Companies news of 2008-07-23 (page 2)
AT&T Global Business Services Unit Caps Second Quarter with Strategic Announcements,...
Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Residents to Benefit From Verizon Wireless Network...
Gameloft - Second-Quarter Sales of EUR25.0 Million and 16% Growth on a Comparable Exchange...
/C O R R E C T I O N -- Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc./In the news release, Lincoln...
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TRX Awarded Patent for Data Technology Tool Used by Corporate Buyers to Analyze Airline...
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AT&T Global Business Services Unit Caps Second Quarter with Strategic Announcements, Enhancements to Core Services
DALLAS, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The rollout of AT&T Digital Media Solutions(SM) portfolio of content distribution services and a global agreement with Cisco to provide an industry-first, fully managed intercompany Cisco(R) TelePresence solution for multinational customers capped a series of second-quarter 2008 achievements for the Global Business Solutions (GBS) unit of AT&T Inc. .
AT&T's Digital Media Solutions portfolio includes content distribution and management, broadcast video and digital signage services and solutions that are targeted to companies ranging from businesses with multiple small-office locations to the most sophisticated multinational companies in industries that include media, financial, education, medical, manufacturing and retail.
Built upon Cisco TelePresence, the AT&T Telepresence Solution provides business customers with High-Definition video conferencing systems that are a viable alternative to traditional face-to-face meetings. Businesses can improve collaboration among partners, suppliers and customers, accelerate productivity and achieve substantial cost savings through reduced travel.
Following the close of the quarter, Oracle was among the first business customers to deploy iPhone 3G, which went on sale July 11 and includes business-class wireless data features, and e-mail.
These announcements and others made by the business unit underscored AT&T's industry leadership and commitment to delivering intelligent and secure networking, application-enabling platforms, business solution expertise and a world-class customer experience. The announcements also represent significant milestones in the company's yearlong deployment of nearly $1 billion in network infrastructure upgrades designed to deliver IP-enabled services and solutions for businesses with operations in key markets worldwide.
Over the past two years, AT&T has delivered a major turnaround in enterprise growth rates, and in the second quarter results were highlighted by an 18.4 percent increase in enterprise IP data revenues, including areas such as Virtual Private Networks (VPN), managed Internet services and hosting. Enterprise fundamentals in terms of closed sales, a strong sales funnel and new service adoption remain solid. AT&T expects to deliver positive growth in total enterprise revenues for the full year 2008.
The business unit also announced significant contract wins in the quarter highlighted by a Government Solutions agreement worth $37.5 million to build a single global network for the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System. Other key sales include a global hosting service agreement with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts(TM), a three-year, networking services contract worth more than $3 million with Meredith Corporation to deliver managed Internet services and content distribution services, and a three-year, $4.3 million win with PepsiAmericas to enable its global operations with expanded VPN locations in the U.S., Hungary and Romania.
Following up its announcement earlier this year that it will serve as a primary SAP(R) hosting partner for business customers in North America, AT&T completed agreements to manage SAP enterprise applications for American Wood Moulding and MEI -- one of the world's leading manufacturers of electronic bill acceptors and coin mechanisms.
AT&T GBS also made news during the quarter by releasing the results of its annual study on business continuity and disaster recovery preparedness for U.S. businesses. This year's survey revealed that one in five U.S. businesses does not have a business continuity plan in place. And AT&T's BusinessDirect(R) customer portal also was in the news as it was named the top telecom carrier Customer Web Portal for the fourth consecutive year in a study conducted by The Yankee Group(1).
AT&T's GBS unit serves the company's enterprise and wholesale customers globally, providing networking services and solutions to companies ranging from the largest multinationals to national and smaller, regionally based domestic companies, plus U.S. governmental agencies.
Enhancements to the Core Portfolio
During 2Q08, AT&T made the following updates to its core portfolio of services for business customers:
Customer Experience
-- Converged Wireless/Wireline Portal: AT&T enhanced its AT&T
BusinessDirect customer portal to give business customers who have
both AT&T Wireless and Wireline Services, a single Internet access
point to all of their online business management tools.
In another enhancement to the customer portal, AT&T's Mobility
Services have been integrated within AT&T BusinessDirect eBill,
allowing business customers that qualify to get a single, easy-to-read
online bill for their AT&T Wireless and Wireline services.
Enterprise Mobility
-- Remote Access: AT&T's Global Network Client Version 7.3 has enhanced
support for roaming connections to a Virtual Private Network (VPN),
including a persistent connection capability that automatically re-
establishes network connectivity with minimal user interaction, as
well as a VPN mobility capability where users can connect from a wired
connection and move to their associated Wi-Fi connection.
VPN Enhancements
-- VPN Expansion: The AT&T VPN portfolio now offers clients six Classes
of Service, which enhances the ability of customers to control the use
of their bandwidth. AT&T also expanded its VPN global footprint to
include 143 countries, and VPN access via Ethernet connections to
32 countries.
Voice Over IP
-- Global Resale Agreement With Avaya: This expanded agreement extends
the reach of AT&T's equipment services including Avaya equipment,
installation and Day Two services to cover 47 countries globally,
providing customers with a single source for Avaya-based unified
communications and contact center solutions.
-- AT&T Business VoIP Usage-Based Billing Availability: Usage-based
billing is now available with AT&T Business VoIP Service including
AT&T Voice DNA, AT&T IP Flexible Reach and AT&T IP Toll Free. Usage-
based billing provides price savings to customers who need bandwidths
above a DS-1 circuit but can't justify the full capability of a DS-3
circuit. Customers can specify a minimum committed rate with the
ability to burst to the full DS-3 bandwidth as needed.
-- Equipment Certification With AT&T IP Flexible Reach: Two manufacturers
have had their switches and telephone equipment certified with AT&T IP
Flexible Reach, AT&T's premises-based Voice over IP solution:
-- ShoreTel(R)ShoreGear(R) Voice Switches and ShorePhone(TM) IP
Telephones. ShoreGear voice switches and ShorePhone IP telephones
deliver reliable unified communications across multiple enterprise
locations, enabling organizations of any size to easily integrate
all communications -- including voice, data, messaging and
video -- with business processes.
-- The Toshiba Strata CIX family of IP business communication systems
from Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. Telecommunication
Systems Division. The combination of Toshiba voice communications
systems and AT&T's IP Flexible Reach service is now available from
the network of Authorized Toshiba Dealers nationwide.
Traditional Voice
-- AT&T Business Network (ABN) Loyalty Pricing: AT&T introduced an
improved AT&T Business Network long distance pricing structure
effective July 1, 2008. Under this new pricing method customer get
preferred rates for calls made using AT&T owned facilities and calls
made to AT&T business mobile devices. This simplified pricing, which
is now a standard part of ABN, makes it a more attractive offer for
business customers nationwide.
-- AT&T NetPROTECT Expansion: AT&T has expanded our NetPROTECT service to
include all eligible business customers who subscribe to AT&T voice
services. This service provides increased fraud liability protection
and a consistent customer experience for toll fraud monitoring and
private branch exchange (PBX) dispute processing throughout our entire
domestic network.
GBS Second-Quarter 2008 Highlights:
During the second quarter 2008, the GBS business unit issued these press releases:
AT&T Announces New Digital Media Solutions Portfolio to Deliver and Manage Multimedia Content for Businesses Worldwide (June 24) Agreements Struck With ExtendMedia, Qumu and Stratacache to Deliver Rich Video, Web Content http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25853
AT&T First Service Provider to Deliver Intercompany Cisco Telepresence for Businesses around the World (April 21) Fully Managed AT&T Telepresence Solution Enables New Way to Collaborate and Drive Business Productivity http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25523
AT&T to Offer Next-Generation iPhone on Its High-Performance 3G Network (June 9) Broadband Speed and New Capabilities Enhance Iconic Mobile Device; $199 Starting Price Significantly Expands Mass Market Appeal; New Corporate E-Mail and Web Applications Move iPhone Further Into Business Market http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25791
Other GBS Announcements
AT&T Launches College Mobile Applications Developer Contest (April 1) 'Big Mobile on Campus Challenge' to Award $10,000 Scholarship to Winner http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25415
AT&T Launches New Services to Help Wholesale Customers Meet Increased Demand (April 2) Offers Include VoIP With Ethernet Access and eMaintenance http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25422
AT&T Positioned In the Leaders Quadrant in Magic Quadrant for U.S. Network Service Providers, 1H08 (April 3) http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25427
AT&T Positioned by Analyst Firm in 2008 Leaders Quadrant for Web Hosting Services (April 14) http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25481
AT&T Recognized by Nemertes with a 2008 Nemertes Pilothouse Award (April 15) http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25505
AT&T Appoints New Vice President for Germany and Central Europe (April 16) Joachim Kathmann Appointed as Vice President for AT&T Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Eastern Europe http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25607
PepsiAmericas Awards $4.3 Million Networking Services Contract to AT&T (April 16) http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25479
AT&T Expands Business Development Team in Asia Pacific (April 17) Business Development Executive Appointed to Strengthen Sales and Support for Multinational Investments http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25614
AT&T Stands Ready, Helps Prepare Customers for Forecasted 'Active' Hurricane Season (May 5) http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25616
AT&T and Pyxis Mobile Announce Exclusive Alliance to Deliver Mobile Applications to Financial Services Industry (May 7) Companies to Extend Critical Business Data to AT&T Mobile Devices http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25646
MEI Migrates SAP Application to AT&T (May 14) AT&T's Leading Application Services Capabilities Allow MEI to Manage Its Business in a Cost-Effective, Flexible Environment http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25694
AT&T Positioned in the Leaders Quadrant in Magic Quadrant for Managed and Professional Network Service Providers, North America (May 16) http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25698
AT&T Offers Hyatt a Suite of Global Hosting and Managed Solutions (May 22) http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25730
AT&T Launches the GPS-Enabled Blackberry Pearl 8110 Smartphone (May 23) Built-In GPS Makes Navigation Easy With Maps and Audible Step-by-Step Directions
Perfect Handset for Small Businesses - Especially When Combined With New BusinessTalk Plans and BlackBerry Professional Software to Create Complete Voice and Data Solution http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25563
Gulf Finance House Signs Strategic Alliance with AT&T and NavLink (May 25) http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25736AT&T
Study: One in Five U.S. Businesses Does Not Have a Business Continuity Plan in Place (June 2) IT Execs: 'Hacking' Will Be Most Significant Threat to Cybersecurity in the Next Five Years http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25760
AT&T Launches Encryption Services to Help Businesses Secure E-Mail and Data (June 3) AT&T Expands Managed Security Services Portfolio http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25761
Ramco Systems Delivers Software-As-A-Service via AT&T (June 4) Enterprise Application Vendor Meets Midmarket Customer Needs by Presenting its Solution over the Internet, as a Service http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25783
AT&T Announces $37.5 Million Contract to Deploy Global Technology Solution for NPOESS (June 10) http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25811
Meredith Corp. Boosts Bandwidth with AT&T (June 11) http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25814
AT&T BusinessDirect Leads the Pack in Analyst Firm's Review of Customer Portals (June 18) AT&T Is the Only Carrier to Receive the Highest Measurement in All Areas Evaluated http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=25846
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on America's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.
(C) 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
Note: This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.
(1) Source: Yankee Group Research, Inc., Fixed-Line Carrier Enterprise Portal Development Further Empowers the End User, June 2008.
AT&T Inc.
CONTACT: Michael Lordi, +1-908-234-6071, cell, +1-908-329-4854, mlordi@attnews.us, for AT&T; or Janet Wyles of AT&T, +1-908-234-6067, cell, +1-732-331-6754, wyles@att.com
Web site: http://www.att.com/
Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Residents to Benefit From Verizon Wireless Network ExpansionInvesting to Stay Ahead of Growing Demand for Wireless Calling, Data Access, and Music
DOWNINGTOWN, Pa., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents in Chester County, Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless company with the most reliable voice and data network, has expanded its network with a new cell site. The new site increases coverage and capacity along Marshallton Thorndale Road at Crestmont Drive, along Poorhouse Road at North Forest Hills, and along West Chester Road at South Bailey Road.
The network expansion is part of an aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year (more than $1 billion every 90 days) to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless' voice and data services. The company spent more than $235 million to enhance services and coverage throughout southeastern, central and northeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware in 2007, bringing the network investment in the region to more than $1.5 billion since 2000. Nationally, the company has invested nearly $45 billion since it was formed - $5.5 billion on average every year - to offer customers the most reliable service available, including wireless data services such as picture messaging, text messaging, and the company's exclusive V CAST service. V CAST brings video clips of TV shows, music on demand and other multimedia services to wireless phones over Verizon Wireless' high-speed EV-DO network. Verizon Wireless's high-speed third generation wireless broadband network has been enhanced with EV-DO Rev. A technology. This enhancement allows customers who use the company's flagship business data service, BroadbandAccess, to interact with Web-based applications, download music over-the-air, access to e-mail, everyday corporate data, the Internet, and more at speeds that are eight to nine times faster than before. For example, BroadbandAccess customers with Rev. A compatible devices can now 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.
Strong demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during the second quarter of 2008 as the company reported 1.5 million net customer additions. For the 15th consecutive quarter, Verizon Wireless also led the wireless industry in customer loyalty. The company posted a churn (customer turnover) rate of just 1.19%, well below the rate reported by the other major wireless carriers.
Verizon Wireless tests its network and those of its competitors to ensure the Verizon Wireless network remains the nation's most reliable. Nationally, Verizon Wireless' real-life test men and women drive 98 specially equipped vehicles almost 1,000,000 miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets in high-population areas, based upon U.S. Census counts, to determine if voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 68.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 70,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast- quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: Carly Irwin, +1-215-790-4342, or Sheldon Jones, +1-215-638-5668, both of Verizon Wireless
Web site: http://www.verizon.com/
Gameloft - Second-Quarter Sales of EUR25.0 Million and 16% Growth on a Comparable Exchange Rate Basis
PARIS, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gameloft posted consolidated sales of EUR50.3 million for the first half of 2008, up by 10% from the previous year. On a comparable exchange rate basis, half-year growth reached 17%.
In EUR millions 2008 2007 Variation
1st quarter 25.3 22.7 +11%
2nd quarter 25.0 23.2 +8%
1st half-year 50.3 45.9 +10%
Mobile games accounted for 94% of first half revenues. The remaining 6% are related to Gameloft's console game business (Nintendo DS, Xbox Live Arcade and, for the first time, Nintendo WiiWare).
Europe represented 44% of sales for the first six months of 2008, North America 29% and the rest of the world 28%. The sharpest growth took place in the rest of the world, up 66% year on year. In 2007, Europe, North America and the rest of the world represented respectively 44%, 34% and 22% of Gameloft's total sales over the full year.
The increase in first half-year sales is in line with the company's expectations, and the company therefore reiterates its growth and profitability guidance for 2008. Gameloft anticipates its sales growth rate to accelerate in the second half of 2008 thanks to recent and future releases of games for iPhone, N-Gage and mass-market platforms such as Nintendo Wii and DS.
Gameloft has enjoyed immediate success in the release of its WiiWare, XBLA and iPhone games, reinforcing its strategy developed in 2007. Hits from its production studios include Brain Challenge, a top seller on XBLA in the month after its release on the Microsoft service. TV Show King sold well enough to earn a spot on the "most popular games" section of the WiiWare service in Europe, US and Japan after its May 2008 release. On the iPhone, between one and four Gameloft games have placed among the top 10 best sellers in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan.
In the long term, Gameloft is in an ideal position to remain the number one mobile gaming company worldwide and to continue its fast growth in a market which it has been investing in with success since 2002 and will include nearly 4 billion potential consumers by 2010 (1). Gameloft also intends to fully leverage its know-how on mass market, online connected consoles that target a similar demographic to the mobile games segment.
The group's consolidated half-year results will be published on August 28, after the close of the market.
For more information, consult http://www.gameloft.com/
(1) Source : Strategy Analytics
Contact:
Anne-Laure Descleves,
Head of Communications,
Tel +33-1-5816-2082,
anne-laure.descleves@gameloft.com
Gameloft
CONTACT: Contact: Anne-Laure Descleves, Head of Communications, Tel +33-1-5816-2082, anne-laure.descleves@gameloft.com
/C O R R E C T I O N -- Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc./In the news release, Lincoln Electric Reports Record 2008 Second Quarter Financial Results, issued earlier today by Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LECO) over PR Newswire, in the second table of the Consolidated Statements of Income, the heading of the table should read "Six Months Ended June 30," rather than "Three Months Ended June 30" as incorrectly transmitted by PR Newswire. Complete, corrected release follows:Lincoln Electric Reports Record 2008 Second Quarter Financial Results
CLEVELAND, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
- Sales increased 19.3% to $699.8 million
- Operating income increased 21.6% to $91.6 million
- Net income increased 26.9% to $70.1 million
- Diluted earnings per share increased 27.6% to $1.62
Six Months Ended June 30, 2008
- Sales increased 16.2% to $1.32 billion
- Operating income increased 18.4% to $170.1 million
- Net income increased 19.7% to $123.6 million
- Diluted earnings per share increased 20.6% to $2.87
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") today reported record 2008 second quarter operating income, increasing 21.6% to $91.6 million from $75.4 million in 2007, on a sales increase of 19.3%. Net income for the second quarter increased 26.9% to $70.1 million, or $1.62 per diluted share from $55.2 million, or $1.27 per diluted share in 2007. The 2008 second quarter effective tax rate was 26.3% compared with 29.6% in 2007.
Sales for the second quarter increased 19.3% to $699.8 million from $586.6 million in the comparable period of 2007. Sales for the Company's North American operations were $400.7 million in the quarter versus $363.8 million in the comparable quarter last year, an increase of 10.1%. U.S. export sales in the quarter increased 28.6% to $64.5 million from $50.1 million in 2007.
Sales at Lincoln subsidiaries outside North America increased to $299.1 million in the second quarter, compared with $222.8 million in the year ago quarter, an increase of 34.2%. Excluding acquisitions and the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, sales outside North America increased 12.3% in the quarter.
"I am pleased to report excellent results for the second quarter," said John M. Stropki, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We continue to realize strong sales results, profitability and cash flows despite a challenging North American industrial economic cycle, continued unprecedented volatility in the metals markets and significant challenges in ensuring supply availability. Our broad market position in key global growth segments allowed us to take advantage of expansion opportunities, and minimize the impact of softening in traditional markets. We continue to be focused in executing our global strategy, capitalizing on key infrastructure development opportunities, and leveraging our value-driven welding product and service offering."
Operating income for the first six months of 2008 increased 18.4% to $170.1 million from $143.7 million in 2007, on a sales increase of 16.2%. Net income for the first half increased 19.7% to $123.6 million, or $2.87 per diluted share from $103.2 million, or $2.38 per diluted share in 2007.
Sales for the first six months increased 16.2% to $1.32 billion from $1.14 billion in the comparable period of 2007. Sales for the Company's North American operations were $771.8 million in the first half versus $709.6 million in the comparable period last year, an increase of 8.8%. U.S. export sales in the first half increased 29.1% to $126.0 million from $97.6 million in 2007.
Sales at Lincoln subsidiaries outside North America increased to $548.2 million in the first half, compared with $426.1 million for the comparable period in 2007, an increase of 28.7%. Excluding acquisitions and the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, sales outside North America increased 9.6% in the first half.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $53.2 million in the second quarter compared with $65.1 million for the comparable period in 2007. For the first half, net cash provided by operating activities was $120.7 million compared with $107.5 million for the comparable period in 2007. During the first half of 2008, the Company paid $21.4 million in dividends. The Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25, which was paid on July 15, 2008 to holders of record as of June 30, 2008.
Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc-welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has 38 manufacturing locations, including operations and joint ventures in 20 countries and a worldwide network of distributors and sales offices covering more than 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric, its products and services, visit the Company's website at http://www.lincolnelectric.com/ .
The Company's expectations and beliefs concerning the future contained in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect management's current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from such statements due to a variety of factors that could adversely affect the Company's operating results. The factors include, but are not limited to: the effectiveness of operating initiatives; currency exchange and interest rates; adverse outcome of pending or potential litigation; possible acquisitions; market risks and price fluctuations related to the purchase of commodities and energy; global regulatory complexity; and the possible effects of international terrorism and hostilities on the Company or its customers, suppliers and the economy in general. For additional discussion, see "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
A conference call to discuss second quarter 2008 results is scheduled for today, Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. An audio webcast of the call is accessible through the investor tab on the Company's website at http://www.lincolnelectric.com/ .
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Income
Fav (Unfav) to
Three Months Ended June 30, Prior Year
2008 % of Sales 2007 % of Sales $ %
Net sales $ 699,826 100.0% $ 586,638 100.0% $ 113,188 19.3%
Cost of
goods sold 495,112 70.7% 417,970 71.2% (77,142) (18.5%)
Gross profit 204,714 29.3% 168,668 28.8% 36,046 21.4%
Selling, general &
administrative
expenses 113,118 16.2% 93,317 15.9% (19,801) (21.2%)
Operating
income 91,596 13.1% 75,351 12.8% 16,245 21.6%
Interest income 1,865 0.3% 1,699 0.3% 166 9.8%
Equity earnings
in affiliates 3,814 0.5% 3,677 0.6% 137 3.7%
Other income 627 0.1% 580 0.1% 47 8.1%
Interest
expense (2,802) (0.4%) (2,786) (0.5%) (16) (0.6%)
Income before
income taxes 95,100 13.6% 78,521 13.4% 16,579 21.1%
Income taxes 24,972 3.6% 23,272 4.0% (1,700) (7.3%)
Effective
tax rate 26.3% 29.6% 3.3%
Net income $ 70,128 10.0% $ 55,249 9.4% $ 14,879 26.9%
Basic earnings
per share $ 1.64 $ 1.29 $ 0.35 27.1%
Diluted earnings
per share $ 1.62 $ 1.27 $ 0.35 27.6%
Weighted average
shares
(basic) 42,709 42,947
Weighted average
shares
(diluted) 43,173 43,461
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Income
Fav (Unfav) to
Six Months Ended June 30, Prior Year
2008 % of Sales 2007 % of Sales $ %
Net sales $ 1,320,053 100.0% $ 1,135,681 100.0% $ 184,372 16.2%
Cost of
goods sold 937,888 71.0% 808,797 71.2% (129,091) (16.0%)
Gross profit 382,165 29.0% 326,884 28.8% 55,281 16.9%
Selling, general &
administrative
expenses 212,079 16.1% 182,837 16.1% (29,242) (16.0%)
Rationalization
charges - 0.0% 396 0.0% 396 100.0%
Operating
income 170,086 12.9% 143,651 12.6% 26,435 18.4%
Interest income 4,299 0.3% 3,149 0.3% 1,150 36.5%
Equity earnings
in affiliates 4,363 0.3% 5,155 0.5% (792) (15.4%)
Other income 1,126 0.1% 1,044 0.1% 82 7.9%
Interest expense (5,783) (0.4%) (5,513) (0.5%) (270) (4.9%)
Income before
income taxes 174,091 13.2% 147,486 13.0% 26,605 18.0%
Income taxes 50,486 3.8% 44,237 3.9% (6,249) (14.1%)
Effective
tax rate 29.0% 30.0% 1.0%
Net income(1) $ 123,605 9.4% $ 103,249 9.1% $ 20,356 19.7%
Reconciliation of Net Income as Reported to Adjusted Net Income
Excluding Non-Recurring Item:
Six Months Ended
June 30, Change
2008 2007 $ %
Net income as reported (1) $123,605 $103,249 $20,356 19.7%
Non-recurring item:
European rationalization
charges (after-tax) - 396 (396) (100.0%)
Adjusted net income excluding
non-recurring item (2) $123,605 $103,645 $19,960 19.3%
Basic earnings per share $2.90 $2.41 $0.49 20.3%
Non-recurring item (1) - 0.01 (0.01) (100.0%)
Basic earnings per share excluding
non-recurring item (2) $2.90 $2.42 $0.48 19.8%
Diluted earnings per share $2.87 $2.38 $0.49 20.6%
Non-recurring item (1) - 0.01 (0.01) (100.0%)
Diluted earnings per share
excluding non-recurring item (2) $2.87 $2.39 $0.48 20.1%
Weighted average shares (basic) 42,692 42,895
Weighted average shares (diluted) 43,132 43,407
(1) Net income includes a charge of $396 ($396 after-tax) in 2007 related to European rationalization actions.
(2) Adjusted net income excluding the non-recurring item and basic and diluted earnings per share excluding the non-recurring item are non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are important to investors to evaluate and compare the Company's financial performance from period to period. Management uses this information in assessing and evaluating the Company's underlying operating performance.
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Balance Sheet Highlights
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
June 30, December 31,
2008 2007
Cash and cash equivalents $268,357 $217,382
Total current assets 1,194,861 969,648
Property, plant and equipment, net 462,835 429,944
Total assets 1,937,641 1,645,296
Total current liabilities 479,695 311,921
Short-term debt 63,274 12,486
Long-term debt 87,701 117,329
Total shareholders' equity 1,223,162 1,087,220
Net Operating Working Capital
June 30, December 31,
2008 2007
Trade accounts receivable $432,455 $344,058
Inventory 403,833 343,849
Trade accounts payable 208,167 152,301
Net operating working capital $628,121 $535,606
Net operating working capital
% to net sales 25.5% 23.5%
Invested Capital
June 30, December 31,
2008 2007
Short-term debt $63,274 $12,486
Long-term debt 87,701 117,329
Total debt 150,975 129,815
Equity 1,223,162 1,087,220
Total $1,374,137 $1,217,035
Total debt/capitalization 11.0% 10.7%
Return on invested capital 20.3% 20.5%
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended June 30,
2008 2007
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 70,128 $ 55,249
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 14,441 13,322
Equity earnings of affiliates, net (2,921) (2,853)
Other non-cash items, net 1,206 (8,013)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
net of effects from acquisitions:
Increase in accounts receivable (24,529) (18,025)
(Increase) decrease in inventories (9,954) 5,880
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable 6,385 (752)
Net change in other current assets
and liabilities (5,109) 23,490
Net change in other long-term assets
and liabilities 3,515 (3,189)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 53,162 65,109
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (18,286) (13,916)
Acquisition of businesses,
net of cash acquired (15,589) (52)
Proceeds from sale of property,
plant and equipment 42 128
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES (33,833) (13,840)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in borrowings 15,173 5,748
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 3,844 2,636
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 1,889 2,240
Cash dividends paid to shareholders (10,660) (9,422)
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 10,246 1,202
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents 929 974
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 30,504 53,445
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 237,853 94,536
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period $ 268,357 $ 147,981
Cash dividends paid per share $ 0.25 $ 0.22
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30,
2008 2007
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 123,605 $ 103,249
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Rationalization charges - 396
Depreciation and amortization 28,348 25,833
Equity earnings of affiliates, net (2,917) (3,987)
Other non-cash items, net 5,022 (10,690)
Changes in operating assets and
liabilities net of effects from
acquisitions:
Increase in accounts receivable (61,703) (53,759)
Increase in inventories (36,924) (12,236)
Increase in accounts payable 37,557 14,529
Net change in other current assets
and liabilities 34,849 52,511
Net change in other long-term
assets and liabilities (7,152) (8,394)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 120,685 107,452
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (31,098) (29,640)
Acquisition of businesses, net of
cash acquired (24,264) (4,414)
Proceeds from sale of property,
plant and equipment 314 201
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING
ACTIVITIES (55,048) (33,853)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in borrowings 14,078 (35,972)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 5,435 5,062
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 2,708 2,736
Purchase of shares for treasury (18,033) -
Cash dividends paid to shareholders (21,380) (18,825)
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES (17,192) (46,999)
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash and cash equivalents 2,530 1,169
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 50,975 27,769
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 217,382 120,212
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period $ 268,357 $ 147,981
Cash dividends paid per share $ 0.50 $ 0.44
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Financial Highlights
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Segment Highlights
North Other
America Europe Countries Eliminations Consolidated
Three months ended
June 30, 2008
Net sales to
unaffiliated
customers $400,735 $170,978 $128,113 $ - $699,826
Inter-segment
sales 31,145 7,339 2,731 (41,215) -
Total $431,880 $178,317 $130,844 $(41,215) $699,826
Income before
interest and
income taxes $62,049 $20,510 $12,385 $1,093 $96,037
As a percent
of total
sales 14.4% 11.5% 9.5% 13.7%
Three months ended
June 30, 2007
Net sales to
unaffiliated
customers $363,846 $132,219 $90,573 $ - $586,638
Inter-segment
sales 25,644 4,525 2,853 (33,022) -
Total $389,490 $136,744 $93,426 $(33,022) $586,638
Income before
interest and
income taxes $55,130 $18,507 $7,347 $(1,376) $79,608
As a percent
of total
sales 14.2% 13.5% 7.9% 13.6%
North Other
America Europe Countries Eliminations Consolidated
Six months ended
June 30, 2008
Net sales to
unaffiliated
customers $771,848 $318,423 $229,782 $ - $1,320,053
Inter-segment
sales 58,211 14,264 4,297 (76,772) -
Total $830,059 $332,687 $234,079 $(76,772) $1,320,053
Income before
interest and
income taxes $118,582 $38,729 $17,424 $840 $175,575
As a percent
of total
sales 14.3% 11.6% 7.4% 13.3%
Six months ended
June 30, 2007
Net sales to
unaffiliated
customers $709,566 $254,000 $172,115 $ - $1,135,681
Inter-segment
sales 49,672 11,184 8,296 (69,152) -
Total $759,238 $265,184 $180,411 $(69,152) $1,135,681
Income before
interest and
income taxes $104,233 $33,189 $13,735 $(1,307) $149,850
As a percent
of total
sales 13.7% 12.5% 7.6% 13.2%
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.
Web site: http://www.lincolnelectric.com/
ESCO Announces $68.3 Million New York Water AMI Contract
ST. LOUIS, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ESCO Technologies Inc. today announced that the City of New York's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has selected and formally contracted with ESCO's Aclara RF Systems Inc. to provide its "Citywide Advanced Metering Infrastructure Program" (AMI) solution for the city's entire water service territory.
The total value of purchase orders anticipated to be issued under this contract is approximately $68.3 million and the system is expected to be deployed over a three-year period with the initial orders expected later this month.
This contract will allow the City of New York to automate its meter reading capabilities and to improve customer service for its approximately 875,000 metered endpoints serving nearly eight million customers, representing the largest municipal water utility in North America.
The City of New York is purchasing the industry's most advanced fixed network water meter modules, utilizing Aclara's STAR(R) Network system to collect interval data for current billing needs and to support other programs that are designed to allow the city and its customers to better manage water consumption, identify leaks and equipment problems, and effectively control other related operating costs. The STAR Network AMI system also will provide New York City's water customers with enhanced account information and accurate usage data.
The STAR Network system will operate within a 307-square-mile area encompassing the City's five boroughs and will work on the New York City Wireless Network (NYCWiN), a secure, 2.5-Ghz wireless system being installed by the city's Department of Environmental Protection. The city developed NYCWiN as part of a comprehensive upgrade of its communications infrastructure to meet its growing operational and security requirements.
Gary Moore, President of Aclara RF Systems, commented, "Aclara appreciates the opportunity to work with the City of New York and implement a seamless solution that provides additional benefits to the City with the STAR Network AMI system."
Vic Richey, ESCO's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "I am very proud that we have been selected by the City of New York for this significant contract with such a valued customer. The technology piloting process and the performance criteria established by New York were very rigorous and well planned. I'm happy to say that our industry leading STAR Network system performed exceptionally well and successfully met the high standards of read reliability in a very challenging environment."
Mr. Richey continued, "Winning this large AMI water contract, on top of our earlier announcement regarding our power-line AMI win and in addition to our recent announcement of our RF electric AMI pilot, has further validated my conclusion that our Aclara product offering is one of the most capable AMI industry solutions available in the market today, with the ability to satisfy all customer requirements across the full breadth of utilities, electric, gas and water."
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release regarding the value and timing of anticipated purchase orders issued by the City of New York, the location and timing of deployments and any other written or oral statements which are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws. Investors are cautioned that such statements are only predictions and speak only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update. The Company's actual results in the future may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company's operations and business environment including, but not limited to: the risk factors described in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, and in Part II, Item 1A of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2008; the timing and content of purchase order releases under the New York contract; the Company's successful performance of the New York contract; weakening of economic conditions in served markets; changes in customer demands or customer insolvencies; competition; intellectual property rights; technical difficulties; delivery delays or defaults by customers; termination for convenience of customer contracts; performance issues with key customers, suppliers and subcontractors; and changes in laws and regulations.
About Aclara
The Aclara brand represents the industry's leading fixed-network AMI/AMR technologies and MDM software serving water, gas, and electric utilities worldwide. While Aclara is the singular brand and identity, the Company retains the known technology brands of DCSI (TWACS(R)), Hexagram, Inc. (STAR(R) Network), and Nexus Energy Software (Energy Vision and ENERGYprism). These three companies operate as Aclara Power-Line Systems Inc., Aclara RF Systems Inc., and Aclara Software Inc., respectively. Further information regarding Aclara is available on the Company's web site at http://www.aclaratech.com/.
About ESCO
ESCO, headquartered in St. Louis, is a proven supplier of special purpose utility solutions for electric, gas, and water utilities, including hardware and software to support advanced metering applications and fully automated intelligent instrumentation. In addition, the Company provides engineered filtration products to the aviation, space and process markets worldwide and is the industry leader in RF shielding and EMC test products. Further information regarding ESCO and its subsidiaries is available on the Company's web site at http://www.escotechnologies.com/.
ESCO Technologies Inc.
CONTACT: Patricia K. Moore, Director, Investor Relations of ESCO Technologies Inc., +1-314-213-7277; or media inquiries, Dave Garino, +1-314-982-0551, for ESCO Technologies Inc.
Web site: http://www.escotechnologies.com/ http://www.aclaratech.com/
Satyam and Infospectrum Partner to Enhance Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Services for Aviation Companies
HYDERABAD, India, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Satyam Computer Services Ltd. , a leading global consulting and information technology services provider, announced today that it has signed an agreement with Infospectrum to provide enhanced service to operators, third-party maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and component repair providers in the global aviation industry. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Infospectrum provides custom and packaged software to global customers in the aviation, aerospace and defense, complex manufacturing, maritime and telecommunications industries.
Satyam will add value to the alliance through its global implementation and support capabilities, as well as its skills in system configuration and installation, functional and technical training, integration, and remote hosting in a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. Infospectrum will provide its advanced, web-based infoTRAK suite of enterprise and supply chain software products that support maintenance & repair, engineering and asset lifecycle management. The modular suite uses a "next-generation" web-services architecture that allows both single- and multi-facility operators, MRO service and component repair providers to streamline and automate business processes. The suite's real-time integrated planning, execution and lifecycle information management capabilities also allow commercial and government organizations to increase efficiency and capacity utilization, decrease maintenance and repair time, and optimize inventory and parts availability, while providing electronic history tracking and lifecycle analysis for complete regulatory compliance, improved service and asset availability.
"Our strength lies in our global delivery model for affordable services, particularly in MRO environments, where Infospectrum has an established customer base and proven technology," said Saikrishna Mandapaty, a senior vice president of Satyam's Travel and Logistics Practice. "By teaming with Infospectrum, we demonstrate our commitment to deliver unmatched vertical solutions. The combination of Infospectrum's innovative solutions and Satyam's world-class services will be especially valuable for aviation companies."
Infospectrum will leverage its product innovation and support center in Hyderabad, where Satyam is headquartered. The organizations will collaborate to integrate clients' enterprise resource planning systems with other maintenance systems, on-board aircraft, or other flight operations systems. In doing so, they will streamline the entire maintenance and repair workflow and improve communication throughout the enterprise and supply chain.
"Combining Infospectrum's technology with Satyam's service model makes the alliance a natural," said Infospectrum President Suresh Iyer. "It will be especially effective as we expand our capabilities to serve the global commercial aviation community, and even military aviation MRO organizations. The partnership also strengthens our global reach, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, where there is a growing demand for MRO technology and services, and where Satyam has a strong, established presence."
About Satyam
Satyam , a leading global business and information technology services company, delivers consulting, systems integration, and outsourcing solutions to clients in 20* industries and 66* countries.
Satyam leverages deep industry and functional expertise, leading technology practices, and an advanced, global delivery model to help clients transform their highest-value business processes and improve their business performance. The company's 51,643* professionals excel in engineering and product development, supply chain management, client relationship management, business process quality, business intelligence, enterprise integration, and infrastructure management, among other key capabilities.
Satyam development and delivery centers in the US, Canada, Brazil, the UK, Hungary, Egypt, UAE, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia serve 670* clients, including more than one third of the Fortune 500. For more information, see http://www.satyam.com/.
*As of June 30, 2008
About Infospectrum
Infospectrum provides advanced technology, software engineering, technical products and related consulting services to customers in the complex manufacturing, aerospace and defense, maritime logistics, asset management, communications, and geographical information system industries as well as the independent software vendors (ISVs) that serve them. For more information, visit http://www.info-spectrum.com/ or http://www.infotraksolutions.com/
Satyam Contacts:
For clarifications, write to us at MediaRelations@Satyam.com
Or contact our global Satyam PR representatives at:
India Deepa Jayaraman deepa.jayaraman@ipan.com
+91-981-980-8681
Ajith Henry ajith.henry@ipan.com
+91-982-081-4870
US James Swords James_Swords@Satyam.com
+1-703-877-2225
Europe Sandeep Thawani Sandeep_Thawani@Satyam.com
+44-783-010-3838
Asia-Pacific Dan Bleakman Dan@howorth.com.au
+61-439-408-484
Reshma Wad Jain Reshma@wer1.net
+65-98-140-507
Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward- looking statements. Satyam undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements. For a discussion of the risks associated with our business, please see the discussions under the heading "Risk Factors" in our report on Form 6-K concerning the quarter ended December 31, 2007, furnished to the United States Securities Exchange Commission on January 28, 2008 and the other reports filed with the Securities Exchange Commission from time to time. These filings are available at http://www.sec.gov/.
This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from Satyam and that will contain detailed information about Satyam and its management, as well as financial statements.
Satyam Computer Services Ltd.
CONTACT: India: Deepa Jayaraman, +91-981-980-8681, deepa.jayaraman@ipan.com, or Ajith Henry, +91-982-081-4870, ajith.henry@ipan.com, or U.S.: James Swords, +1-703-877-2225, James_Swords@Satyam.com, or Europe: Sandeep Thawani, +44-783-010-3838, Sandeep_Thawani@Satyam.com, or Asia-Pacific: Dan Bleakman, +61-439-408-484, Dan@howorth.com.au or Reshma Wad Jain, +65-98-140-507, Reshma@wer1.net
Web site: http://www.satyam.com/ http://www.infotraksolutions.com/ http://www.info-spectrum.com/
Voiceserve's Fastest Annual Revenue Growth - In Excess of 600%
LONDON, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Voiceserve announced revenues of $934,482 for the year ended March 31, 2008 compared to $152,465 for the year ended March 31, 2007, in excess of 600% increase over the same period of the prior year. Operating expenses for the year ended March 31, 2008 increased to $934,401 from $588,781 for the year ended March 31, 2007 representing an increase of $345,620. The increase is attributable to an increase in sales and hence a general increase in administrative expenses.
"Delivering an impressive 600% annual revenue growth is an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to the powerful combination of great technology solutions and strong execution by our partners and global sales and marketing teams," said Michael Bibelman , CEO of Voiceserve. "The outlook for fiscal year 2009 is positive given the breadth of our impressive technology portfolio and the expanding collection of services we are bringing to market."
This fiscal year marked the launch of Voipswitch's flagship products including the "Vippie Softphone". Revenue growth was primarily driven by continued customer demand for all products.
"We had a strong finish in the fourth quarter, which capped off an impressive year for the company," said Alexander Ellinson, President. "Looking forward, despite difficult economic conditions, we will build upon the momentum exiting fiscal year 2008 and expect to deliver another year of increasing revenues and growth in fiscal year 2009."
About Voiceserve, Inc.
Voiceserve Inc. is an application developer that specializes in software solutions for global VOIP service providers. The main product is the softswitch platform with associated modules marketed under the Voipswitch brand. Since the first version was released in 2001 the software has proved its recognizable position in the VOIP industry.
For more information, visit http://www.voiceservegroup.com/.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors not under the company's control, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from the results, performance or other expectations implied by these forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, those detailed in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Voiceserve, Inc.
CONTACT: For investor relations, contact Alexander Ellinson at +44-208-136-6000, e-mail:alex@voiceserve.net
Diversinet Corp. To Trade On TSX Venture ExchangeCompany To List On July 24, 2008
TORONTO, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Diversinet Corp. (TSX Venture: DIV, OTCBB: DVNTF), a leading provider of wireless data security infrastructure products and services, is pleased to announce that at the open at 9:30 am EST on Thursday July 24, 2008 Diversinet's common shares will be posted for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange on Tier 1 as a technology issuer under the symbol DIV.
Diversinet CEO, Albert Wahbe said "Our TSX Venture Exchange listing is an important milestone for Diversinet. Hopefully, this new listing will help increase liquidity and shareholder value. I look forward to building upon our past accomplishments in 2008 and beyond."
Capitalization: an unlimited number of common shares, no par value, of which 45,617,783 common shares are issued and outstanding. Escrowed or Legended Securities: 20,120,501 common shares are escrowed or legended pursuant to an Exchange Tier 1 Value Escrow Agreement, pursuant to which 25% of the common shares are released on each of the date of this bulletin, 6, 12 and 18 months anniversaries of the date of this bulletin.
Diversinet will continue to trade on the OTCBB under the symbol of DVNTF. Diversinet's listing application was filed on Sedar (http://www.sedar.com/) on July 23, 2008. Additional information about Diversinet Corp. can be found by visiting its web site at http://www.diversinet.com/, by contacting David Hackett, Chief Financial Officer at 416-756-2324, extension 275 or by email at investors@diversinet.com.
About Diversinet
Diversinet Corp. (TSX Venture: DIV, OTCBB: DVNTF) is a leading provider of wireless authentication and access solutions that secure the personal identity, transactions and data of consumers over almost any mobile phone or handheld device. Diversinet's reliable, end-to-end MobiSecure Wallet and Vault products provide global, secure and cost effective solutions to mobilize personal health records, financial services transactions and identity protection management.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws provide a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by the company) contains statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to anticipated future revenues of the company and success of current product offerings. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, such results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the company. For a description of additional risks and uncertainties, please refer to the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission available at http://www.sec.gov/ and Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at http://www.sedar.com/.
Diversinet Corp.
CONTACT: Diversinet Corp., David Hackett, Chief Financial Officer, (416) 756-2324 ext. 275, dhackett@diversinet.com
Gameloft : Chiffre d'affaires de 25.0 mEUR et croissance à taux de change constant de 16% sur le second trimestre 2008
PARIS, July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Le chiffre d'affaires consolidé du premier semestre 2008 est
en hausse de 10% et s'établit à 50,3 mEUR. A taux de change constant la
croissance du chiffre d'affaires semestriel atteint 17%.
En mEUR Exercice 2008 Exercice 2007 Variation
1er trimestre 25,3 22,7 +11%
2ème trimestre 25,0 23,2 +8%
1er semestre 50,3 45,9 +10%
94% du chiffre d'affaires du semestre a été réalisé dans
l'activité jeux mobiles et les 6% restant ont été réalisés dans l'activité
jeux consoles (Nintendo DS, Xbox Live Arcade et, pour la première fois,
Nintendo WiiWare).
Le chiffre d'affaires des six premiers mois de l'exercice 2008
a été réalisé pour 44% en Europe, 29% en Amérique du Nord et 28% dans le
reste du monde. La plus forte progression a été enregistrée dans le reste du
monde avec un taux de croissance annuel de 66%. Sur l'ensemble de l'exercice
2007, l'Europe, l'Amérique du Nord et le reste du monde représentaient
respectivement 44%, 34% et 22% du chiffre d'affaires consolidé de Gameloft.
La progression du chiffre d'affaires du premier semestre est
en ligne avec les attentes de la société qui renouvelle donc ses objectifs de
croissance et de rentabilité pour l'exercice 2008. Gameloft prévoit une
accélération de la croissance de ses ventes à partir du second semestre de
l'exercice en cours grâce aux lancements récents et à venir de ses jeux sur
iPhone, N-Gage, et sur les consoles grand public telles que la Wii ou la DS
de Nintendo.
Le succès immédiat rencontré par Gameloft dans le lancement de
ses jeux WiiWare, XBLA et iPhone confirme par ailleurs le bien fondé de la
stratégie mise en place depuis 2007 et la grande qualité des studios de
développement du Groupe: Brain Challenge s'est classé meilleure vente sur
XBLA durant le mois qui a suivi sa sortie sur le service de Microsoft , TV
Show King est classé parmi les jeux les plus populaires en Europe, aux
États-Unis et au Japon depuis sa sortie en mai 2008 et Gameloft a placé entre
1 et 4 jeux dans le top 10 des ventes iPhone aux Etats-Unis, au Canada, au
Royaume-Uni, en France, en Allemagne, en Espagne, en Italie et au Japon.
A plus long terme, la société est idéalement positionnée pour
se maintenir au 1er rang mondial du marché du jeu sur téléphones mobiles et
pour continuer à croître rapidement sur un marché dans lequel elle a investi
avec succès depuis 2002 et qui comptera près de 4 milliards de consommateurs
potentiels en 2010 (1). La société entend également bénéficier pleinement du
transfert de son savoir faire sur les consoles de jeux grand public qui
permettent un accès online et qui visent une population similaire à celle des
jeux téléphones.
Les résultats semestriels consolidés seront publiés le 28 août
2008 après la clôture.
A propos de Gameloft
Gameloft est un éditeur et développeur mondial de jeux vidéo
pour téléphones mobiles et consoles. Fondé en 1999, Gameloft est aujourd'hui
positionnée comme l'une des entreprises les plus innovantes dans son domaine.
Gameloft conçoit des jeux pour les téléphones incluant les technologies Java,
Brew ou Symbian, dont le parc installé devrait dépasser quatre milliards
d'unités en 2012. Les jeux Gameloft sont aussi disponibles sur WiiWare, DS,
Microsoft Xbox LIVE Arcade, iPod et PCs.
Des accords de partenariat avec de grands détenteurs de droits comme
Ubisoft Entertainment, Universal Pictures, ABC, Touchtone Television,
Dreamworks Amimations SKG, Endemol, 20th Century Fox, Viacom, Sony Pictures,
Warner Bros., FIFPro, Ferrari, Roland-Garros, Gus Hansen, Kobe Bryant, Derek
Jeter, Robinho, Reggie Bush, Chuck Norris, Patrick Vieira, Christophe Dominici
ou Jonny Wilkinson permettent à Gameloft d'associer de très fortes marques
internationales à ses jeux. En plus de ces marques, Gameloft possède ses
propres marques comme Block Breaker Deluxe, Asphalt: Urban GT ou New York
Nights.
Grâce à des accords avec l'ensemble des principaux opérateurs
télécom, des fabricants de téléphones, des distributeurs spécialisés ainsi
que sa boutique http://www.gameloft.com, Gameloft distribue ses jeux dans 80
pays.
Gameloft est présent à New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Montréal, Mexico,
Buenos Aires, Paris, Londres, Cologne, Copenhague, Milan, Madrid, Lisbonne,
Vienne, Varsovie, Helsinki, Bucarest, New Dehli, Kuala Lumpur, Pékin, Tokyo,
Hong Kong, Séoul, Singapour et Sydney. Gameloft est cotée au Compartiment B
de la bourse de Paris (ISIN: FR0000079600, Bloomberg: GFT FP,
Reuters: GLFT.PA).
Contact:
Anne-Laure Desclèves
Head of Communications
Tel +33-1-5816-2082
Mail: anne-laure.descleves@gameloft.com
Pour d'avantage d'information, rendez-vous sur http://www.gameloft.com
(1) Source : Strategy Analytics
Gameloft
Contact: Anne-Laure Desclèves, Head of Communications, Tel +33-1-5816-2082, Mail: anne-laure.descleves@gameloft.com
TRX Awarded Patent for Data Technology Tool Used by Corporate Buyers to Analyze Airline BidsAnalytical Modeling Offered with TRX Travel Analytics Engagements
ATLANTA, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TRX, Inc. , a global technology company that develops and hosts software applications to process data records and automate manual processes, announced today it has been issued a U.S. patent for a tool used in analyzing corporate airline bids. The patent covers elements essential to the advanced analytical modeling used on bids made by airlines to corporate accounts.
"This patent is an excellent example of the value of TRX innovation and the Travel Analytics acquisition. It validates our domain expertise in travel data technology, transforming data into insights," said TRX President & CEO, Trip Davis. "We are applying the technology and enabling corporate buyers to leverage better insights when negotiating with travel suppliers and managing their travel programs."
TRX uses the patented tool in nearly all of the TRX Travel Analytics engagements. The methods covered by the patent give TRX's corporate clients analytical models based on their own travel data. The clients then use the analytics to negotiate their agreements with travel suppliers. The methods have been extended into the TRAVELTRAX data reporting dashboard technology, benefiting corporate clients using TRAVELTRAX for corporate travel data reporting.
TRX was awarded U.S. Patent 7,401,029 on July 15, 2008.
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. 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: Kira Perdue, Trevelino-Keller Communications Group, for TRX, +1-404-214-0722, ext. 101, kperdue@trevelinokeller.com
Web site: http://www.trx.com/
Newport Corporation to Report 2008 Second Quarter Results on July 30
IRVINE, Calif., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Newport Corporation has announced that next Wednesday, July 30, 2008, the company will release results for its second quarter ended June 28, 2008. The company also said President and Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Phillippy and Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Charles F. Cargile will host an investor conference call that day at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (2:00 p.m. Pacific time) to review the company's financial results and business outlook.
The call is open to all interested investors through a live audio broadcast via the Internet at http://www.newport.com/investors and http://www.earnings.com/. The call also will be available to investors and analysts by dialing 888-684-1262 within the U.S. and Canada or 913-312-1495 from abroad.
The webcast will be archived on both websites and can be reached through the same links. A telephonic playback of the conference call also will be available by calling 888-203-1112 within the U.S. and Canada and 719-457-0820 from abroad. Playback will be available beginning at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, and continue through 8:00 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. The replay confirmation code is 6469557.
About Newport Corporation
Newport Corporation is a leading global supplier of advanced-technology products and systems to customers in the scientific research, microelectronics manufacturing, aerospace and defense/security, life and health sciences, and precision industrial manufacturing markets. Newport's innovative solutions leverage its expertise in high-power semiconductor, solid-state and ultrafast lasers, photonics instrumentation, sub-micron positioning systems, vibration isolation, optical subsystems and precision automation to enhance the capabilities and productivity of its customers' manufacturing, engineering and research applications. Newport is part of the Standard & Poor's SmallCap 600 Index and the Russell Microcap Index.
Newport Corporation
CONTACT: Charles F. Cargile, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Newport Corporation, +1-949-863-3144, investor@newport.com; or Investor Relations, Dan Peoples of Makinson Cowell (US), +1-858-552-8146, for Newport Corporation
Web site: http://www.newport.com/ http://www.newport.com/investors http://www.earnings.com/
Mercury Computer Systems Earns Lockheed Martin STAR Supplier AwardCompany is recognized for exceptional quality and performance in Electronic Systems Business Area
CHELMSFORD, Mass., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. , a leading provider of embedded, high-performance computing solutions for image, sensor and signal processing applications, announced it has received the coveted STAR Supplier Award from Lockheed Martin.
The award, which signifies exemplary performance in providing goods or services that contribute to the success of the Lockheed Martin mission, marks a decade in the ongoing alliance between Lockheed and Mercury to deliver advanced computing solutions to the embedded defense systems market.
"We're honored to be recognized as a STAR Supplier to Lockheed," said Brian Hoerl, Vice President of ACS Worldwide Sales and Business Development at Mercury. "Like Lockheed, Mercury is committed to delivering innovative solutions that provide both a strategic and tactical advantage in the capture and dissemination of mission-critical data."
For information on Mercury's image, sensor, and signal processing solutions, visit http://www.mc.com/solutions, or contact Mercury at (866) 627-6951 or info@mc.com.
Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. -- Where Challenges Drive Innovation(TM)
Mercury Computer Systems (http://www.mc.com/) provides specialized, high-performance computing systems and software designed for complex HPC and embedded applications in a range of industries that include aerospace and defense, telecommunications, medical imaging, semiconductor, EDA, and more. Our products blend unmatched expertise in algorithm optimization and silicon design with software application knowledge and industry-standard technologies. Mercury's comprehensive, purpose-built solutions capture, process, and present data for the world's largest medical imaging companies, 8 of the 10 top defense prime contractors, and other leading Fortune 500 and mid-market companies in semiconductor, energy, telecommunications, and other industries. Our dedication to performance excellence and collaborative innovation continues a 25-year history in enabling customers to gain the competitive advantage they need to stay at the forefront of the markets they serve.
Mercury is based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and serves customers worldwide through a broad network of direct sales offices, subsidiaries, and distributors. We are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market .
Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to the Company's alliance with Lockheed Martin. You can identify these statements by our use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, including unforeseen weakness in the Company's markets, effects of continued geo- political unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, continued funding of defense programs, the timing of such funding, changes in the U.S. Government's interpretation of federal procurement rules and regulations, market acceptance of the Company's products, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, inability to fully realize the expected benefits from acquisitions or delays in realizing such benefits, challenges in integrating acquired businesses and achieving anticipated synergies, and difficulties in retaining key customers. These risks and uncertainties also include such additional risk factors as are discussed in the Company's recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.
Contact:
Kathy Sniezek, Public Relations Manager
Mercury Computer Systems, Inc.
978-967-1126 / ksniezek@mc.com
Challenges Drive Innovation is a trademark of Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030930/MERCURYCSLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Mercury Computer Systems, Inc.
CONTACT: Kathy Sniezek, Public Relations Manager of Mercury Computer Systems, Inc., +1-978-967-1126, ksniezek@mc.com
Web site: http://www.mc.com/
More TV Choice and Competition Near for Residents of Northborough, Mass.Town Approves Video License for Verizon; Thousands More Households Soon Can Get FiOS TV
NORTHBOROUGH, Mass., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Residents of Northborough are a major step closer to having another choice for their cable television services, thanks to a newly approved agreement authorizing Verizon to offer its FiOS TV service via the most advanced all-digital, fiber-optic network straight to customers' homes.
The Board of Selectmen in Northborough granted a cable franchise to Verizon Monday (July 21), paving the way for video choice for thousands more Massachusetts households.
The board's vote brings to 78 the total number of Massachusetts communities where Verizon's FiOS TV is or will soon be available.
"We are thrilled to be able to bring FiOS TV to residents in Northborough," said Donna Cupelo, Verizon region president for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. "Since the launch of FiOS TV in Massachusetts last year, we are continuing our efforts to meet the consumer demand for cable TV choice."
FiOS TV is the company's fiber-optic television service, which offers a better-quality picture, more high-definition (HD) and video-on-demand (VOD) programs, and more reliable service at competitive prices.
Verizon currently offers FiOS TV in 73 Massachusetts communities [see list below] as well as other locations in New York, New Jersey, California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia.
"As a result of this new franchise, consumers in Northborough will be able to choose their cable provider as easily as they choose their phone company," said Cupelo. "Competition drives innovation, value and service quality, and it puts the consumer in control."
Verizon is currently in negotiations with several other communities in Massachusetts to obtain additional franchises. For more information on the Verizon franchise process in the state, log on to http://www.verizon.com/ma.
The Northborough franchise agreement contains provisions for the network's future growth; financial support and capacity for educational and government access channels; cable service to government buildings; and other important benefits to the town, including insurance, indemnification and enforcement protections.
"Verizon will compete aggressively for subscribers in Northborough with our FiOS services, which are fueled by our lightning-fast fiber-optic network," Cupelo said. Verizon soon will begin its door-to-door sales campaign in Northborough, explaining to local consumers the many advantages of FiOS TV.
Verizon is the first company to offer a fiber-to-the premises (FTTP) network, connecting homes and businesses directly to fiber optics on a widespread scale.
FiOS TV offers a broad collection of all-digital programming, including 31 HD channels for Massachusetts customers, with plans to offer all available major HD programming by year-end. In addition, FiOS TV customers have access to more than 10,000 VOD titles per month, 70 percent of which are free. The VOD library also includes an increasing number of HD titles, and will offer 1,000 HD VOD titles per month by the end of the year. Fiber delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen.
In addition to FiOS TV, Verizon's fiber network also allows the company to offer consumers and businesses high-speed FiOS Internet service at download speeds up to 50 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds up to 20 Mbps.*
* NOTE: actual (throughput) speeds will vary.
[FiOS TV is available in Abington, Acton, Andover, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Boxborough, Boxford, Braintree, Burlington, Canton, Dedham, Dunstable, Framingham, Franklin, Georgetown, Hamilton, Hingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Ipswich, Lakeville, Lawrence, Lincoln, Littleton, Lexington, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Marion, Marlborough, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Medway, Melrose, Methuen, Middleborough, Nahant, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, North Andover, North Reading, Norwood, Plymouth, Reading, Rochester, Rockland, Rowley, Sherborn, Southborough, Stoneham, Sudbury, Swampscott, Taunton, Tewksbury, Topsfield, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Wareham, Wayland, Wellesley, Wenham, West Newbury, Westborough, Westwood, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn. The company also holds TV franchises in Ashland, Stoughton, Stow and Sutton.]
Verizon Communications Inc. , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 67 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employed a diverse workforce of approximately 232,000 as of the end of the first quarter 2008 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high-quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
Verizon
CONTACT: Ellen Cummings, +1-508-624-2219, ellen.m.cummings@verizon.com, or Phil Santoro, +1-617-743-4760, philip.g.santoro@verizon.com, both of Verizon
Web Site: http://www.verizon.com/ma http://www.verizon.com/news
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html
Credit Union Streamlines Operations Through Outsourcing Partnership With DieboldOnPoint Community Credit Union Responds to Consumer Demands
NORTH CANTON, Ohio, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Diebold, Incorporated , the global leader in integrated self-service delivery, recently partnered with OnPoint(R) Community Credit Union to provide a comprehensive outsourcing solution. OnPoint Community Credit Union, the largest credit union in Oregon serving approximately 186,000 members, currently has 45 automated teller machines (ATMs) and plans to add up to an additional 30 by 2011.
Like most financial institutions, OnPoint must compete for customers in a highly competitive marketplace that includes local, regional and national financial institutions. To successfully achieve that high level of competitiveness, OnPoint has forged a unique, long-term outsourcing partnership with Diebold - recognized for the past two years as one of the world's top outsourcing companies by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals. Through the partnership, Diebold gives OnPoint access to the best available technology in the financial services industry by offering products and services that are both innovative and convenient.
As part of the outsourcing partnership, Diebold Integrated Services(R) will provide OnPoint with a myriad of products and services, including new Opteva(R) ATMs, first -and second-line maintenance, armored carrier, network monitoring, ATM and debit card processing, Diebold RemoteLink and OpteView(R) services, currency management, client services and help desk support.
Diebold outsources products and services beyond the self-service channel including teller automation, automated deposit technology and data, software, and on-premises security management. For example, as part of Diebold's outsourcing relationship with OnPoint, the credit union is planning to add Intelligent Depository Module and Bulk Note Acceptance (BNA) technology within the year. As one of the newest advances in deposit automation, BNA allows for envelope-free deposits, enabling check depositing in any orientation - backwards or upside down in any direction - in stacks of up to 30 for the ultimate deposit convenience.
"We were looking for more than superior hardware and technology. We wanted a business partner that would take a comprehensive approach to developing our solution; evaluating the challenges we knew of as well as those we didn't," said Kelly Schrader, senior vice president of members services for OnPoint Community Credit Union. "By outsourcing with Diebold, we found a partner that provided a customized solution that impacts our bottom line, efficiencies and member satisfaction in a way that exceeded our expectations."
Most importantly, as with all Diebold outsourcing partnerships - the entire program, from managing ATM uptime and remote monitoring to currency management, networking and security - is managed through a single point of contact. This enables OnPoint to concentrate on its core area of expertise - building member relationships - while outsourcing the management of its self-service channel to Diebold.
The ability to provide outsourcing solutions that take into consideration regional influences to financial institutions such as OnPoint is a key component of Diebold's outsourcing strategy.
"OnPoint has established a very aggressive self-service strategy for its members and needed a partner that would help accelerate growth in this area," said Charles E. Ducey, Jr., senior vice president of global development and services, Diebold. "With Diebold Integrated Services, we can provide OnPoint with the 'nuts and bolts' of day-to-day operations, freeing them to focus internal resources on self-service strategy and outpacing the competition in this area."
According to OnPoint's Schrader, not only is the financial institution excited about new solutions gained, the company is also excited about what outsourcing with Diebold will enable it to do in the future as new technologies become available. "Now we spend more time on growth strategies and less time managing multiple partnerships. We're aggressively pursuing our plan to include advanced functionalities at our points-of-service," Schrader said.
To learn more about Diebold Integrated Services, financial institutions can visit Diebold's Outsourcing Assessment Center at http://www.dieboldassessmentcenter.com/ . This interactive area allows financial institutions to evaluate their current ATM channel against industry standards to learn how outsourcing can positively impact their bottom lines.
About Diebold
Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self- service delivery and security systems and services. Diebold employs more than 17,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.diebold.com/ .
Diebold, Incorporated
CONTACT: Media Relations, DeAnn Zackeroff, +1-330-490-5220, deann.zackeroff@diebold.com; Investor Relations, Christopher Bast, +1-330-490-6908, christopher.bast@diebold.com, both of Diebold, Incorporated
Web site: http://www.diebold.com/ http://www.dieboldassessmentcenter.com/
Next Inning Technology Previews Earnings for Citrix Systems, EMC, Intersil, and Qualcomm
PRINCETON, N.J., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Next Inning Technology Research (http://www.nextinning.com/), a subscription service focused on semiconductor and technology stocks, announced it has updated outlooks for Citrix Systems , EMC , Intersil and Qualcomm .
In a series of reports released in March, Editor Paul McWilliams advised readers it was time to buy specific tech stocks. His selections went up considerably with one very near doubling. However, in May and early June, he warned readers it was time to take some profits and prepare for the summer swoon he saw coming. Now that tech stocks have taken a significant hit, is it time to start buying again? Click to read his updated thoughts and enjoy a 21-day free trial of Next Inning:
https://www.nextinning.com/subscribe/index.php?refer=prn694
In his earnings preview, McWilliams wrote: "Following Qualcomm's calendar Q3 2007 earnings report, I posted my brief opinions of the news along with my take on the carnage the market saw the week ending November 9th. In that report, I noted that Qualcomm merited accumulation at its then current price just under $38..."
McWilliams also looks at these topics:
-- Why is Qualcomm's acquisition of Firethorn an important data point for Qualcomm investors? At what price would McWilliams consider adding shares of Qualcomm? What is his price target for Qualcomm?
-- Does Citrix merit accumulation ahead of its upcoming earnings report?
-- Is EMC attractively priced ahead of earnings? Might VMWare investors be better off considering majority owner EMC instead?
-- Is there short-term upside potential for Intersil? Does McWilliams see Intersil seeking out acquisitions in the near future? What company does he think Intersil should consider?
Founded in September 2002, Next Inning's model portfolio has returned 226% since its inception versus 78% for the NASDAQ.
About Next Inning:
Next Inning is a subscription financial newsletter focused on technology stocks. Editor Paul McWilliams is a 20+-year industry veteran.
NOTE: This release was published by Indie Research Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor with CRD #131926. Interested parties may visit adviserinfo.sec.gov for additional information. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
CONTACT: Marcie Martin Next Inning Technology Research, +1-888-278-5515
Indie Research Advisors, LLC
CONTACT: Marcie Martin of Next Inning Technology Research, +1-888-278-5515
Web site: http://www.nextinning.com/ https://www.nextinning.com/subscribe/index.php?refer=prn694
Magic Software's uniPaaS Comprehensive Application Platform for Full Client, RIA, and SaaS Offering Gains MomentumISV community, customers and new partners welcome and endorse the new offering at MUSE 2008
OR-YEHUDA, Israel, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. , a leading provider of application platform, and business and process integration solutions, today announced that its uniPaaS (previously code-named G5) application platform product range has gained strong support at the UK Magic User Group convention last week. MUSE 2008, the UK annual convention of Magic Software's community, brought together ISV's, customers and Magic Software representatives for a 2-day event that included information sharing sessions as well as focused training and best practices.
uniPaaS (http://www.magicsoftware.com/2559-en/uniPaaS.aspx) is Magic Software's comprehensive application platform, the next generation of the company's award-winning eDeveloper series. It is also the industry's first unitary RIA and SaaS-enabled Application Platform (SEAP). uniPaaS offers our customers the power to choose how they deploy their applications, whether Full Client, or Web; on-premise or on-demand; software or Software-as-a-Service; global or local deployment. By offering technology transparency, uniPaaS enables customers to focus on their business requirements rather than technological means. For RIA, uniPaaS uses a single development paradigm and automatically handles all Client and Server partitioning, thus reducing the time and costs associated with the development and deployment of Rich Internet Applications. In addition, application owners can leverage their initial investment when moving from Full Client mode to RIA and SaaS and back again. With uniPaaS you deploy the most profitable applications quicker than ever before, and at an unprecedented low cost of ownership.
Several UK based ISV's participated in the uniPaaS RIA beta program and were able to evaluate it and assess its usefulness for their business. Meni Gani, chief executive officer of OKOSH-BOM, a leading global system integrator and ISV originated in the UK, commented: "We have been confronted for some time now with a growing competition from RIA platforms as well as SaaS solution providers, and the uniPaaS release is very timely. The new RIA user interface enables us to deliver full application functionality that so far was possible only with Fat Client implementations. We anticipate a significant business advantage here. Thanks to its compatibility with eDeveloper V10 and hybrid deployment capabilities, we are able to immediately use the existing code and migrate to uniPaaS and ultimately maintain only one version of our applications for all the different deployment modes."
Geoff Griffiths, chief executive officer of Topaz Computers Systems expressed similar views: "We have a financial management solution aimed at medium to large corporate enterprises, which is implemented in a traditional Client Server model. So far, we chose to minimize our solution web capabilities since we were not able to deliver enough functionality without replicating eDeveloper code. uniPaaS changes this. The ability to deliver the existing Client Server functionality over the web, without a Client installation, is going to be an important cost reduction factor. It also opens for us new perspectives to cooperate with SaaS providers and target new customers looking for a service model, something that we did not think we would be able to do on our own."
Another key participant in MUSE was OpSource, one of the world's leading providers of Web operations for software as a service and web companies. Magic Software and OpSource are developing a partnership that would enable Magic Solution Providers (ISVs) to host and deliver their RIA business applications over the web, via OpSource. "I'm very impressed with the quality and diversity of the solution portfolio represented in this event," said Conor Halpin, vice president EMEA of OpSource. "Magic Software has done a terrific job in enabling its ISV's to easily migrate their applications to a service delivery model," he added.
"We are very encouraged by the enthusiastic reception that our UK community expressed for uniPaaS," said Avigdor Luttinger, vice president corporate strategy of Magic Software. "We see a positive momentum building up, following the great reception of uniPaaS at MIUG, the Magic International User Group in the US that took place in May, and fresh independent industry analyst coverage," Luttinger added.
Magic Software's uniPaaS will be presented and demonstrated in various events including Gartner's Web Innovation Summit: Profiting from Web 2.0, SaaS and Cloud Computing, 15-17 September 2008 at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, USA: http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=648611 .
For additional Magic Software events, please visit: http://www.magicsoftware.com/58-en/Magic.aspx .
About uniPaaS offering
uniPaaS supports all deployment models including: uniPaaS Full Client - Magic Software's application platform that enables straightforward application development and deployment. It also allows businesses to leverage their existing IT investments; uniPaaS RIA - using a single development paradigm, uniPaaS automatically handles all Client and Server partitioning, thus reducing the time and costs associated with the development and deployment of Rich Internet Applications; and uniPaaS SaaS - for those wanting to move to the Software-as-a-Service business model.
In addition, application owners can leverage their initial investment when moving from Full Client mode to RIA and SaaS and back again. The uniPaaS product line allows Magic Software customers, application owners and ISVs to extend their service and product offerings to both RIA and SaaS, while significantly lowering their application maintenance and delivery costs.
For more information on uniPaaS, please visit: http://www.magicsoftware.com/2559-en/uniPaaS.aspx .
To be a part of Magic Software's uniPaaS community subscribe to our Magic Link newsletter here: http://www.magicsoftware.com/114-en/Magic.aspx
About Magic Software
Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. is a leading provider of business integration, application development and deployment tools. Magic Software has a presence in over 50 countries as well as a global network of ISV's, system integrators, value-added distributors and resellers, consulting and OEM partners. The company's award-winning code-free solutions give partners and customers the power to leverage existing IT resources, enhance business agility and focus on core business priorities. Magic Software's technological approach, product roadmap and corporate strategy are recognized by leading industry analysts. Magic Software has partnerships with global IT leaders including SAP AG, salesforce.com, IBM and Oracle. For more information about Magic Software Enterprises and its products and services, visit http://www.magicsoftware.com/ .
Magic Software is a subsidiary of Formula Systems in the Emblaze Group of companies.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release include forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary significantly based upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, risks in product and technology development, market acceptance of new products and continuing product conditions, both here and abroad, release and sales of new products by strategic resellers and customers, and other risk factors detailed in the Company's most recent annual report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Press contacts:
Cathy Caldeira
Metis Communications
Tel: +1-617-236-0500
magicsoftware@metiscomm.com
Magic Software Enterprises Ltd.
CONTACT: Cathy Caldeira of Metis Communications, +1-617-236-0500, magicsoftware@metiscomm.com
Web Site: http://www.magicsoftware.com/ http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=648611 http://www.magicsoftware.com/58-en/Magic.aspx http://www.magicsoftware.com/2559-en/uniPaaS.aspx http://www.magicsoftware.com/114-en/Magic.aspx
Hollywood Undead Wins Virgin Mobile USA's 'Book The Band' to Capture Spot on Star-Studded Roster at Virgin Mobile FestivalMasked Alternative Rock Group on A&M/Octone Records Will Perform Live For the First Time Ever at the Largest Music Festival on the East Coast
WARREN, N.J., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- For a band that has only performed online and never live, the 2008 Virgin Mobile Festival, the largest festival on the East Coast, figures to be quite a premiere. Fueled by the popularity of MySpace and other social networking sites, Los Angeles's own Hollywood Undead (http://www.myspace.com/hollywoodundead) nabbed more than half the votes in Virgin Mobile USA's second annual Book The Band contest sponsored by Kyocera Wireless and MySpace.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080222/NYF040LOGO )
Hollywood Undead will join more than 40 acts including an all-star lineup featuring Foo Fighters, Jack Johnson, Kanye West, Nine Inch Nails, Stone Temple Pilots and Bob Dylan.
The Virgin Mobile Festival takes place August 9 and 10 at Baltimore's Pimlico Race Course(R) with entertainment spanning across two stages, a dance tent, and a total of 25 acres of arts and attractions. With their signature masks on, Hollywood Undead will take to the stage on August 10, kicking off Day Two of the festival with their fusion of hip-hop, emo and metal.
"Music has always been at the core of the Virgin Mobile USA brand and for that reason, Book The Band is a natural extension of Virgin Mobile Festival," said Ron Faris, Director of Brand Development & Partnerships, Virgin Mobile USA. "As far as we're concerned, this year's contest was won on the mobile phone, with Hollywood Undead ramping up a huge campaign to get over 186,485 text votes. We at Virgin Mobile USA along with Kyocera Wireless are thrilled to host their first live show at our Virgin Mobile Festival."
"Book the Band is a brilliant extension of the next wave of music discovery, and Virgin Mobile Festival has certainly found promising talent in Hollywood Undead to open Day Two," said Sir Richard Branson, whose legendary Virgin Festival heritage is the inspiration for the Virgin Mobile Festival. "I'm curious to see how well they'll do going from MySpace to our space!"
"We can't think of a better venue than the Virgin Mobile Festival to play our first-ever live show," said J-Dog of Hollywood Undead. "To stand in front of the same fans who will be there to see musical legends perform is unreal. We'll do everything we can to make our first show something for fans to remember."
Hollywood Undead beat out four other up-and-coming bands by receiving an overwhelming 53% (285,000 votes) of the more than 540,000 votes placed online and via text between June 16 through July 21. Hollywood Undead will release their highly anticipated debut album, "Swan Songs" (via A&M/Octone) on August 26, 2008. Tampa-based Automatic Loveletter came in second place with more than 161,000 votes. New Jersey's The Parlor Mob, Brooklyn's We Are Scientists, and New York's The Virgins came in third, fourth and fifth, respectively.
For more information about Hollywood Undead, visit the Book The Band section of the Virgin Mobile Festival website - http://www.virginmobilefestival.com/booktheband . Tickets for The Virgin Mobile Festival are available through Ticketmaster at http://www.tickemaster.com/ or 1-800-551-SEAT. Two-day tickets are $175 for General Admission and $450 for VIP. Single-day tickets are $97.50 for General Admission and $250 for VIP tickets. A charity contribution of $1 per day will be applied to each ticket to benefit The RE*Generation http://www.virginmobileusa.com/regeneration/ . Fans can check out the official festival website at http://www.virginmobilefestival.com/ to sign up for news and updates.
About Virgin Mobile USA
Virgin Mobile USA , through its operating company Virgin Mobile USA, L.P., offers consumers control, flexibility and choice through monthly Plans Without Annual Contracts, with national coverage powered by the Sprint PCS network. Virgin Mobile USA's full slate of smart, stylish and affordable handsets, including the Wild Card, Slash and Flare, are available at approximately 40,000 top retailers nationwide and online at http://www.virginmobileusa.com/, with Top-Up cards available at more than 140,000 locations. J.D. Power and Associates ranked Virgin Mobile USA highest in customer satisfaction among wireless prepaid services in both 2006 and 2007, and its customers report a 90% satisfaction rate.
Virgin Mobile USA contributes a portion of profits from downloadable content to The RE*Generation, its pro-social initiative to help homeless youth; and allows customers to earn free minutes in exchange for viewing advertising content online through the innovative Sugar Mama program.
About Virgin Mobile Festival
The third Virgin Mobile Festival, the largest art and music event on the East coast which takes place August 9 - 10, will ignite an eclectic, compelling group of music acts at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Headliners include the Foo Fighters, Jack Johnson, Kanye West, Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots along with other acts: Iggy & The Stooges, Paramore, Chuck Berry, The Black Keys and Wilco. In addition to two main stages, the festival features a dance tent, hosting the hottest names in electronic music, including Moby and Underworld. The Virgin Mobile Festival will be produced for the third year by I.M.P., one of the country's leading independent concert promoters. Visit http://www.virginmobilefestival/ to view full artist line-up or to purchase tickets.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080222/NYF040LOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Virgin Mobile USA
CONTACT: Corinne Nosal of Virgin Mobile USA, +1-908-607-4235, Corinne.nosal@virginmobileusa.com; or Cindy Coppola of Ruder Finn, +1-310-882-4019, coppolac@ruderfinn.com; or Valerie Pensa of A&M-Octone Records, +1-646-613-1408, val@amoctone.com
Web site: http://www.virginmobileusa.com/ http://www.virginmobilefestival.com/ http://www.virginmobilefestival.com/booktheband http://www.myspace.com/hollywoodundead http://www.virginmobileusa.com/regeneration
CGI launches next generation order management portal for telcosStock Market Symbols GIB.A (TSX) GIB (NYSE)Tapestry 8.0 adds innovative order management using Web 2.0 technologies
FAIRFAX, VA, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CGI Group Inc. (TSX: GIB.A; NYSE: GIB) a leading provider of information technology and business process services, announced today the release of Tapestry(R) 8.0, with new major features in its modular rating, billing, and order management solution.
Tapestry 8.0 adds several important new features to the application's already extensive Order Management capabilities. It simplifies and manages the increasing complexity Communications Service Providers (CSPs) face in the delivery of convergent next-generation IP products and services. Today's market demands an order management system that is end-user driven, and can dynamically adjust in real-time to a myriad of order variables. Tapestry delivers while addressing the order complexity that static modeling simply cannot support. Tapestry 8.0 extends these concepts to a new next generation order capture portal, and adds innovative new tools for managing change within the ordering processes.
"The new user-defined order entry and customer model concepts in CGI's Tapestry solution will enable clients to define their specific business requirements and adapt their models as the environment develops over time," said Ari Banerjee, Program Manager, Yankee Group,
Tapestry 8.0 highlights:
- Tapestry Order Acquisition Manager - CGI's new highly configurable
web-based application supports order and account management for CSPs
out-of-the-box and can be rapidly configured to fit specific clients'
requirements. Using the latest Web 2.0 technologies such as AJAX, CGI's
solution supports advanced configuration features like the dynamic
generation of screens and supporting data model. Supplementary business
rules can be easily defined and enforced by an integrated rules engine.
The application's highly configurable nature dramatically cuts down
initial deployment time and costs while delivering an end-user
experience tailored to a client's specific needs.
- Integrated version control - Within Tapestry Service Manager, business
users now have complete version control over configurable objects
through the user interface, significantly reducing operational costs
and human error associated with implementing and testing changes. Users
control when and how changes are applied within an environment and can
easily merge, promote, and remove changes across multiple environments
with full traceability.
- Support for Telemanagement Forum's (TMF) framework and interface
specifications - CSPs continue to face the challenge of upgrading their
OSS/BSS systems with the best available solutions while minimizing
costs and time to market . Tapestry 8.0 incorporates TMF framework
concepts, including the interface infrastructure for sending and
receiving API transactions using the Forum's OSS/J standards. Future
Tapestry implementations with external systems using the TMF frameworks
will have a clear head-start, as well as a shorter learning curve for
new users already familiar with the TMF model.
"CGI is committed to addressing the ever-changing needs of our current and future customers to ensure that, as partners, we deliver the greatest business value ", stated Ray Harris, Vice-President, CGI. "The features included in the new release of Tapestry are a direct response to the order management challenges faced by our customers,. We remain committed to delivering the premier order management solution for convergent next-generation IP products and services."
About Tapestry
Tapestry is a state-of-the-art rating, billing, and order management solution suite to support convergent solutions and enterprise order management. Installed and proven in Europe and North America, Tapestry meets the evolving demands of a dynamic communications market. For more information on Tapestry, please visit http://www.cgi.com/tapestry.
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is one of the largest independent information technology and business process services firms in the world. CGI and its affiliated companies employ approximately 27,000 professionals. CGI provides end-to-end IT and business process services to clients worldwide from offices in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific as well as from centers of excellence in North America, Europe and India. CGI's annual revenue run rate stands at $3.8 billion and at March 31st, 2008, CGI's order backlog was $12.04 billion. CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB) and are included in the S&P/TSX Composite Index as well as the S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology and MidCap Indices. Website: http://www.cgi.com/.
CGI GROUP INC.
CONTACT: Business Development: Mike Monark, Director, Tapestry Marketing, (303) 215-3699, mike.monark@cgi.com; Media Relations: Linda Odorisio, Vice-President, US Communications, (703) 267-8118, linda.odorisio@cgi.com
CACI Awarded $85 Million U.S. Air Force Contract to Provide Contingency Medical Logistics WorldwideCompany Grows Work to Include Air National Guard
ARLINGTON, Va., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CACI International Inc announced today that it has been awarded an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) prime contract with a ceiling value of $85 million (one nine-month base period, four option years) by the U.S. Air Force under the Manpower and Equipment Force Packaging (MEFPAK) and Medical Logistics Support Services contract vehicle. The contract continues work performed under other contract vehicles in support of medical logistics services in the U.S. at all levels of the Air Force Medical Service and for some Army units and now opens this support to overseas Air Force units as well as the Air National Guard. This expands CACI's growth in the logistics and material readiness arena.
MEFPAK and Medical Logistics Support Services are responsible for identifying and communicating manpower and equipment planning data for all Air Force combat and support forces. Under the terms of the contract, CACI will deliver a comprehensive range of contingency medical logistics support for warfighters serving in-theater; deployed DoD personnel throughout South and Central America; and individuals within the U.S., including the Air National Guard. This support includes building and maintaining deployable, medical assemblages across the globe; fulfilling urgent medical requirements in combat zones; sustaining medical logistics for deployed units and forces; and augmenting medical logistics to meet requirements for natural and man-made events within the U.S.
Bill Fairl, Acting CACI President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are extremely pleased that this continuing and new work for the Air Force enables CACI to sustain our role as one of DoD's largest providers of medical logistics services. It is particularly fulfilling to realize that the work we do directly benefits military personnel around the world."
CACI International Inc provides the professional services and IT solutions needed to prevail in today's defense, intelligence, homeland security, and federal civilian government arenas. We deliver enterprise IT and network services; data, information, and knowledge management services; business system solutions; logistics and material readiness; C4ISR integration services; information assurance, information operations, and cyber security services; integrated security and intelligence solutions; and program management and SETA support services. CACI services and solutions help our federal clients provide for national security, improve communications and collaboration, secure the integrity of information systems and networks, enhance data collection and analysis, and increase efficiency and mission effectiveness. We add value to our clients' operations, increase their skills and capabilities, and enhance their missions. CACI is a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies of 2007 and the Russell 2000 index. CACI provides dynamic careers for approximately 12,000 employees working in over 120 offices in the U.S. and Europe. CACI is the IT provider for a networked world. Visit CACI on the web at http://www.caci.com/.
There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts, and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the following: regional and national economic conditions in the United States and the United Kingdom, including conditions that result from terrorist activities or war; changes in interest rates; currency fluctuations; failure to achieve contract awards in connection with recompetes for present business and/or competition for new business; the risks and uncertainties associated with client interest in and purchases of new products and/or services; continued funding of U.S. government or other public sector projects, based on a change in spending patterns, or in the event of a priority need for funds, such as homeland security, the war on terrorism or rebuilding Iraq; government contract procurement (such as bid protest, small business set asides, etc.) and termination risks; the results of government investigations into allegations of improper actions related to the provision of services in support of U.S. military operations in Iraq; individual business decisions of our clients; paradigm shifts in technology; competitive factors such as pricing pressures and/or competition to hire and retain employees (particularly those with security clearances); material changes in laws or regulations applicable to our businesses, particularly in connection with (i) government contracts for services, (ii) outsourcing of activities that have been performed by the government, (iii) competition for task orders under Government Wide Acquisition Contracts ("GWACs") and/or schedule contracts with the General Services Administration; and (iv) accounting for convertible debt instruments; our own ability to achieve the objectives of near term or long range business plans; and other risks described in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Corporate Communications and Media:
Jody Brown, Executive Vice President, Public Relations
(703) 841-7801, jbrown@caci.com
Investor Relations:
David Dragics, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
(866) 606-3471, ddragics@caci.com
CACI International Inc
CONTACT: Media: Jody Brown, Executive Vice President, Public Relations, +1-703-841-7801, jbrown@caci.com, or Investors: David Dragics, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, +1-866-606-3471, ddragics@caci.com, both of CACI International Inc
Web site: http://www.caci.com/
ROFIN-SINAR Announces 2008 Third Quarter Financial Results Teleconference
HAMBURG, Germany and PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ROFIN-SINAR Technologies Inc. , one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of laser sources and laser-based solutions, confirmed today that its 2008 third quarter results will be released on Wednesday, August 6, 2008.
Chief Executive Officer, Gunther Braun, and Chief Financial Officer, Ingrid Mittelstadt, will host a conference call at 5:00 PM (CET) / 4:00 PM (UK) / 11:00 AM (Eastern) / 8:00 AM (Pacific) on that day to review the results and discuss the Group's recent business activities. The conference call will be webcast live and for replay purposes on the Company's website: http://www.rofin.com/.
The earnings announcement will be released at 8:00 AM (Eastern) on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, and will be available on http://www.rofin.com/.
With operational headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan, and Hamburg, Germany, ROFIN-SINAR Technologies Inc. designs, develops, engineers and manufactures laser sources and laser-based system solutions for a wide range of applications. The Company is one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of industrial lasers with production facilities in the US, Germany, UK, Sweden, Finland, Singapore and Japan. ROFIN-SINAR currently has more than 28,000 laser units installed worldwide and serves more than 3,000 customers. ROFIN-SINAR's shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol RSTI and are listed in Germany in the "Prime Standard" segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under ISIN US7750431022. Additional information is available on ROFIN-SINAR's home page: http://www.rofin.com/.
Contact: Katharina Manok
ROFIN-SINAR
+49-40-733-63-256
ROFIN-SINAR Technologies Inc.
CONTACT: Katharina Manok of ROFIN-SINAR, +49-40-733-63-256
Web site: http://www.rofin.com/
NI LabVIEW Monitors Structural Health of Summer Olympic Venues in BeijingStructural Health Monitoring Systems Monitor Stability, Reliability and Livability of Landmark Venues in China
AUSTIN, Texas, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- National Instruments today announced the China Earthquake Administration (CEA), the leading governmental body managing the country's earthquake preparedness and disaster mitigation, selected a structural health monitoring (SHM) solution developed by National Instruments Alliance Partner CGM Engineering, Inc., based on the NI LabVIEW graphical system design platform and NI CompactRIO programmable automation controllers. The systems are designed to aid engineers in conducting structural health research on seven recently constructed megastructures in China including both of the main venues for the 2008 Summer Olympics -- the Beijing National Stadium and the National Aquatics Center.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080723/LAW030LOGO)
"The main objective of this civil engineering project is to develop a state-of-the-art solution to monitor structural health characteristics including stability, reliability and livability in real time by using contemporary computing, sensor and communication technology," said Chris McDonald, vice president of CGM Engineering. "Our systems are designed to capture the vibrational signatures of structures and detect any sudden shifts of structural characteristics to improve structures and help reduce the loss of life and property when catastrophic events such as earthquakes, hurricanes or fires occur."
The nine 64-channel and two 36-channel SHM systems each contain multiple CompactRIO controllers that directly connect to accelerometers for vibration measurements and an external GPS receiver for inter-chassis synchronization. Within each chassis, the LabVIEW FPGA Module is used to synchronize each measurement channel to within +/- 10 microseconds of the GPS-disciplined clock. The LabVIEW Real-Time Module also is used to program user-configurable filtering to prevent unwanted noise from interfering with the low-frequency measurements being acquired. Each system is encapsulated in a rugged NEMA enclosure, which permits the unit to operate in high humidity and temperatures ranging from -40 C to 70 C.
The SHM system performs continuous, real-time monitoring at each location, and engineers can remotely access the locally stored data from anywhere in the world via secure Internet connections. Additionally, engineers can configure the systems using either a single or multivariate architecture to send e-mail notifications when events occur.
The CEA selected this system based on NI technology over other solutions because it offers continuous, real-time monitoring, time-based GPS synchronization and the highest channel count for the lowest cost. The technology also provides a simple, out-of-the-box setup and a variety of I/O options that can be quickly and easily reconfigured to meet changing system requirements.
In addition to the Olympic venues, the SHM systems are deployed in the 104-story World Trade Center in Shanghai, 66-story Park Hyatt Hotel complex in Beijing, 240 m concrete arch dam in Ertan, 8266 m cable-stayed bridge in Shan-Tou and base-isolated CEA data center in Beijing. Ultimately, the data collected from this research will be used to improve the structural integrity of future buildings and reduce the number of lives lost from catastrophic events.
To learn more about structural health monitoring using NI products, visit http://www.ni.com/data_logger/structural_data_logger.htm.
About CGM Engineering, Inc.
CGM Engineering, Inc., is a Southern California engineering and systems integration firm specializing in automation, test and measurement. Our commitment is to provide you and your company with top quality products and services, offering proven performance and reliable results from a team of engineering experts. Our customer focus and attention to detail have helped make CGM one of the premier system integrators in California. From the simplest application to the most technically complex, CGM can design a solution for you. CGM has been a National Instruments Alliance Partner for 10 years.
About National Instruments
National Instruments (http://www.ni.com/) is transforming the way engineers and scientists design, prototype and deploy systems for measurement, automation and embedded applications. NI empowers customers with off-the-shelf software such as NI LabVIEW and modular cost-effective hardware, and sells to a broad base of more than 25,000 different companies worldwide, with no one customer representing more than 3 percent of revenue and no one industry representing more than 10 percent of revenue. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has more than 4,800 employees and direct operations in nearly 40 countries. For the past nine years, FORTUNE magazine has named NI one of the 100 best companies to work for in America. Readers can obtain investment information from the company's investor relations department by calling (512) 683-5090, e-mailing nati@ni.com or visiting http://www.ni.com/nati/.
CompactRIO, LabVIEW, National Instruments, National Instruments Alliance Partner, NI and ni.com are trademarks of National Instruments. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
A National Instruments Alliance Partner is a business entity independent from NI and has no agency, partnership, or joint-venture relationship with NI.
Editor Contact: Julia Betts, (512) 683-8165
Reader Contact: Ernest Martinez, (800) 258-7022
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080723/LAW030LOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
National Instruments
CONTACT: Julia Betts of National Instruments, +1-512-683-8165
Web site: http://www.ni.com/
ATK Awarded $78 Million Contract to Missionize Three Maritime Patrol Aircraft for the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection DivisionATK's Sophisticated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Sensor Technology Plays Key Role in Protecting U.S. BordersATK's Fort Worth, Texas Facility to Perform Modification and Systems Integration Work over Next Two Years
MINNEAPOLIS, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems announced today that it has been awarded contracts by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP) division to retrofit three additional aircraft with ATK's proprietary integrated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) system. The three Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) will be based at various locations in the United States and used by CBP's Air and Marine Operations to monitor drug trafficking and illegal immigration. They will also be available to perform search and rescue missions when required. These will be the fifth, sixth and seventh aircraft ATK delivers to the CBP in support of their critical border patrol mission.
ATK's sophisticated sensor suite allows the MPA aircraft to simultaneously detect numerous activities of interest at substantial stand-off range. Flight station operators using the arrays of sensors, displays and data links, can transmit critical data and intelligence instantaneously to ground and airborne control centers to assist in the interception and investigation of vehicles, aircraft, or persons of interest. The aircraft also record the data and imagery, which can subsequently be used for intelligence, investigation, and prosecution. All of the work will be performed at ATK's Fort Worth, Texas, facility.
"We are pleased to support the vital work the Department of Homeland Security performs to protect the nation's borders," stated Bill Kasting, Vice President of ATK's Integrated Systems division, headquartered in Woodland Hills, Calif. Mr. Kasting added, "The technology ATK developed for border patrol missions is attracting significant interest from international customers who are looking for affordable and very effective ways to introduce ISR into their own border security challenges."
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 17,000 employees in 21 states and $4.5 billion in revenue. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/.
Certain information discussed in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although ATK believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among those factors are: developing advanced ISR aircraft integration technologies, changes in governmental spending, budgetary policies and product sourcing strategies; the company's competitive environment; the terms and timing of awards and contracts; and economic conditions. ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, please refer to ATK's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Media Contact: Investor Contact:
Tracy Imm Steve Wold
Phone: 410-864-4824 Phone: 952-351-3056
E-mail: tracy.imm@atk.com E-mail: steve.wold@atk.com
ATK
CONTACT: Media, Tracy Imm, +1-410-864-4824, tracy.imm@atk.com, or Investors, Steve Wold, +1-952-351-3056, steve.wold@atk.com, both of ATK
Web site: http://www.atk.com/
Recent Research Supports Achievo Outsourcing Philosophies for SuccessNew Benchmark study finds that partnering with R&D providers drives innovation, decreases cycle-time, and reduces time to market
SAN RAMON, Calif., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Achievo(R) Corporation, a software outsourcing and information technology services provider, today announced that a recent study published by Aberdeen Group supports a number of Achievo's contentions about the requirements for effectiveness in outsourcing partnerships. Achievo offers its clients local account management and project delivery capabilities through its regional offices in Japan, North America, Europe and Greater China that are integrated with and supported by its offshore delivery centers in China and its headquarters in the United States.
The newly released benchmark report, "Software Development and Innovation: Speeding 'Time-to-Market,'" by Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company , found that "Best-in-Class" organizations realized an 18% decrease in time-to-market as a result of their R&D / Engineering Outsourcing engagement -- a rate that is more than 26 times greater than industry average organizations. Additionally, "Best-in-Class" organizations are 123% more likely than "Laggards" to ensure their outsourcing provider has "skin in the game," validating Achievo's contention that outsourcing engagements must function as a value partnership rather than an employee-contractor relationship.
"According to our research, Achievo is one of the leading providers of practices that are influencing best-of-breed developers," said Ralph Rodriguez, Senior Vice-President of Research, Technology Markets group and author of the study. "Achievo has a partnership model that offers a local interface to the back end work. Achievo's model allows business to be conducted in the language of the customer, effectively removing challenges that can beleaguer outsourcing relationships."
"Aberdeen's research bears out our contention that the choice of partnership is critical for effective R&D and engineering outsourcing," said Robert P. Lee, chairman and chief executive officer of Achievo. "We believe that delivery teams must be able to provide the appropriate industry focus and knowledge, current training and education, and a shared outlook about the work. Additionally, Achievo has always stressed the importance of appropriate metrics to measure project status and assess the engagement's effect on our customers' overall business goals. We feel validated that research from a highly respected organization of Abeerden's caliber has corroborated Achievo's key philosophies, particularly with regard to the importance of partner selection."
An example of this kind of close working partnership is Achievo's association with Accela, a leading provider of government automation software solutions that connect citizens to services. "We found that by working with Achievo we were able to quickly boost our production capabilities and significantly reduce our time-to market with new products, updates and upgrades," said Rich Morrey, Accela CIO. "The Achievo team is well-trained and experienced, has strong team leadership, and excellent quality assurance. Most importantly, we have realized a substantial savings in costs -- more than one-third by our count -- amounting to millions of dollars over the past few years."
To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, which was underwritten by Achievo, visit: http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?cid=4898.
About Achievo Corporation
Achievo Corporation is a leading provider of software outsourcing and information technology services to a global client base primarily through its regional offices in Japan, North America, Europe and Greater China. Five of Achievo's delivery centers in China are ISO-27001 certified, of which two are also ISO-9001:2000 certified and another is CMMI level 5 certified. In addition, Achievo's facilities in Germany are ISO 9001:2000 certified. With expertise in diverse technologies including Java/J2EE, .NET and embedded platforms, Achievo offers improved efficiencies, scale, diversification, and a skilled talent pool to deliver cost-effective, client-centric, and scalable IT outsourcing services to clients worldwide. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Achievo has offices in the United States, Canada, Germany, China and Japan. For information on the company and its services, visit http://www.achievo.com/.
About Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company
Aberdeen is a leading provider of fact-based research and market intelligence that delivers demonstrable results. Having benchmarked more than 30,000 companies in the past two years, Aberdeen is uniquely positioned to educate users to action: driving market awareness, creating demand, enabling sales, and delivering meaningful return-on-investment analysis. As the trusted advisor to the global technology markets, corporations turn to Aberdeen(TM) for insights that drive decisions.
As a Harte-Hanks Company, Aberdeen plays a key role of putting content in context for the global direct and targeted marketing company. Aberdeen's analytical and independent view of the "customer optimization" process of Harte-Hanks (Information -- Opportunity -- Insight -- Engagement -- Interaction) extends the client value and accentuates the strategic role Harte-Hanks brings to the market. For additional information, visit Aberdeen http://www.aberdeen.com/ or call (617) 723-7890, or to learn more about Harte-Hanks, call (800) 456-9748 or go to http://www.harte-hanks.com/.
(C) 2008 Achievo Corporation. All rights reserved. Achievo is a registered trademark of Achievo Corporation in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT:
Jayme Curtis, Public Relations
Achievo Corporation
+1 408.892.8661
jayme.curtis@achievo.com
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Robert P. Lee, PhD http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=46000
Achievo Corporation
CONTACT: Jayme Curtis, Public Relations of Achievo Corporation, +1-408-892-8661, jayme.curtis@achievo.com
Web site: http://www.achievo.com/ http://www.aberdeen.com/ http://www.harte-hanks.com/
Indosat Announces Change of Control Offers for Any and All of Indosat Finance Company B.V.'S 7.75% Guaranteed Notes Due 2010 and Indosat International Finance Company B.V.'S 7.125% Guaranteed Notes Due 2012
JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PT Indosat Tbk. ("Indosat"), Indosat Finance Company B.V. ("Indosat Finance") and Indosat International Finance Company B.V. ("Indosat International Finance") announced today that, in connection with the indirect acquisition by Qatar Telecom (Qtel) Q.S.C., of 2,217,590,000 Series B Common Shares of Indosat, representing 40.81% of Indosat's outstanding Series B Common Shares, Indosat Finance has notified holders of its 7.75% Guaranteed Notes due 2010 (the "2010 Notes") that it has commenced an offer to purchase (the "2010 Change of Control Offer") the 2010 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof (US$1,010 per US$1,000 principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest up to the date of settlement and any Additional Amounts (as defined in the indenture related the 2010 Notes) (the "2010 Purchase Price") and Indosat International Finance has notified holders of its 7.125% Guaranteed Notes due 2012 (the "2012 Notes" and, together with the 2010 Notes, the "Notes") that it has commenced an offer to purchase (the 2012 Change of Control Offer, and, together with the 2010 Change of Control Offer, the "Change of Control Offers") the 2012 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof (US$1,010 per US$1,000 principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest up to the date of settlement and any Additional Amounts (as defined in the indenture related to the 2012 Notes) (the "2012 Purchase Price, and together with the 2010 Purchase Price, the "Purchase Price"). The terms and conditions of the Change of Control Offers are described in detail in the Change of Control Offers, each dated July 22, 2008 issued by Indosat Finance and Indosat International Finance. The indentures governing the Notes require Indosat Finance and Indosat International Finance to make the Change of Control Offers.
Each of the Change of Control Offers will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 16, 2008 (the "Expiration Date").
Tenders of Notes may be validly withdrawn at any time up until 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on September 18, 2008 (the "Withdrawal Date"). Tenders of Notes may not be validly withdrawn after the Withdrawal Date, unless required by law.
Holders that validly tender their Notes prior to the Expiration Date (and do not subsequently validly withdraw such Notes) and whose tendered Notes are accepted for purchase by each issuer will receive the Purchase Price. Payment of the Purchase Price for such Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) will be made on September 19, 2008 (the "Settlement Date"). Each issuer will be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Notes in the Change of Control Offer when, as and if the issuer has given oral or written notice thereof to the Information and Tender Agent.
D.F. King & Co., Inc. has been retained to serve as the information and tender agent for the Change of Control Offers. Requests for documents and questions regarding the tendering of Notes may be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. at +1(800)967-7635 (toll free). Banks and brokers call collect at +1(212) 269-5550.
PT Indosat Tbk
Indosat Tbk is a leading telecommunication and information service provider in Indonesia that provides cellular services (Mentari, Matrix and IM3), fixed telecommunication services or fixed voice (IDD 001, IDD 008 and FlatCall 01016, fixed wireless service StarOne and I-Phone). Indosat also provides Multimedia, Internet & Data Communication Services (MIDI) through its subsidiary company, Indosat Mega Media (IM2) and Lintasarta. Indosat also provides 3.5 G with HSDPA technology. Indosat's shares are listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX: ISAT) and its American Depository Shares are listed in the New York Stock Exchange .
Indosat Finance Company B.V. ("IFB")
IFB was incorporated in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) on October 2003. IFB is a financing company. In 2003, IFB issued guaranteed notes which are due in 2010.
Indosat International Finance Company B.V. ("IIFB")
IIFB was incorporated in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) on April 2005. IIFB is a financing company. In 2005, IIFB issued guaranteed notes which are due in 2012.
Disclaimer:
This document contains certain financial information and results of operation, and may also contain certain projections, plans, strategies, and objectives of Indosat, that are not statements of historical fact which would be treated as forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable law. Forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events and Indosat's future results to be materially different than expected or indicated by such statements. No assurance can be given that the results anticipated by Indosat, or indicated by any such forward looking statements, will be achieved.
This document is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of an offering circular that may be obtained from the Company and will contain detailed information about the Company and management, as well as financial statements. The Company does not intend to register any part of the offering in the United States.
Indosat Tbk
CONTACT: Corporate Secretary, +62-21-3869614, Fax, +62-21-3804045, or Investor Relations, +62-21-3869615, Fax, +62-21-3804045, investor@indosat.com, both for Indosat Tbk
Web site: http://www.indosat.com/
Sikorsky Aerospace Services' HSI Supplies Robertson Fuel Tanks to Colombian Air Force
TRUMBULL, Conn., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Helicopter Support Inc. (HSI), a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company, today announced the sale of 12 extended-range aircraft fuel tanks to the Colombian Air Force for installation on Bell Huey II helicopters. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is a Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. company. Sikorsky Aircraft is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. .
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO )
Robertson Aviation LLC manufactures the tanks, and HSI serves as a distributor to Robertson's non-U.S. Government customers for rotorcraft built by Sikorsky and other selected helicopter variants, including the Huey II model. HSI signed the distribution agreement in January 2008 with Robertson, based in Tempe, Ariz., a world leader in design, development and production of crashworthy, extended-range fuel systems for aircraft, primarily helicopters.
"This sale is noteworthy because it marks the first for our new arrangement with Robertson Aviation, and because it reflects the rapid expansion of Sikorsky Aerospace Services' portfolio of global solutions," said Adam Schierholz, Business Development and Strategic Planning Manager for Sikorsky Aerospace Services. "We continue to increase our capacity to support aircraft made by more manufacturers and to do so with parts and equipment made by still other producers. In the aircraft aftermarket business, we are becoming the line that connects all the dots."
HSI, based in Trumbull, Conn., provides service and logistics solutions to commercial and military aircraft fleets worldwide. Sikorsky Aerospace Services designs and applies advanced logistics and supply chain solutions for commercial rotary, military rotary and fixed wing customers globally.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. The company's long commitment to safety and innovation is reflected in its mission statement: "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere... every time(TM)." United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high- technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060403/SIKORSKYLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
CONTACT: Paul Jackson, +1-203-386-7143, Paul.Jackson@Sikorsky.com, or Marianne Heffernan, +1-203-386-4373, mheffernan@Sikorsky.com, both of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
Web site: http://www.sikorsky.com/
Portsmouth, Va., Residents to See More Choice, Competition as City Council Awards Cable Franchise to VerizonFranchise Covers 39,000 Households; FiOS TV Is the Only TV Service Delivered over the Nation's Most Advanced, All-Fiber-Optic Network Straight to Consumers' Homes
PORTSMOUTH, Va., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Portsmouth residents are a major step closer to having an innovative, reliable and competitive alternative for their cable television services, thanks to a unanimous vote by the City Council Tuesday night (July 22) authorizing Verizon to offer its fiber-optic-powered FiOS TV.
FiOS TV offers consumers a broad range of programming choices and superior picture quality from the only TV service delivered over the nation's most advanced all-fiber network directly connecting to millions of individual homes and businesses.
The 15-year cable franchise covers approximately 39,000 households in Portsmouth. Verizon, which will make the service available to all households in its initial service area in the city within three years, plans to begin offering FiOS TV later this summer.
"Portsmouth residents soon will be able to join the fast-growing FiOS family in Hampton Roads," said Robert W. Woltz Jr., president of Verizon Virginia. "FiOS TV offers a clear, superior alternative to the incumbent cable provider -- powered by our lightning-fast fiber-optic network.
"From ultra-fast download and unmatched upload Internet speeds to outstanding picture quality, FiOS Internet and FiOS TV services will wow Portsmouth consumers."
Portsmouth joins Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Virginia Beach in granting Verizon the authority to compete for cable services. Verizon also offers FiOS TV in Northern Virginia and the Richmond area.
Virginia residents who are FiOS TV-eligible have the option to trim their monthly bills by bundling FiOS TV service, FiOS Internet service and the Verizon Freedom Essentials unlimited calling plan, all for $104.99 a month with a one-year commitment. They also can add a Verizon Wireless calling plan for a Grand Slam of communications and entertainment services.
FiOS TV Service Highlights
FiOS TV service highlights include:
-- More than 400 all-digital channels grouped by genres such as entertainment, sports, news, shopping, movies and family, making it easy for audiences to find their favorite programming.
-- A total of 27 high-definition channels in the Hampton Roads market, with extraordinary clarity and theater-quality sound. The company will add approximately 25 more HD channels in the near future, and plans to expand its lineup to offer all available major HD programming by year-end.
-- An industry-leading library of more than 10,000 video-on-demand (VOD) titles each month, 70 percent of which are free. In addition, an increasing number of on-demand titles in high definition, with 1,000 HD VOD titles per month by the end of the year.
-- An easy-to-use interactive media guide that integrates HD programming, on-demand content and the digital video recorder along with broadcast television into a seamless user experience.
-- Set-top boxes ranging from a standard-definition box for $5.99 per month to the Home Media DVR, featuring a multi-room DVR that enables up to three simultaneous viewings of recorded programs without requiring customers to set up a complex home network or buy extra equipment. The recorder is bundled with Media Manager, a new feature that lets customers easily access photos and music from their personal computer and play them on their entertainment center where they look and sound the best. A standard definition Home Media DVR is $17.99 per month.
-- FiOS TV Widgets, a free interactive feature that provides local weather and traffic information.
Programming choices for Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Russian and other multicultural audiences are available in every market, making FiOS TV an outlet for emerging and independent networks to showcase their diverse programming.
Sports fans subscribing to FiOS TV Premier in the Hampton Roads market will also receive a host of sports channels -- including Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, several ESPN channels and the NFL Network -- at no extra charge.
Portsmouth consumers can check online at http://www.verizon.com/fios for more information or to request that Verizon contact them when FiOS TV becomes available. Customers also can call their local Verizon sales office or 888-GET FiOS (888-438-3467).
In addition to Virginia, Verizon currently provides FiOS TV in parts of California, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Texas.
FiOS TV is delivered over Verizon's all-fiber-optic network, which brings the power and capacity of fiber optics directly into people's homes and has industry-leading quality and reliability. Fiber delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen. It also delivers Internet download speeds of up to 50 Mbps* (megabits per second) and upload speeds of up to 20 Mbps, as well as high-quality voice services.
* NOTE: actual (throughput) speeds will vary.
Verizon Communications Inc. , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 67 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employed a diverse workforce of approximately 232,000 as of the end of the first quarter 2008 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
Verizon
CONTACT: Media, Harry Mitchell, +1-804-772-1460, harry.j.mitchell@verizon.com
Web Site: http://www.verizon.com/ http://www.verizon.com/fios
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html
Pearson VUE Announces Major Enhancements to Its Secure Testing Framework(TM)New palm vein technology paves the way for global identity management
BLOOMINGTON, Minn., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson VUE, the leader in secure high-stakes testing, announced today that it is introducing several key enhancements to its Secure Testing Framework(TM), including the implementation of palm vein recognition technology, which will be piloted in its Pearson Professional Centers and Pearson VUE(R) Authorized Test Center Select sites next month.
Throughout its history, Pearson VUE has pioneered a number of security technologies now considered standard in the industry, beginning with its wholly-owned and -operated test center network, the Pearson Professional Centers, launched in 2002 to provide the highest levels of test center quality and security. Now, with the introduction of additional enhancements -- like improved identity management and forensic capabilities -- Pearson VUE is further extending its position as the leader in testing security.
"Security is integral to our business and permeates every aspect of our jobs," said Mark Poole, director of test security for Pearson VUE. "It starts with our secure test center network -- we established the Pearson Professional Centers as our flagship testing channel to control test center quality and the overall testing experience. Our global identity management capabilities also set us apart," he explained. "Palm vein authentication will allow us to move toward one-to-many comparisons in the future at a speed that is conducive to a large-scale, global testing operation. Furthermore, we're launching a host of new forensic services -- from automated Web monitoring of brain-dump sites, to enacting real-time results holds in instances of suspicious behavior, to digital watermarking of exam data. These enhancements will help us identify security breaches and act upon them quickly."
Pearson VUE engaged International Biometric Group (IBG), a leading independent designer and integrator of identification system and solutions, to customize and integrate Fujitsu's vein recognition solution. IBG Partner Samir Nanavati explained, "Pearson needed to marry the need for a truly global identity management system with a non-intrusive, superior candidate experience.
This palm vein system provides a highly secure and cost-effective solution without the criminal connotations some (test takers) associate with fingerprint technology."
Fujitsu is a leading provider of IT-based business solutions for the global marketplace and is the creator of the PalmSecure(TM) device, which compares the pattern of veins in the palm of a person being authenticated with a pattern stored in a database. This is done by taking a scan of the palm of an individual's hand using a safe, invisible light source. The scan is immediately converted into a template that is unique to each individual.
"Palm vein technology represents the very cutting edge of candidate authentication," said Joel Hagberg, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Fujitsu. "Unlike fingerprinting, retina scanning, or other biometric offerings, Fujitsu's next generation technology represents a virtually error-free identification system that is non-intrusive to the user. Our partnership with Pearson VUE represents the first time this technology will be used in a high-stakes testing environment. We think this will quickly become the standard for anyone who is serious about identity management. We're honored Pearson VUE chose our device for this ground-breaking initiative."
"Pearson VUE is committed to continually improving our security offerings, because exam scores -- and the credentials they lead to -- are only as valid as the security measures we use," explained Robert Whelan, president of Pearson VUE. "When we introduced fingerprinting in our Pearson Professional Centers in 2002, it was the best option available to us -- and it's still a great way to verify a single individual," he added. "However, to stay ahead of those who would cheat the system, we need to compare a biometric scan across an entire database of test takers very quickly and our move to palm vein recognition will help us accomplish that. As we implement these new security measures, more perpetrators of exam fraud will be exposed and prosecuted. Credentialing organizations, employers and others will all benefit from this technology. But the greatest beneficiary will be those who studied hard and gave their best effort, because those individuals can rest assured that they are competing on a level playing field."
About Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE (http://www.pearsonvue.com/) is the global leader in electronic testing for regulatory and certification boards, providing a full suite of services from test development to test delivery to data management. Pearson VUE offers exams through the world's largest network of test centers in 162 countries, providing testing services for information technology, academic, government and professional clients. Pearson VUE acquired the former Promissor in 2006, thereby extending its leadership in the certification market. The company's innovative technology offers the highest levels of security and program control, while its commitment to service provides clients and individual test takers with an unmatched testing experience.
Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson , the international media company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education and the Penguin Group.
About IBG
As a vendor-independent, technology-neutral company, IBG designs and integrates identification solutions across multiple platforms in complex, mission-critical environments. IBG has 12 years of experience in biometric applications spanning network access, identification systems, surveillance, multimodal, and fusion systems. IBG conducts custom, next-generation R&D, supporting governments in to advance the state of the art in the deployment of large-scale systems. IBG is headquartered in New York City, with additional locations in London, UK; Washington, DC; Arlington, VA; Herndon, VA; and San Francisco, CA.
About Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc.
Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. conducts engineering and marketing activities in Sunnyvale, CA and sales operations throughout the United States. Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. currently offers products and services including scanners and scanner maintenance, hard disk drives, palm vein recognition technology and 10Gb Ethernet switches. Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. is located at 1255 East Arques Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085. For more information about Fujitsu products and services,
call us at 800-626-4686 or 408-746-7000.
For more information, please see: http://us.fujitsu.com/fcpa.
Pearson VUE
CONTACT: Mary Beth Mohn of Pearson VUE, +1-952-681-3000, MaryBeth.Mohn@Pearson.com
Web site: http://www.pearsonvue.com/
Cardiac Safety of the Application of Stinger S-200 Discharges was Presented at the Cardiostim 2008, 16th World Congress, in Nice, France
TAMPA, Fla., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Stinger Systems, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: STIY) , a leader in electro-stun technology today announced that an abstract entitled "Cardiac Safety of the application of the Stinger S-200" was presented at the Cardiostim conference in Nice, France. Cardiostim is a premiere biennial international scientific event bringing together renowned experts to review technical and scientific news in electrophysiology, surgery and imaging.
Dr. Wayne McDaniel of the University of Missouri, performed a comparative analysis of the Stinger S-200, the Taser M26, and the Taser X26. Dr. McDaniel is a well-known researcher in this field, who has previously co-authored multiple papers in the area of electronic control devices. He has also served as a consultant to other EID manufacturers and as an expert witness related to EIDs.
The Stinger S-200 was applied 216 times to various size swine, and found no episodes of serious arrhythmias A second study of the Stinger S-200 compared the output of the S-200 to the Taser X26 and the Taser M26. Current going into the chest was considerably less with the Stinger S-200 than either of the Taser devices. Current, not voltage, is what is dangerous to humans.
Stinger Systems will continue with medical studies, but believes proper training of electronic immobilization devices such as the S-200 to police departments is just as vital. Like any tool on an officer's belt, EIDs need proper training and should be used reasonably.
ABOUT STINGER SYSTEMS
Stinger Systems, Inc., a leading provider of electro stun technologies, develops and sells a broad array of products utilizing advanced electro sparc-pulsed technology to police, corrections, and security sectors worldwide. http://www.stingersystems.com/ .
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements are based on Stinger Systems' current intent, belief and expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements because of the risks described in Stinger Systems' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today's date. Stinger Systems undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise.
Stinger Systems, Inc.
CONTACT: Robert Gruder, Chairman and President of Stinger Systems, Inc., +1-866-788-6746, info@stingersystems.com
Web site: http://www.stingersystems.com/
Ulster County Residents to Benefit From Verizon Wireless Network ExpansionInvesting to Stay Ahead of Growing Demand for Wireless Calling, Data Access, and Music
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents in Ulster County, Verizon Wireless has expanded its network with a new cell site in New Paltz. The new site improves coverage and capacity along New York State Route 209 from Route 213 to County Route 27, on Lucas Turnpike from Route 213 to Route 209, at the Mohonk Mountain House Resort, and the area surrounding Mohonk Lake.
This network expansion is part of the company's aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless voice and data services. The company has invested more than $45 billion since it was formed -- on average, $5.5 billion every year -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services.
Services include wireless data services such as picture messaging, text messaging, V CAST and V CAST Music, ESPN MVP and BroadbandAccess, the company's high-speed wireless broadband network geared toward mobile professionals and business customers. It provides average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits per second (mbps), and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps.
Strong demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during the first quarter of 2008 as the company added 1.5 million new customers. Verizon Wireless, the wireless company with the highest customer loyalty, reported the lowest customer turnover (highest customer loyalty) rate in the industry -- 1.2% in the first quarter -- for the 14th consecutive quarter.
The company's 'nation's most reliable wireless network' reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country who inspired the "Can you hear me now" national advertising campaign. These engineers drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles over 240,000 miles on average each quarter on Interstate, US and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 750,000 voice call attempts and more than four million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.
Last year, Verizon Wireless introduced its 30-day Test Drive, an industry first that lets customers experience its network virtually risk-free for 30 days. If customers are not satisfied with their experience and take their number to another carrier, Verizon Wireless will refund their money for calls, equipment, activation fee and taxes. For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to http://www.verizonwireless.com/.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com/ . To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: John O'Malley of Verizon Wireless, +1-585-321-7264, or +1-585-261-5899, john.omalley@verizonwireless.com; or Meredith Dropkin for Verizon Wireless, +1-315-413-4293, mdropkin@mower.com
Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/ http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html
Chautauqua County Residents to Benefit from Verizon Wireless Network ExpansionInvesting to Stay Ahead of Growing Demand for Wireless Calling, Data Access, and Music
JAMESTOWN, N.Y., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents in Chautauqua County, Verizon Wireless has expanded its network with a new cell site in Ellington. The new site improves coverage and capacity along Route 62 from North Hill Road to Waterman Road.
This network expansion is part of the company's aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless voice and data services. Verizon Wireless has invested more than $45 billion since it was formed -- on average, more than $5.5 billion every year -- to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services, including wireless data services such as picture messaging, text messaging, and wireless Internet access. NationalAccess, the company's national high-speed wireless data network, provides wireless Internet access at speeds between 60 and 80 kbps, with bursts up to 144 kbps.
Strong demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during the first quarter of 2008 as the company added 1.5 million new customers. Verizon Wireless, the wireless company with the highest customer loyalty, reported the lowest customer turnover (highest customer loyalty) rate in the industry -- 1.2% in the first quarter -- for the 14th consecutive quarter.
The company's 'nation's most reliable wireless network' reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country who inspired the "Can you hear me now" national advertising campaign. These engineers drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles over 240,000 miles on average each quarter on Interstate, US and state highways, as well as major roads and surface streets. Test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than 750,000 voice call attempts and more than four million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.
Last year, Verizon Wireless introduced its 30-day Test Drive, an industry first that lets customers experience its network virtually risk-free for 30 days. If customers are not satisfied with their experience and take their number to another carrier, Verizon Wireless will refund their money for calls, equipment, activation fee and taxes. For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to http://www.verizonwireless.com/.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com/ . To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Verizon Wireless
CONTACT: John O'Malley of Verizon Wireless, +1-585-321-7264, or +1-585-261-5899, or john.omalley@verizonwireless.com; or Meredith Dropkin for Verizon Wireless, +1-315-413-4293, or mdropkin@mower.com
Web Site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/ http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html
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