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Companies news of 2008-04-29 (page 2)

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    Plantronics Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2008 ResultsFourth Quarter Revenue and Earnings Exceed Guidance; Fiscal 2008 Operating Income Grows 38%

    SANTA CRUZ, Calif., April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Plantronics, Inc., today announced fourth quarter net revenues of $208.7 million compared with $194.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. Plantronics' GAAP earnings per share on a fully diluted basis were $0.36 for the fourth quarter compared with $0.21 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. Non-GAAP earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $0.43 on a fully diluted basis. Our results exceeded our previously provided guidance for the fourth quarter which was for revenues of $195 to $205 million, GAAP earnings per share of $0.17 to $0.24 and non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.24 to $0.32. The difference between GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share is primarily the cost of equity-based compensation.

    Net revenues for fiscal year 2008 were $856.3 million, an increase of 7% compared with $800.2 million for fiscal year 2007. GAAP operating income grew to $79.4 million from $57.4 million. Non-GAAP operating income grew to $99.5 million from $72.5 million, an increase of 37%. GAAP diluted earnings per share were $1.39 for fiscal year 2008 compared with $1.04 in the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share were $1.69 for fiscal year 2008 compared with $1.26 in the prior fiscal year.

    "Our revenue, profitability and competitive position improved in fiscal 2008 as the result of a strong product portfolio and our focus on corporate efficiency," stated Ken Kannappan, President & CEO of Plantronics. "Our improving results reflect the focus we've had on increasing profitability across the organization and that our concerns of economic weakness were not as great as we had anticipated in the fourth quarter. We ended the fiscal year on a strong note due to healthy demand from international markets, which offset the challenging economic conditions in the financial services sector in North America. We believe that we have the right products under development to continue to improve prospects for growth and profitability. In addition, we believe Unified Communications technologies are gaining momentum and will act as a catalyst to increase headset adoption," he continued. "We expect profitability to improve modestly in fiscal 2009 despite a weak business climate. The markets we serve provide excellent prospects for growth especially when the US economy is stronger and our long term business model remains intact."

    Audio Communications Group (ACG) Non-GAAP Results (Office & Contact Center, Mobile, Computer, Clarity)

    Net revenues for our ACG segment of $185.4 million for the fourth quarter were up 7% compared with $173.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2007. For fiscal year 2008, revenues were up by 11% from $676.5 million to $747.9 million. This growth was driven by strong demand for Bluetooth headsets for the mobile market and increases in sales of office wireless, computer and gaming headsets, and the Clarity line of products. The growth in these products was partially offset by a decline in revenues from corded products for the Office & Contact Center and mobile markets.

    Revenue from office wireless products was up 3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2007 and down slightly sequentially, while revenue from professional grade corded headset revenues was down 5% compared with the fourth quarter of 2007 and down 8% sequentially. Bluetooth headset sales for the fourth quarter were up by 40% from a year ago.

    Gross margin in the fourth quarter was 45.5% compared with 45.1% in the fourth quarter of 2007. Among the factors driving gross margin higher from the fourth quarter of 2007 was the positive impact of reducing costs on our Bluetooth mobile and office wireless products. Fourth quarter operating margin was 15.8% compared with 14.5% in the fourth quarter of 2007 due to the higher gross margin and slower growth rate of expenses.

    Audio Entertainment Group (AEG) Non-GAAP Results (Altec Lansing)

    Fourth quarter net revenues of $23.4 million were up 8.8% from $21.5 million in the year ago quarter, primarily as a result of new product introductions driving an improvement in the docking audio segment, offset by a decline in PC audio sales. Fiscal year 2008 revenues were $108.4 million, down from $123.6 million in the prior year.

    Gross margin was 15.6% compared with -5.4% in the year-ago quarter and the segment's operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2008 was $5.5 million compared with $10.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2007.

    We believe we are on track to meet the milestones for the launch of new products in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. The introduction of new products is a key component for AEG to at least reach break-even in the third quarter and for AEG to be on the path to return to profitability and ultimately achieve its target business model.

    Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

    Our balance sheet is strong with $163.1 million in cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the fiscal year compared with $103.4 million at the end of last year.

    Fourth quarter cash flow from operations was over $28 million and fiscal 2008 cash flow from operations was over $102 million with key metrics such as inventory turns flat at 3.8 compared with 3.8 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 and days sales outstanding at 57 days for the fourth quarter compared to 53 days in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007.

    Business Outlook

    The following statements are based on current expectations. As described in "Safe Harbor" below, many of these statements are forward-looking. Actual results are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and may differ materially from the forward-looking statements.

    We have a "book and ship" business model whereby we ship most orders to our customers within 48 hours of our receipt of those orders, and we thus cannot rely on the level of backlog to provide visibility into potential future revenues. Our business is inherently difficult to forecast, and there can be no assurance that the incoming orders we expect to receive over the balance of the quarter will materialize. With increasing economic uncertainty, our business is even more difficult to forecast than usual. We are currently expecting revenues for ACG to be somewhat flat and AEG to decrease sequentially in the first quarter. Subject to the foregoing, we are currently expecting the following financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2009:

    * Net revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 to be in the range of $205 - $210 million; * Non-GAAP consolidated tax rate to be approximately 23%; * Non-GAAP earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 to be in the range of $0.33 - $0.36; and * The EPS cost of equity compensation pursuant to FAS 123(R) to be approximately $0.06, resulting in * GAAP earnings per share of $0.26 to $0.30. Longer-term Business Model

    During fiscal 2008, Plantronics achieved a non-GAAP operating margin of 11.6%, compared with an operating margin target range of 15 to 18%. The target non-GAAP operating margin range for ACG is 18 to 20% and for AEG is 5 to 10%. By reducing the losses in AEG, we expect to increase our overall operating margin in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008, but we do not expect to reach the target range. We do believe the business model remains intact and is achievable and that we can reach this range by fiscal 2011.

    In fiscal 2009, we expect the economic environment in North America will be a challenge for our ACG segment, but we intend to continue to lower costs and work to improve our gross profit margin. We also intend to hold operating expenses fairly flat so that we can achieve some increase in operating profit even if revenue growth is weak.

    In AEG, we expect to reduce our losses in fiscal 2009 from fiscal 2008. While we continue to believe that the right long-term target model is 5 to 10% operating margin for consumer audio businesses such as AEG, we do not expect to be within that range for fiscal 2009 and we do not expect to be profitable for the entire year. We aim to achieve the target range for AEG in fiscal 2011.

    We believe the key drivers to achieve the longer-term business model include volume growth particularly as it relates to AEG, lower transformation costs, effective supply chain re-engineering and the utilization of common product platforms.

    Conference Call Scheduled to Discuss Financial Results

    Plantronics has scheduled a conference call to discuss the contents of this release. The conference call will take place today, Tuesday, April 29 at 2:00 PM (PDT). All interested investors and potential investors in Plantronics stock are invited to participate. To listen to the call, please dial in five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled starting time and refer to the "Plantronics Conference Call." Participants from North America should call (888) 301-8736 and other participants should call (706) 634-7260.

    A replay of the call with the conference ID # 20285343 will be available for 72 hours at (800) 642-1687 for callers from North America and at (706) 645-9291 for all other callers. The conference call will also be simultaneously web cast at http://www.plantronics.com/ under Investor Relations, and the web cast of the conference call will remain available at the Plantronics Web site for thirty days.

    A new corporate presentation is available on the investor relations section of the corporate website http://www.plantronics.com/.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

    Plantronics excludes non-recurring transactions and non-cash expenses such as stock-based compensation related to stock options, awards and employee stock purchases from non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP effective tax rate. Plantronics excludes these expenses from its non-GAAP measures primarily because Plantronics does not believe they are reflective of ongoing operating results and are not part of its target operating model. Plantronics believes that the use of non-GAAP financial measures provides meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity, and helps investors compare actual results to its long-term target operating model goals. Plantronics believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods.

    SAFE HARBOR

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Specific forward- looking statements include our profitability target of December 2008 for our AEG business, and our estimates of net revenues, margins, operating expenses, tax rate and earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2009; and our belief in meeting our long-term target operating model by fiscal year 2011. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and are based on current information and management judgment. Plantronics does not assume any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new developments or otherwise.

    Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are:

    * Our operating results are difficult to predict, particularly in light of the current economic conditions in both the domestic and international markets; * We do not know how the market for office wireless headsets and products from our other product groups may be affected in the event of a recession in the United States or global economy; * The ability to achieve the turnaround of AEG is uncertain because: -- it is dependent upon our ability to more effectively research and implement features in our AEG products that consumers want and are willing to purchase; -- we must be able to meet the market windows for these products; -- we must be able to retain or obtain the shelf space for these products in our sales channel; -- we must retain or improve the brand recognition associated with the Altec Lansing brand during the turnaround; -- our ability to successfully complete the restructuring and consolidation activities and the financial impact that such actions may have is difficult to predict; -- there is a risk that the consolidation of the AEG Asian operations may cost more than we currently expect. There is also a risk that the savings that we currently predict may not materialize and that the timing of costs and benefits may be different than what we currently expect. If the cost of consolidation is more than we currently anticipate or the savings that we currently anticipate from these activities do not materialize, our future financial results may be adversely affected; -- Failure to achieve any of these objectives may adversely affect our financial results; * We have significant intangible assets and goodwill recorded on our balance sheet. If the carrying value of our intangible assets and goodwill is not recoverable, an impairment loss must be recognized which would adversely affect our financial results; * The market for our products is characterized by rapidly changing technology, short product life cycles, and frequent new product introductions, and we may not be able to develop, manufacture or market new products in response to changing customer requirements and new technologies; * The actions of existing and/or new competitors, especially with regard to pricing and promotional programs; * Product mix is difficult to estimate and standard margin varies considerably by product; * Failure to match production to demand given long lead times and the difficulty of forecasting unit volumes and acquiring the component parts to meet demand without having excess inventory or incurring cancellation charges; * The inability to successfully develop, manufacture and market new products and achieve volume shipment schedules to meet demand; * A softening of the level of market demand for our products; * Variations in sales and profits in higher tax, as compared to lower tax, jurisdictions; * Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates; * Class action lawsuits are being brought against us and other Bluetooth headset manufacturers claiming "noise induced hearing loss". While we believe these suits are without merit, the costs to defend against them could be high and the results of litigation are not predictable in any event; * Changes in the regulatory environment either as to headsets directly or as to the products, such as mobile phones, with which our products are used; and * Additional risk factors include: changes in the timing and size of orders from our customers, price erosion, increased requirements from retail customers for marketing and advertising funding, interruption in the supply of sole-sourced critical components, continuity of component supply at costs consistent with our plans, failure of our distribution channels to operate as we expect, failure to develop products that keep pace with technological changes, the inherent risks of our substantial foreign operations, problems which might affect our manufacturing facilities in Mexico or in China, and the loss of the services of key executives and employees.

    For more information concerning these and other possible risks, please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed May 29, 2007, quarterly reports filed on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as recent press releases. These filings can be accessed over the Internet at http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html

    Financial Summaries The following related charts are provided: * Summary Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements * Summary Unaudited Condensed Statements of Operations by Segment * Unaudited GAAP to Non-GAAP Statements of Operations Reconciliations for the three and twelve months ended March 29, 2008 * Unaudited GAAP to Non-GAAP Statements of Operations Reconciliations for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2007 * Summary Unaudited Statements of Operations and Related Data About Plantronics

    In 1969, a Plantronics headset carried the historic first words from the moon: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Since then, Plantronics has become the headset of choice for mission-critical applications such as air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and the New York Stock Exchange. Today, this history of Sound Innovation(R) is the basis for every product we build for the office, contact center, personal mobile, entertainment and residential markets. The Plantronics family of brands includes Plantronics, Altec Lansing, Clarity, and Volume Logic. For more information, go to http://www.plantronics.com/ or call (800) 544-4660.

    Altec Lansing, Clarity, Plantronics, Sound Innovation, Volume Logic and AudioIQ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: Greg Klaben Vice President, Investor Relations (831) 458-753 PLANTRONICS, INC. SUMMARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands, except per share data) UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, March 31, 2007 2008 2007 2008 Net revenues $194,716 $208,743 $800,154 $856,286 Cost of revenues 119,246 121,397 491,339 507,181 Gross profit 75,470 87,346 308,815 349,105 Gross profit % 38.8% 41.8% 38.6% 40.8% Research, development and engineering 18,462 18,978 71,895 76,982 Selling, general and administrative 47,524 48,680 182,108 189,156 Restructuring and other related charges - 702 - 3,584 Gain on sale of land - - (2,637) - Total operating expenses 65,986 68,360 251,366 269,722 Operating income 9,484 18,986 57,449 79,383 Operating income % 4.9% 9.1% 7.2% 9.3% Interest and other income (expense), net 1,344 543 4,089 5,854 Income before income taxes 10,828 19,529 61,538 85,237 Income tax expense 691 1,739 11,395 16,842 Net income $10,137 $17,790 $50,143 $68,395 % of net revenues 5.2% 8.5% 6.3% 8.0% Diluted earnings per common share $0.21 $0.36 $1.04 $1.39 Shares used in diluted per share calculations 48,218 48,994 48,020 49,090 Tax rate 6.4% 8.9% 18.5% 19.8% UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS March 31, March 31, 2007 2008 ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $94,131 $163,091 Short-term investments 9,234 - Total cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments 103,365 163,091 Accounts receivable, net 113,758 131,493 Inventory 126,605 127,088 Deferred income taxes 12,659 13,760 Other current assets 18,474 14,771 Total current assets 374,861 450,203 Long-term investments - 25,136 Property, plant and equipment, net 97,259 98,530 Intangibles, net 100,120 91,511 Goodwill 72,825 69,171 Other assets 6,239 6,842 $651,304 $741,393 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts payable $49,956 $47,896 Accrued liabilities 54,025 67,318 Income taxes payable 12,476 - Total current liabilities 116,457 115,214 Deferred tax liability 37,344 32,570 Long-term income taxes payable - 14,137 Other long-term liabilities 696 852 Total liabilities 154,497 162,773 Stockholders' equity 496,807 578,620 $651,304 $741,393 AUDIO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP SUMMARY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands) UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, March 31, 2007 2008 2007 2008 Net revenues $173,233 $185,361 $676,514 $747,935 Cost of revenues 96,589 101,647 381,034 403,863 Gross profit 76,644 83,714 295,480 344,072 Gross profit % 44.2% 45.2% 43.7% 46.0% Research, development and engineering 15,886 16,211 61,583 65,733 Selling, general and administrative 40,517 42,044 151,857 163,173 Gain on sale of land - - (2,637) - Total operating expenses 56,403 58,255 210,803 228,906 Operating income $20,241 $25,459 $84,677 $115,166 Operating income % 11.7% 13.7% 12.5% 15.4% AUDIO ENTERTAINMENT GROUP SUMMARY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (in thousands) UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, March 31, 2007 2008 2007 2008 Net revenues $21,483 $23,382 $123,640 $108,351 Cost of revenues 22,657 19,750 110,305 103,318 Gross profit (loss) (1,174) 3,632 13,335 5,033 Gross profit (loss) % (5.5)% 15.5% 10.8% 4.6% Research, development and engineering 2,576 2,767 10,312 11,249 Selling, general and administrative 7,007 6,636 30,251 25,983 Restructuring and other related charges - 702 - 3,584 Total operating expenses 9,583 10,105 40,563 40,816 Operating loss $(10,757) $(6,473) $(27,228) $(35,783) Operating loss % (50.1)% (27.7)% (22.0)% (33.0)% PLANTRONICS, INC. UNAUDITED GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (in thousands, except per share data) UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, 2008 March 31, 2008 Non- Non- GAAP Excluded GAAP GAAP Excluded GAAP Net revenues $208,743 $- $208,743 $856,286 $- $856,286 Cost of revenues 121,397 (612)(1) 120,785 507,181 (2,991)(2) 504,190 Gross profit 87,346 612 87,958 349,105 2,991 352,096 Gross profit % 41.8% 42.1% 40.8% 41.1% Research, development and engineering 18,978 (911)(1) 18,067 76,982 (3,552)(1) 73,430 Selling, general and administ- rative 48,680 (2,523)(1) 46,157 189,156 (9,966)(1) 179,190 Restructuring and other related charges 702 (702)(3) - 3,584 (3,584)(3) - Total operating expenses 68,360 (4,136) 64,224 269,722 (17,102) 252,620 Operating income 18,986 4,748 23,734 79,383 20,093 99,476 Operating income % 9.1% 11.4% 9.3% 11.6% Interest and other income (expense), net 543 - 543 5,854 - 5,854 Income before income taxes 19,529 4,748 24,277 85,237 20,093 105,330 Income tax expense 1,739 1,360 3,099 16,842 5,369 22,211 Net income $17,790 $3,388 $21,178 $68,395 $14,724 $83,119 % of net revenues 8.5% 10.1% 8.0% 9.7% Diluted earnings per common share $0.36 $0.07 $0.43 $1.39 $0.30 $1.69 Shares used in diluted per share calculations 48,994 48,994 48,994 49,090 49,090 49,090 AUDIO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP UNAUDITED GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (in thousands) UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, 2008 March 31, 2008 Non- Non- GAAP Excluded GAAP GAAP Excluded GAAP Net revenues $185,361 $- $185,361 $747,935 $- $747,935 Cost of revenues 101,647 (586)(1) 101,061 403,863 (2,386)(1) 401,477 Gross profit 83,714 586 84,300 344,072 2,386 346,458 Gross profit % 45.2% 45.5% 46.0% 46.3% Research, development and engineering 16,211 (880)(1) 15,331 65,733 (3,420)(1) 62,313 Selling, general and administ- rative 42,044 (2,315)(1) 39,729 163,173 (9,174)(1) 153,999 Total operating expenses 58,255 (3,195) 55,060 228,906 (12,594) 216,312 Operating income $25,459 $3,781 $29,240 $115,166 $14,980 $130,146 Operating income % 13.7% 15.8% 15.4% 17.4% AUDIO ENTERTAINMENT GROUP UNAUDITED GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (in thousands) UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, 2008 March 31, 2008 Non- Non- GAAP Excluded GAAP GAAP Excluded GAAP Net revenues $23,382 $- $23,382 $108,351 $- $108,351 Cost of revenues 19,750 (26)(1) 19,724 103,318 (605)(2) 102,713 Gross profit 3,632 26 3,658 5,033 605 5,638 Gross profit % 15.5% 15.6% 4.6% 5.2% Research, development and engineering 2,767 (31)(1) 2,736 11,249 (132)(1) 11,117 Selling, general and administ- rative 6,636 (208)(1) 6,428 25,983 (792)(1) 25,191 Restructuring and other related charges 702 (702)(3) - 3,584 (3,584)(3) - Total operating expenses 10,105 (941) 9,164 40,816 (4,508) 36,308 Operating loss $(6,473) $967 $(5,506) $(35,783) $5,113 $(30,670) Operating loss % (27.7)% (23.5)% (33.0)% (28.3)% (1) Excluded amount represents stock-based compensation. (2) Excluded amount represents stock-based compensation and $517 related to the impairment of an intangible asset. (3) Excluded amount represents restructuring and other related charges. "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

    To supplement our consolidated financial statements presented on a GAAP basis, Plantronics uses non-GAAP measures of operating results, which are adjusted to exclude non-cash expenses, such as the impact of all stock-based compensation charges under FAS 123R, and non-recurring transactions that Plantronics does not believe are reflective of ongoing operating results and are not part of its target operating model. At the segment level, we have presented non-GAAP statements that only show our results to the operating income line. On a consolidated basis, we have presented full non-GAAP statement of operations. The non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and the financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and the reconciliations to those financial statements should be carefully evaluated. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the company may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies."

    PLANTRONICS, INC. UNAUDITED GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (in thousands, except per share data) UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, 2007 March 31, 2007 Non- Non- GAAP Excluded GAAP GAAP Excluded GAAP Net revenues $194,716 $- $194,716 $800,154 $- $800,154 Cost of revenues 119,246 (1,508)(1) 117,738 491,339 (3,708)(1) 487,631 Gross profit 75,470 1,508 76,978 308,815 3,708 312,523 Gross profit % 38.8% 39.5% 38.6% 39.1% Research, development and engineering 18,462 (992)(1) 17,470 71,895 (3,835)(1) 68,060 Selling, general and administ- rative 47,524 (2,613)(1) 44,911 182,108 (10,176)(1) 171,932 Gain on sale of land - - - (2,637) 2,637(2) - Total operating expenses 65,986 (3,605) 62,381 251,366 (11,374) 239,992 Operating income 9,484 5,113 14,597 57,449 15,082 72,531 Operating income % 4.9% 7.5% 7.2% 9.1% Interest and other income (expense), net 1,344 - 1,344 4,089 - 4,089 Income before income taxes 10,828 5,113 15,941 61,538 15,082 76,620 Income tax expense 691 1,816 2,507 11,395 4,901 16,296 Net income $10,137 $3,297 $13,434 $50,143 $10,181 $60,324 % of net revenues 5.2% 6.9% 6.3% 7.5% Diluted earnings per common share $0.21 $0.07 $0.28 $1.04 $0.21 $1.26 Shares used in diluted per share calculations 48,218 48,218 48,218 48,020 48,020 48,020 AUDIO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP UNAUDITED GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (in thousands) UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, 2007 March 31, 2007 Non- Non- GAAP Excluded GAAP GAAP Excluded GAAP Net revenues $173,233 $- $173,233 $676,514 $- $676,514 Cost of revenues 96,589 (1,489)(1) 95,100 381,034 (3,656)(1) 377,378 Gross profit 76,644 1,489 78,133 295,480 3,656 299,136 Gross profit % 44.2% 45.1% 43.7% 44.2% Research, development and engineering 15,886 (959)(1) 14,927 61,583 (3,735)(1) 57,848 Selling, general and administ- rative 40,517 (2,398)(1) 38,119 151,857 (9,500)(1) 142,357 Gain on sale of land - - - (2,637) 2,637(2) - Total operating expenses 56,403 (3,357) 53,046 210,803 (10,598) 200,205 Operating income $20,241 $4,846 $25,087 $84,677 $14,254 $98,931 Operating income % 11.7% 14.5% 12.5% 14.6% AUDIO ENTERTAINMENT GROUP UNAUDITED GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (in thousands) UNAUDITED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended Year Ended March 31, 2007 March 31, 2007 Non- Non- GAAP Excluded GAAP GAAP Excluded GAAP Net revenues $21,483 $- $21,483 $123,640 $- $123,640 Cost of revenues 22,657 (19)(1) 22,638 110,305 (52)(1) 110,253 Gross profit (loss) (1,174) 19 (1,155) 13,335 52 13,387 Gross profit (loss) % (5.5)% (5.4)% 10.8% 10.8% Research, development and engineering 2,576 (33)(1) 2,543 10,312 (100)(1) 10,212 Selling, general and administ- rative 7,007 (215)(1) 6,792 30,251 (676)(1) 29,575 Total operating expenses 9,583 (248) 9,335 40,563 (776) 39,787 Operating loss $(10,757) $267 $(10,490) $(27,228) $828 $(26,400) Operating loss % (50.1)% (48.8)% (22.0)% (21.4)% (1) Excluded amount represents stock-based compensation. (2) Excluded amount represents gain on sale of land. "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

    To supplement our consolidated financial statements presented on a GAAP basis, Plantronics uses non-GAAP measures of operating results, which are adjusted to exclude non-cash expenses, such as the impact of all stock-based compensation charges under FAS 123R, and non-recurring transactions that Plantronics does not believe are reflective of ongoing operating results and are not part of its target operating model. At the segment level, we have presented non-GAAP statements that only show our results to the operating income line. On a consolidated basis, we have presented full non-GAAP statement of operations. The non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and the financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and the reconciliations to those financial statements should be carefully evaluated. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the company may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies."

    Summary of Unaudited Statements of Operations and Related Data (1) Q107 Q207 Q307 Q407 FY07 Net revenues $195,069 $194,934 $215,435 $194,716 $800,154 Cost of revenues 118,681 117,357 133,855 117,738 487,631 Gross profit 76,388 77,577 81,580 76,978 312,523 Gross profit % 39.2% 39.8% 37.9% 39.5% 39.1% Research, development and engineering 17,633 16,055 16,903 17,470 68,061 Selling, general and administrative 41,832 41,570 43,618 44,911 171,931 Operating expenses 59,465 57,625 60,521 62,381 239,992 Operating income 16,923 19,952 21,059 14,597 72,531 Operating income % 8.7% 10.2% 9.8% 7.5% 9.1% Income before income taxes 17,908 20,219 22,552 15,941 76,620 Income tax expense 4,261 5,049 4,479 2,507 16,296 Income tax expense as a percent of income before taxes 23.8% 25.0% 19.9% 15.7% 21.3% Net income $13,647 $15,170 $18,073 $13,434 $60,324 Diluted shares outstanding 48,268 47,626 47,922 48,218 48,020 EPS $0.28 $0.32 $0.38 $0.28 $1.26 Net revenues from unaffiliated customers: Audio Communication Group Office and Contact center $114,267 $115,813 $118,280 $126,964 $475,324 Mobile 35,806 33,199 43,080 34,774 146,859 Gaming and Computer 7,289 7,727 8,364 6,782 30,162 Other specialty products 6,375 6,294 6,787 4,713 24,169 Audio Entertainment Group 31,332 31,900 38,924 21,483 123,640 Net revenues by geographic area from unaffiliated customers: Domestic $126,728 $122,562 $125,824 $115,437 $490,551 International 68,341 72,372 89,611 79,279 309,603 Balance Sheet accounts and metrics: Accounts receivable, net $121,702 $118,646 $131,735 $113,758 $113,758 Days sales outstanding 56 55 55 53 Inventory, net $135,979 $139,426 $134,263 $126,605 $126,605 Inventory turns 3.5 3.4 4.0 3.8 Q108 Q208 Q308 Q408 FY08 Net revenues $206,495 $208,224 $232,824 $208,743 $856,286 Cost of revenues 122,308 122,639 138,458 120,785 504,190 Gross profit 84,187 85,585 94,366 87,958 352,096 Gross profit % 40.8% 41.1% 40.5% 42.1% 41.1% Research, development and engineering 18,560 18,353 18,450 18,067 73,430 Selling, general and administrative 43,567 43,659 45,807 46,157 179,190 Operating expenses 62,127 62,012 64,257 64,224 252,620 Operating income 22,060 23,573 30,109 23,734 99,476 Operating income % 10.7% 11.3% 12.9% 11.4% 11.6% Income before income taxes 23,394 25,366 32,293 24,277 105,330 Income tax expense 5,615 6,087 7,410 3,099 22,211 Income tax expense as a percent of income before taxes 24.0% 24.0% 22.9% 12.8% 21.1% Net income $17,779 $19,279 $24,883 21,178 83,119 Diluted shares outstanding 48,681 49,310 49,533 48,994 49,090 EPS $0.37 $0.39 $0.50 $0.43 $1.69 Net revenues from unaffiliated customers: Audio Communication Group Office and Contact center $132,205 $131,357 $131,017 $125,379 $519,958 Mobile 41,238 35,859 48,788 45,995 171,880 Gaming and Computer 6,485 8,277 10,449 8,401 33,612 Other specialty products 5,644 5,554 5,701 5,586 22,485 Audio Entertainment Group 20,923 27,177 36,869 $23,382 108,351 Net revenues by geographic area from unaffiliated customers: Domestic $131,108 $126,399 $139,106 $124,535 $521,148 International 75,387 81,825 93,718 84,208 335,138 Balance Sheet accounts and metrics: Accounts receivable, net $121,705 $128,705 $136,550 $131,493 $131,493 Days sales outstanding 53 56 53 57 Inventory, net $136,253 $133,516 $131,320 $127,088 $127,088 Inventory turns 3.6 3.7 4.2 3.8 (1) Non-GAAP.

    Plantronics, Inc.

    CONTACT: Greg Klaben, Vice President, Investor Relations of Plantronics,
    Inc., +1-831-458-7533

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




    Monsanto Executives to Address Investor Conferences in May

    ST. LOUIS, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Monsanto Company's Terry Crews, chief financial officer and executive vice president, and Carl Casale, executive vice president, will address investors in separate investor conferences in May.

    Both Monsanto executives will provide an update on the company's business performance and expectations, strategic initiatives, product performance, research-and-development pipeline, and other business matters at these conferences. These conferences include:

    -- Bank of America 2008 BASics/Industrials Conference: On Wednesday, May 7, Monsanto's Crews will be presenting at the Bank of America 2008 BASics/Industrials Conference held in New York. Crews' presentation will begin at 8 a.m. eastern time (ET). -- BMO Capital Markets Ag & Protein Conference: Monsanto's Casale will be presenting at the BMO Capital Markets Ag & Protein Conference on Thursday, May 15, in New York. Casale's presentation will begin at noon eastern time (ET).

    Presentation slides and simultaneous audio webcasts of the conference calls may be accessed by visiting the investor section of Monsanto's web site at http://www.monsanto.com/investors. Following the live broadcasts, the company will archive the presentation slides and replays of these webcasts at Monsanto's web site.

    Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information on Monsanto, see: http://www.monsanto.com/.

    Monsanto Company

    CONTACT: media, Danielle Jany, +1-314-694-2478, or analysts, Scarlett
    Lee Foster, +1-314-694-8148, both of Monsanto Company

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

    Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/114341.html




    ITT Educational Services, Inc. Announces the Opening of an ITT Technical Institute in Wisconsin

    CARMEL, Ind., April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ITT Educational Services, Inc. has opened its 98th ITT Technical Institute in Madison, Wis.

    Classes are expected to begin with the academic quarter starting in June 2008. The college's four schools of study -- the School of Information Technology, School of Electronics Technology, School of Drafting and Design and School of Criminal Justice -- include programs that teach skills and knowledge that can be used to pursue careers in the global, technology-driven business environment. The ITT Technical Institute in Madison is approved by the State of Wisconsin, Education Approval Board, and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to offer associate and bachelor degree programs.

    About ITT Technical Institute

    Carmel, Ind.-based ITT Educational Services, Inc. owns and operates more than 95 ITT Technical Institutes in 34 states across the country. ITT Technical Institutes offer career-focused, technology-oriented programs of study that reflect U.S. employment trends and employer needs. Approximately 54,000 students are currently enrolled in the ITT Technical Institutes.

    ITT Educational Services, Inc.

    CONTACT: David Landau, Director Public Relations of ITT Educational
    Services, Inc., +1-317-706-9274




    Army Approves Final Design of On-The-Move Information Network for Warfighters

    TAUNTON, Mass., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Army has approved the final design of Increments 1 and 2 of the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) program, authorizing General Dynamics C4 Systems and partner Lockheed Martin to prepare for field testing in October 2008. Testing will be followed by deployment of the WIN-T on-the-move communications capabilities in 2009. WIN-T will be the Army's primary battlefield communications network.

    The approval follows successful critical design reviews (CDR) conducted in January and February. During the CDRs, the Army assessed the systems' final designs to validate that baseline requirements would be met.

    A key success factor in these CDRs was the detailed plan to enable mobile battle command down to the company level. In particular, WIN-T Increment 2 will provide tactical communication nodes, mobile "points of presence," vehicle wireless packages and soldier network extensions to enable mobile battle command in a completely ad-hoc, self-forming, self-healing network. These warfighter-mobility features will support a commander's ability to exercise command-and-control and synchronize warfighting functions from anywhere on the battlefield.

    "These successful CDRs further demonstrate that the WIN-T program is on track for initial fielding in 2009 and confirms that the Army's incremental delivery strategy will put broadband, on-the-move communications capabilities in soldiers' hands as soon as possible," said Bill Weiss, vice president of Tactical Networks for General Dynamics C4 Systems.

    Prime contractor General Dynamics and partner Lockheed Martin lead a team of communications, network systems and platform integration experts that includes BAE Systems, Harris Corporation and L-3 Communications.

    General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics , is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology.

    General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 84,000 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at http://www.generaldynamics.com/.

    General Dynamics C4 Systems

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

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




    Belzberg Technologies Inc. Schedules Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2008 Results

    TORONTO, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Belzberg Technologies Inc. (TSX:BLZ) will release its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, May 8, 2008. Management will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. (EST) on Friday, May 9, 2008 to discuss their operating results and outlook. Sidney Belzberg, Belzberg Technologies' Chief Executive Officer, will host the call.

    The conference call may be accessed by dialing 416-644-3427 or 800-814-4890 several minutes before 8:30 a.m.

    A re-broadcast will be available from 10:30 a.m. (EST) May 9, 2008 until 11:59 p.m. (EST), May 16, 2008, by dialing 416-640-1917 or 877-289-8525, pass code 21270855 followed by the number sign.

    About Belzberg Technologies

    Belzberg Technologies Inc. is a provider of technology-based brokerage services, trading equities and options through Electronic Brokerage Systems, Belzberg Technologies' wholly owned agency-only broker-dealer. Electronic Brokerage Systems is a member of most North American stock exchanges, options exchanges and clearing organizations, including the NYSE, NASDAQ, CBOE, NSCC and OCC. Using Belzberg's suite of integrated trading tools and network connectivity, Belzberg's customers have direct access to all North American equities and options markets. The firm's client-base includes over 200 leading U.S. and international brokerage houses and financial institutions. Belzberg Technologies is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Ticker-BLZ) - additional information is available at http://www.belzberg.com/.

    Forward looking statement disclaimer

    Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are based on forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainty. A variety of important factors could cause results to differ materially from such statements, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the company's operation, markets, products, prices and other factors.

    Belzberg Technologies Inc.

    CONTACT: Sid Belzberg, Chief Executive Officer, Phone: (416) 360-1812,
    E-mail: investorinfo@belzberg.com




    Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Provides Financial Gift for New INFINITY(R) Science Center at NASA's Stennis Space Center

    HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne (PWR), a United Technologies Corp. company, made a $500,000 contribution to the new INFINITY(R) Science Center at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) in Hancock County.

    This $42 million state-of-the-art science center and visitor attraction, planned to open in 2010, will be built on a 200-acre site along Interstate 10 at Exit 2 adjacent to the Mississippi Welcome Center and south of the entrance to the NASA Center.

    "Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne has had a long and valued involvement with the nation's space program, especially here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast," said Pratt &Whitney Rocketdyne President Jim Maser, in presenting the donation to INFINITY(R) directors on April 24. "We are eager to help tell the story of how the only way to get to space is to come through Hancock County."

    "There is much excitement in our community and with our employees about being a part of this outstanding educational and tourist venue in southern Mississippi," said PWR SSC Site Director Nan Coole. "We are elated to be a partner in this endeavor."

    "PWR has tested many of the country's liquid rocket engines at the SSC site for decades. We also are assembling some of the new rocket engines for NASA and DOD here. We want to share our many successes with this supportive community," added Graham Webb, PWR's general manager for Florida & Mississippi Operations.

    Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.

    Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries, and is the parent company of Pratt & Whitney.

    Bryan Kidder Tracy Lamm Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne 818 586-2213 256-971-4531 bryan.kidder@pwr.utc.com tracy.lamm@pwr.utc.com

    Pratt & Whitney

    CONTACT: Bryan Kidder, +1-818-586-2213, bryan.kidder@pwr.utc.com; or
    Tracy Lamm, +1-256-971-4531, tracy.lamm@pwr.utc.com, both of Pratt & Whitney
    Rocketdyne

    Web site: http://www.pratt-whitney.com/




    Gray Sets Date for First Quarter Earnings Release and Earnings Conference Call

    ATLANTA, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gray Television, Inc. today announced that it will release its earnings results for the quarter ending March 31, 2008 on May 9, 2008.

    Earnings Conference Call Information

    Gray Television, Inc. will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter operating results on May 9, 2008. The call will begin at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The live dial-in number is 1-888-220-8450 and the confirmation code is 3425312. The call will be webcast live and available for replay at http://www.gray.tv/. The taped replay of the conference call will be available at 1-888-203-1112 Confirmation Code: 3425312 until June 8, 2008.

    Gray Television, Inc. is a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Gray currently operates 36 television stations serving 30 markets. Each of the stations are affiliated with either CBS (17 stations), NBC (10 stations), ABC (8 stations) or FOX (1 station). In addition, Gray currently operates 40 digital second channels including 1 ABC, 5 Fox, 8 CW and 16 MyNetworkTV affiliates plus 8 local news/weather channels and 2 "independent" channels in certain of its existing markets.

    Gray Television, Inc.

    CONTACT: Bob Prather, President, +1-404-266-8333, or Jim Ryan, Chief
    Financial, +1-404-504-9828, both of Gray Television, Inc.

    Web site: http://www.gray.tv/




    TRX to Webcast Its First Quarter Earnings Conference Call on 2 May

    ATLANTA, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TRX, Inc. , a global technology company that develops and hosts software applications to process data records and automate manual processes, announced today that it will host a live conference call to discuss financial results for its first quarter ended 31 March 2008 on Friday, 2 May 2008, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. TRX will issue a press release reporting its results prior to the earnings call.

    Dial-in information for the call will be as follows: US Participants: (888) 262-8795 International Participants: (913) 312-9335

    The press release, live Webcast, and replay will be available at http://www.trx.com/ in the Investor Relations Center. The company expects to make replays of the conference call available for approximately 90 days after the call date.

    About TRX

    TRX is a global technology company. We develop and host software applications that process data records and automate manual processes, enabling our clients to optimize performance and control costs. We are a leading provider to the travel industry and are expanding into financial services and healthcare. We deliver our technology applications in an on-demand environment to travel agencies, corporations, travel suppliers, government agencies, credit card associations, credit card issuing banks, and third-party administrators. TRX is headquartered in Atlanta with operations and associates in North America, Europe, and Asia.

    TRX, Inc.

    CONTACT: Investors, David Cathcart, Chief Financial Officer of TRX,
    Inc., +1-404-929-6154; or Media, Kira Perdue, Vice President of Trevelino-
    Keller Communication Group, +1-404-214-0722, extension 101

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




    MEDIA ADVISORY: comScore CEO and CFO to Speak at the Needham Internet & Digital Media Conference on May 8

    RESTON, Va., April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- comScore, Inc. , a leader in measuring the digital world, today announced that Dr. Magid Abraham, CEO & Co-Founder, and John Green, CFO, will give an update on the company's business at the Needham Internet & Digital Media Conference at 3:40 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 8.

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

    The presentation will also be available via live webcast at the link below and via replay from the same link for 90 days beginning approximately one hour after the conclusion of the presentation.

    Listen to Webcast: http://ir.comscore.com/events.cfm About comScore

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

    Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080115/COMSCORELOGO
    AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
    PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com comScore, Inc.

    CONTACT: Andrew Lipsman of comScore, Inc., +1-312-775-6510,
    press@comscore.com

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




    Iloho Extends Its Services with Launch of New Flight Search and Comparison Function Using Core Data from OAG

    SHANGHAI, China, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Iloho, the online tool for travelers, today launches its new flight search and comparison function -- http://www.iloho.com/flight-search -- a service which is set to transform the way in which consumers access and review airline and flight information.

    The flights function is the latest development from iloho as it continues its drive to expand and improve its services. It is an innovative and unique online database of the world's airlines, the routes they fly, the services they offer and how they rank with travelers in the know.

    Iloho's flights function offers 360 degree airline and flight information that is easily accessible and quickly navigable. Focusing on providing insight into the actual experience and logistics of flying, core route data from OAG (Official Airline Guide) -- http://www.oagcorporate.com/ -- a global flight information company, is augmented by a wealth of service information for over seventy of the world's leading airlines -- from sample menus to cabin atmosphere -- and user-generated reviews.

    This data is brought to life by a catalogue of images showing airlines' on-board and airport amenities, making iloho's information source as dynamic, original and interactive as possible. Airlines will be offered access details for iloho's content management system to ensure that only the latest and most accurate data is displayed.

    Users can search for flights by route, stops and cabin class. Available flights can then be compared against each other, side-by-side, in an array of categories such as in-flight service, check-in options, food and drink and luggage allowances; results are broken down by class of travel and can be tailored according to the priorities of individual passengers by collapsing fields that are not of interest.

    In addition to route and service data, iloho's flights search function also provides information on flight schedules, flight times and aircraft models. Once users have made an informed travel decision, booking is available via direct links to airlines' websites.

    Iloho's flights service provides highly targeted real time advertising solutions, which can be displayed according to demographic, keywords and geo-location, opening up a range of exciting new opportunities for advertisers. Sponsorship of iloho channels is also available.

    Richard Archer-Perkins, Chairman and Founder iloho: "Launching a new and improved flight search service is an exciting step for iloho as it continues to grow and attract wider audiences.

    "By combining core route and airline data with user-generated reviews, we're confident iloho will be an extremely popular and useful starting point for travelers' journeys.

    "In delivering fantastic content and by providing unique opportunities we aim to make iloho's flights function a huge success."

    Mario M. Hardy, Vice President - Asia Pacific, OAG (Official Airline Guide) said: "OAG is the world's authority on global flight information and we are proud to be partners with an innovative brand like iloho. The combination of OAG's flight schedule information and iloho's own data will deliver a unique, valuable and comprehensive flight search function to travelers across the globe."

    About iloho:

    Iloho (http://www.iloho.com/) is a unique online service for travelers that launched in June 2007. All of iloho's content is generated by travelers for travelers, and it is home to a vast array of impartial travel information. Users can catch up on hot travel articles, get in the know with candid flight and airline reviews, be inspired by travel itineraries and photographs and network with likeminded travelers.

    About OAG (Official Airline Guide)

    OAG (http://www.oagcorporate.com/) is a global flight information and data solutions company for the passenger aviation, air cargo logistics and business travel markets. The business is underpinned by its data management expertise. OAG holds a breadth of aviation and travel related content and is best known for its airline schedules database. This feeds the world's global distribution systems and travel portals, and drives the internal systems of many airlines, air traffic control systems, aircraft manufacturers, airport planners and government agencies.

    OAG is part of Commonwealth Business Media (http://www.cbizmedia.com/) a wholly owned subsidiary of United Business Media plc (http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/).

    iloho

    CONTACT: Emma Torry, Head of Communications, iloho, +852-8197-4014,
    emma.t@iloho.com, Skype: emma.iloho

    Web site: http://www.iloho.com/
    http://www.iloho.com/flight-search
    http://www.cbizmedia.com/
    http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/
    http://www.oagcorporate.com/




    Iloho Extends Its Services with Launch of New Flight Search and Comparison Function Using Core Data from OAG

    SHANGHAI, China, April 29 /PRNewswire/ --

    Iloho, the online tool for travelers, today launches its new flight search and comparison function -- www.iloho.com/flight-search -- a service which is set to transform the way in which consumers access and review airline and flight information.

    The flights function is the latest development from iloho as it continues its drive to expand and improve its services. It is an innovative and unique online database of the world's airlines, the routes they fly, the services they offer and how they rank with travelers in the know.

    Iloho's flights function offers 360 degree airline and flight information that is easily accessible and quickly navigable. Focusing on providing insight into the actual experience and logistics of flying, core route data from OAG (Official Airline Guide) -- www.oagcorporate.com -- a global flight information company, is augmented by a wealth of service information for over seventy of the world's leading airlines -- from sample menus to cabin atmosphere -- and user-generated reviews.

    This data is brought to life by a catalogue of images showing airlines' on-board and airport amenities, making iloho's information source as dynamic, original and interactive as possible. Airlines will be offered access details for iloho's content management system to ensure that only the latest and most accurate data is displayed.

    Users can search for flights by route, stops and cabin class. Available flights can then be compared against each other, side-by-side, in an array of categories such as in-flight service, check-in options, food and drink and luggage allowances; results are broken down by class of travel and can be tailored according to the priorities of individual passengers by collapsing fields that are not of interest.

    In addition to route and service data, iloho's flights search function also provides information on flight schedules, flight times and aircraft models. Once users have made an informed travel decision, booking is available via direct links to airlines' websites.

    Iloho's flights service provides highly targeted real time advertising solutions, which can be displayed according to demographic, keywords and geo-location, opening up a range of exciting new opportunities for advertisers. Sponsorship of iloho channels is also available.

    Richard Archer-Perkins, Chairman and Founder iloho: "Launching a new and improved flight search service is an exciting step for iloho as it continues to grow and attract wider audiences.

    "By combining core route and airline data with user-generated reviews, we're confident iloho will be an extremely popular and useful starting point for travelers' journeys.

    "In delivering fantastic content and by providing unique opportunities we aim to make iloho's flights function a huge success."

    Mario M. Hardy, Vice President - Asia Pacific, OAG (Official Airline Guide) said: "OAG is the world's authority on global flight information and we are proud to be partners with an innovative brand like iloho. The combination of OAG's flight schedule information and iloho's own data will deliver a unique, valuable and comprehensive flight search function to travelers across the globe."

    About iloho:

    Iloho (www.iloho.com) is a unique online service for travelers that launched in June 2007. All of iloho's content is generated by travelers for travelers, and it is home to a vast array of impartial travel information. Users can catch up on hot travel articles, get in the know with candid flight and airline reviews, be inspired by travel itineraries and photographs and network with likeminded travelers.

    About OAG (Official Airline Guide)

    OAG (www.oagcorporate.com) is a global flight information and data solutions company for the passenger aviation, air cargo logistics and business travel markets. The business is underpinned by its data management expertise. OAG holds a breadth of aviation and travel related content and is best known for its airline schedules database. This feeds the world's global distribution systems and travel portals, and drives the internal systems of many airlines, air traffic control systems, aircraft manufacturers, airport planners and government agencies.

    OAG is part of Commonwealth Business Media (www.cbizmedia.com) a wholly owned subsidiary of United Business Media plc (www.unitedbusinessmedia.com).

    Web site: http://www.iloho.com http://www.iloho.com/flight-search http://www.cbizmedia.com http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com http://www.oagcorporate.com

    iloho

    Emma Torry, Head of Communications, iloho, +852-8197-4014, emma.t@iloho.com, Skype: emma.iloho. NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information and to request images please contact Emma Torry, Head of Communications, iloho.




    Calypso Wireless, Inc. Announces Today That It has Settled Lawsuits and Regained Control of Its Intellectual Property

    MIAMI, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Calypso Wireless, Inc. announced today that it has settled all lawsuits against the company and has regained control of its intellectual property. The company's previous officers and directors have resigned and Richard S. Pattin has been named the company's interim President, CEO and sole Director.

    "This is a major victory for Calypso Wireless and its shareholders," says Richard S. Pattin. "We can now get back to business and start monetizing and further developing our ASNAP(TM) technology and our four additional patents acquired last year. We also intend to reinstate Cristian Turrini as Calypso's CEO and Director," Pattin states.

    Cristian Turrini was President and CEO between March and December 2007. Under his leadership, Calypso Wireless established a landmark relationship and conducted a trial with one of the world's largest networking and telecommunications companies. Turrini was also instrumental in raising much needed capital for the company and in negotiating a relationship with Acacia Technologies to potentially manage Calypso's intellectual properties.

    "We are very excited about these changes. The major issues that have hindered our growth have now been resolved. We can now focus on building our business by teaming up with potential customers to license our technology. These may include chip companies (such as Intel or AMD), software operating companies such as Microsoft or Palm, telecom equipment companies like Ericsson, cellular handset companies such as Nokia and Research in Motion, enterprise IP PBX server companies, enterprise application companies, carrier application companies, virtual operators, carriers and specialized vertical application providers such as satellite radio companies. Since we now have control of our patented technology, we can finally start building a potentially significant business," says Pattin.

    In addition to licensing, Calypso Wireless also intends to aggressively enforce its key patents. Calypso's ASNAP technology (U.S. Patent #6,680,923) titled "Communication System and Method" covers the seamless roaming of voice, video and data between Wide Area Network access points, such as cellular towers (GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA, WCMDA etc.) and short-range Internet access points (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.). This enables cell phone users to enjoy up to 11mb broadband speeds, allowing them to video conference with movie-like quality, to send and receive video with audio, movies-on-demand and many other high-speed services that are currently unavailable to them.

    "In plain English, any carrier that wishes to provide its customers with a cell phone that automatically detects any available WLANs and then seamlessly switches between the standard cellular link towers and available short-range broadband network, such as cable or DSL Wi-Fi, must sign a license agreement with Calypso Wireless," clarifies Pattin.

    Calypso Wireless intends to appoint additional directors and form a complete management team as soon as possible. The appointed Directors will be subject to shareholder ratification in a special shareholders' meeting.

    About Calypso Wireless, Inc.

    Calypso Wireless is the company behind the ASNAP(TM) technology for which it was granted U.S. Patent #6,680,923 titled "Communication system and method" (http://www.uspto.gov/ search U.S. patent number 6,680,923), which covers the seamless roaming of voice, video and data between Wide Area Network access points, such as cellular towers (GSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA, WCMDA etc.) and short- range Internet access points (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).

    Calypso's patented ASNAP(TM) technology will enable cellular phones to automatically detect any available Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and then seamlessly switch between the signals of standard cellular link towers and an available short-range broadband network such as cable or DSL with Wi-Fi, accelerating wireless broadband deployment, thereby creating a platform for revenue sharing between the synergistic companies and increased revenues for them by delivering new added services. It could also provide significant savings to Mobile Carriers in additional frequency spectrum and infrastructure equipment by offloading capacity to the Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) and IP networks while providing additional sources of revenue.

    The integration of ASNAP(TM) technology will enable greatly enhanced services such as broadband connectivity, real time two way video conferencing, VoIP and network-based gaming applications via Calypso's cellular phones, PDA's (Personal Digital Assistance) or any mobile device powered with the company's ASNAP(TM) technology. The patent has also given Calypso the rights to offer license agreements to major mobile and ISP carriers as well as to cellular phone manufacturers and OEMs. Calypso has also built upon its patented ASNAP(TM) technology to create a new technology that could provide 'the' solution that allows satellite radio signals from carriers such as Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio to be readily received by all types of mobile wireless devices, thus generating a new potential revenue stream for both the satellite radio companies and the companies supplying service to mobile phones and devices and the manufacturers and retailers of those devices, as well as the licensing of this technology by Calypso.

    The newly acquired patented technologies enable cellular phones and wireless PDA/Pocket PCs to convert any incoming text messages to voice messages and any incoming voice messages are converted into text messages. Calypso plans to license these four newly acquired patented technologies (US Patents No. 6,385,306, No. 6,765,996, No. 6,839,412 and No. 7,031,439) to mobile operators, Original Equipment Manufactures (cellular phones and wireless PDA/Pocket PC manufacturers) and Internet Service Providers.

    Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: All statements included or incorporated by reference in this release, other than statements or characterizations of historical fact, are forward- looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry and business, management's beliefs, and certain assumptions made by us, all of which are subject to change. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words.

    These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement.

    This release is intended as a forward-looking statement within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance development and results of the Company's business include but are not limited to (i) The ability to provide technology in the future, (ii) Unexpected changes in the technology market, (iii) The success of the Company's expansion and sales and marketing strategies (iv) Competition within the Data Synchronization market (v) The ability of the Company to continue to finance its long-term strategy and expansion (vi) The ability of the Company to motivate and retain the services of its key personnel and hire additional qualified personnel to meet evolving staffing needs.

    Contact: Calypso Wireless Inc. Richard Pattin, rpattin@calypsowireless.com 305-477-8722 http://www.calypsowireless.com/

    Calypso Wireless, Inc.

    CONTACT: Richard Pattin, Calypso Wireless Inc.,
    +1-305-477-8722, rpattin@calypsowireless.com

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




    Continued Growth Highlights Successful Execution of Verizon Business Global StrategySales of Strategic Services Grow at More Than 23 Percent

    BASKING RIDGE, N.J., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Global sales of strategic solutions again propelled Verizon Business to another quarter of solid year-over-year revenue growth as the company continued to execute well in the highly competitive multinational corporate and government marketplace.

    Verizon Business generated first-quarter 2008 revenues of $5.2 billion, or growth of 0.4 percent compared with last year's first quarter on an adjusted basis (non-GAAP). This is Verizon Business' sixth consecutive quarter of year-over-year, pro-forma revenue growth (non-GAAP, calculated as if Verizon and MCI had merged on Jan. 1, 2006).*

    Global sales of strategic services such as IP, managed services, Ethernet and optical-ring services continued to drive strong growth, exceeding the decline in revenue during the quarter from traditional core voice and data services. In the first quarter 2008, strategic services generated $1.4 billion in revenue, up 23.5 percent from the first quarter 2007.

    "These strong results show that our global strategy and strong focus on execution are working," said John Killian, president of Verizon Business. "As a leader in providing integrated communications and IT solutions to multinationals and governments, we will continue to invest in our global IP network, product set and deep professional services expertise."

    Product Enhancements Strengthen Solutions Capabilities

    Verizon Business continued to introduce new products and services that strengthen its ability to deliver an unsurpassed portfolio of integrated communications and computing solutions. The company has a strong focus on a broad range of business solutions including managed services, mobility, collaboration, security, applications management and professional services.

    With the rollout of high-definition video conferencing, customers can benefit from clearer, crisper and higher-quality video delivered on Verizon Business' world-class public and Private IP networks. Verizon Business also offered enterprise customers with remote locations or smaller networks a robust new managed services option with its support for Juniper J-series routers.

    Verizon Business also expanded the availability of several key services globally during the quarter. It rolled out its managed local area network (LAN) service in a number of countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, enabling customers there to fully or partially outsource end-to-end management of their corporate networks from the LAN to the wide area network (WAN). The company also expanded availability of its Hosted Interactive Voice Response (IVR) service to the European market, enabling improved contact center efficiency and enhanced overall customer satisfaction.

    Further enhancing its robust suite of IT services, Verizon Business introduced a virtualization service that enables businesses to consolidate multiple IT resources such as operating systems and software applications on a single server while providing the same reliability as the traditional one-application-to-a-server model. The company also announced that its managed hosting customers will be among the first to benefit from the powerful new functionality of Microsoft Windows Server 2008, the next-generation server-operating system launched during the quarter.

    Managed security services also continued to be a key area of focus during the quarter. The company unveiled a range of new global "unified threat management" offerings that combine numerous critical security functions into a single piece of equipment. Additionally, the company rolled out its Application Log Monitoring and Management Service, enabling customers to log, track and analyze user and system activity across an organization's entire IT "stack" -- the computing structure that includes the network, data, application and user layers.

    Verizon Business Leadership Recognized

    Industry experts and partners alike continued to recognize the depth and breadth of Verizon Business' global capabilities during the quarter. Recognition included placement by analyst firm Gartner Inc. in the Leaders Quadrant in three reports released during the quarter: "Magic Quadrant for Asia/Pacific Network Service Providers, 2007;" "Magic Quadrant for Pan-European Network Service Providers, 2007;" and "Magic Quadrant for Help Desk Outsourcing Services, North America, 2008."

    Verizon Business also received a 2008 Global Wholesale Carrier Excellence award from ATLANTIC-ACM, a leading telecommunications research consultancy and benchmarking firm. Verizon Business was recognized for "best in class data quality" for its wholesale carrier services, including transport (Ethernet and wavelength), ATM/Frame and IP Transit.

    During the quarter, Verizon Business also demonstrated excellence in service delivery. The company successfully completed its SAS 70 Type II examination for its application management operations center, where it remotely manages its customers' critical and often geographically dispersed infrastructure and applications. In addition, Verizon Business completed the SAS 70 Type II examination for its managed hosting centers (Smart Centers) and Internet collocation facilities (Premium Data Centers) in North America and Europe.

    Network Leadership and Global Expansion

    Verizon Business continued to expand and enhance its global IP network, which serves as the critical platform for the company's secure communications and IT solutions. During the quarter, the company:

    -- Implemented a meshed architecture on the trans-Pacific portion of its global network to provide large-business and government customers with additional paths for use in the event of multiple undersea breaks or network disruptions. The five-way mesh network design provides enhanced reliability for customer voice and data traffic traversing the Pacific Ocean. -- Deployed 18 additional Private IP nodes in major global markets to meet growing customer demand for IP communications services. -- Deployed an additional 1,820 miles on its next-generation, ultra-long-haul, optical-transport network in the U.S., which now includes more than 32,000 ULH miles. It also deployed its first ULH route outside of the U.S. in Japan. -- Activated two more 40-gigabit-per-second, backbone-network routes in the U.S. -- Installed next-generation optical-network equipment, known as reconfigurable optical-add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) technology, in five U.S markets -- Chicago, San Francisco, New York City, northern New Jersey and Washington, D.C. -- enabling more efficient management of bandwidth and remote configuration and provisioning of wavelengths on the network.

    Verizon Business also continued to deepen its reach into high-growth global markets during the quarter. Verizon Business India received licenses for international and national long-distance services, and a consortium that includes Verizon Business was awarded a license to provide services in Saudi Arabia. The consortium, known as the Optical Communications Company, will receive management and operational support through an exclusive management services agreement with Verizon Business.

    Additionally, Verizon Business announced that the first leg of the Trans-Pacific Express (TPE) submarine cable between mainland China and the U.S. will be activated in July, one month ahead of schedule. The TPE cable also will add a submarine cable link to Japan, giving customers direct connectivity from Japan to mainland China, Taiwan and South Korea in 2009.

    Continued New Business Momentum

    Verizon Business continued to both solidify and extend its relationships with existing large businesses and government agencies around the world while adding new business.

    Multinational corporations and major regional players, including The Bank of New York Mellon, Commerce Bank, Cuatrecasas, Extended Stay Hotels, Indesit Company SpA, Insurance Auto Auctions, Komatsu Ltd, Swedish Match AB, TeleTech and Weyerhaeuser completed new agreements during the quarter for a wide range of advanced communications, IT and professional services.

    The company also entered into new contracts with several U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.

    Specific customer applications included: -- The Bank of New York Mellon signed a contract with Verizon Business for customer premises equipment solutions that will offer the asset management and securities services company enhanced reliability for information storage, access and recovery. -- Commerce Bank, a major regional financial institution, completed an agreement during the quarter for a wide range of products and services including voice, CPE and the company's fastest-growing service, Private IP, to connect the bank's business locations. -- Cuatrecasas chose Private IP to connect its extended global enterprise, increasing geographical reach and business agility for ongoing market success. -- European household appliance manufacturer, Indesit Company SpA, will be using fully managed Private IP to link its 18 UK sites and streamline its local operations. -- Existing customer Insurance Auto Auctions also expanded its current communications contract by choosing a Managed Dedicated IP VPN to link its sites in Canada. -- Komatsu Ltd is benefiting from the global reach and reliability of Private IP. By choosing a fully managed global service, with additional Ethernet private line and colocation services for specific regions, the firm aims to centralize its operations, obtain cost efficiencies and improve business performance. -- Swedish Match AB aims to increase control and visibility over its global communications network by standardizing it with Private IP. -- TeleTech, a leading global business process outsourcing (BPO) company that provides a full range of front-office to back-office outsourced solutions, relies on Verizon Business for Private IP and CPE. -- Weyerhaeuser, one of the world's largest forest products companies, signed an agreement for managed network services to enable the company to focus on its core mission. About Verizon Business

    Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications , is a global IP leader and network-based partner for delivering integrated communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large-business and government customers worldwide. Combining unsurpassed reach with managed services, security, mobility, collaboration and professional services capabilities, Verizon Business delivers global solutions that power innovation and enable its customers to do business better. For more information, visit http://www.verizonbusiness.com/.

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

    * See http://www.verizon.com/investor for reconciliations to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for the non-GAAP financial measures included in this announcement.

    Verizon Business

    CONTACT: Jack Hoey, +1-908-559-4760, john.p.hoey@verizon.com, or Peter
    Lucht, +1-617-743-2224, peter.lucht@verizon.com, both of Verizon

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

    Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/618232.html




    National Math Panel Report Endorses Vmath Intervention Program Research Base

    DALLAS, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Findings from a recent report released by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, created under Presidential Executive Order in April 2006, aligns with several concepts and components in Vmath(R), Voyager's math intervention program for grades three through eight. Vmath is a research-based math intervention program designed for struggling elementary and middle school learners.

    Key findings in the report that align with Vmath include: -- Explicit instruction works for struggling students. Vmath's explicit instruction format and detail lesson support empower teachers to deliver high-quality instruction. -- Algebra is a gateway to success in math. With an emphasis on the development of student proficiency in number sense, fractions, and aspects of geometry and measurement, Vmath helps students establish a solid foundation in algebra readiness, positioning students for success in the future. -- A balanced approach is recommended for teaching mathematics. Vmath provides a focus on conceptual development through the use of virtual and concrete manipulatives. Vmath students develop fluency with operations and computational skills in the daily lessons, and build strong problem solving skills with built-in problem-solving strategy lessons throughout the program. -- Effort Matters. The web-based technology component, VmathLive(TM), builds confidence and rewards effort in an engaging learning environment that inspires interest and motivates reluctant learners.

    "Explicit instruction involving both teacher modeling and kids going through the steps in the models-in small groups or with the whole class or individually-seems to lead consistently to higher gains for kids that are struggling," said Dr. Russell Gersten in a spring 2007 issue of Voyager Connection magazine. Dr. Gersten is the executive director of the Instructional Research Group in Long Beach, CA, and is member of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel and Vmath Advisory Board.

    To view the National Math Panel's complete report visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/mathpanel/report/final-report.pdf

    A summary of the National Math Panel report and how it aligns to Vmath can be found at: http://www.voyagerlearning.com/assets/pdfs/National%20Math%20Report.pdf

    Voyager Expanded Learning

    Voyager Expanded Learning provides core, intervention and supplemental reading programs, as well as math intervention and ongoing professional development programs, for school districts throughout the United States. Founded in 1994, Voyager has delivered extended-time reading and basic skills intervention programs, as well as large-scale reading programs, to more than 1000 school districts in cities such as Dallas, Phoenix, New York and Los Angeles, resulting in dramatically improved student performance. Voyager Expanded Learning, Inc. is a business unit of Voyager Learning Company and based in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit http://www.voyagerlearning.com/ or call 1-888-399-1995.

    Voyager Learning Company

    CONTACT: Shannan Overbeck of Voyager Learning Company, +1-888-399-1995
    ext. 9476, soverbeck@voyagerlearning.com

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




    Novell to Expand Linux Management SolutionsNovell to work with Microsoft to build upon technical collaboration agreement and develop advanced management solutions based on open source and industry standards

    LAS VEGAS, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Management Summit 2008 -- Novell today announced it is working with Microsoft Corp. to develop advanced Linux* management solutions that will allow customers to simplify the management of mixed IT environments. Building on their existing technical collaboration agreement, Microsoft and Novell will work with industry standards and open source components to standardize management capabilities. The joint effort, which leverages Novell's market-leading expertise in open source Linux management, is designed to maximize the value of a customer's IT infrastructure investment.

    "Customers today are looking for solutions that enable them to manage heterogeneous IT environments, and Microsoft is pleased to extend our System Center suite to offer management for Linux distributions, like SUSE Linux Enterprise," said Brad Anderson, general manager of the Management and Services Division at Microsoft. "Microsoft is both using and intending to contribute enhancements to the OpenPegasus Project's Common Information Model Object Manager (CIMOM) and delivering to the open source community interoperable providers, which collect management data and make it accessible to management services."

    As part of the collaboration, Novell, with its expertise in Linux system management, will work with Microsoft to enhance the System Center Operations Manager 2007 Cross Platform Extensions, which Microsoft announced today at the Microsoft Management Summit 2008. This extension of Microsoft System Center Operations Manager utilizes industry standards such as WS-Management and open source software to deliver Linux and UNIX* management. Leveraging its collaboration with Microsoft, industry standards and open source software, Novell intends to develop an advanced Linux management pack for System Center Operations Manager 2007. In addition, Novell plans to utilize the open source interoperable providers to extend the Linux management capabilities of its Novell(R) ZENworks(R) systems management products. These management solutions will allow SUSE(R) Linux Enterprise Server to be the best-managed Linux distribution.

    "Novell has previously outlined in its Systems and Resource Management blueprint that it intends to support in its ZENworks solutions the use of open source and open standards to simplify and standardize systems management." said Joe Wagner, senior vice president and general manager for Novell Systems and Resource Management. "By working together to extend Linux management for System Center Operations Manager, Microsoft and Novell are building on this standards-based, open source foundation to provide superior management for mixed IT environments. The collaboration will give customers flexibility with a unique combination of heterogeneous IT management software."

    More information about the Microsoft and Novell collaboration can be found at http://www.moreinterop.com/. For more information on systems and resource management from Novell, visit http://www.novell.com/zenworks.

    About Novell

    Novell, Inc. delivers the best engineered, most interoperable Linux platform and a portfolio of integrated IT management software that helps customers around the world reduce cost, complexity and risk. With our infrastructure software and ecosystem of partnerships, Novell harmoniously integrates mixed IT environments, allowing people and technology to work as one. For more information, visit http://www.novell.com/.

    Novell, SUSE and ZENworks are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. *Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Novell, Inc.

    CONTACT: Kerry Adorno of Novell, +1-781-464-8042, kadorno@novell.com; or
    Amanda Munroe of SHIFT Communications, +1-617-779-1816, amunroe@shiftcomm.com

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




    Netflix Announces Investor Day Webcast

    LOS GATOS, Calif., April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Netflix, Inc. announced today that it will host a live webcast of its Investor Day to be held in San Francisco on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The event will include a keynote presentation by Reed Hastings, Netflix's chief executive officer and co-founder, as well as presentations from the Netflix senior management team:

    -- Neil Hunt, Chief Product Officer -- Leslie Kilgore, Chief Marketing Officer -- Barry McCarthy, Chief Financial Officer -- Andy Rendich, VP of Operations -- Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer

    The live webcast of the event will be available on the investor relations section of the Netflix web site at http://ir.netflix.com/. An archive of the webcast will be available within 24 hours of the end of the event.

    For additional information, please contact Investor Relations at 408-540-3639 or send an email to: ir@netflix.com.

    About Netflix

    Netflix, Inc. is the world's largest online movie rental service, providing more than eight million subscribers access to over 100,000 DVD titles plus a growing library of over 9,000 titles that can be watched instantly on their PCs. The company offers nine subscription plans, starting at only $4.99 per month. There are no due dates and no late fees -- ever. All Netflix plans include both DVDs delivered to subscribers' homes and, for no additional fee, movies and TV series that can be started in as little as 30 seconds on subscribers' PCs. DVDs are delivered free to members by first class mail, with a postage-paid return envelope, from over 100 U.S. shipping points. Nearly 95 percent of Netflix subscribers live in areas that can be reached with generally one business day delivery. Netflix offers personalized movie recommendations and has more than two billion movie ratings. For more information, visit http://www.netflix.com/.

    Netflix, Inc.

    CONTACT: IR, Deborah Crawford, VP, Investor Relations,
    +1-408-540-3712, or PR, Steve Swasey, VP, Corporate Communications,
    +1-408-540-3947, both of Netflix, Inc.

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




    Arcadis Annual General Meeting and Results First Quarter 2008 Available Live via Video and Audio WebcastScheduled for Wednesday May 7, 20088:00 AM and 11:00 AM (Eastern Time)

    ARNHEM, The Netherlands, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ARCADIS (Euronext: ARCAD) intends to release its first quarter 2008 results on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 before the opening of the Euronext Amsterdam exchange. On the same day, ARCADIS will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM). The AGM will start as of 2:00 PM Dutch time (8:00 AM Eastern) and will be broadcast live via video webcast.

    In addition, ARCADIS will organize a conference call/audio webcast at 5:00 PM Dutch time (11:00 AM Eastern) which will be broadcast via live audio webcast. Harrie Noy, Chief Executive Officer, Ben van der Klift, Chief Financial Officer and Joost Slooten, Director Investor Relations, will provide insight into the Q1 2008 results during this call.

    Viewers and listeners can access the events through a link in the investor relations section of ARCADIS' website at http://www.arcadis-global.com/investors. Please allow 15 minutes prior to the event to visit the website to download and install any necessary audio software. An archived edition of the webcast will be available on the ARCADIS.

    ARCADIS is an international company providing consultancy, design and engineering and management services in infrastructure, environment and facilities, to enhance mobility, sustainability and quality of life. ARCADIS develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With more than 13,000 employees and EUR 1.5 billion in gross revenue, the company has an extensive international network that is supported by strong local market positions.

    Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this 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 that may cause the company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Those risks include, among others, the risk that our delisting from NASDAQ and subsequent deregistration with the SEC will not become effective as currently anticipated, risks associated with possible changes in environmental legislation and risks with regard to the Company's ability to acquire and execute projects. These and other risks are described in ARCADIS' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission over the last 12 months, copies of which will be available from the SEC or may be obtained upon request from the Company.

    ARCADIS NV

    CONTACT: For more information, contact: Joost Slooten of ARCADIS NV at
    +31-26-3778604 outside regular office hours please call +31-6-2706-1880;
    email: j.slooten@arcadis.nl




    Madonna April 30 U.S. Performance at New York City's Roseland Ballroom Available to the Public for Free on MSNControl Room and MSN present Madonna live - exclusively on music.msn.com/madonna; new songs including No.1 single '4 Minutes' unwrapped from Material Girl's highly anticipated Hard Candy CD.

    LOS ANGELES, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Madonna's exclusive performance at New York City's famed Roseland Ballroom will be available live to millions of fans via an online broadcast at http://music.msn.com/madonna, it was confirmed today by MSN and Control Room, which announced that the show will stream live Wednesday evening, April 30, at 10 p.m. EDT in the United States and will be available on demand to international audiences on May 15. Along with some past hits, Madonna will be debuting several new songs including her 37th No. 1 smash single "Four Minutes" from her upcoming CD Hard Candy, which is scheduled to be released on April 29. The Control Room- produced show will also include never-before-seen rehearsal footage, a pre- recorded interview with Madonna and her full performance, giving fans around the globe unprecedented access to one of the biggest music events of 2008 by simply logging on to MSN Music In Concert.

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

    "Madonna is a legendary performer, and we're thrilled to be bringing this live online broadcast to her fans on the heels of her Hall of Fame induction, her record-breaking 37th top-10 single '4 Minutes,' and in conjunction with the launch of this hotly anticipated new album," said Aaron Grosky, Control Room president. "As experts in bringing live music performances to the Web, Control Room will deliver Madonna fans an online experience that captures the excitement and authenticity of this exclusive show."

    Control Room, the leading producer and distributor of world-class entertainment content, delivers nearly 40 live music shows per year to the MSN Music In Concert series. Past performances have included international superstars such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz, Sheryl Crow and many more. Coming in May, fans can watch performances by Jack Johnson and Daughtry. The Music In Concert series (http://music.msn.com/inconcert), which is available in 42 countries and 21 languages through the international MSN network, gives music fans worldwide the chance to see live music performances from their favorite artists.

    "MSN Music In Concert is one way we are bringing together the best and most compelling entertainment content on the Web," said Rob Bennett, general manager, entertainment, video and sports, MSN. "Madonna has a huge international following, and we are very excited that we're able to offer the exclusive webcast of her concert to her fans around the world."

    About Control Room

    As the leading producer and distributor of world-class entertainment, Control Room's live music programming showcases the world's biggest artists from a variety of venues through multi-platform broadcasts via television, broadband and wireless platforms. Control Room has produced and distributed nearly 100 live music events delivering the highest quality productions in the industry with 8-10 camera shoots in Native HD (1080p) and using Dolby 5.1 to ensure the most compelling audience experience. In 2007, Control Room produced the largest entertainment event in history, Live Earth. On July 7, 2007, the 7-continent, 24-hour music extravaganza featured 150 of the world's leading artists to raise awareness for the Climate Crisis with a message of solutions and personal responsibility.

    About MSN Video

    MSN Video is one of the largest free programmed video services on the Web, watched by more than 12 million unique users per month. In addition to streaming news, entertainment and sports video clips from more than 50 content partners including "The Today Show," FOX Sports, MSNBC, Reveille, Control Room, CBS, News Corp. and Fox Entertainment Group, MSN Video presents a broad array of live events to online audiences worldwide. More than 50 top advertisers support MSN Video, which is available to consumers at no charge. MSN Video is available on the Web at http://msnvideo.com/ to consumers in the U.S. MSN Video is also live in Australia, Canada, France (English and French), Japan, Netherlands, U.K., Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Mexico, Sweden, Belgium, Taiwan, India, Vietnam, Russia and in Spanish in the U.S. MSN Video is coming soon in China, Norway, Argentina, Chile and Columbia.

    Overall, MSN, Windows Live and Microsoft.com attract more than 550 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Most recently, MSN partnered with Control Room to stream Live Earth, the largest online entertainment event in history, with over 62 million streams worldwide.

    About Microsoft

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

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

    CONTACT: Brynn Vitale of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide,
    +1-212-907-6649, bvitale@waggeneredstrom.com, or Rapid Response Team, Waggener
    Edstrom Worldwide, +1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com, both for
    Microsoft

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




    /K I L L K I L L K I L L -- Henry J. Kaiser Foundation/

    We are advised by Henry J. Kaiser Foundation that journalists and other readers should disregard the news release, mtvU & Kaiser Family Foundation Launch POSorNOT.com to Challenge Stigma, Fight Spread of HIV/AIDS, issued earlier today. The release was transmitted prematurely by PR Newswire.

    Henry J. Kaiser Foundation

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




    Verizon Wireless Opens Inside Seven BJ's Membership ClubsCompany Expands Store-Within-A-Store Concept in Georgia

    ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless and BJ's Membership Club today announced a relationship that expands the Verizon Wireless "store-within-a-store" concept to seven BJ's locations around the metro Atlanta area including in Austell, Conyers, Cumming, East Point, Newnan, Norcross and Woodstock. Club members now have easy access to the most advanced wireless phones, devices and accessories, exclusive offers, plus a variety of service plans on the nation's most reliable wireless network.

    Verizon Wireless will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the branded kiosks, including hiring and training staff, inventory, displays and any signage. To date, the company has hired and trained more than 17 new employees in Georgia to staff the BJ's locations.

    "This relationship is important in our efforts to meet our customers where they shop," said Jeff Mango, president - Georgia/Alabama Region for Verizon Wireless. "Customers of BJ's Membership Clubs are looking for value so it's a natural fit to add the Verizon Wireless brand. Our focus on delivering the best wireless experience and value makes BJ's members ideal for us and by placing Verizon Wireless employees in each location, they'll get added convenience and assistance from the most knowledgeable wireless sales staff in the industry."

    BJ's club members will be able to take advantage of convenient services available at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store, including account look-up and bill pay. Members can expect the same high quality products and services they would receive in a standalone Verizon Wireless Communications Store.

    "Our metro-Atlanta members shop BJ's for quality, low prices and the convenience of one-stop-shopping so offering them an on-site wireless provider with a great reputation is another added value to their membership," said Ken Hayes, senior vice president and director of sales operations at BJ's Membership Clubs.

    BJ's Membership Clubs with Verizon Wireless in the Atlanta metro area stores include:

    -- Austell - 2435 East West Connector SW -- Conyers - 1800 Dogwood Drive SE -- Cumming - 1725 Market Place Boulevard -- East Point - 3585 North Commerce Drive -- Newnan - 331 Newnan Crossing Bypass -- Norcross - 6344 Cash Court -- Woodstock - 105 Long Drive

    Verizon Wireless' continued investment in Georgia is part of ongoing effort to expand coverage, improve capacity and enhance the quality of its wireless voice and data network throughout the country. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $40 billion -- $5 billion on average every year -- since the company was formed to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services. Verizon Wireless invested more than $160 million in 2007 to enhance its digital network in Georgia.

    Georgians continue to have ever more ubiquitous access to Verizon Wireless' two prime services: BroadbandAccess and V CAST. BroadbandAccess customers with Rev. A-compatible devices can expect average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps, which means customers can download a 1 Megabyte e-mail attachment -- the equivalent of a small PowerPoint(R) presentation or a large PDF file -- in about eight seconds and upload the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds. V CAST is a consumer-oriented multimedia service that gives customers access to the most comprehensive selection of downloadable music, high-quality videos and the coolest 3D games found anywhere.

    For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, please visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/ or call 1-800-2 JOIN IN.

    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.

    About BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.

    BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. is dedicated to providing its members with high-quality, brand name food and merchandise at prices that are significantly lower than the prices found at supermarkets, supercenters, department stores, drug stores and specialty retail stores. BJ's offers low BJ's Member Pricing on a huge selection of top-brand apparel and accessories, small appliances, consumer electronics, fine jewelry, groceries and other quality merchandise.

    Headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. is a leading operator of warehouse clubs in the eastern United States. The Company currently operates 177 clubs and 100 gas stations in 16 eastern states. Learn more about BJ's or shop online at http://www.bjs.com/. BJ's is referred to as BJ's Membership Club in the state of Georgia and operates in eight Metro Atlanta locations.

    Verizon Wireless

    CONTACT: Caran Smith of Verizon Wireless, +1-678-339-4891,
    caran.smith@VerizonWireless.com

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




    /C O R R E C T I O N -- Silicon Image, Inc./

    In the news release, Mobile Handset Industry Leaders Form a Working Group to Drive New Memory Interface Standard, issued earlier today by Silicon Image, Inc. , over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the subheadline should read "ARM, Hynix Semiconductor, Inc., LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Silicon Image, Inc., Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, and ST Microelectronics" rather than "ARM, Hynix Semiconductor, Inc., Samsung Electronics, Silicon Image, Inc., Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, and ST Microelectronics" and the first paragraph, first sentence should read "ARM, Hynix Semiconductor, Inc., LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Silicon Image, Inc., Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, and ST Microelectronics" rather than "ARM, Ericsson AB, Hynix Semiconductor, Inc., LG Electronics, Silicon Image, Inc., Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB and STMicroelectronics" as originally issued inadvertently.

    Silicon Image, Inc.

    Web site: http://www.siliconimage.com/
    http://www.spmt.com/
    http://www.arm.com/
    http://www.hynix.com/
    http://www.lge.com/
    http://www.st.com/




    Arcadis Annual General Meeting and Results First Quarter 2008 Available Live via Video and Audio Webcast

    ARNHEM, The Netherlands, April 29 /PRNewswire/ --

    - Scheduled for Wednesday May 7, 2008

    - 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM (Eastern Time)

    ARCADIS (Euronext: ARCAD) intends to release its first quarter 2008 results on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 before the opening of the Euronext Amsterdam exchange. On the same day, ARCADIS will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM). The AGM will start as of 2:00 PM Dutch time (8:00 AM Eastern) and will be broadcast live via video webcast.

    In addition, ARCADIS will organize a conference call/audio webcast at 5:00 PM Dutch time (11:00 AM Eastern) which will be broadcast via live audio webcast. Harrie Noy, Chief Executive Officer, Ben van der Klift, Chief Financial Officer and Joost Slooten, Director Investor Relations, will provide insight into the Q1 2008 results during this call.

    Viewers and listeners can access the events through a link in the investor relations section of ARCADIS' website at http://www.arcadis-global.com/investors. Please allow 15 minutes prior to the event to visit the website to download and install any necessary audio software. An archived edition of the webcast will be available on the ARCADIS.

    ARCADIS is an international company providing consultancy, design and engineering and management services in infrastructure, environment and facilities, to enhance mobility, sustainability and quality of life. ARCADIS develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With more than 13,000 employees and EUR 1.5 billion in gross revenue, the company has an extensive international network that is supported by strong local market positions.

    Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this 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 that may cause the company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Those risks include, among others, the risk that our delisting from NASDAQ and subsequent deregistration with the SEC will not become effective as currently anticipated, risks associated with possible changes in environmental legislation and risks with regard to the Company's ability to acquire and execute projects. These and other risks are described in ARCADIS' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission over the last 12 months, copies of which will be available from the SEC or may be obtained upon request from the Company.

    PRN NLD

    ARCADIS NV

    For more information, contact: Joost Slooten of ARCADIS NV at +31-26-3778604 outside regular office hours please call +31-6-2706-1880; email: j.slooten@arcadis.nl




    New Thomson Reuters Biomarkers Report Shines a Light on Revolutionary New Area of Drug Development

    PHILADELPHIA and LONDON, April 29 /PRNewswire/ --

    - Biomarkers to Open the Door to Personalized Medicine and Represents a Seismic Shift for the Pharma Industry

    The Scientific business of Thomson Reuters today announced the launch of a new biomarkers report, "Establishing the Standards in Biomarker Research" which gives a detailed introduction to the world of biomarkers, an overview of the regulatory context surrounding them, and highlights ongoing biomarker research in some of the world's leading Pharma companies.

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080424/NYTH069LOGO )

    Thomson Reuters has chosen to highlight advances in biomarker research because of its capacity to change the way Pharma companies do business. Biomarkers which are blood-based tests, gene sequences or mutations, mRNA expression profiles or tissue proteins, provide unparalleled evidence of the state of an organism, or indicate normal biological processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention.

    "Biomarkers seem destined to prove one of the major drivers of pharmaceutical research and drug development in the 21st century," said Jon Brett-Harris, EVP Pharmaceutical and Chemicals Markets, Thomson Reuters. "For example, the presence of a specific antibody in the blood might indicate a specific infection. Once an association between a biomarker and a disease is clearly established, the one can be used to signal the other, and to a high degree of certainty. As well, changes in the prevalence of a biomarker in the organism can immediately and reliably signpost a patient's response to treatment."

    Some pharmaceutical companies are already advancing their research and harnessing the power of biomarkers, which can:

    -- Be used to detect the predisposition for disease in a population, screen for its presence, confirm its diagnosis, assess its severity, predict its response to available therapies and measure its clinical course -- Be used as targets to discover new drugs -- Be a decisive factor in determining whether or not to continue research on an entity -- Show early in the development phase whether an entity could lead to side effects that should terminate further research -- Help to make clinical trials more efficient -- Reduce treatment overheads by optimizing dosages and measuring a patient's response more quickly and accurately

    It is believed that every drug process may have a number of biomarkers associated with it. Most scientists already use a core set of biomarkers, but this is insignificant when compared to the thousands of biomarkers that may exist and have yet to be discovered, documented or quantified. The new Thomson Reuters biomarker report suggests that the disease areas at the forefront of the drive to discover new biomarkers are: cancer, cardiology, neurology, and metabolic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

    However, although biomarkers represent the future of drug development, Thomson Reuters analysis has found broad differences in the Pharma industry's approach to them. Some innovators have important biomarker research projects progressing, while many others have yet to attempt any research at all.

    In spite of this, biomarkers are clearly at the top of the agenda for regulatory authorities. The FDA has recognized that biomarkers are an area of supreme importance to pharmaceutical innovation and personalized medicine and is seeking to create a new framework for regulatory acceptance. Other agencies, including the EMEA, are engaging with same process. In Japan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, have proposed biomarker development as a national project, and are actively promoting biomarker research.

    To read the full report, "Establishing the Standards in Biomarker Research", please register online at: http://scientific.thomson.com/forms/biomarkers/

    The Scientific business of Thomson Reuters provides information and knowledge to accelerate research, discovery and innovation. Its authoritative, accurate and timely information is essential for drug companies to discover new drugs and get them to market faster; researchers to find relevant papers and know what's newly published in their subject; and businesses to optimize their intellectual property and find competitive intelligence. We create the research platforms and services of the future that will power our customers toward business and personal success.

    About Thomson Reuters

    Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, scientific, healthcare and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 50,000 people in 93 countries. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRI); Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: TRI); London Stock Exchange (LSE: TRIL); and Nasdaq (NASDAQ: TRIN). For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.

    CONTACTS Eoin Bedford PR Manager Scientific +44-(0)207-433-4691 eoin.bedford@thomsonreuters.com Web site: http://www.thomsonreuters.com http://scientific.thomson.com/forms/biomarkers

    Thomson Reuters

    Eoin Bedford, PR Manager, Scientific, of Thomson Reuters, +44-207-433-4691, eoin.bedford@thomsonreuters.com /Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080424/NYTH069LOGO, AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org, PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com




    Rogers Declares Quarterly Dividend$0.25 per share quarterly dividend will be paid on July 2, 2008 to shareholders of record on May 13, 2008

    TORONTO, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rogers Communications Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors has declared quarterly dividends totaling $0.25 per share on each of its outstanding Class B Non-Voting shares and Class A Voting shares. The quarterly dividend declared today will be paid on July 2, 2008 to shareholders of record on May 13, 2008.

    This is the second quarterly dividend at the increased $0.25 per share quarterly rate since the Rogers Communications Board of Directors announced on January 7, 2008 that it had approved an increase in the annual dividend from $0.50 to $1.00 per share.

    Rogers Communications is a diversified Canadian communications and media company. We are engaged in wireless voice and data communications services through Wireless, Canada's largest wireless provider and the operator of the country's only national GSM and HSPA based networks. Through Cable we are one of Canada's largest providers of cable television, high-speed Internet access and telephony. Through Media, we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, televised shopping, magazines and trade publications, and sports entertainment. We are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B), and on the New York Stock Exchange . For further information about the Rogers group of companies, please visit http://www.rogers.com/.

    Rogers Communications Inc.

    CONTACT: Bruce M. Mann, (416) 935-3532, bruce.mann@rci.rogers.com; Dan
    Coombes, (416) 935-3550, dan.coombes@rci.rogers.com




    COMFORCE Corporation to Hold Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2008 Results

    WOODBURY, N.Y., April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- COMFORCE Corporation , a leading provider of high-tech professional staffing, consulting and outsourcing services, today announced that it will report its first quarter 2008 results on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, prior to market opening. COMFORCE will sponsor a conference call on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 2 P.M. Eastern Time, hosted by John Fanning, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Harry Maccarrone, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Bob Ende, Senior Vice President-Finance. The purpose of the call is to discuss COMFORCE's first quarter 2008 results.

    The call will be broadcast live over the Internet via http://www.earnings.com/. For those who are unavailable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call on the above web site for 90 days.

    About COMFORCE

    COMFORCE Corporation is a leading provider of outsourced staffing management services that enable Fortune 1000 companies and other large employers to consolidate, automate and manage staffing, compliance and oversight processes for their contingent workforces. We also provide specialty staffing, consulting and other outsourcing services to Fortune 1000 companies and other large employers for their healthcare support, technical and engineering, information technology, telecommunications and other staffing needs. We operate in three segments -- Human Capital Management Services, Staff Augmentation and Financial Outsourcing Services. The Human Capital Management Services segment provides consulting services for managing the contingent workforce through its PRO(R) Unlimited subsidiary. The Staff Augmentation segment provides healthcare support services, including RightSourcing(R) Vendor Management Services, Technical, Information Technology and Other Staffing Services. The Financial Outsourcing Services segment provides funding and back office support services to independent consulting and staffing companies.

    To view the Company's web page visit http://www.comforce.com/

    COMFORCE Corporation

    CONTACT: Bob Ende, Senior Vice President-Finance of COMFORCE
    Corporation, +1-516-437-3300, bende@comforce.com; or General Info & Investor
    Info, Marilynn Meek of Financial Relations Board, +1-212-827-3773, for
    COMFORCE

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




    New Thomson Reuters Biomarkers Report Shines a Light on Revolutionary New Area of Drug DevelopmentBiomarkers to Open the Door to Personalized Medicine and Represents a Seismic Shift for the Pharma Industry

    PHILADELPHIA and LONDON, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Scientific business of Thomson Reuters today announced the launch of a new biomarkers report, "Establishing the Standards in Biomarker Research" which gives a detailed introduction to the world of biomarkers, an overview of the regulatory context surrounding them, and highlights ongoing biomarker research in some of the world's leading Pharma companies.

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080424/NYTH069LOGO )

    Thomson Reuters has chosen to highlight advances in biomarker research because of its capacity to change the way Pharma companies do business. Biomarkers which are blood-based tests, gene sequences or mutations, mRNA expression profiles or tissue proteins, provide unparalleled evidence of the state of an organism, or indicate normal biological processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention.

    "Biomarkers seem destined to prove one of the major drivers of pharmaceutical research and drug development in the 21st century," said Jon Brett-Harris, EVP Pharmaceutical and Chemicals Markets, Thomson Reuters. "For example, the presence of a specific antibody in the blood might indicate a specific infection. Once an association between a biomarker and a disease is clearly established, the one can be used to signal the other, and to a high degree of certainty. As well, changes in the prevalence of a biomarker in the organism can immediately and reliably signpost a patient's response to treatment."

    Some pharmaceutical companies are already advancing their research and harnessing the power of biomarkers, which can:

    -- Be used to detect the predisposition for disease in a population, screen for its presence, confirm its diagnosis, assess its severity, predict its response to available therapies and measure its clinical course -- Be used as targets to discover new drugs -- Be a decisive factor in determining whether or not to continue research on an entity -- Show early in the development phase whether an entity could lead to side effects that should terminate further research -- Help to make clinical trials more efficient -- Reduce treatment overheads by optimizing dosages and measuring a patient's response more quickly and accurately

    It is believed that every drug process may have a number of biomarkers associated with it. Most scientists already use a core set of biomarkers, but this is insignificant when compared to the thousands of biomarkers that may exist and have yet to be discovered, documented or quantified. The new Thomson Reuters biomarker report suggests that the disease areas at the forefront of the drive to discover new biomarkers are: cancer, cardiology, neurology, and metabolic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

    However, although biomarkers represent the future of drug development, Thomson Reuters analysis has found broad differences in the Pharma industry's approach to them. Some innovators have important biomarker research projects progressing, while many others have yet to attempt any research at all.

    In spite of this, biomarkers are clearly at the top of the agenda for regulatory authorities. The FDA has recognized that biomarkers are an area of supreme importance to pharmaceutical innovation and personalized medicine and is seeking to create a new framework for regulatory acceptance. Other agencies, including the EMEA, are engaging with same process. In Japan, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, have proposed biomarker development as a national project, and are actively promoting biomarker research.

    To read the full report, "Establishing the Standards in Biomarker Research", please register online at: http://scientific.thomson.com/forms/biomarkers/

    The Scientific business of Thomson Reuters provides information and knowledge to accelerate research, discovery and innovation. Its authoritative, accurate and timely information is essential for drug companies to discover new drugs and get them to market faster; researchers to find relevant papers and know what's newly published in their subject; and businesses to optimize their intellectual property and find competitive intelligence. We create the research platforms and services of the future that will power our customers toward business and personal success.

    About Thomson Reuters

    Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, scientific, healthcare and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 50,000 people in 93 countries. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange ; Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: TRI); London Stock Exchange ; and Nasdaq . For more information, go to http://www.thomsonreuters.com/.

    CONTACTS Eoin Bedford PR Manager Scientific +44 (0)207 433 4691 eoin.bedford@thomsonreuters.com

    Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080424/NYTH069LOGO
    AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
    PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Thomson Reuters

    CONTACT: Eoin Bedford, PR Manager, Scientific, of Thomson Reuters,
    +44-207-433-4691, eoin.bedford@thomsonreuters.com

    Web site: http://www.thomsonreuters.com/
    http://scientific.thomson.com/forms/biomarkers




    More Universities Hasten Bioinformatics Discoveries Using High-Performance SGI SolutionsSGI Altix Servers and Altix XE Clusters Grow More Popular as Higher Education Institutions Save Time and Money by Centralizing Research on Large Systems

    BOSTON, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BIO-IT WORLD CONFERENCE AND EXPO 2008, Booth 306/308 -- SGI high-performance compute (HPC) systems have long been a fixture in universities throughout the world, speeding time to discovery across a wide range of disciplines.

    SGI shared-memory servers can be found in university research facilities throughout the world, but a new trend is prompting universities to migrate from smaller systems that serve individual departments to larger clusters and shared-memory systems capable of meeting the needs of many departments and disciplines. This trend is saving IT administrators the cost and time of managing multiple small systems, and it offers a new generation of researchers the kind of HPC resources they need to tackle ever-larger bioinformatics problems.

    Universities are choosing SGI systems to meet the demanding challenges of bioinformatics for several reasons.

    -- The SGI server architecture offers the ability to scale compute power by adding processors as needed, without a forklift upgrade. -- SGI systems meet the need for both shared memory and cluster computing environments to maximize application performance and enhance workflows. -- Both shared memory and cluster capabilities can be combined to create a seamless, hybrid environment.

    "Over the last several years, a number of universities have begun purchasing larger SGI Altix multiprocessor systems and have added IT departments to manage their use within the central data center," said Deepak Thakkar, Ph.D. higher education and research solutions manager, SGI. "Many researchers and departments then use grant monies and university matching funds to purchase processors on these large systems. Their purchased processors are always there for their needs, and occasionally, depending on the volume from other departments, IT managers can make more processors available to specific projects."

    Recent examples of this trend include Michigan State University, Universite de Montreal, and the University of Arizona, all which are using SGI Altix systems for cutting edge bioinformatics research.

    Michigan State University -- Gene Mutation Research

    Michigan State University (MSU) has used an SGI(R) Altix(R) XE1300 cluster with 1,024 cores since September 2007. Evolutionary biologist Barry Williams, assistant professor, Zoology and Microbiology and Molecular Genomics, purchased 16 cores of the SGI Altix XE system to identify which forces of nature, such as natural selection or changes in population size, cause changes in DNA to accumulate over time, as well as those forces that prevent new mutations that arise in natural populations. When Williams sees mutations that seem to have some effect on genotype, he makes those mutations in many different strains of yeasts, and puts them in different environments to verify their potential effects. Williams works primarily with easily manipulated single-cell yeast microbes.

    While he has done work on the university's existing SGI(R) Altix(R) 3700 HPC system at MSU, installed some two years ago, Williams considers the number of projects he can run in parallel on the new SGI Altix XE cluster as a boon to his research.

    "It's not unusual for one analysis running on one processor to take several days to a week. We have 6,000 genes that make up the yeast genome that we want to analyze, and each one can take a day. Without the Altix cluster this just becomes impossible," said Williams, who also conducts artificial life research on the SGI system. "The artificial life evolves autonomous computer programs in silico -- we do this to make general predictions about the evolutionary process that we can next test in the yeasts. The beauty of artificial life research is that you can repeat the experiment of evolution with the exact same starting conditions and let evolution take place again and again. I have 16 processors on the systems, so at any one time I can run 16 completely different worlds in parallel. They all start at the same point; they all have the same genetic diversity; they all start with the same individuals and the same conditions, but simultaneously, 16 times, I can let them evolve for millions upon millions of generations."

    Many other MSU departments including Nuclear Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry will also be harnessing the power of the SGI system (see separate release, April 29, 2008).

    Universite de Montreal -- World's Largest Heart Simulation Model with 2 Billion Elements

    In the quest to discover how the mechanisms of heart disease work, researchers at the Universite de Montreal (UdM) ran the largest mathematical simulation of a heart ever assembled -- a 2 billion element model -- on a high-performance SGI(R) Altix(R) 4700 system with 1.2TB of memory. (See separate release January 15, 2008) The SGI Altix is believed to be the largest shared memory computing system in Canada

    Until recently, the largest heart models in the world had at most a few million elements.

    Dr. Mark Potse and Dr Alain Vinet, both affiliated with the Research Center of Sacre-Coeur Hospital and the Biomedical Engineering department at UdM, began running 100 to 120 million-point models as part of their heart disease research. Potse and Vinet regularly use 60 of the 768 Intel(R) Itanium(R) 2 processors running on the SGI Altix which, as part of the Quebec Network for High-Performance Computing (RQCHP), is shared by many researchers from across Canada since it's unveiling in February 2007.

    In October last year, Potse and Vinet had the opportunity to run their custom electrocardiography (ECG) code using the entire SGI Altix system with all 786 processors and all 1.2TB of shared memory. Originally written by them on an earlier SGI system and ported to the SGI Altix system's Linux(R) environment in 2003, the ECG code made the leap from 120 million points to 2 billion with ease.

    "This was a test to see if the simulation works and to determine that, if we have a much bigger machine, our software will be able to run more efficiently," said Potse. "This capability is really for the future when we can use this size of machine on a regular basis, but with the Altix system we have made the heart model of the future today."

    The new UdM model is up to 1,000 times more detailed than previous models, enabling new scientific discoveries that would never be possible via observation alone.

    University of Arizona -- Maize Sequencing Research

    The University Information Technology Services (UITS) at the University of Arizona (UA)) purchased two SGI Altix 4700 systems with a total of 1.2TB of memory over a year ago. Instead of departments purchasing processors before installation, the UA allows professors and researchers to add processors to the scalable SGI compute environment. The systems are a university-wide resource available to any department in need of HPC, which includes a number of ongoing and new bioinformatics projects. (See separate release, July 16, 2007)

    Research Professor Cari Soderlund heads the Arizona Genomics Computational Laboratory (AGCoL) that is currently working on the computational aspects of sequencing 30,000 genes for maize. In order to determine the sequence of genes, subsequences of about 800 base pairs (bp) are generated. To reconstruct the original gene sequence, the sub sequences are analyzed to determine the overlapping sub-sequences. For the 700,000 sequences, the global shared memory of the SGI Altix system will accelerate data generation and analysis.

    "As our lab is often processing large datasets, the speedup from the SGI Altix system should increase the turn-around time between the generation of biological data and computational analysis," said Soderlund, who recently began porting her project to the SGI Altix system. "It would also allow for more experimentation of parameters and algorithms for larger datasets."

    "The Altix 4700 has been our workhorse for the past year and is used by researchers throughout campus, including life sciences," said Dr. Michael Bruck, Assistant Director of Research Computing at the UA's UITS, which coordinates central research computer resources on campus. "The Altix is meeting and exceeding our expectations."

    SGI Altix systems empower research at many prestigious universities, including UC Riverside, Purdue University, Stony Brook University, University of Utah, Technische Universitat Dresden (TU Dresden), University of Sao Paulo and U.S. Air Force Academy.

    "With many universities deploying both shared memory systems and clusters such as the SGI Altix servers and Altix XE clusters, we are now seeing jobs scheduled based upon the architecture that best suits their computing needs-an entirely seamless process for the researchers," added Thakkar. "SGI systems are being rapidly adopted not only for bioinformatics, but for all disciplines ranging from astronomy to zoology."

    SGI -- Innovation for Results(TM)

    SGI is a leader in high-performance computing. SGI delivers a complete range of high-performance server, visualization and storage solutions along with industry-leading professional services and support that enable its customers to overcome the challenges of complex data-intensive workflows and accelerate breakthrough discoveries, innovation and information transformation. SGI helps customers solve significant challenges whether it's enhancing the quality of life through drug research, designing and manufacturing safer and more efficient cars and airplanes, studying global climate change, providing technologies for homeland security and defense, or helping enterprises manage large data. With offices worldwide, the company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., and can be found on the Web at sgi.com.

    (C) 2008 SGI. All rights reserved. SGI, Altix, the SGI cube and the SGI logo are registered trademarks of SGI in the United States and/or other countries worldwide. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

    MEDIA CONTACT Marla Robinson marlar@sgi.com 256.773.2371 SGI PR HOTLINE 650.933.7777 PR FACSIMILE 650.933.0714

    SGI

    CONTACT: media, Marla Robinson of SGI, +1-256-773-2371, marlar@sgi.com,
    or SGI PR HOTLINE, +1-650-933-7777, SGI PR FACSIMILE, +1-650-933-0714

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




    Microsoft Expands Datacenter Management Offerings With Advanced Heterogeneous and Virtualization CapabilitiesNew Microsoft System Center solutions for management of multivendor virtualization, operating systems and applications available for customer evaluation.

    LAS VEGAS, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, before an audience of more than 4,000 IT professionals and partners at the Microsoft Management Summit (MMS) 2008, Bob Muglia, senior vice president of the Server and Tools Business at Microsoft Corp., outlined the next phase in the company's strategy to enable dynamic IT organizations. As part of this strategy, Muglia announced technology innovations that are designed to expand Microsoft's virtualization capabilities and introduced its use of open source technologies and industry standards to broaden its ability to deliver automated management of heterogeneous IT environments.

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

    "At Microsoft we are helping redefine what it means to do IT management in the enterprise with the new capabilities we are announcing today," Muglia said. "By taking our knowledge of the Windows environment and expanding it to address heterogeneous management needs across platforms, applications, hardware and virtualization, we are opening up a new level of opportunity for companies to drive greater efficiency, responsiveness and value for their business."

    As IT environments grow more diverse and complex across desktops, datacenters, physical and virtual deployments, and heterogeneous infrastructures spanning Windows and non-Windows environments, Microsoft has worked closely with customers to deliver a comprehensive enterprise strategy for an integrated management solution. The announcements today build on the strong, existing Microsoft System Center presence in the datacenter with key additions in the areas of cross-platform, expanded interoperability and multivendor virtualization management solutions, which are further extended by the contributions of a strong and growing partner ecosystem.

    Extending Cross-Platform Management for the Datacenter

    Microsoft today announced the availability of a public beta for System Center Operations Manager 2007 Cross Platform Extensions, which build on the existing Operations Manager 2007 technology and capabilities and are designed to help customers extend the value of their Microsoft System Center investments. Providing customers with a comprehensive management solution, this new end-to-end IT systems monitoring capability incorporates industry standards and proven open source technologies, including Web Services for Management (WS-Management) and OpenPegasus, extending the capabilities across both physical and virtualized Windows and non-Windows operating systems and applications. Microsoft delivers the core foundational cross-platform support out of the box for HP-UX, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Sun Solaris and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server operating systems so that partners can focus on adding their deep domain expertise in the form of management packs. Companies such as Novell Inc., Quest Software Inc. and Xandros Inc. have demonstrated their support by working to deliver monitoring abilities for applications made by organizations such as The Apache Software Foundation, MySQL AB and Oracle.

    Further demonstrating support for its commitment to OpenPegasus, Microsoft also announced today that it will be joining the OpenPegasus Steering Committee and contribute code back to the open source community under the Microsoft Public License, an Open Source Initiative (OSI)-approved license.

    "The System Center Operations Manager 2007 Cross Platform Extensions have already delivered exciting results for Xandros," said Andreas Typaldos, CEO of Xandros. "They enabled us to cut our expected development time in half as we created our management packs for Apache and MySQL running on Linux and Solaris, resulting in quicker time to market and delivery of betas to our customers today. This new foundation from Microsoft enabled us to focus on the development of high-level management functions for applications, with the knowledge that the Cross Platform Extensions were providing the necessary underlying interfaces to System Center Operations Manager, enabling heterogeneous management from a single location across customer environments."

    Microsoft also delivered a beta of the updated System Center Operations Manager 2007 Connectors, based on many of the same extensible open source technology and industry standards as the Cross Platform Extensions, which provide an integrated administrative experience and the ability to interoperate and exchange System Center monitoring data with third-party management offerings such as HP OpenView and IBM Tivoli Enterprise Console.

    Single Pane of Glass for Managing Virtualized and Physical IT Assets

    Also delivered today was the public beta of System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 (formerly code-named "Virtual Machine Manager vNext"), which enables customers to configure and deploy new virtual machines and to centrally manage their virtualized infrastructure, whether running on Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V, Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 or VMware ESX Server.

    System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 tightly integrates with Operations Manager 2007 to deliver a new feature called Performance and Resource Optimization (PRO). Using deep knowledge of the IT environment including operating systems, applications and hardware, Operations Manager identifies opportunities for more efficient physical and virtual resource allocation and generates "PRO tips" within the Virtual Machine Manager console. Administrators can implement these PRO tips and dynamically optimize their datacenter based upon pre-defined policies and the real-time, changing demands of users. When used in conjunction with the broad System Center management suite, System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 enables customers effectively to manage both their virtualized and physical servers and applications across their desktops and datacenters with a single set of consistent, compatible tools.

    "Deploying, monitoring and managing applications across a heterogeneous IT infrastructure can present many challenges and complexities, all of which are compounded when consolidating servers, optimizing desktops and applications, or creating business continuity solutions using multiple virtualization solutions," said Jerry Phillips, senior director of Systems Operations at Clear Channel Communications Inc. "Our experience with System Center solutions has demonstrated that Microsoft not only recognizes our need to manage our Windows datacenter infrastructure, but also non-Windows and virtual servers from other vendors. Being able to do so through a single administrative console will provide improvements in productivity and reductions in our cost of IT operations, enabling us to improve overall organizational contributions."

    A number of partners, including Brocade, Dell, EMC Corp., Emulex Corp., HP, NetQOS, QLogic Corp. and Quest, announced they will deliver management packs enabled for PRO. These management packs enable partners and customers to integrate their domain-specific knowledge directly into Virtual Machine Manager and further integrate physical and virtual management.

    "Dell's focus is to simplify IT for our customers and drive complexity out of the datacenter, and virtualization is a key technology driving this effort," said Laurie Tolson, vice president of systems management at Dell Product Group. "By working with industry leaders like Microsoft on advances in systems management between Dell OpenManage and Microsoft Hyper-V, System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 and Windows Server 2008, we're able to bridge the gap between the physical and virtual management spaces, providing an optimized solution that helps our customers get the most out of their hardware and virtualization investments."

    "New ways to lower energy costs, reduce server sprawl and optimize datacenters are provided by the collaboration between HP and Microsoft as virtualization goes mainstream," said Scott Farrand, vice president of Industry Standard Server Software at HP. "Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager used alongside HP Insight software on HP ProLiant servers, and HP Server Automation software, allow customers to seamlessly manage physical and virtual environments. The combined solutions also allow customers to maximize availability, performance and flexibility of physical host servers, virtualized guest operating systems and workloads."

    Beta software of System Center Operation Manager 2007 Cross Platform Extensions, Connectors and Virtual Machine Manager 2008 were made available to attendees at the conference and can be downloaded at http://connect.microsoft.com/. Customers interested in finding more information on the System Center offerings or in evaluating them through trial offerings can visit http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter and the System Center blog at http://blogs.technet.com/systemcenter.

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

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

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

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




    Logility Recognized as a Top Logistics IT ProviderFor the eleventh year, Inbound Logistics selects Logility as a leading logistics provider

    ATLANTA, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Logility, Inc. , a leading supplier of collaborative solutions to optimize the supply chain, today announced that Logility has been selected as an Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics IT Provider for 2008. This is the eleventh consecutive year that Logility has received this prestigious recognition.

    To determine the 2008 Top 100 Logistics IT Providers, Inbound Logistics evaluated more than 300 candidates on their ability to deliver solutions that meet the diverse needs of the growing shipper community. Through questionnaires, online research and personal interviews, Inbound Logistics selected the Top 100. The companies chosen for the Top 100 reflect Inbound Logistics readers' diverse IT needs and requirements for solutions that offer simplicity, ROI, and efficient implementation.

    "Solutions providers such as Logility empower logistics and supply chain management, continuing to offer innovative and practical solutions in the face of fast-changing challenges. During 2008, Logility consistently provided the kinds of technology solutions Inbound Logistics readers need to successfully manage their global enterprises," said Felecia Stratton, editor, Inbound Logistics. "As shippers, carriers, and 3PLs increase their use of logistics IT, Logility continues to be flexible and responsive, anticipating customers' evolving needs. That's why Inbound Logistics editors have recognized Logility as one of 2008's Top 100 Logistics IT providers."

    Logility Voyager Solutions(TM) is a complete supply chain management solution featuring performance monitoring capabilities that increases supply chain visibility and performance in key areas including demand, inventory and replenishment planning, sales and operations planning (S&OP), manufacturing planning and scheduling and transportation planning and management. Logility Voyager Solutions also support sustainability efforts, helping companies go green by optimizing transportation planning and management which leads to reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions and maximized capacity and truck loads for more cost-effective and efficient shipping.

    "Logility continues to be a leader in helping our customers build more effective and cost efficient supply chains that not only increases profitability and customer service levels but also help minimize the impact logistics processes can have on the environment," said Mike Edenfield, president and CEO, Logility. "We are proud to be recognized for the eleventh consecutive year as a Top 100 Logistics IT Provider as it reinforces that our solutions are continuing to make a positive impact on our customers' supply chain initiatives and goals."

    About Logility

    With more than 1,250 customers worldwide, Logility is a leading provider of collaborative, best-of-breed supply chain solutions that help small, medium, large and Fortune 1000 companies realize substantial bottom-line results in record time. Logility Voyager Solutions is a complete supply chain management solution that features performance monitoring capabilities in a single Internet-based framework and provides supply chain visibility; demand, inventory and replenishment planning; Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP); supply and global sourcing optimization; manufacturing planning and scheduling; transportation planning and management; and warehouse management. Logility customers include Brown Shoe Company, McCain Foods, Pernod Ricard, Sigma Aldrich, and VF Corporation. Logility is a majority owned subsidiary of American Software . For more information about Logility, call 1-800-762-5207 or visit http://www.logility.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by statements made herein. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in general economic conditions, technology and the market for the Company's products and services including economic conditions within the e-commerce markets; the timely availability and market acceptance of these products and services; the effect of competitive products and pricing; the uncertainty of the viability and effectiveness of strategic alliances; and the irregular pattern of the Company's revenues. For further information about risks the Company could experience as well as other information, please refer to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2007 and other reports and documents subsequently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information about risks the Company could face as well as other information, contact Vincent C. Klinges, Chief Financial Officer, Logility, Inc., 470 East Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, GA 30305, (404) 261-9777. FAX: (404) 264-5206 INTERNET: http://www.logility.com/ or E-mail: asklogility@logility.com.

    All trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

    Logility, Inc.

    CONTACT: Michelle Duke of Logility, Inc., +1-404-264-5485,
    mduke@logility.com

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

    Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/120967.html




    John Hancock Freedom 529 Launches Series of Marketing Initiatives to Support Financial ConsultantsUpdated Website is First Tool Enhanced to Make Doing Business Easier

    BOSTON, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- John Hancock Freedom 529 updated its 529 website to kick off a series of 2008 marketing initiatives designed to enhance the financial consultant's experience of working with John Hancock Freedom 529.

    "With our fee reduction in December, last year's efforts were largely product-focused," said Terri Hayes, Vice President, John Hancock College Savings. "We're now looking at ways we can help financial consultants grow their businesses, and we're starting by enhancing some of our most-used tools."

    Among the updates to the site are: -- Reorganized content to make navigation easier -- Addition of interactive performance pages to make it easy to view performance by share class or investment strategy on a daily, quarterly or monthly basis. -- Revamp of the literature ordering system which now allows advisors to: -- download and order marketing material easily and quickly -- search for marketing and sales literature by keyword, item number (lit code), or item description -- search for marketing and sales literature by material type (application/form, brochure, kit, mailer, premium, etc.) -- designate certain items that are used most often as "Favorites" for quick access -- choose to display thumbnail images (or hide them) -- choose to activate email notification, so you can track each order you place -- retrieve current orders and cancel or edit orders -- Addition of the ability to update and retrieve usernames and passwords, rather than having to re-register.

    "We want to support financial consultants as they work with clients to pay for college, and the goal of these enhancements is to make doing business with John Hancock Freedom 529 easier," said Hayes.

    John Hancock Freedom 529

    John Hancock Freedom 529 is a national Section 529 college savings plan. John Hancock Freedom 529 is offered by the Education Trust of Alaska and managed by T. Rowe Price, and is distributed by John Hancock Distributors LLC, through other broker/dealers that have a selling agreement with John Hancock Distributors LLC. John Hancock Distributors LLC is a member of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), formerly NASD, and is listed with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). The plan offers a multi-managed approach, allowing investors to work with their financial consultants to pursue a strategy to maximize their investment opportunities, while managing risk. Expanding upon the inherent advantages of a typical 529 savings plan, the product offers investment choices from some of the nation's top mutual fund managers.

    About John Hancock and Manulife Financial

    John Hancock is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation (the Company), a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$396.0 billion (US$401 billion) as of December 31, 2007.

    Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at http://www.manulife.com/.

    The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance.

    If your state or your designated Beneficiary's state offers a 529 plan you may want to consider what, if any, potential state income tax or other benefits it offers, before investing. State tax or other benefits should be one of many factors to be considered prior to making an investment decision. Please consult with your financial, tax or other advisor about how these state benefits, if any, may apply to your specific circumstances. You may also contact your state 529 plan or any other 529 college savings plan to learn more about their features. Please contact your financial consultant or call 1-866-222-7498 to obtain a Plan Disclosure Document or prospectus for any of the underlying funds. The Plan Disclosure Document contains complete details on investment objectives, risks, fees, charges and expenses, as well as more information about municipal fund securities and the underlying investment companies that should be considered before investing. Please read the Plan Disclosure Document carefully prior to investing.

    529 plans are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not bank or state guaranteed.

    John Hancock College Savings

    CONTACT: Melissa Simon Berczuk of John Hancock College Savings,
    +1-617-663-4750, mberczuk@jhancock.com

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

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