effective as of the next general meeting of the Company's shareholders as he believes his expertise in the field the Company previously engaged in are no longer required.

Shlomo Nechama was the Chairman of the Board of Bank Hapoalim, one of Israel's major banks, between the years 1998-2007 and is currently an investor and independent businessman, Anita Leviant is an Israeli attorney and a former Chief Counsel of Bank Hapoalim and Ran Fridrich is a partner in Kanir and has been engaged in investment advising since 2001.

The Company's Board of Directors resolved to act to identify and evaluate suitable business opportunities and strategic alternatives for the Company, including through the acquisition of all or part of an existing business, pursuing business combinations or otherwise.

The Company further announced that Yossy Zylberberg, the Company's COO & CFO will be assuming the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective immediately.

Mr. Shlomo Nechama, the newly appointed Chairman of the Company, commented: "We thank Yuval Cohen, the former Chairman, and the other Fortissimo representatives on the Company's Board for their significant contribution to the Company's business and financial condition and believe that based on the Company's current financial position and with our involvement, the Company is now in a position to successfully identify, explore and consummate new business opportunities."

About NUR Macroprinters

NUR Macroprinters, a former leading supplier of wide-format inkjet production printers for the printing industry, consummated the sale of its business to HP on February 29, 2008.

Information Relating to Forward-Looking Statements

With the exception of historical information in this news release, this document includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, uncertainties with respect to results, the lack of current business, the ability of the Company to identify and evaluate suitable business opportunities and strategic alternatives and to successfully consummate such business opportunities and strategic alternatives, the possibility of losses on our investments in business opportunities, the possibility of future claims for indemnity or damages by HP or other third parties, our success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or directors following consummation of any business combination or other strategic alternative, the decrease in value of our cash assets pending their deployment in a new business, our public securities' potential liquidity and trading volume, our exposure to additional tax liabilities in connection with our agreement with HP or in connection with any future transactions, our need for additional financing in order to consummate any future business transactions including any purchase of an operating business, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ materially from any forward-looking statements set forth herein. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact: Yossy Zylberberg Interim CEO and CFO +972-8-9145466 yossyz@oranaco.com

NUR Macroprinters Ltd.

CONTACT: Contact: Yossy Zylberberg, Interim CEO and CFO,
+972-8-9145466, yossyz@oranaco.com

Verizon Retirees Proxy Says Separate Office of Chairman & CEO

NEW YORK, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Retirees of Verizon Communications , who in 2007 successfully passed a 'Say on Executive Pay" proxy, garnering 50.18% of shareowner vote, are back for their 11th consecutive proxy campaign, this year proposing to separate the offices of Chairman and CEO at Verizon. This year's annual meeting is May 1 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The proposer, The Association of BellTel Retirees Inc. (http://www.belltelretirees.org/) is seeking the company's board of directors to adopt a policy requiring that future Board chairmen be selected only from the independent directors who have not served as an executive officer of the company. According to Mr. Jones, who will present this proposal at the annual meeting, separating the roles of Chairman and CEO is fundamental to sound corporate governance.

"How can the CEO be his own boss? Directors are responsible for protecting the shareholders' interests, which includes monitoring and evaluating the CEO's performance. When the CEO is also the chairman of the board, there is an ambiguity about who is working for whom. There is a built in barrier to replacing a poorly performing CEO," said Mr. Jones. The item will be #5 on the 2008 Verizon shareowners proxy ballot.

Over the last 11 years leaders of the 100,000 member non-profit retiree association have proposed numerous shareowner proxies that forced corporate governance changes at the company in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007 (History Attached). In 2007 the Association's successful proxy asked the Verizon Board of Directors to include an advisory non-binding resolution allowing shareholders to approve or disapprove of the executive compensation package of senior executive officers.

"One need only to look at the 2008 Verizon proxy statement and you will see the retiree association's good governance footprints are all over it," said Mr. Jones.

Jones cited several outside reports and studies as proof that the current board structure isn't helping shareholders. The Corporate Library singled out Verizon for the second straight year as one of 12 "Pay for Failure" companies with the worst combination of excessive CEO pay and negative shareholder returns over the most recent five-year period. In the five fiscal years through 2006, CEO/Chairman Ivan Seidenberg received $68.6 million in compensation while total shareholder return was a negative 5%. The Wall Street Journal (October 18, 2006) reported that after Verizon's stock declined 25% during 2005, the Board decoupled its Chairman/CEO's incentive compensation from stock appreciation.

Numerous independent studies have shown that companies perform better with non-executive board chairmen. A 2006 Booz Allen Hamilton Study (CEO Succession 2005: The Crest of The Wave; May 2006) of the 2,500 largest public companies concluded that over the previous three years, non-chairmen CEO's produced shareholder returns three times as high as those of CEO/chairmen. The study showed that among both American and European companies, firms that separated the top two jobs produced shareholder returns 5 percentage points higher on average than those where one person held both posts.

A 2006 report from Moody's concluded that an independent chair improves board effectiveness: "We believe that arguments against independent board leadership are outweighed by clarity of accountability and the strengthened ability of independent directors to respond quickly in a crisis."

"The lack of a truly independent board is especially bad at Verizon," said Jones. "The Corporate Library considers half the Verizon Board to be non- independent because the CEO and six "outside related" directors have recently had a financial relationship with Verizon other than their directorship."

History of Proxy Proposal Victories by The Association and its Leaders: In 2003 -- The retirees won 59% with their Executive Severance Agreement proposal. The non-binding proposal limits overly-generous executive compensation packages and golden parachutes. In 2003 -- Prior to the annual shareholders meeting, Verizon's board agreed to another BellTel Proxy, to exclude pension credits (shadow profits) from the calculation of executive compensation. This measure won 43% of shareholder votes in 2002. In 2004 -- After Verizon's board failed to implement 2003's Executive Severance Agreement proposal the retirees authored a binding proposal on this issue. Verizon relented, agreeing to gain shareholder approval for future Executive Severance Agreement more than 2.99 times an executive's base salary and short term bonus. In 2005 -- Before Verizon's proxy ballot went to shareowners, the company agreed to a retiree proxy demand to reign-in Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) income for senior executives. In 2004 the retiree proxy achieved 37% of shareholder vote. Prior to the change, executives received SERP equal to 32% of combined salary plus bonus for every dollar above $210,000 during their first 20 years. After the first 20 years, the SERP rate reduced to 7%. In 2004 the payout amounted to $161 million and more than $400 million over three years, according to Verizon estimates. The agreement negotiated by retiree leaders reduced these excessive amounts including the 32% level down to a range of 4% to 7%. In 2007 -- Verizon Retirees won 50.18% of shareowner vote for proxy giving stock holders a "Say on Executive Pay." In 2007 -- In the fall of 2006 Association of BellTel Retirees Chief Financial Officer, Robert Rehm, proposed a proxy, to appear in the 2007 ballot, to limit the number of corporate boards a Verizon director can serve on. After its submission Verizon changed its Corporate Governance Guidelines to "provide that a Director who serves as an executive officer of a public company should not serve on more than three public company boards," and that other directors "should not serve on more than six public company boards." After this governance change Mr. Rehm then withdrew his proposal.

The Association of BellTel Retirees Inc.

CONTACT: Tom Butler, Ext 6982, TButler@ButlerAssociates.com, Stu Miller,
Ext 6980, Smiller@ButlerAssociates.com, both of The Association of BellTel
Retirees Inc., +1-212-685-4600

Web site: http://www.belltelretirees.org/

TI introduces industry's first 16-bit, dual-channel DAC family with 1 Gbps LVDS inputsWideband converter in ultra-small package maximizes carrier placement flexibility

DALLAS, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) today introduced a high-performance 16-bit, dual channel, 1 GSPS (giga sample per second) digital-to-analog converter (DAC) family. The new single and dual-channel DAC family features a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) data input port at 1 Gbps, providing up to 400 MHz signal bandwidth. In addition, the DAC family offers flexible configuration options as well as industry-leading tools and support to ease design and speed time to market for base stations, wideband IF transmitters, radar, and test and measurement equipment. (See http://www.ti.com/dac5682Z-pr.)

Best-in-class performance and flexibility in a space-saving package

Offered in a small 9 mm x 9 mm QFN package, the DAC568x family builds upon TI's commitment to offer high-performance, integrated solutions by providing a 70 percent space savings over traditional data converters. The devices provide several configuration options to support different transmit architectures, such as direct up-conversion, real or complex IF, and different wireless air interfaces such as WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, WiMAX and LTE. For an output frequency of 160 Mhz, the devices achieve 73 dB ACPR for a single-carrier WCDMA application or 67 dBc for a four-carrier application. Along with the single-channel DAC5681 and DAC5681Z, the dual DAC5682Z offers many digitally configurable features such as:

-- Selectable low-, high-, or bypass filter modes -- Interpolation: 2x, 4x or bypass -- Optional +/-Fs/4 or +/-Fs/8 coarse mixer -- Optional 2x-32x clock multiplying PLL -- 8 sample input data FIFO World-class tools and support reduce development time

TI also offers a complete suite of easy-to-use evaluation modules (EVMs) to allow designers to make rapid systems-level evaluation with the DAC5682ZEVM for baseband outputs and the TSW3082 for RF output. In addition, across its complete DAC portfolio, TI offers the TSW3100 digital pattern generator. The tool provides inputs to either evaluation platform via a 1 GSPS LVDS bus with up to 256 mega vector pattern depths. Together, the evaluation modules and TSW3100 provide a quick and cost-effective evaluation solution and allow designers to fully realize the increased system performance provided by the family's wide bandwidth, including the following:

-- Improved power amplifier linearization for digital pre-distortion (DPD) solutions with TI's GC5322 single-chip transmit processor solution -- Enhanced resolution for radar and advanced imaging -- Reduced cost of infrastructure, covering wide bandwidth with one implementation -- Implementation of more standards in software-defined radios -- Advanced system performance for test and measurement

To further simplify design, TI offers a wide variety of devices to complete the signal chain, including operational amplifiers (OPA695), a clock synchronizer and jitter cleaner (CDCM7005), an integrated PLL/VCO (TRF3761), and quadrature modulators (TRF3703). The DAC5682Z also works with TI's family of single- and multi-core wireless infrastructure-optimized digital signal processors.

Pricing and availability

The DAC5682Z is available now in a 64-pin quad flat no-lead (QFN) package and is priced at $31.95 each in 1,000-piece quantities (suggested resale pricing). Samples and EVMs for the entire 16-bit, 1 GSPS DAC family is available from http://www.ti.com/dataconverters.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 25 countries. For more information, go to http://www.ti.com/.

Please refer all reader inquiries to: Texas Instruments Incorporated Semiconductor Group, SC-08039 Literature Response Center 14950 FAA Blvd. Fort Worth, TX 76155 1-800-477-8924 Trademarks

All registered trademarks and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010105/NEF016LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Texas Instruments Incorporated

CONTACT: Sarah Martin of Texas Instruments, +1-214-480-5035,
smartin@ti.com; or Jacqi Moore of GolinHarris, +1-972-341-2514,
jmoore@golinharris.com, for Texas Instruments Incorporated - Please do not
publish these numbers or e-mail addresses.

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

FairPoint Communications Completes Merger With Verizon's Wireline Operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FairPoint Communications, Inc. today closed its previously announced transaction in which FairPoint merged with Northern New England Spinco Inc. (Spinco), an entity which owned Verizon Communications' landline and certain related operations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. FairPoint is the surviving company in the merger.

As a result of the transaction closing, FairPoint is now the eighth largest telephone company in the United States with operations throughout the country. FairPoint remains committed to enhancing and expanding the communications networks and infrastructures that serve the company's customer base, while ensuring that it maintains an appropriate and serviceable debt level and returns value to shareholders through dividends.

On a combined pro forma basis as of December 31, 2007, FairPoint has approximately 1,906,748 total access line equivalents which includes 1,110,722 residential voice access lines; 505,449 business voice access lines; and 290,577 HSD subscribers, including DSL, cable modem and wireless broadband.

In connection with the merger, Verizon received a $1.16 billion cash payment from Spinco and $551 million of 13 1/8% senior notes due in 2018 issued by Spinco, and Verizon's stockholders received approximately 54 million shares of FairPoint's common stock. In total, this results in FairPoint total senior secured debt of $1.635 billion, senior notes of $551 million and total shares outstanding of approximately 89 million.

"This is a great day in our progression. Many dedicated employees have worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone and I am ever grateful," said Gene Johnson, chairman and CEO of FairPoint Communications. "The result of our efforts is the creation of the eighth largest telephone company in the United States, one truly dedicated to serving its communities. We look forward to continuing with the integration and emerging from the Transition Services Agreement on schedule. We are all excited about joining with the over 2,500 new employees from Verizon. We are dedicated to putting our customers first in all we do."

About FairPoint

FairPoint Communications, Inc. is an industry leading provider of communications services to communities across the country. Today, FairPoint owns and operates 32 local exchange companies in 18 states offering advanced communications with a personal touch including local and long distance voice, data, Internet, television 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 Contacts: Jeff Nevins 207-648-3088 jnevins@fairpoint.com Rose Cummings (704) 840-5202 rcummings@fairpoint.com

FairPoint Communications, Inc.

CONTACT: Investors: Brett Ellis, +1-866-377-3747, bellis@fairpoint.com,
Media: Jeff Nevins, +1-207-648-3088, jnevins@fairpoint.com, or Rose Cummings,
+1-704-840-5202, rcummings@fairpoint.com, all of FairPoint Communications,
Inc.

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

Photonic Products Group, Inc. Reports Record Financial Results for FY 2007

NORTHVALE, N.J., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Photonic Products Group, Inc. (PHPG) today reported its consolidated, audited, financial results for its fiscal year which ended December 31, 2007.

Revenues in fiscal year 2007 were a record at $15,100,000 up 8.5% compared with $13,921,000 last year. Order intake for the year was our highest ever at $17,802,000 as was our year-end backlog of $9,672,000, up 34.0% and 38.4% from 2006, respectively.

Pre-tax income for the year was $2,130,000 compared to $793,000 in 2006, up 169%. Net income in 2007 was $1,880,000, after an income tax provision of $250,000. Net income in 2006 was $772,000, after an income tax provision of $21,000.

Gross profit of $5,959,000 was up 31% from $4,544,000 in 2006, as gross profit margin for the year improved to 39.5% from 32.6%. Income from operations increased to $2,397,000, up 161% from last year's $917,000.

Basic and diluted earnings per share, after accounting for the common stock dividend on preferred stock, were $0.19 and $0.13, respectively, in 2007, compared with basic and diluted EPS of $0.07 and $0.06, respectively in 2006.

Net cash flow from operating activities was $3,001,000 for the year, compared with $2,672,000 in 2006. For 2007, cash and cash equivalents increased $1,318,000 to $4,396,000 at year-end, after net cash outlays for debt repayments and redemptions of $1,893,000, and a decrease of $117,000 in customer advances. In 2006, cash and cash equivalents increased by $1,921,000, including net borrowings of $373,000 and an increase of $336,000 in customer advances, to $3,078,000 at year-end.

EBITDA(1) for the year rose to $3,545,000, up from $2,412,000 in 2006 and $1,485,000 in 2005.

The Company reported fourth quarter revenues of $4,042,000 this year, compared with revenues of $3,678,000 in the same period, a year ago. Pre-tax net income was $421,000 vs. $412,000 in the same period last year, the Company's tenth consecutive quarter with positive net income. After-tax net income for the fourth quarter was $251,000 in 2007, after allowing for the significantly increased 2007 income tax provision applied to fourth quarter earnings. This compares with fourth quarter net income of $391,000 in 2006. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $0.03, and $0.02, respectively. This compares with basic and diluted income per share of $0.05 and $0.04, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Dan Lehrfeld, President and CEO of PPGI commented, "I am pleased to report that we exceeded our financial goals for 2007, setting new records for revenues, new orders, backlog at year-end, net income, and cash flow from operations. We were solidly profitable for the year as a whole, with record net income of 11.9% of sales, up from 5.5% of sales in 2006. Early in the year we launched an initiative to strengthen our balance sheet, and worked at it steadily. We recalled all of our outstanding convertible preferred shares, and our shareholders elected to accept conversion to common shares. We deployed close to $2,000,000 of cash into accelerating repayment of debt, while still ending the year with our cash balance up over $1,300,000 for the year to a record $4,396,000. We continued this initiative in the first quarter of 2008 with the repayment in full of our $1,700,000 senior secured note and all accrued interest. In 2008 we are off to a good start and look forward to our again delivering positive financial results, and continued growth.

(1) Note Regarding Use of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

The Company defines EBITDA as earnings before non-cash, stock-based compensation, net interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. EBITDA is presented herein because it is a measure of PPGI's ability to internally fund capital expenditures and service debt. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to cash flow as an indicator of PPGI's financial performance, or of the Company's liquidity. The reader is referred to the Supplemental Financial Data set forth below for a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA.

At December 31, Reconciliation of EBITDA to Net Income 2007 2006 2005 Net income (loss), as reported $1,880,000 $ 772,000 $ (11,000) Non-cash, stock-based compensation 34,000 118,000 21,000 Non-GAAP based net income 1,914,000 890,000 10,000 Income tax provision 250,000 21,000 - Interest expense, net 261,000 402,000 505,000 Depreciation and Amortization 1,120,000 1,099,000 970,000 EBITDA $3,545,000 $2,412,000 $1,485,000

Photonic Products Group, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets products and services for use in diverse Photonics industry sectors via its expanding portfolio of distinctly branded businesses. INRAD specializes in crystal-based optical components and devices, laser accessories and instruments. Laser Optics specializes in precision custom optical components, assemblies, and optical coatings. MRC Optics' business specializes in precision diamond turned optics, metal optics, and opto-mechanical and electro-optical assemblies. PPGI's customers include leading corporations in the Defense and Aerospace, Laser Systems, and Process Control and Metrology sectors of the Photonics Industry, as well as the U.S. Government. Its products are also used by researchers at National Laboratories and Universities world-wide.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. These statements may be identified by their use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "expects", "will", "plan", "targeting" or similar words. Such forward-looking statements, such as our expectation for continued growth in sales and our expectation that the year will be profitable, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward looking statements are, but are not limited to, uncertainties in market demand for the company's products or the products of its customers, future actions by competitors, inability to deliver product on time, inability to implement its growth strategies or to integrate its new operations, inability to make acquisitions, inability to realize synergies from its acquisitions, inability to raise capital, inability to retain key employees, and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward looking statements made in this news release are made as of the date hereof and Photonic Products Group, Inc. does not assume any obligation to update publicly any forward looking statement.

PHOTONIC PRODUCTS GROUP, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2007 2006 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,395,945 $ 3,078,052 Accounts receivable (after allowance for doubtful accounts of $15,000 in 2007 and 2006) 2,181,859 2,396,486 Inventories 2,931,080 2,336,033 Other current assets 164,065 176,587 Total Current Assets 9,672,949 7,987,158 Plant and equipment: Plant and equipment at cost 13,690,229 13,459,212 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (10,189,853) (9,164,031) Total plant and equipment 3,500,376 4,295,181 Precious Metals 112,851 130,732 Goodwill 1,869,646 1,869,646 Intangible Assets, net of accumulated amortization 830,144 908,708 Other Assets 91,981 124,835 Total Assets $16,077,947 $15,316,260 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current Liabilities: Current portion of notes payable -other $ 14,814 $ 100,079 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 2,741,966 2,495,398 Customer advances 870,550 987,963 Current obligations under capital leases 47,088 196,350 Related party secured note due within one year 1,700,000 - Total Current Liabilities 5,374,418 3,779,790 Related Party Convertible and Secured Notes Payable 2,500,000 5,200,000 Notes Payable - Other, net of current portion 490,730 1,052,680 Capital Lease Obligations, Net of current portion - 47,087 Total Liabilities 8,365,148 10,079,557 Commitments and Contingencies - - Shareholders' equity: 10% convertible preferred stock, Series A no par value; no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 500 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006 - 500,000 10% convertible preferred stock, Series B no par value; no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 2,082 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006 - 2,082,000 Common stock: $.01 par value; 60,000,000 authorized shares 10,104,719 issued at December 31, 2007 and 7,882,074 issued at December 31, 2006 101,046 78,820 Capital in excess of par value 15,320,771 11,926,815 Accumulated deficit (7,694,068) (9,335,982) 7,727,749 5,251,653 Less - Common stock in treasury, at cost (4,600 shares) (14,950) (14,950) Total Shareholders' Equity 7,712,799 5,236,703 Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity $16,077,947 $15,316,260 PHOTONIC PRODUCTS GROUP, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Years Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Revenues Net sales $15,099,878 $13,921,127 $13,785,057 Cost and expenses Cost of goods sold 9,141,049 9,377,313 9,956,125 Selling, general and administrative expense 3,561,570 3,627,244 3,450,224 Internal research and development expense - - 20,279 12,702,619 13,004,557 13,426,628 Operating income 2,397,259 916,570 358,429 Other income (expense) Interest expense, net (261,327) (402,154) (504,509) Settlement of insurance claim 300,000 - (Loss) gain on sale of precious metals (5,851) - 135,931 Other (21,150) (1,249) (267,178) (123,304) (369,827) Income (loss) before income tax provision and preferred stock dividends 2,130,081 793,266 (11,398) Income tax provision 250,000 21,000 - Net income (loss) 1,880,081 772,266 (11,398) Preferred stock dividends (238,167) (234,500) (134,000) Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders $ 1,641,914 $ 537,766 $ (145,398) Net income (loss) per share - basic $ 0.19 $ 0.07 $ (0.02) Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ 0.13 $ 0.06 $ (0.02) Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 8,609,822 7,572,637 7,218,244 Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 13,777,114 11,915,090 7,218,244 PHOTONIC PRODUCTS GROUP, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years Ended December 31, 2007 2006 2005 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) $1,880,081 $ 772,266 $ (11,398) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,119,887 1,099,003 1,025,074 Loss/(gain) on sale of precious metal 5,851 - (135,931) 401K common stock contribution 166,694 150,501 68,780 Stock option acceleration expense - - 21,298 Stock option expense 34,074 117,687 - Change in allowance for doubtful accounts - - (73,000) Change in inventory reserve 163,391 102,817 (254,526) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 214,627 (130,552) (744,939) Inventories (758,438) (14,971) 309,720 Other current assets 12,522 (22,864) (66,184) Other assets 32,854 39,549 28,981 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 246,568 222,718 81,740 Customer advances (117,413) 335,699 110,546 Total adjustments 1,120,617 1,899,587 371,659 Net cash provided by operating activities 3,000,698 2,671,853 360,261 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (246,518) (986,732) (453,615) Proceeds from sale of precious metals 12,030 - 314,764 Net cash used in investing activities (234,488) (986,732) (138,851) Cash flows from financing activities: Net proceeds (uses) from issuance of common stock 445,247 112,830 (19,492) Proceeds from secured notes payable 700,000 - Redemption of Series B Preferred shares (50,000) - - Principal payments of notes payable (647,215) (326,724) (166,515) Principal payments of convertible promissory notes (1,000,000) Principal payments of capital lease obligations (196,349) (249,738) (272,347) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (1,448,317) 236,368 (458,354) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,317,893 1,921,489 (236,944) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 3,078,052 1,156,563 1,393,507 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year $4,395,945 $3,078,052 $1,156,563

Photonic Products Group, Inc.

CONTACT: Daniel Lehrfeld, President and CEO of Photonic Products Group,
Inc., +1-201-767-1910, or fax, +1-201-767-9644, dlehrfeld@ppgrpinc.com

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

March Networks Completes Acquisition of Cieffe S.p.A.

OTTAWA, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- March Networks(TM) (TSX:MN; AIM:MNW), a leading provider of intelligent IP video and business analysis applications, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Cieffe S.p.A. and its related company, Insignis Technologies S.r.l. Cieffe, based in Milan, Italy, develops high performance IP video surveillance solutions used by leading European financial institutions and a number of high profile airport, government and commercial industrial clients for mission-critical security applications.

The acquisition was completed in accordance with the definitive agreement originally announced on January 30, 2008, with a payment of (euro)14.0 million in cash plus the issuance of 1,019,252 March Networks common shares to the vendors. Including acquisition expenses, the total cash consideration for the acquisition will be approximately CAD 24 million plus any amounts paid in respect of a two year revenue-based earn-out of up to (euro)10 million. Cieffe's founder and CEO, Fabrizio Colciago, will continue as Managing Director of March Networks' European operations and lead the ongoing growth of the Company within the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

About March Networks

March Networks(TM) (TSX:MN; AIM:MNW) is a leading provider of intelligent IP video and business analysis applications that enable organizations to reduce losses, mitigate risks and improve security and operational efficiency. The Company's advanced software suite includes enterprise-class video management, powerful analytics and comprehensive managed and professional services. Our software and systems are used by leading financial institutions, retailers, transportation authorities and other organizations in more than 50 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.marchnetworks.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain forward-looking information or statements. These statements are not historical facts but reflect the Company's current expectations and assumptions regarding future results or events. The assumptions and expectations are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, that may be beyond March Networks' control, and that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The expectations, assumptions and risks made in the preparation of or relating to the forward-looking information and statements include, but are not limited to, certain assumptions of future business following the consummation of the acquisition, March Networks' ability to achieve the expected synergies as a result of the acquisition, the strengthening of March Networks' position in the EMEA and commercial industrial markets as a result of the acquisition and the expected timing of the closing of the acquisition by the end of March, 2008. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements due to risk factors such as (1) the integration of the Cieffe business and employees into March Networks and the achievement of expected synergies, (2) the ability of March Networks' to retain key employees of the acquired business, (3) the ability of March Networks' to compete successfully in a highly competitive and rapidly changing IP video surveillance market, and (4) the accuracy of the Company's forecasting of acquisition-related restructuring costs, allocation of the purchase price to intellectual property, goodwill and other acquisition related inventory, and other asset adjustments. These and other risks and factors are identified in March Networks' public filings with regulatory authorities in Canada which can be accessed at http://www.sedar.com/. March Networks assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.

(x)MARCH NETWORKS and the MARCH NETWORKS logo are trademarks of March Networks Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

MARCH NETWORKS CORPORATION

CONTACT: Peter Wilenius, Vice President, Corporate Development, March
Networks Corporation, (613) 591-8181, pwilenius@marchnetworks.com

Acorn Energy Announces Plan to Acquire Software Innovation, Developer of Coreworx(TM)Acorn to extend its reach in intelligent energy infrastructure

MONTCHANIN, Del., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Acorn Energy, Inc. today announced that it has entered into a letter of intent to acquire Software Innovation, Inc. of Waterloo, Ontario. Software Innovation is the developer of Coreworx(TM) a world-leading software tool for capital project collaboration. Coreworx is currently utilized to manage the construction of hundreds of major capital projects, including offshore oil wells, refineries, mining operations and power plants around the world. The contemplated acquisition is part of Acorn's goal of improving the productivity of global energy infrastructure. Although terms of the letter of intent were not disclosed, completion of the transaction remains subject to Acorn's due diligence and execution of definitive documentation.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080205/NYTU084LOGO)

John Moore, CEO of Acorn Energy stated, "Skyrocketing energy demand has created a global energy infrastructure crisis. As energy producers drill deeper for oil and build larger mines and next-generation power plants, the cost and complexity of these projects are becoming problematic. At the same time, existing tools for planning and controlling these projects are inadequate and the supply of experienced professionals is dwindling. Coreworx is the leading productivity tool for effectively managing the new level of construction complexity in energy and other infrastructure projects. We were impressed that Coreworx has been adopted as the corporate standard at energy construction companies like Chevron and Fluor. We look forward to having Ray Simonson and his team join the Acorn family of companies. We believe that their ambitious vision, combined with the additional resources we can bring to bear, will grow Coreworx into a holistic tool for the intelligent plant of the future."

Ray Simonson, CEO of Software Innovation said, "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to work with people who share our vision and passion for transforming the world energy infrastructure. With the additional resources and support brought to us by Acorn Energy, we can build on our success in the construction collaboration arena and launch into the next phase of our strategy -- building the intelligent plant of the future."

About Software Innovation Inc.

Software Innovation provides unique solutions for Owner-Operators and EPC companies who manage capital projects. Its flagship product, Coreworx, is a construction collaboration system designed to optimize large capital project execution by supporting the entire project lifecycle and infusing the resulting asset with intelligence and memory. This integrated solution dramatically reduces costs and timelines of construction, and mitigates legal and financial risks. At the same time it paves the way for more automated and intelligent plant operations. Software Innovation delivers technology solutions tailored for clients in a variety of vertical markets. Founded in 1997, Software Innovation has offices in Waterloo, Ontario and Houston, TX and services clients globally. Coreworx is currently in use on more than 400 capital projects with over 70,000 users worldwide. For more information see http://www.coreworxinc.com/.

About Acorn Energy, Inc.

Acorn Energy is a publicly traded holding company focused on improving the efficiency of the energy grid and reducing the environmental impact of the energy sector. Acorn Energy's operating companies leverage advanced technologies to transform the existing energy infrastructure. Acorn's strategy is to take primarily controlling positions in companies led by great entrepreneurs and add value by supporting those companies with marketing, strategy and business development. Acorn Energy is a global company with equity interests in Comverge, CoaLogix, DSIT, Gridsense, Local Power and Paketeria. For more information visit http://www.acornenergyinc.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. The completion of the acquisition of Software Innovation Inc. described in this release is subject to completion by Acorn Energy, Inc. of its due diligence and execution of a definitive purchase agreement and any conditions to closing. There is no assurance Acorn Energy will be able to complete its acquisition of Software Innovation. There is also no assurance that the Coreworx software will develop into a holistic tool for designing the intelligent plant of the future. A complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties which may affect Acorn Energy's business generally is included in "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT: Christianna Miller Director of Communications Acorn Energy, Inc. (302) 656-1707 cmiller@acornenergyinc.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080205/NYTU084LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Acorn Energy

CONTACT: Christianna Miller, Director of Communications, Acorn Energy,
Inc., +1-302-656-1707, cmiller@acornenergyinc.com

Web site: http://www.acornenergyinc.com/
http://www.coreworxinc.com/

LodgeNet Interactive to Present at The B. Riley Investor ConferenceTo Discuss Progress With Strategic Initiatives and Focus on Delivering on 2008 Free Cash Flow Target

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LodgeNet Interactive Corporation , the leading provider of media and connectivity solutions to hospitality and healthcare businesses, announced today that it will present at the B. Riley Investor Conference at The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 2. The Company will discuss its progress in creating and driving its strategic revenue initiatives related to high- definition television, broadband Internet, advertising media and professional solutions. It will also comment on its focus on delivering its targeted $25 to $35 million of adjusted free cash flow for 2008, which equates to approximately $1.09 to $1.52 per share.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/AQTU120LOGO )

"Following our strategic acquisitions in 2007 in the areas of interactive television, broadband Internet and advertising media, we now offer our customers an expanded suite of services and solutions that connect, inform and entertain guests and patients," said Scott C. Petersen, LodgeNet President & CEO. "This strategic transformation places us in a unique position to broaden our customer relationships and drive meaningful new revenues and cash flows over the next several years. As a result, we are expanding and diversifying the revenue we earn from our hospitality platform, which serves more than 9,900 hotels and 1.9 million hotel rooms throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico."

"As a result of our initiatives, total revenue calculated on a monthly per-room basis will be greater in the first quarter of this year versus that reported for the first quarter of 2007," said Gary H. Ritondaro, LodgeNet's Chief Financial Officer. "The percentage change in monthly per-room movie revenue during the quarter was at the midpoint of our annual guidance range, yet total revenue will increase because we are generating expanded revenues from hotel services, advertising and other sales as compared to a year ago."

"At the same time, we are committed to delivering meaningful and increasing levels of cash flow for our shareholders," continued Petersen. "Given the current economic environment, we are managing our business and moderating our operating costs and capital investment plans to strike a prudent balance between our numerous investment opportunities and our goal of delivering on our previously issued guidance for adjusted free cash flow for 2008. We are continuing to pursue our programs to drive down the capital costs associated with adding and upgrading high-definition television rooms and to grow our new business lines that generate incremental cash flow yet require minimal capital investment on our part."

LodgeNet management is scheduled to present Wednesday, April 2, at 9:00am. A live webcast of the presentation and a copy of the slides will be available on the investor section of the Company's website, located at http://www.lodgenet.com/, following the presentation.

For the year 2008, LodgeNet continues to expect to report revenue in the range of $570.0 million to $585.0 million and Adjusted Operating Cash Flow* in a range from $150.0 million to $160.0 million. As previously announced, net loss is expected to be $(28.0) million to $(18.0) million, or loss per share of $(1.22) to $(0.78). Adjusted Net Loss** is expected to be $(14.0) million to $(4.0) million or $(0.61) to $(0.17) per share. Free Cash Flow*** is expected to be in a range of $17.0 million to $27.0 million and Adjusted Net Free Cash Flow**** is expected to be $25.0 million to $35.0 million, or approximately $1.09 to $1.52 per share.

* Adjusted Operating Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure which we define as Operating Income exclusive of depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation and restructuring and integration expenses.

** Adjusted Net Income (Loss) excludes amortization of purchased intangibles, debt refinancing charges and restructuring and integration expenses.

*** Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP measure, is defined by the Company as cash provided by operating activities less cash used for investing activities, including growth related capital.

**** Adjusted Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as free cash flow, as defined above, and further excludes cash used for restructuring and integration activities.

About LodgeNet Interactive

LodgeNet Interactive Corporation is the leading provider of media and connectivity solutions designed to meet the unique needs of hospitality, healthcare and other guest-based businesses. LodgeNet Interactive serves more than 1.9 million hotel rooms representing 9,900 hotel properties worldwide in addition to healthcare facilities throughout the United States. The company's services include: Interactive Television Solutions, Broadband Internet Solutions, Content Solutions, Professional Solutions and Advertising Media Solutions. LodgeNet Interactive Corporation owns and operates businesses under the industry leading brands: LodgeNet, LodgeNetRX, and The Hotel Networks. LodgeNet Interactive is listed on NASDAQ and trades under the symbol LNET. For more information, please visit http://www.lodgenet.com/ .

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statement

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements". When used in this press release, the words "intends," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," "goal," "no assurance" and similar expressions, and statements which are made in the future tense or refer to future events or developments, including, without limitation, those related to revenue, net loss, adjusted net loss, adjusted operating cash flow, capital investment, free cash flow and each of the components thereof, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to the risks and uncertainties discussed herein, such factors include, among others, the following: the effects of economic conditions, including in particular the economic condition of the lodging industry, which can be particularly affected by international crisis, acts or threats of terrorism and public health issues; competition from providers of similar services and from alternative systems for accessing in-room entertainment; competition from broadband providers; changes in demand for our products and services; programming costs, availability, timeliness, and quality; technological developments by competitors; developmental costs, difficulties, and delays; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance growth, the impact of government regulations; potential effects of litigation; risks of expansion into new markets; risks related to the security of our data systems; and other factors detailed, from time to time, in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. With respect to any acquisition, we are subject to risks that integration costs will exceed expectations, that synergies we anticipate will not be realized, or will take longer than anticipated to realize, that our management and management systems will encounter difficulties in dealing with a bigger, more diversified enterprise, and that the financial results we expect from the acquisition will not be realized. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/AQTU120LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com LodgeNet Interactive Corporation

CONTACT: Ann Parker, Director Investor Relations of LodgeNet Interactive
Corporation, +1-605-988-1000, ann.parker@lodgenet.com; or Mike Smargiassi of
Brainerd Communicators for LodgeNet Interactive Corporation, +1-212-986-6667,
smarg@braincomm.com

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

Verizon Completes Spin-Off of Local Exchange and Related Businesses in Maine, New Hampshire and VermontSpinco Then Merged With FairPoint Communications, Resulting in FairPoint Shares Issued to Verizon Stockholders of Record on March 7

NEW YORK, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Communications Inc. today announced the completion of the spin-off of the shares of Northern New England Spinco Inc. (Spinco) to Verizon stockholders. Spinco held specified assets and liabilities that were used in Verizon's local exchange business and related activities in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Immediately following the spin-off, Spinco merged with FairPoint Communications, Inc. , resulting in Verizon stockholders collectively owning approximately 60 percent of FairPoint common stock.

Verizon stockholders are receiving one share of FairPoint common stock for every 53.0245 shares of Verizon common stock they owned as of March 7, 2008. This is equivalent to 0.0189 shares of FairPoint common stock for each share of Verizon common stock owned as of March 7, 2008. FairPoint will pay cash in lieu of any fraction of a share of FairPoint common stock.

As a result of the transaction, the intercompany indebtedness of Verizon New England Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon, will be reduced by slightly more than $500 million, and Verizon's external indebtedness is expected to be reduced by approximately $1.4 billion.

No Effect on Verizon Stock Certificates

Holders of Verizon common stock are not required to pay for any shares of FairPoint common stock they receive in this transaction, and they also retain all of their shares of Verizon common stock. This means that Verizon stockholders are not being asked to surrender their shares of Verizon common stock in the spin-off or the merger, or return their Verizon stock certificates.

Two-Way Trading in Verizon Common Stock Continues Through Close of Business Today

Beginning March 5 and continuing through the close of business today, there have been two markets in Verizon common stock on the New York Stock Exchange: a "regular way" market (which included the right to receive shares of Spinco common stock to be converted to FairPoint common stock) and an "ex- distribution" market (which excluded this right, under the ticker symbol "VZ wi").

Verizon has been advised by the NYSE that regular way trading under the symbol "VZ" includes the right to receive Spinco common stock through the close of business today. Similarly, when-issued trading in Verizon common stock under the symbol "VZ wi" will continue on the NYSE through the close of business today. As a result, if a Verizon stockholder sells shares of Verizon common stock under the symbol "VZ" through the close of business today, the Verizon stockholder will continue to be selling both his or her shares of Verizon common stock and the associated right to receive shares of FairPoint common stock in the merger of Spinco and FairPoint.

For further information, see the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Spinco with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 29, 2008, and available online at http://www.sec.gov/.

Verizon Communications Inc. , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 66 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 235,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.

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

Verizon Communications

CONTACT: Bob Varettoni of Verizon Communications, +1-908-559-6388,
robert.a.varettoni@verizon.com

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

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

Avensys Inc. Closes on Acquisition of Willer Engineering

MONTREAL, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Avensys Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of fiber optic components and integrator of instrumentation and turn-key systems for environmental monitoring, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Avensys Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: AVNY.OB; FRANKFURT WKN: A0M9YA), today announced the closing of its acquisition of the assets and liabilities of Willer Engineering Limited, a privately-held instrumentation solutions, products and service company based in Toronto, Canada. Details pertaining to this acquisition were originally announced on March 11, 2008.

This acquisition, which will be merged with Avensys' Environmental Solutions division, expands its service offerings and product lines beyond the current capabilities. This will further reinforce Avensys' presence in the Canadian marketplace.

About Willer Engineering Limited

For over 45 years, Willer Engineering has provided professional instrumentation solutions, products and service to the industrial, process and scientific markets in Eastern Canada. Its goal has been to provide consistent solutions to process measurement and control applications utilizing top performing products from proven manufacturers in step with the latest technologies. It applies the knowledge of its people and associates to offer equipment, systems and service to improve customer product quality, increase productivity, reduce downtime and meet environmental regulations.

About Avensys Corporation

Avensys Corporation operates Avensys Inc., its wholly-owned core subsidiary. Avensys Inc., through its manufacturing division Avensys Technologies, designs, manufactures, distributes, and markets high reliability optical components and modules as well as FBGs for the telecom market and high power devices and sub-assemblies for the industrial market. Avensys Technologies is also a pioneer in the development of packaged fiber-based sensors and possesses leading edge intellectual property. Avensys Environmental Solutions, also a division of Avensys Inc., is an industry leader in providing environmental monitoring solutions for air, water and soil in the Canadian marketplace. To find out more about Avensys Environmental Solutions, please visit our website at http://www.avensyssolutions.com/. For Avensys Corporation company news and updates you can also visit http://www.avensyscorporation.com/

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this news release are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause a company's actual results, performance and achievement in the future to differ materially from forecasted results, performance, and achievement. These risks and uncertainties are described in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in the Company's plans or expectations.

For more information, please contact: Truc Nguyen or Christopher Chu The Global Consulting Group T: +1-646-284-9400 E: tnguyen@hfgcg.com | E: cchu@hfgcg.com

Avensys Inc.

CONTACT: Truc Nguyen, tnguyen@hfgcg.com, or Christopher Chu,
cchu@hfgcg.com, both of The Global Consulting Group, +1-646-284-9400

Verizon Wireless Introduces the Alias(TM) By SamsungSlim, Dual-Hinge Flip Phone Gets Updated Full-QWERTY Keyboard and Stylish Silver Finish

LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and DALLAS, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of CTIA WIRELESS 2008, Verizon Wireless, the owner and operator of the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) announced the Alias(TM) by Samsung will be available in mid-April. The successor to the popular Samsung SCH-u740, the Alias will be available online at http://www.verizonwireless.com/ or in any of the 2,400 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, including those in Circuit City.

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The Alias sports the familiar dual-hinge design of the SCH-u740 but is packaged in a cool silver finish and features an updated easy-to-read full-QWERTY keyboard, making the phone ideal for sending text messages and e-mails. When customers open the Alias vertically, the phone is a sleek and stylish clamshell phone.

When the Alias is opened horizontally, the QWERTY keyboard is revealed to show its new color-defined numbers and letters. In addition to sending text messages, customers can use Wireless Sync, Verizon Wireless' proprietary personal information management solution, to synchronize their phones with their home or office PCs for easy access to e-mail, calendar, contacts and task information. The horizontal view is ideal for using the Alias' multimedia features, including Verizon Wireless' V CAST Music and Video services. With V CAST Music, customers can choose from more than 2.8 million songs from well-known and independent artists to download over-the-air directly to their phones or transfer their own music collection from their PCs to their phones. With V CAST Video, customers can download or stream video clips from the best names in news, sports and entertainment.

Additional features of the Alias include: -- 1.3 megapixel digital camera with flash -- Camcorder -- Get It Now(R) - downloadable games, ringtones, wallpapers, location- based services and more -- Mobile Web 2.0(SM) - customizable, enhanced wireless Internet access to the latest in news, sports, weather and more -- Instant Messaging using AIM(R), MSN(R), Yahoo!(R) -- Text, picture and video messaging -- Bluetooth wireless technology - Object Push Profile for vCard, headset, car kits, serial port and certain dial-up networking profiles -- Expandable memory with external microSD(TM) card slot -- Dimensions: 3.8" x 2.04" x .58"; 3.65 ounces with standard battery -- Bilingual user interface: English and Spanish -- TTY/TTD Capable -- Personal organizer with Calendar, Calculator, Notepad, Currency Converter, Alarm Clock, World Time and Stop Watch

The Alias will be available in mid-April for $129.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/.

About Verizon Wireless

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit http://www.samsungwireless.com/.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2007 consolidated sales of US$103.4 billion. Employing approximately 150,000 people in 134 offices in 62 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business, Telecommunication Business and Digital Appliance Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com/.

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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Brenda Boyd Raney, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-559-7518,
Brenda.Raney@verizonwireless.com, or Tracy Calabrese, MWW Group for Samsung,
+1-972-301-5406, +1-973-865-0624 (mobile), tcalabrese@mww.com

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.samsungwireless.com/

Aware's CaptureSuite Software Featured in European Commission's Biometric Matching System ShowcaseAware will also demonstrate CaptureSuite fingerprint autocapture software at two key identity industry events in Europe in April

BEDFORD, Mass., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aware, Inc., a global provider of biometric and imaging software, today announced its participation in the European Commission's Biometric Match System (BMS) Showcase. The BMS Showcase, which incorporates Aware's CaptureSuite(TM) software for automated fingerprint capture and processing, is an interactive environment designed to promote an understanding of the latest biometric technologies for the European Commission and Member States. The Showcase, hosted at the Accenture office in Brussels, will also explore the various aspects of fingerprint matching technology for immigration and border control.

Aware will also sponsor two identity industry trade events taking place in Europe during the month of April. Both events will include demonstrations of Aware's CaptureSuite and other biometrics software products. The first event is the European e-ID Card Conference hosted by the European Association for E- Identity and Security (eema), which takes place in Leuven, Belgium on April 3rd and 4th. The eema conference will include a presentation of a case study by Aware discussing the use of Aware biometrics software in the employee credentialing system deployed by NASA, the U.S. space exploration agency. The second event is the Security Document World 2008 / Identity Loop 2008 Conference and Exhibition, which takes place in London on April 22nd and 23rd.

"Aware's CaptureSuite software, which is used at U.S. consulates around the world to quickly capture ten fingerprints from visa applicants, is similarly effective towards ongoing efforts in Europe to improve the visa issuance process, such as VIS and BioDev II," commented David Benini, director of product marketing. "We're pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate our market-leading biometrics software at the BMS Showcase, as well as other important events in Europe."

About CaptureSuite

CaptureSuite is a family of software development kits used to perform rapid autocapture and compliance assurance of ten fingerprints, and subsequent formatting for submission to a watchlist database. Capturing ten fingerprints quickly while maintaining sufficient image quality is crucial to this emerging requirement and poses a difficult image processing challenge. CaptureSuite was developed to address this challenge, improving the efficiency of the tenprint capture process while ensuring that images are compliant, properly identified, and of sufficient quality. CaptureSuite software components work in conjunction with fingerprint live scan hardware devices, and perform several key functions including autocapture, segmentation, left/right hand detection, quality analysis, and standard-compliant formatting.

About BMS

The Biometric Matching System (BMS) Showcase is an interactive environment designed to promote an understanding of the latest biometric technologies for the European Commission and Member States. The Showcase, hosted at the Accenture office in Brussels, will also explore the various aspects of fingerprint matching technology in immigration and border control.

The BMS Showcase was developed for the European Commission's Directorate General for Freedom, Security and Justice (DG JLS) by the Bridge Consortium which comprises Accenture and SAGEM Securite. The Showcase will specifically address the various technical and business process aspects of the continuous evolution in immigration and border control within the European Union, such as the introduction of a centralized visa and biometric matching system in the near future.

From a technical standpoint, a number of key biometric device suppliers and software companies participated in the development of the Showcase. This allowed the visa enrollment and border control applications to be designed in a vendor-agnostic manner enabling various fingerprint readers, document scanners and other such devices to be seamlessly integrated and demonstrated within the Showcase.

About Aware

Aware is a veteran of the biometrics industry, providing biometric and imaging software components used in government systems worldwide since 1992. Aware's interoperable, standard-compliant, field-proven imaging products are used in a number of applications, from border management to criminal justice to medical imaging. Aware is also a leading technology supplier for the telecommunications industries. For more than ten years, Aware has pioneered innovations at telecommunications standards-setting organizations and continues to develop and market DSL silicon intellectual property and test and diagnostics products. Its StratiPHY(TM) IP product line supports DSL standards, including ADSL2+ and VDSL2, and has been broadly licensed to leading semiconductor companies. Telecom equipment vendors and phone companies use Aware's DSL test and diagnostics modules and Dr. DSL(R) software to help provision DSL circuits globally. Aware is a publicly held company based in Bedford, Massachusetts. http://www.aware.com/

Safe Harbor Warning

Portions of this release contain forward-looking statements regarding future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties, such as estimates or projections of future revenue and earnings and the growth of the biometrics market. Aware wishes to caution you that there are factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results indicated by such statements. The biometric factors include, but are not limited to: market acceptance of our biometric products, changes in contracting practices of government or law enforcement agencies, announcements or introductions of new products by our competitors, delays, failures or problems in our biometric products, delays in the adoption of new industry biometric standards, and competitive pressures resulting in lower software product revenues. We refer you to the documents Aware files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the section titled Risk Factors in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and other reports and filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Aware, CaptureSuite, StratiPHY, and Dr. DSL are trademarks or registered trademarks of Aware, Inc. Any other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. David Benini http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=38862

Aware, Inc.

CONTACT: Sarah LaLiberte of Aware, Inc., +1-781-687-4000,
sarahl@aware.com

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

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/107679.html

Virtela to Present at Network World IT Roadmap Chicago: 'Next Gen WAN = Managed Services + Virtualization'Leading Services Provider Shares Insights on the Future of Managed Network Adoption and 'Services in the Cloud'

DENVER, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtela, the global network solutions company, today announced that it will present leading industry trends and customer examples illustrating the real-world benefits of managed network services and the future of virtualized services as part of Network World's IT Roadmap event in Chicago this Wednesday, April 2, 2008.

Virtela will present during the Next-Generation WAN Services track, led by Johna Till Johnson, president and senior founding partner of Nemertes Research. Citing the latest industry research and customer case studies, Virtela will cover the key enterprise drivers towards managed services, how partnering with the right managed services provider (MSP) can help optimize performance while driving costs out of the network, and open the door to advanced virtualized services.

The discussion will include: -- Industry trends of managed services adoption -- The advantages of shifting network focus to virtualization -- Real-world customer benefits and lessons learned When: April 2, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. Track: Next-Generation WAN Services Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018 Why: The future of the enterprise WAN is the ability to provide more for less Who: Matthew DiMarsico, Regional Vice President, Virtela Communications

To register for the event, free to qualified applicants, please go to: http://www.networkworld.com/events/2008/agenda.html.

About Virtela

Virtela Communications Inc. delivers award-winning network and security solutions to many of the world's largest and fastest-growing multinational companies. Currently serving customers across six continents, Virtela's network reach spans more than 190 countries. Virtela's unique Global Service Fabric(SM) offers the foundation for delivering critical applications via the company's acclaimed service methodology, with a services suite that includes MPLS- and IP-based virtual private networks (VPNs), security services, remote monitoring and management of WAN/LAN infrastructure, and converged services (data, video, voice).

Virtela is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with a second Network Operations Center in Mumbai, India. Virtela is a member of Juniper Networks Managed Network Solutions Preferred Alliance Program. For more information, please call +1 (720) 475-4000 or visit http://www.virtela.com/.

Virtela Communications Inc.

CONTACT: Jane Morrissey of Virtela Communications, +1-720-475-4012,
jmorrissey@virtela.com; or Susan Wise of Greenough Communications,
+1-650-646-3268, ext. 11, swise@greenoughcom.com, for Virtela Communications
Inc.

Web site: http://www.virtela.net/

comScore Wireless Report Finds Price is an Increasingly Important Factor for Consumers Selecting a Cellular Phone CarrierReport Provides Insights into Customer Satisfaction, Factors Influencing Purchase Decisions and Mobile Internet Adoption

RESTON, Va., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- comScore, Inc. , a leader in measuring the digital world, today released the results of a study evaluating the behaviors and attitudes of wireless phone subscribers. The findings, published in the March 2008 comScore Wireless Report, are based on a survey of more than 2,000 U.S. wireless cell phone users, providing comprehensive insights into consumer satisfaction, factors influencing purchasing decisions, mobile Internet adoption, and wireless customer migration. The study -- conducted from February 29 to March 5, 2008 -- found that price has become an increasingly important factor in the purchasing decision and that the use of Mobile Internet among existing subscribers continues to grow, with of the majority of these users accessing the Web at least once a day.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/COMSCORELOGO )

In order to demonstrate the shifts in the wireless consumer landscape, the findings from this study were compared to results from a similar comScore study conducted from October 25 to November 1, 2006, which included data from more than 1,700 U.S. wireless users. These prior findings were first published by comScore in January 2007.

"Overall study results indicate that cellular phones are quickly transitioning from being viewed by consumers as a simple communication device to a multi-functional media and entertainment consumption device," said Serge Matta, senior vice president of comScore Telecommunications Solutions. "There is a significant opportunity for mobile carriers, advertisers and product developers to capitalize on the industry's continued trend toward consumer dependence on cell phones."

Role of Price in Decision-Making Process Increases

As consumer dependence on cell phones grows, it has become increasingly important for marketers to understand the factors motivating a customer to switch carriers. Similar to the 2006 comScore study results, the current study found that coverage, price and family/friend connectivity continue to be the strongest factors in driving consumers' wireless purchasing decisions. However, the 2008 study found that consumers' focus on price has increased, while coverage does not have the commanding lead it once had as a factor. This may be the result of the perception that coverage among leading carriers has become more comparable. In the 2006 study, for example, consumers cited "better coverage" twice as often as "lower price" when noting the primary reason for choosing a wireless service provider. According to the latest survey results, this gap narrowed significantly, with 22 percent of respondents saying "better coverage" was the main determinant compared to 19 percent who said "lower price" was their primary reason for switching to their current cellular carrier.

Primary Reason For Switching to Current Cellular Carrier Source: The comScore Wireless Report Percent of Survey Respondents Primary Reason for Choosing Oct-Nov 2006 Feb-Mar 2008 Carrier Study Study Better Coverage 27 % 22 % Lower Prices 14 % 19 % Family/Friends Subscribe to Carrier 13 % 17 % Plan Features 9 % 12 % Promotional Offer 8 % 9 % Better Minute Level Plan 9 % 7 % For a Specific Phone 4 % 3 % Other Reason 16 % 11 %

Just as cost proved to be an important factor when choosing a mobile carrier, cost-savings also plays a role in selecting a mobile plan. In fact, the three most important features cited when choosing a new wireless plan were unlimited off-peak minutes, free in-network calling and the ability to "rollover" unused minutes. Notably, each of these features is directly associated with cost.

Mobile Internet Users Are Becoming More Engaged

Compared to the level of customer engagement in the 2006 study, Mobile Internet users have become significantly more engaged today. In fact, the percentage of Mobile Internet users who access the Internet more than once a day doubled from 18 percent to 36 percent. Further, 56 percent of Mobile Internet respondents said they access the Internet at least daily, which is up 21 percentage points from the earlier study.

Mobile Internet Access Among Current Mobile Internet Subscribers Source: The comScore Wireless Report Percent of Survey Respondents Access the Mobile Internet Oct-Nov 2006 Feb-Mar 2008 Study Study More than Once a Day 18 % 36 % Once a Day 17 % 20 % Few Times a Week 27 % 22 % Once a Week 8 % 7 % Less than Once a Week 30 % 15 %

Only 10 percent of survey respondents using Mobile Internet said they were dissatisfied with their Internet browsing, noting that connection speed was the biggest source of their dissatisfaction. For those who are not currently Mobile Internet users, the biggest deterrent was price, which represents a shift from the earlier study where non-users cited a lack of need as the main reason they do not subscribe to Mobile Internet.

Additional Study Findings: -- Thirty-three percent of survey respondents said they do not have a landline, which is an increase of 19 percentage points compared to the first wave of the study where only 14 percent said they did not have a landline. -- Forty-four percent of survey respondents agreed with the statement, "I feel lost without my cell phone." -- Sixty-seven percent of respondents agreed that "having my cell phone with me makes me feel safe." -- Depending on the carrier, 5 to 15 percent of customers intend to switch carriers within the next six months.

Wireless industry professionals and members of the media may request a copy of the full report by visiting: http://www.comscore.com/request/wireless_report.asp.

About The comScore Wireless Report

The comScore Wireless Report provides an in-depth look at the wireless industry, including the general landscape, competition, and the factors that influence consumers' decision processes. Key areas of focus include consumer satisfaction, phone feature usage, mobile Internet adoption, and wireless customer migration. For the purposes of this report, comScore conducted a survey among members of comScore's panel of more than two million online consumers who have given comScore permission to track their complete behavior on the Internet.

About comScore

comScore, Inc. is a global leader in measuring the digital world. For more information, please visit http://www.comscore.com/boilerplate.

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CONTACT: Andrea Vollman of comScore, Inc., +1-312-775-6646,
press@comscore.com

Web site: http://www.comscore.com/request/wireless_report.asp
http://www.comscore.com/boilerplate