Companies news

SiRF Requests Reexamination of Broadcom Patents Asserted Against SiRFSubstantial New Questions of Patentability Raised by Prior Art Relating to Broadcom's Patents-in-Suit; Ex-Parte Reexamination Request Filings Completed

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc. , a leading provider of GPS-powered location platforms, today announced that it has completed filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office respective Requests for Ex-Parte Reexamination of each of the four patents that Broadcom recently asserted against SiRF in the Santa Ana, California federal district court.

Through its respective Reexamination Requests and in view of substantial new questions of patentability raised by prior art not previously considered by the Patent Office, SiRF seeks review and invalidation of all four of the Broadcom patents-in-suit. Additionally, SiRF intends to seek a stay of the federal district court case.

About SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc.

SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc. develops and markets location platforms based on semiconductor and software products that are designed to enable location-awareness utilizing GPS and other location technologies, enhanced by wireless connectivity and multimedia capabilities for high-volume mobile consumer devices and commercial applications. SiRF's technology has been integrated into a wide range of mobile consumer devices such as automobile navigation systems, portable navigation devices (PNDs), mobile phones, mobile computers, GPS-based peripherals and handheld GPS devices, and into commercial applications such as location servers, asset tracking devices and fleet management systems. SiRF markets and sells its products in four target platforms: wireless handheld devices such as mobile phones; automotive electronics systems, including navigation and telematics systems; consumer electronics products such as recreational GPS handhelds, mobile gaming machines, digital cameras and wearable devices; and mobile computing systems, including personal digital assistants, notebook computers, universal mobile personal computers (UMPCs) and mobile internet devices. Founded in 1995, SiRF is headquartered in San Jose, California, and has sales offices, design centers and research facilities around the world. The company trades on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange under the symbol SIRF. Additional information about SiRF and its location technology solutions can be found at http://www.sirf.com/.

Forward Looking Statements

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the benefits, features and design objectives of our products, and the assumptions underlying the statements, such as whether or not the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the "U.S. PTO") agrees with the questions of patentability and whether or not the U.S. PTO will grant re-examination to any of the patents-in-suit, whether SiRF can successfully seek a stay of the case in the federal district Court are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "to," "being," "possible," "may," "will," "addresses," "designed to," "expand", "provide," "believe," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and should not be considered as an indication of future performance. SiRF's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, demand and market acceptance for our products and those of our customers, the market for GPS-based location awareness, risks associated with the semiconductor industry and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the SiRF's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, SiRF's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 and from time to time in SiRF's SEC reports. These forward looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

SiRF, the SiRF orbit logo, SiRFstar, SiRFLoc and SiRFDRive are registered trademarks of SiRF Technology, Inc. SiRFPrima, , SiRFInstant, SiRFInstantFix, SiRFDiRect, and SiRFecosystem are trademarks of SiRF Technology, Inc. All other corporate names or trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc.

CONTACT: Lori Evans of Evans Public Relations, +1-650-200-5891,
lori@evanspublicrelations.com, for SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc.

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

Sonus Networks Positioned in Leaders Quadrant in Magic Quadrant for Softswitch Architecture 2008 Report

WESTFORD, Mass., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonus Networks, Inc. , a market leader in IP communications infrastructure solutions, announced today that the Gartner "Magic Quadrant for Softswitch Architecture" report (Bettina Tratz-Ryan, et al, August 4, 2008), which studies vendors in the softswitch architecture industry, has positioned Sonus in the "Leaders" quadrant.

"Over the last 10 years, we have seen many companies enter and leave this market, but we have remained focused on delivering technology that helps to drive our customers' businesses forward," said Vikram Saksena, CTO of Sonus Networks. "Growth for Sonus over the last 12 months has been driven by success in new geographic markets and emerging fields such as access and wireless. In my opinion, it is this ability to assess, innovate and execute against the market opportunity that keeps Sonus ahead in the leader's quadrant."

With five of the six largest global network operators relying on Sonus technology to deliver services to their customers everyday, Sonus offers a portfolio of carrier-class IP-based voice solutions for wireline and wireless network operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and cable operators. Sonus offers complete solutions for IP based core and access networks, as well as a robust platform for the delivery of enhanced next generation services.

About the Gartner Magic Quadrant

The Magic Quadrant is copyrighted 2008, by Gartner, Inc. and is reused with permission. The Magic Quadrant is a graphical representation of a marketplace at and for a specific time period. It depicts Gartner's analysis of how certain vendors measure against criteria for that marketplace, as defined by Gartner. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in the Magic Quadrant, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors placed in the "Leaders" quadrant. The Magic Quadrant is intended solely as a research tool, and is not meant to be a specific guide to action. Gartner disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Sonus Networks

Sonus Networks, Inc. is a market leader in IP communications infrastructure for wireline and wireless service providers. With its comprehensive IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) solution, Sonus addresses the full range of carrier applications, including residential and business voice services, wireless voice and multimedia, trunking and tandem switching, carrier interconnection and enhanced services. Sonus' voice infrastructure solutions are deployed in service provider networks worldwide. Founded in 1997, Sonus is headquartered in Westford, Massachusetts. Additional information on Sonus is available at http://www.sonusnet.com/.

This release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to Item 1A "Risk Factors" of Sonus' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2008, filed with the SEC, which identifies important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Risk factors include among others: the impact of material weaknesses in our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting on our ability to report our financial results timely and accurately; the unpredictability of our quarterly financial results; risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's restatement of its historical stock option granting practices and accounting including regulatory actions; actions that may be taken by significant shareholders; risks associated with our international expansion and growth; consolidation in the telecommunications industry; and potential costs resulting from pending securities and patent litigation against the Company. Any forward-looking statements represent Sonus' views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing Sonus' views as of any subsequent date. While Sonus may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point, Sonus specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law.

Sonus is a registered trademark of Sonus Networks, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

For more information, please contact: Media Relations: Racepoint Group Lucy Millington Danielle Stead/Shannon Breen 978-614-8240 781-487-4615 lmillington@sonusnet.com sonus@racepointgroup.com

Sonus Networks, Inc.

CONTACT: Lucy Millington of Sonus Networks, Inc., +1-978-614-8240,
lmillington@sonusnet.com; or Danielle Stead, or Shannon Breen,
+1-781-487-4615, sonus@racepointgroup.com, both of Racepoint Group for Sonus
Networks, Inc.

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

The Missing Link: Iomega Debuts New Screenplay TV LinkAffordable Device Makes It Easy to Take Digital Media Collections From the Computer to the Living Room

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Iomega, an EMC company and a global leader in data protection and security, today announced the new Iomega(R) ScreenPlay(TM) TV Link, making it convenient and affordable to access multimedia content on any high-definition television or home theater system. Complete with full-function remote control, the new ScreenPlay TV Link features an easy-to-use USB port for attaching compatible storage devices and enjoying high quality movies, music and photos from the best seat in the house.

Smaller than a deck of playing cards, the new Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link is based on the same display technology as Iomega's ScreenPlay HD Multimedia drive, introduced in April 2008, and offers the same audio and video quality with upscaling to high definition. While the ScreenPlay HD Multimedia Drive features a fully-integrated 500GB hard drive solution, this latest addition to the ScreenPlay product family gives users the flexibility to connect their own USB external storage devices to the ScreenPlay TV Link and play back the media content on an attached TV. The result is an affordable, easy-to-use multi-media solution that can utilize different storage devices when friends, family or co-workers drop by with a media file to share. Compatible USB devices with the new ScreenPlay TV Link include flash drives, hard drives, and Iomega's REV drives.

"The ScreenPlay TV Link is an ultra-portable device that gives everyone a seamless way to share family photos, play music, and enjoy videos," said Loren Bryner, global product manager, Iomega Corporation. "The ScreenPlay TV Link turns any TV or home theater into party central for computer-based media content. There's no easier way to enjoy photos, music, or downloadable movies."

The portable ScreenPlay TV Link includes a remote control for easy navigation as well as a full complement of advanced video outputs for displaying high-resolution digital photos and video.

"We've created a product that's fun, functional and so affordable that it should be a 'must have' for anyone enjoying digital content today," said Bryner. "Using the ScreenPlay TV link to bridge the computer world of digital media files with the home theater world of high definition television is a natural evolution of the family room and a great new option in home entertainment."

Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link Technical Description

The ScreenPlay TV Link plays stored media content from USB storage media such as flash drives, hard drives (NTFS or FAT32), and Iomega REV drives.

Video connection options include HDMI, component and composite video, and a SCART adapter for use in international markets. Audio connection options include composite RCA and coaxial S/PDIF. Using the HDMI or component outputs, the user can choose video settings from 480p/720p/1080i (720p and 1080i are achieved through upscaling). Supported media formats include MP3, AC3 (Dolby(R) Digital Encoding), WAV, WMA, MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (AVI/VOB), MPEG-4 (AVI/DiVX 3.11, 4.x, 5.x/XViD) and JPEG.

The ScreenPlay TV Link measures just 3.26"x3.07"x0.78" and weighs less than 4 ounces, giving this multimedia powerhouse roughly the same dimensions as a drink coaster.

System Requirements

The Iomega (R) ScreenPlay(TM) TV Link is compatible with standard televisions and with high-definition televisions (720p and 1080i playback is achieved through upscaling).

Availability

The Iomega (R) ScreenPlay(TM) TV Link is now available in the Americas for $99.95. (Price is U.S. suggested retail.) The Iomega ScreenPlay TV Link will be available in Europe later this month for 79 euro.

About EMC

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

About Iomega

Iomega Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of EMC Corporation headquartered in San Diego, is a worldwide leader in innovative storage and network security solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, consumers and others. The Company has sold more than 400 million digital storage drives and disks since its inception in 1980. Today, Iomega's product portfolio includes industry leading network attached storage products, external hard drives, and our award-winning removable storage technology, the REV(R) Backup Drive. OfficeScreen(R), Iomega's managed security services, available in the U.S. and select markets in Europe, provides enterprise quality perimeter security and secure remote network access for SMBs, which help protect small enterprises from data theft and liability. To learn about all of Iomega's digital storage products and managed services solutions, please go to the Web at http://www.iomega.com/. Resellers can visit Iomega at http://www.iomega.com/ipartner.

* 1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes.

Iomega, REV, eGo, ScreenPlay, and OfficeScreen are registered trademarks of Iomega Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

NOTE: This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Federal Securities Laws. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risk factors, including but not limited to: (i) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; (ii) delays or reductions in information technology spending; (iii) our ability to protect our proprietary technology; (iv) risks associated with managing the growth of our business, including risks associated with acquisitions and investments and the challenges and costs of integration, restructuring and achieving anticipated synergies; (v) fluctuations in VMware, Inc.'s operating results and risks associated with trading of VMware stock; (vi) competitive factors, including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions; (vii) the relative and varying rates of product price and component cost declines and the volume and mixture of product and services revenues; (viii) component and product quality and availability; (ix) the transition to new products, the uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and rapid technological and market change; (x) insufficient, excess or obsolete inventory; (xi) war or acts of terrorism; (xii) the ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees; (xiii) fluctuating currency exchange rates; and (xiv) other one- time events and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in EMC's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. EMC disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

EMC Corporation

CONTACT: Chris Romoser of Iomega Corporation, +1-858-314-7148,
romoser@iomega.com

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

CGI Partners With EPA to Create Drinking Water Treatability DatabaseStock Market Symbols GIB.A (TSX) GIB (NYSE)

FAIRFAX, VA, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CGI Federal, Inc., a wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Group Inc., (NYSE: GIB; TSX: GIB.A) has partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) to develop a comprehensive Drinking Water Treatability Database (TDB). The database will be a publicly accessible website containing referenced data on the control of over 250 drinking water contaminants, by more than 30 water treatment processes. The information will be gathered by environmental consultants from a variety of peer publications, research reports, conferences, and other literature sources. The EPA envisions the TDB as a compendium of water treatment research assembled in a single location which can be easily accessed by the water treatment community.

CGI worked with ORD to design the TDB and developed both the public application as well as a web-based data entry tool where ORD and environmental consultants can compile research data.

"The TDB will be a useful tool for making drinking water treatment data available to the water utilities, design engineers, first responders, researchers and regulators. It will provide the effectiveness of various treatment processes for removing contaminants from drinking water, and the conditions of their effectiveness. Where data are limited, it will identify research needs," said Dick Miltner, an EPA environmental engineer with ORD's Water Supply and Water Resources Division in Cincinnati, Ohio, who manages the TDB.

"The EPA has been a customer of CGI for over 30 years, and we are excited to be their partner in the development of this valuable application," said Kenyon Wells, Vice-President, CGI Federal. "We are pleased that the EPA has the confidence in our company to develop critical scientific applications like the TDB and look forward to working with the EPA laboratories in the future to create useful tools for the scientific community."

The Water Treatability Database is available at http://www.epa.gov/tdb. About CGI Federal

CGI Federal (http://www.cgi.com/\usfederal) is a wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Group Inc., dedicated to providing effective IT solutions for federal government agencies by combining over 30 years of government experience and technology skills. 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 in over 100 offices across 16 countries. 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 June 30th, 2008, CGI's order backlog was $12.03 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: Peter Cutler, Director, Communications, (703) 227-6933,
peter.cutler@cgi.com

VIASPACE Signs Second Deal for Fuel Cell Test Stations

PASADENA, Calif., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- VIASPACE Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: VSPC) , a company that transforms proven space and defense technologies from NASA and the Department of Defense into hardware and software solutions, announced today that it has entered into a distribution agreement for Fuel Cell Test Stations with SciTech, a manufacturer of fuel cell test equipment for major manufacturers and universities located in Seoul, Korea.

Fuel Cell test stations that can test hydrogen, liquid and solid based fuel cells are an expanding portion of the $54 Billion clean energy market. SciTech offers mid-range single and multi-channel fuel cell test stations that represent lower cost options for fuel cell and automotive manufacturers in Japan, Europe and the United States. Hundreds of universities throughout the world are also engaged in fuel cell research, but must deal with the reality of limited budgets when it comes to equipment purchases.

VIASPACE CEO Carl Kukkonen stated, "We are very pleased with this new agreement, granting VIASPACE exclusive rights to distribute these products outside of Korea. This line of fuel cell test stations will be attractive to many of the customers who have or will purchase the HS-1000 VIASENSOR, our real time laser based humidity sensor, such as Ballard or 3M. This is also another opportunity to sell a VIASENSOR to every customer we call on to discuss fuel cell test stations."

About VIASPACE: Founded in 1998 with the objective of transforming proven space and defense technologies from NASA and the Department of Defense into hardware and software solutions that solve today's complex problems, VIASPACE benefits from important patent and software licenses from Caltech, which manages NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, please see http://www.viaspace.com/, or contact Dr. Jan Vandersande, Director of Communications at 800-517-8050, or IR@VIASPACE.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such factors include the risks outlined in our periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, as well as general economic and business conditions, the ability to acquire and develop specific projects and technologies, the ability to fund operations, changes in consumer and business consumption habits, and other factors over which VIASPACE has little or no control.

VIASPACE Inc.

CONTACT: Dr. Carl Kukkonen of VIASPACE Inc., +1-626-768-3360

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

Maximizing Secondhand Search: Used Item Retailers Can Prosper in Spite of Economic Downturn

CARY, N.C., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In today's difficult economy many cost-conscious consumers are searching online for businesses that provide secondhand goods. In fact, according to the National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops, more and more consumers turn to small businesses selling used products during an economic downturn -- making this the perfect time for these retailers to consider expanding their online advertising.

"As consumers continue to look for ways to stretch their dollars, now is the time for owners of stores specializing in used items to take advantage and ramp up their online advertising," said Jeff Porter, vice president, DexKnows.com(TM), Dex's online local search site. "Whatever type of second- hand business you may run, consumers are out there looking for your products. A well-targeted online ad campaign can make sure they know you're out there, and what you have to offer."

In order to take advantage of this opportunity, retailers should:

-- Consider building or expanding online ad programs. Used goods businesses that do not currently have an online presence can start by developing online storefronts or Web sites that can provide a wealth of information on the business. Used goods businesses that have Web sites should consider optimizing those sites for search engines or creating paid search campaigns that will attract more customers.

-- Create ad copy that stresses the benefits of shopping for used items. Businesses that engage in a paid search campaign or other form of online advertising should maximize the limited amount of online ad space they have to work with. They can do this by telling consumers how they can both save money and purchase quality products.

-- Closely monitor Internet traffic. Review statistics to determine what Web pages people are visiting, how long they are staying on your site, and more. Make adjustments to ad copy, landing pages and other aspects of the campaigns as necessary.

"Recently we've seen an influx of businesses turn to our online products," said Porter. "They're looking to attract cost-conscious customers who are using DexKnows.com or search engines to find local businesses. Online advertising has proven to be a very effective tool for these businesses."

Dex offers a number of online options for retailers seeking to grow their business during this critical time. DexKnows.com provides retailers with the opportunity to show their stuff not only through general business information but through enhanced features such as ratings and reviews, maps, online videos and more. Dex also provides comprehensive search marketing services, including the development and hosting of online storefronts and search engine optimization and paid search consultation, for companies that wish to increase awareness of their web sites over popular search engines such as Google(TM) and Yahoo!(R).

About Dex

Dex is part of R.H. Donnelley , which connects businesses and consumers through its portfolio of print and interactive marketing solutions. Small- and medium-sized businesses look to the company's experienced team of marketing consultants to help them grow their businesses and drive sales leads. Consumers depend on the company's reliable, trusted, local business content to deliver the most relevant search results when they are seeking local goods and services. For more information, visit http://www.dexknows.com/ and http://www.rhd.com/.

R.H. Donnelley

CONTACT: Peter Larmey of Dex, +1-919-297-1521, peter.larmey@rhd.com, for
R.H. Donnelley

Web site: http://www.rhd.com/
http://www.dexknows.com/

Autodesk Introduces Mudbox 2009 Digital Sculpting and Texture Painting SoftwareIncludes Tools for Extreme Detailing of Digital Characters and Objects

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. today launched Autodesk Mudbox 2009 software for 3D modelers and texture artists working on entertainment and design projects. Mudbox combines an intuitive user interface with a powerful toolset for creating highly-detailed 3D models. The software gives artists the freedom to create without worrying about technical details. Mudbox has shaped characters in blockbuster movies and games, including Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Mist and Mass Effect.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO)

"Our goal is to make early stage digital assets resemble their final 'on-screen' forms as closely as possible," said Dave Cardwell, Mudbox product designer at Autodesk Media & Entertainment. "Starting with accurate models makes the production process more efficient and provides a higher-quality end result. For example, you'd want to know early on whether a prominent brow will shadow a character's eyes. That's why Autodesk Mudbox 2009 has texture painting tools and on-target display features; these will help artists build and refine better 3D models."

"The introduction of Autodesk Mudbox 2009 sparks a revolution in computer graphics tools, bringing about a paradigm shift in how designers and artists do their work," said Habib Zargarpour, senior art director at Electronic Arts.

Dan Platt, modeler at Disney Animation Studios, said, "Time is money. An Autodesk Mudbox session begins with its artist-friendly, intuitive interface. This is sculpting at the speed of thought with the greatest of fidelity. In a business where new ideas with impossible deadlines are commonplace, Mudbox never lets me down."

New Feature Highlights in Autodesk Mudbox 2009 Texture Painting

A new, production-ready toolset makes it easy for artists to paint multiple diffuse, bump, specular, and reflection textures across multiple high-resolution maps on their models:

-- Users can paint directly on 3D models to add detail precisely where it's required, regardless of UV distortion or surface complexity.

-- Reference images can be painted onto a model from screen space using the new Projection brush.

-- Users can paint multiple maps on multiple UV tiles simultaneously and assign multiple UV tiles on a single mesh.

Performance Enhancements

Recognized for its ability to handle data-heavy models, the latest version of Mudbox offers greater interactivity while working on high-resolution meshes. In particular, camera manipulation and brush speed have been improved, enabling artists to work interactively with 3D models that are fully subdivided into tens of millions of polygons across the entire mesh.

On-Target Display

Mudbox 2009 includes a host of rendering technologies that leverage the power of the OpenGL application programming interface (API) and today's powerful graphics cards. The software offers an accurate, on-target environment for real-time evaluation as the digital asset is manipulated, as well as for enhanced interactive presentations to clients and art directors.

Improved Interoperability with Autodesk Maya and Autodesk 3ds Max

Mudbox 2009 provides enhanced interoperability with Autodesk Maya and Autodesk 3ds Max software through improved matching of normal and displacement maps produced by Maya and 3ds Max.

Artist-Friendly User Interface

Mudbox 2009 continues to deliver a highly intuitive user interface that gives artists the freedom to focus on the art of 3D modeling.

For a complete list of new features and enhancements in Autodesk Mudbox 2009, visit http://www.autodesk.com/pr-mudbox.

Pricing and Availability

Autodesk anticipates that Mudbox 2009 will be available in October 2008. Mudbox 2009 will be supported on the Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Windows Vista operating systems. Autodesk suggested retail pricing is $745 USD*.

*International pricing may vary. About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com/.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Maya, Mudbox and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Autodesk, Inc.

CONTACT: Roohi Saeed of Autodesk, Inc., +1-514-961-7296,
roohi.saeed@autodesk.com; or Karen Raz, +1-310-450-1482, karen@razpr.com, for
Autodesk, Inc.

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

Halifax Announces First Quarter Financial Results'Net Income Increases Over Prior Year'

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Halifax Corporation today announced its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 were $9.0 million compared to $12.5 million for the same quarter last year. The decrease in revenues was attributable to the termination of certain large nationwide enterprise maintenance contracts, including the loss of a large aeronautical manufacturing customer.

Gross Profit margin for this year's first quarter was $1.51 million, or 17% of revenues, versus $1.48 million, or 12% of revenues, for the same period a year ago. The margin improvement was attributable to a more profitable sales mix coupled with an aggressive cost containment program.

The Company reported net income of $203,000, or $0.06 per basic and diluted share as compared to $135,000, or $0.04 per basic and diluted share for the first quarter of last year.

Charles McNew, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are pleased with our improving profitability profile. We have worked diligently to drive our costs down by utilization of a variable workforce model and by taking actions to move away from business that is dependent on major inventory investment and parts risk.

"Our cash flow is improving, we have a new long-term financing in place and our borrowing levels remain low by historical standards.

"We are confident that our new service model, which has positioned the Company as a leader in global supply chain solutions for the middle market, is presenting a significant opportunity for a return to market share expansion.

"In addition, we continue to develop a robust pipeline of new business opportunities for both Enterprise Logistics Services and Field Maintenance Solutions."

The Company will host a conference call for investors at 11 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, to review the financial and operational results for the quarter. The conference call phone number is 800-768-5901 for U.S. callers and 212-231-2906 for international callers. The conference call replay will be available from 1 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 6, 2008, to 1 p.m. EDT on Thursday, August 7, 2008. The replay number is 800-633-8284 for U.S. callers and 402-977-9140 for international callers. The reservation number is 21390175.

Founded in 1967, Halifax Corporation is an enterprise logistics and maintenance solutions company providing a wide range of technology services to commercial and government customers throughout the United States. The Company's principal products are enterprise logistics solutions and high availability hardware maintenance services. More information on Halifax can be found at http://www.hxcorp.com/.

Certain statements made by the Company which are not historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements as to trends, management's beliefs, views, expectations and opinions, which are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions that ultimately may prove to be inaccurate. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and may be affected by various factors described in the Risk Factors section in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. For further information that could affect the Company's financial statements, please refer to the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Halifax Corporation Summary Financial Data (in 000's except per share amounts) Statements of operations For the three months ended June 30, 2008 2007 Revenues $9,017 $12,461 Cost of services 7,504 10,979 Gross profit 1,513 1,482 Selling, marketing, general & administrative 1,196 1,161 Operating Income 317 321 Other income - 11 Interest expense (83) (192) Income before income taxes 234 140 Income tax expense 31 5 Net income $203 $135 Earnings per common share - basic and diluted $0.06 $0.04 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 3,175 3,175 Diluted 3,175 3,181 Balance Sheets June 30, 2008 March 31, 2008 Current assets Cash $709 $232 Trade accounts receivable, net 6,533 10,206 Inventory, net 3,149 3,240 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 253 220 Total current assets 10,644 13,898 Property and equipment, net 921 1,001 Goodwill and intangibles, net 3,508 3,580 Other assets 103 111 Total assets $15,176 $18,590 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses $4,523 $5,280 Income tax payable 65 35 Deferred maintenance revenue 3,515 4,309 Bank debt 2,493 4,448 Auxiliary line of credit - 60 Current portion of long-term debt 277 276 Total current liabilities 10,873 14,408 Other long-term debt 252 325 Subordinated debt - affiliate 1,000 1,000 Deferred income 84 99 Total liabilities 12,209 15,832 Stockholders' equity 2,967 2,758 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $15,176 $18,590

Halifax Corporation

CONTACT: Tammy Erwin of Halifax Corporation, +1-703-658-2422,
terwin@hxcorp.com

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

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/391950.html

AltiGen Communications and Enabling Technologies Partner to Provide Exchange 2007 Integration Services

FREMONT, Calif., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AltiGen(R) Communications, Inc. , a leading provider of VoIP business telephone systems and unified communications solutions for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs), including companies with multiple distributed locations, partnered with Enabling Technologies Corporation, a leading Microsoft Exchange integrator, to provide Exchange messaging consulting services to AltiGen's reseller channel and customer base.

"Through our partnership with Enabling, our end users and reseller channel now have an indispensible resource to assist in the planning and deployment of AltiGen VoIP Phone Systems with native Exchange 2007 integration," said Jeff Kays, Vice President of Business Development at AltiGen.

"We are very excited about our partnership with AltiGen because it takes a best-of-breed IP Telephony solution and joins it with a best-of-breed Unified Communications solution from Microsoft. Enabling wants to be the go-to partner to bridge the gap between the two," says Bill Vollerthum, President of Enabling Technologies Corp.

As The VoIP Phone System for Exchange Server 2007, AltiGen enables companies to have a complete, pre-integrated real time voice and messaging platform -- all based on the Microsoft platform. With support for Outlook Voice Access (OVA) its customers now have full access to their voicemail, e-mail messages and calendars via a simple phone call from anywhere in the world.

About Enabling Technologies Corp.

Enabling Technologies Corp. is a global IT consulting practice specializing in Microsoft Exchange messaging architecture. Established in 1992, it built its distinguished reputation on leveraging client's messaging investment for maximum ROI. Enabling's core competencies for leveraging Exchange are concentrated in the areas of voicemail, fax, email, IM, electronic archival and content monitoring, anti-spam, and wireless applications. For more information on Enabling Technologies visit: http://www.enablingtechcorp.com/.

About AltiGen Communications

AltiGen Communications, Inc. is a pioneering manufacturer of VoIP business telephone systems and call-center solutions. AltiGen designs, manufactures and markets advanced IP-PBX telephone systems and IP call centers that leverage both the Internet and the public telephone network. These products enable an array of applications that take advantage of the convergence of voice and data communications to achieve superior business results. AltiGen Communications products are available from independent, authorized resellers and strategic partners. AltiGen's AltiServ(TM) family of telephony solutions has been recognized for excellence with more than 40 industry awards since 1996. Focused on the small- to mid- sized and multi-site businesses, AltiGen customers benefit from integrated solutions that protect their existing investments, while providing new ways to be more competitive, productive and

to save money. For more information, call 1-888-ALTIGEN or visit the Web site at http://www.altigen.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, without limitation, statements regarding the continued market acceptance of our voice-over-IP telephone systems, call-center solutions, and a successful partnership with Enabling Technologies Corporation covering Exchange 2007 integration. These statements reflect management's current expectation. However, actual results could differ materially as a result of unknown risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks related to AltiGen's limited operating history. For a more detailed description of these and other risks and uncertainties affecting AltiGen's performance, please refer to AltiGen's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, and all subsequent current reports on Form 8-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to AltiGen as of the date hereof, and AltiGen assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

AltiGen Communications Inc.

CONTACT: Niel Levonius, Sr. Product Marketing Manager of AltiGen
Communications Inc., +1-510-252-9712 x415, nlevonius@altigen.com; Investor
Relations, Cathy Mattison, +1-415-433-3777 x110, cmattison@lhai.com, of
Lippert | Heilshorn & Associates for AltiGen Communications Inc.

Web site: http://www.altigen.com/
http://www.enablingtechcorp.com/

Oracle Introduces Oracle(R) VM TemplatesOracle VM Templates Enable Rapid Deployment of Enterprise Software

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

-- Further enabling customers to benefit from server consolidation, energy and space cost savings by using enterprise-class server virtualization, Oracle today announced Oracle(R) VM Templates. -- Oracle VM Templates offer a time-saving approach to deploying a fully configured software stack by providing pre-installed and pre- configured images of enterprise software. -- Fully supported by Oracle for production deployments, the first set of Oracle VM Templates are now available for: -- Oracle Database 11g, -- Oracle Enterprise Manager, -- Oracle's Siebel CRM 8, and -- Oracle Enterprise Linux. -- Enabling customers to reduce installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance costs, Oracle VM Templates are a new addition to the Oracle VM offering, Oracle's server virtualization software. Oracle VM supports both Oracle and non-Oracle applications and offers customers scalable, low-cost server virtualization backed by Oracle's world-class support. -- Oracle VM Templates help eliminate the need to install new products from scratch thereby offering faster time to market. Customers can simply copy Oracle VM Templates to the server where Oracle VM resides and they will have a fully installed and configured software environment. -- More Oracle VM Templates for both Oracle and non-Oracle software are scheduled to be made available on an ongoing basis. -- Together, Oracle VM Templates and Oracle VM offer customers a complete, integrated and open software stack on Linux. Supporting Quote

"Customers are experiencing increased challenges as the volume of information in their data center continues to grow rapidly, leading to added hardware and energy costs and a depletion of server resources," said Wim Coekaerts, vice president Linux Engineering, Oracle. "The combination of Oracle VM Templates and Oracle VM offers customers the full benefits of server virtualization including optimized resource utilization, energy, power and space savings, in addition to faster, easier and more cost-effective software deployment -- leading to further lowering the cost of data center operations and contributing to green IT."

Supporting Resources Oracle VM Templates: http://tinyurl.com/3czp47 Expert Blog: Wim Coekaerts Oracle VM: http://www.oracle.com/technologies/virtualization/index.html Free Download of Oracle VM: http://edelivery.oracle.com/oraclevm Oracle VM Press Release: http://www.oracle.com/corporate/press/2007_nov/ovm-ga-111107.html Oracle VM FAQ: http://www.oracle.com/technologies/virtualization/docs/ovm-faq.pdf Oracle VM Data Sheet: http://www.oracle.com/technologies/virtualization/docs/ovm-ds.pdf Oracle VM Webcast: http://tinyurl.com/5r44ku About Oracle

Oracle is the world's largest enterprise software company. For more information about Oracle, please visit our Web site at http://www.oracle.com/.

Trademarks

Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020718/ORCLLOGO)

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020718/ORCLLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Oracle

CONTACT: Teri Whitaker of Oracle, +1-650-506-9914,
teri.whitaker@oracle.com; or Kristin Reeves of Blanc and Otus,
+1-415-856-5145, kreeves@blancandotus.com, for Oracle

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

Italtel and Teledata Networks to Modernize Telefonica El Salvador Networks

HERZLIYA, Israel, August 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Teledata Networks, a leading global provider of innovative Multiservice Access solutions for NGN (Next Generation Networks), will provide an Access Network solution to Telefonica El Salvador, a part of the Telefonica Group, supplying wireless and wireline services, in the framework of its strategic cooperation with Italtel, the leading company for solutions and services for new generation IP networks.

The BroadAccess MSAG solution which is currently being deployed by Italtel in El Salvador provides a comprehensive one-stop turnkey solution comprising best of breed technology of Teledata Networks Access Networking and Cisco Metro Ethernet Equipment. The solution supports both a traditional V5.2 interface and an option for migration to IP/NGN, and will deliver a similarly varied mix of services, including Telephony, ISDN, ADSL & SHDSL and Ethernet to subscribers.

The project follows an earlier success in which Teledata Networks systems were used to seamlessly migrate Telefonica Guatemala's Access Networks to NGN. The success of the Guatemala project convinced Telefonica El Salvador to reproduce the project in El Salvador, which is considered in itself a promising stepping stone to further ventures in Latin America.

"The triple alliance between our companies has already proven its value to the customer," said Eran Ziv, President & CEO, Teledata Networks. "The blend of Teledata Networks' long-standing expertise in the field of Access Networks, with Italtel and Telefonica's regional strength generates a surefire winner."

"We are extremely pleased that Telefonica El Salvador chose Italtel's competencies as System Integrator and Teledata Networks' access networks know-how for the development of their network" - said Antonio Cassese, EVP International markets Italtel - "In recent years, Italtel has attained notable success and it has increased its visibility in Latin American markets, thanks to relevant investments and the development of leading-edge solutions with highly qualified technological partner."

About Telefonica & Telefonica Latin America The Italtel Group

The Italtel Group designs, develops and implements next generation multiservice integrated network systems, using state-of-the-art products and a system integration capacity that guarantees reliable infrastructures, open to networking and flexible in terms of technology development. These solutions are intended for telecommunications operators (fixed and mobile), Internet Service Providers, large enterprises and the public sector. Italtel turnover in FY 2006 was 546.1 million euro, and the company currently has around 2,400 staff. The body of shareholders of Italtel Group S.p.A., parent company of Italtel S.p.A., is composed as follows: CD&R (48.77%), Telecom Italia (19.37%), Cisco Systems (18.40%), Advent International (8.65%), Brera Capital Partners (2.16%), Cordusio Societa Fiduciaria - which holds in trust the shares of employees, managers and directors of the Group as well as the Company's own shares in the Company (2.65%). Web site: http://www.italtel.com/

About Teledata Networks

Teledata Networks is a leading global provider of innovative Multiservice Access solutions for NGN (Next Generation Networks). The company tailors unique solutions for telecom operators and service providers in accordance with their needs, to enhance their competitive edge.

Teledata Networks has accumulated a wide installed base spanning millions of lines in over 50 countries worldwide. Its twenty years of experience have yielded outstanding technological leadership, a high level of expertise and a strong foundation of intellectual property.

Teledata Networks is a private company, in which the major shareholders are the Kardan group (Euronext: KARD), Elron Electronic Industries (NASDAQ & TASE: ELRN) and Infinity Venture Capital Fund. Learn more about Teledata Networks at http://www.teledata-networks.com/.

For further details, please contact: Teledata Networks Valerie Behrman Tel: +972-9-959-1761 E mail: press@teledata-networks.com

Teledata Networks Ltd

CONTACT: For further details, please contact: Teledata Networks,
Valerie Behrman, Tel: +972-9-959-1761, E mail: press@teledata-networks.com

ClickSoftware Products Excel in the Preliminaries, Now Ready for Prime Time During 2008 Beijing OlympicsOptimized Mobile Workforce Management System Schedules More Than 1,000 Technicians to Ensure Telecommunications Services run Smoothly

BURLINGTON, Massachusetts, August 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Over seven million people at the Beijing Olympics are depending on more than 1,000 field technicians managed by ClickSoftware Technologies Ltd. (NasdaqCM: CKSW) products for reliable fixed line voice, broadband, video transmission and Internet service during the 16-day event. ClickSoftware's ClickSchedule and ClickAnalyze mobile workforce management software is helping China Netcom Group Corporation (CNC) China, one of two official telecommunications providers of the 2008 summer games, ensure maximum uptime for critical telecommunications services for athletes, coaches, venue organizers, the media and millions of spectators.

ClickSchedule is automatically scheduling technicians based on myriad variables, including specialized skill sets, venue security passes, location and job urgency to ensure they complete the break/fix, installation and maintenance work to keep services running smoothly. Managers at the Beijing Olympics Telecommunications Control Center are using ClickAnalyze to review everything from response to repair times to best determine overall service efficiency and make changes where necessary. ClickSoftware reseller Xiangmin Technology deployed the software and manages its operation on-site at the control center.

"The pressure to deliver gold-medal service during a global event such as the Olympics is intense," said Zheng Yang, general manager of Xiangmin. "So we've had ClickSchedule and ClickAnalyze deployed and rigorously tested since the beginning of the year. The software has met or exceeded expectations, and we believe it will continue to do so throughout the Olympics."

During the past few months, event organizers and leading technology firms have conducted more than 200,000 hours of testing of the battery of IT systems, including ClickSchedule and ClickAnalyze, to ensure they will stand up to the massive demands during the games. Beyond the testing, ClickSchedule and ClickAnalyze have been used to schedule and optimize field technicians during dozens of live events, including international diving, handball and Taekwondo competitions, prior to the Olympics.

Following the event organizers' theme of a "Green Olympics," CNC China will be able to use the hardware and software running ClickSchedule and ClickAnalyze to optimize its field workforce after the games end.

"Ensuring minimal service issues during the Olympics is a colossal task," said Hannan Carmeli, chief operating officer at ClickSoftware. "We've established a reputation for delivering products that help organizations of any size address the most challenging service needs smoothly and efficiently. In fact, ClickSchedule is managing more than 25,000 technicians for the T-Home subsidiary of Deutsche Telecom for one of the largest single-company workforces in the world."

About Beijing Xiangmin Service Technology Development Co. Ltd.

Beijing Xiangmin Service Technology Development Co. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Beijing World Trade Corporation. BWTC is a state-owned enterprise with a rich history that can be traced back to China National Technical Import and Export Corporation Beijing Company, a company established with the approval of Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China in 1984. Today, BWTC provides overseas companies with integrated business and technical services including business consulting services and investment advisory services, as well as in the arena of international procurement. With its experienced and professional team, BWTC has successfully assisted its overseas business partners in accessing the Chinese market. For more information about BWTC, please visit http://www.cbwtc.com/. Xiangmin was established by BWTC to provide IT services and business consulting services, including system integration and application development in China by leveraging on BWTC's vast experience and excellent reputation in the telecommunication, banking and government industries in China. For more information, please visit http://www.xiangmin.com.cn/.

About ClickSoftware

ClickSoftware is the leading provider of mobile workforce management and service optimization solutions that create business value for service operations through higher levels of productivity, customer satisfaction and cost effectiveness. Combining educational, implementation and support services with best practices and its industry leading solutions, ClickSoftware drives service decision making across all levels of the organization. From proactive customer demand forecasting and capacity planning to real-time decision-making, incorporating scheduling, mobility and location based services, ClickSoftware helps service organizations get the most out of their resources. With over 100 customers across a variety of industries and geographies, and strong partnerships with leading platform and system integration partners - ClickSoftware is uniquely positioned to deliver superb business performance to any organization. The company is headquartered in Burlington, MA and Israel, with offices in Europe, and Asia Pacific.

For more information about ClickSoftware, please call +1-781-272-5903 or +1-888-438-3308, or visit http://www.clicksoftware.com/.

This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those statements regarding future results of operations, visibility into future periods, growth and rates of growth, and expectations regarding future closing of contracts, receipt of orders, recognition of revenues and deferred revenues. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those projected. Achievement of these results by ClickSoftware may be affected by many factors, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the general economic outlook, the length of or changes in ClickSoftware's sales cycle, ClickSoftware's ability to close sales to potential customers in a timely manner and maintain or strengthen relationships with strategic partners, the timing of revenue recognition, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and ClickSoftware's ability to maintain or increase its sales pipeline. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in ClickSoftware's annual report on Form 20F for the year ended December 31, 2007 and in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ClickSoftware is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts: Joanna Giannotti Simon Morris ClickSoftware, Inc. ClickSoftware Europe Limited +1-781-272-5903 x2235 +44-(0)-1628-607030 Joanna.Giannotti@clicksoftware.com Simon.Morris@clicksoftware.com

ClickSoftware Technologies Ltd

CONTACT: Contacts: Joanna Giannotti, ClickSoftware, Inc.,
+1-781-272-5903 x2235, Joanna.Giannotti@clicksoftware.com; Simon Morris,
ClickSoftware Europe Limited, +44-(0)-1628-607030,
Simon.Morris@clicksoftware.com

RSTI: Sales and Order Backlog at Record New Levels

PLYMOUTH, Mich. and HAMBURG, Germany, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ROFIN-SINAR Technologies Inc. , one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of high-performance laser beam sources and laser-based solutions, today announced results for its third fiscal quarter and nine months ended June 30, 2008.

Net sales totaled $149.7 million for the third quarter ended June 30, 2008, a 23%, or $28.3 million, increase over the comparable quarter of fiscal year 2007. The weakening of the US Dollar, particularly against the Euro, resulted in a net sales increase of $10.9 million in the third quarter. Gross profit totaled $62.9 million, compared to $51.7 million in the same period of fiscal year 2007, and decreased from 43% to 42% of net sales. Net income amounted to $16.1 million, or 11% of net sales, compared to $14.3 million, or 12% of net sales, in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share equaled $0.54 for the quarter, based upon 29.9 million weighted-average common shares outstanding, compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.45, based upon 31.9 million weighted-average common shares outstanding, for the same period last fiscal year.

SG&A expenses increased by $5.2 million to $27.3 million, representing 18% of net sales. In addition, the amortization expense in the third quarter of fiscal year 2008 increased by $0.1 million over the comparable period last year to $1.2 million (1% of net sales), as a result of the recent acquisition. Net R&D expenses increased by $3.6 million to $10.9 million, representing 7% of net sales.

Compared to the third quarter ended June 30, 2007, net sales of laser products used for macro applications increased by 15% to $60.3 million, accounting for 40% of total sales. Net sales of lasers for marking and micro applications increased by 24% to $71.3 million and represented 48% of total revenues. Sales of components increased by 56% to $18.1 million and represented 12% of total revenues.

On a geographical basis, for the nine months ended June 30, 2008, net sales in North America increased by 23% over the comparable period last fiscal year and totaled $100.5 million (2007: $82.0 million). In Europe, net sales increased by 11% to $220.2 million (2007: $198.5 million) and in Asia, net sales increased by 46% to $100.2 million (2007: $68.6 million).

Order entry for the third quarter was $151.8 million, which resulted in a record order backlog on June 30, 2008 of $149.3 million, mainly for laser products.

As of June 30, 2008, the Company's share buyback program was complete and 2.8 million shares of common stock were repurchased for a total amount of approximately $120.0 million.

The full text press release and further information including comprehensive financial data is available online at http://www.rofin.com/ - Investor Relations - Press Releases.

Contacts: Katharina Manok Gunther Braun Rofin-Sinar +1-734-416-0206 - or - +49-40-733-63-256

ROFIN-SINAR Technologies Inc.

CONTACT: Katharina Manok, or Gunther Braun, both of Rofin-Sinar,
+1-734-416-0206, or +49-40-733-63-256

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

ROFIN-SINAR Reports Results for the Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2008SALES AND ORDER BACKLOG AT RECORD NEW LEVELS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (dollars in thousands, except per share data) Three months ended Nine months ended 6/30/08 6/30/07 % Change 6/30/08 6/30/07 % Change Net sales $149,667 $121,378 + 23% $420,957 $349,185 + 21% Net income $16,097 $14,294 + 13% $43,772 $38,862 + 13% Earnings per share "Diluted" basis $0.54 $0.45 + 20% $1.42 $1.23 + 15%

The diluted earnings per share calculation reflects the stock split of December 5, 2007, and is based on the weighted-average shares outstanding and the potential dilution from common stock equivalents (stock options) for each period presented, which was 29.9 million and 31.9 million for each of the fiscal quarters and 30.8 million and 31.7 million for the nine month periods ending June 30, 2008 and 2007.

"We are very pleased with our results, especially given the overall macroeconomic environment. In the third quarter, we achieved a record high in sales revenue and our second best quarterly order entry in history, results that demonstrate that our strategy to further broaden Rofin's global presence and focus on specific industries is working," commented Gunther Braun, CEO and President of RSTI. "The primary reasons for our success were increased demand in Asia and North America and improved sales to the automotive, semiconductor, electronics and photovoltaic industries."

FINANCIAL REVIEW Third Quarter

Nine Months

For the nine months ended June 30, 2008, net sales totaled $421.0 million, an increase of $71.8 million, or 21%, over the comparable period in 2007. The weakening of the US Dollar, particularly against the Euro, resulted in a net sales increase of $37.5 million. Gross profit for the period was $182.2 million, $35.4 million higher than in the same period in 2007. Net income for the nine month period ended June 30, 2008, totaled $43.8 million, with diluted earnings per share of $1.42 based upon the weighted average of 30.8 million common shares outstanding.

Net sales of lasers for macro applications increased by $34.8 million, or 24%, to $181.7 million and net sales of lasers for marking and micro applications increased by $25.7 million, or 15%, to $196.4 million. Sales of components increased by $11.3 million, or 36%, to $42.8 million from the comparable period in fiscal year 2007.

On a geographical basis, for the nine months ended June 30, 2008, net sales in North America increased by 23% and totaled $100.5 million (2007: $82.0 million). In Europe, net sales increased by 11% to $220.2 million (2007: $198.5 million) and in Asia, net sales increased by 46% to $100.2 million (2007: $68.6 million).

Order entry for the third quarter was $151.8 million, which resulted in a record order backlog on June 30, 2008 of $149.3 million, mainly for laser products.

As of June 30, 2008, the Company's share buyback program was complete and 2.8 million shares of common stock were repurchased for a total amount of approximately $120.0 million.

OUTLOOK

"With a record order backlog and a wide product portfolio servicing a highly diversified customer base, we are confident about our prospects in the near future. The softening of the demand for our macro products from the machine tool industry should be offset by higher demand for our micro and marking laser products, together with increased contribution from the components business," commented Dr. Peter Wirth, Executive Chairman of the Board.

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. With production facilities in the US, Germany, UK, Sweden, Finland, Singapore and Japan, ROFIN-SINAR is one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of industrial lasers and 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/.

A conference call is scheduled for 11:00 AM EDT, today, Wednesday, August 6th, 2008. This call is also being broadcast live over the internet in listen-only mode. A replay of the webcast will be made available for approx. 90 days following the call. For a live webcast, please go to http://www.rofin.com/ at least 10 minutes prior to the call in order to download and install any necessary software. (For more information, please contact Delia Cannan at Taylor Rafferty in New York at +1-212-889-4350 or Emilia Whitbread at Taylor Rafferty in London at +44(0) 207 614 2900).

(Tables to follow) ROFIN-SINAR TECHNOLOGIES INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (in thousands, except per share data) Three months Nine months Ended Ended (unaudited) (unaudited) 6/30/08 6/30/07 6/30/08 6/30/07 - Macro $60,284 $52,352 $181,713 $146,883 - Marking/Micro 71,302 57,467 196,398 170,753 - Components 18,081 11,559 42,846 31,549 Net Sales 149,667 121,378 420,957 349,185 Costs of goods sold 86,737 69,642 238,715 202,348 Gross profit 62,930 51,736 182,242 146,837 Selling, general and administrative expenses 27,297 22,060 78,888 64,356 Intangibles amortization 1,192 1,129 5,839 3,024 Research and development expenses 10,939 7,385 29,879 20,643 Income from operations 23,502 21,162 67,636 58,814 Other expenses (income) (663) (1,763) 1,472 (3,836) Income before income tax and minority interest 24,165 22,925 66,164 62,650 Income tax expense 7,872 8,331 21,901 23,088 Income before minority interest 16,293 14,594 44,263 39,562 Minority interest 196 300 491 700 Net income 16,097 14,294 43,772 38,862 Net income per common share *"diluted" basis $0.54 $0.45 $1.42 $1.23 **"basic" basis $0.55 $0.46 $1.46 $1.26

* The diluted earnings per share calculation reflects the stock split of December 5, 2007, and is based on the weighted-average shares outstanding and the potential dilution from common stock equivalents (stock options) for each period presented, which was 29.9 million and 31.9 million for each of the fiscal quarters and 30.8 million and 31.7 million for the nine month periods ending June 30, 2008 and 2007.

** The basic net income per common share calculation is based on the weighted-average shares outstanding for each period presented, which was 29.3 million and 31.0 million for the fiscal quarters ending June 30, 2008 and 2007, and 29.9 million and 30.9 million for the nine month periods.

ROFIN-SINAR TECHNOLOGIES INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands) At At 06/30/08 9/30/07 ASSETS Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $111,560 $228,209 Trade accounts receivable, net 122,829 103,660 Inventories net 174,524 135,806 Other current assets 20,172 19,561 Total current assets 429,085 487,236 Net property and equipment 59,776 43,843 Other non-current assets 118,102 95,145 Total non-current assets 177,878 138,988 Total assets $606,963 $626,224 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Short-term debt 59,337 27,952 Accounts payable, trade 27,526 18,197 Other current liabilities 76,576 96,179 Total current liabilities 163,439 142,328 Long-term debt 7,147 12,639 Other non-current liabilities 23,417 22,334 Total liabilities 194,003 177,301 Net stockholders' equity 412,960 448,923 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $606,963 $626,224

The Company's conference call will include discussions relative to the current quarter results and some comments regarding forward-looking guidance on future operating performance.

"Safe Harbor" Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

Certain information in this press release that relates to future plans, events or performance, including statements such as "with a record order backlog and a wide product portfolio servicing a highly diversified customer base, we are confident about our prospects in the near future" or "the softening of the demand for our macro products from the machine tool industry should be offset by higher demand for our micro and marking laser products, together with increased contribution from the components business", is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ. Actual results could differ materially based on numerous factors, including currency risk, competition, risk relating to sales growth in CO2, diode, and solid-state lasers, cyclicality, conflicting patents and other intellectual property rights of fourth parties, potential infringement claims and future capital requirements, as well as other factors set fourth in our annual report on form 10-K. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's best judgment as of the date of this release based in part on preliminary information and certain assumptions which management believes to be reasonable. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact: Katharina Manok Gunther Braun Rofin-Sinar +1-734-416-0206 - or - +49-40-733-63-256

ROFIN-SINAR Technologies Inc.

CONTACT: Katharina Manok or Gunther Braun, both of Rofin-Sinar,
+1-734-416-0206, or +49-40-733-63-256

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

Verizon Revamps FiOS Web Site to Better Serve Real Estate IndustrySite Provides News, Videos and Information on the Benefits That Verizon's All-Fiber-Optic Network Bring to Commercial and Residential Properties

NEW YORK, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Enhanced Communities, which markets and sells Verizon's communications and entertainment services to single- and multiple-home and small commercial properties, has revamped its Web site to focus on FiOS, the company's state-of-the-art all-fiber-optic network and to better serve the real estate industry.

The Web Site, http://www.verizon.com/communities, was upgraded after Verizon Enhanced Communities recently expanded its services to bring FiOS to small and medium-sized commercial properties such as strip malls, and street-level shops and offices. The site targets real estate owners and developers, property managers and leasing agents, and small-commercial-property owners.

"The new portal is cleaner, easier to navigate and showcases FiOS in a way that is meaningful for property owners and developers," said Eric Cevis, vice president of Verizon Enhanced Communities. "In real estate it used to be about 'location, location and location'; but in today's competitive environment it's all about 'location, location and connection' because it matters which network you can offer your residents and tenants."

Visitors to the Verizon Enhanced Communities Web site can obtain a variety of information by selecting "Property Owners & Developers," "Property Managers & Leasing Agents," or "Business FiOS." A virtual agent highlights the benefits of FiOS and how Verizon's all-fiber-optic network can bring value to a property and help ensure that its infrastructure can support today's applications as well as those to come.

Also available are information on Verizon's FiOS services; videos and testimonials; recent news about Verizon Enhanced Communities events; and seminars for the real estate and commercial real estate community.

Daniel O'Connell, national sales director for Verizon Enhanced Communities, said, "More and more property owners, developers and agents understand that Verizon's fiber network -- which provides unprecedented bandwidth and the ability to deliver super-high-speed Internet connections and crystal-clear voice and video signals -- is the amenity they need to distinguish their property from another and to attract tenants."

Verizon continues to work with a number of national and regional developers to bring FiOS services into condominiums, apartments and single-family communities.

Before Verizon can bring FiOS to a property, the company needs to gain access rights from the property owner. For the most part, Verizon absorbs the costs associated with bringing its fiber network to a property. Where FiOS services are available at a property, Verizon offers property managers and leasing agents incentives when residents sign up for the services.

Since the end of 2005, Verizon Enhanced Communities has aggressively pursued agreements with property owners to bring FiOS to their properties. To date, Verizon Enhanced Communities has entered agreements with developers and contractors for new developments under construction covering 400,000 private households and is offering FiOS to 750,000 apartment units across 16 states where the company is currently building its all-fiber network.

Verizon Enhanced Communities received the Cornerstone Award from Broadband Properties Magazine acknowledging the organization for outfitting a 300-unit, eight-building JPI residential community with Verizon's FiOS all-fiber-optic network services in just 14 days. For more information about the products and services available through Verizon Enhanced Communities, visit http://www.verizon.com/communities.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 69 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,600 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 Yu, Verizon, +1-908-559-3496, ellen.yu@verizon.com

Web Site: http://www.verizon.com/
http://www.verizon.com/communities
http://www.verizon.com/news

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

Hughes Announces Fastest Consumer Satellite Internet Access Plan Ever OfferedElitePremium Provides Download Speeds of Up to 5 Mbps

GERMANTON, Md., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC, (HUGHES), the world's leading provider of broadband satellite networks and services, today announced the launch of the fastest consumer broadband satellite Internet access plan ever offered. The ElitePremium plan, operating over the HughesNet(R) service and utilizing affordable consumer equipment, features download speeds of up to 5 Mbps and will be available to order August 21, 2008.

ElitePremium joins the newly unveiled Elite and ElitePlus plans with download speeds of up to 2 Mbps and 3 Mbps, respectively and the popular consumer plans -- Home, Pro, and ProPlus which feature recently increased download speeds of up to 1 Mbps, 1.2 Mbps and 1.6 Mbps, respectively.

"ElitePremium rounds out the most exciting range of satellite Internet access plans ever offered," said Mike Cook, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Hughes. "Over the last few weeks we have enhanced the speeds across our full range of service plans. We are the only provider that offers consumers in underserved parts of the country such a comprehensive range of true broadband service options."

The enhanced speed of the ElitePremium plan is made possible by the launch of Hughes' SPACEWAY(TM) 3 satellite, the largest satellite in the US and the world's first commercial satellite with on-board switching and routing. SPACEWAY 3 has the greatest total capacity of any commercial satellite, which fuels the faster speeds. SPACEWAY 3 was launched in August of 2007 and began serving customers in April of 2008.

With more than 400,000 subscribers, HughesNet is the leading broadband satellite Internet service in the United States. For more information about HughesNet services and the new ElitePremium plan, please visit http://www.hughesnet.com/ or call 1-866-859-2268.

About Hughes Network Systems

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet(R) encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. Its broadband satellite products are based on global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU standards organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A and GMR-1. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1.5 million systems to customers in over 100 countries

Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. . For additional information, please visit http://www.hughes.com/.

Hughes Network Systems, LLC

CONTACT: Judy Blake of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, +1-301-601-7330,
judy.blake@hughes.com; or Donna Armstrong of Brodeur for Hughes Network
Systems, LLC, +1-202-775-2650, darmstrong@brodeur.com

Web site: http://www.hughesnet.com/
http://www.hughes.com/

American Bar Association Selects EMC's Mozy to Join the ABA New Member Benefit Advantage Program as Online Backup ProviderNew Program Targets Small- to Medium-sized Law Firms

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mozy, Inc., an EMC Company and the leader in online backup for businesses and consumers, today announced an agreement with the American Bar Association to launch a new ABA member program designed to ease the challenges associated with backing up vital information. Through the ABA Member Advantage Program, the ABA is making available to its members special pricing if they choose the Mozy(TM) service as their firm's online backup provider.

"The American Bar Association sets the standards of excellence for the legal community, and we're honored to be a provider of online backup for their members," said Vance Checketts, chief operating officer of Mozy Inc., an EMC Company. "Mozy understands the needs of legal firms and reliably backs up critical data for thousands of lawyers today."

IT staff at legal firms face many challenges, but case file and message retention -- and data protection in general -- are amongst the biggest of their headaches. Information loss can threaten a firm's existence, yet even the biggest investments in on-site backup can't protect against loss from natural disasters, theft, and user error.

In the past six months, Mozy's law firm customer base has grown 200 percent. The service is growing in popularity because it automatically protects digital information, including case files, spreadsheets, e-mail and financial documents, from data loss in the event of a hard drive crash, accidental deletion, natural disaster or theft. All files are encrypted first on the user's machine and then securely transferred to Mozy's remote data centers via the same encryption methods used for online banking.

About Mozy

Mozy is the leader in online data backup for consumers and businesses. With more than 750,000 users and 20,000 business customers, Mozy offers a simple, automatic and secure service for backing up data over the Internet. Mozy was acquired by EMC Corporation in 2007 and operates as part of the EMC Cloud Infrastructure and Services Division. Information can be found at http://www.mozy.com/.

About EMC

About the American Bar Association

With more than 413,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.

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

EMC Corporation

CONTACT: Devin Knighton of EMC Corporation, +1-801-722-8187,
devin@mozy.com

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

Broadlands Golf Course to Benefit Players, Management With ProLink GPSDenver-area Course Latest to Install Revenue-Driving System

CHANDLER, Ariz., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ProLink Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ProLink Holdings Corp. (BULLETIN BOARD: PLKH) and the world's leading provider of Global Positioning Satellite ("GPS") golf course management systems and digital out-of-home on-course advertising, today announced that Broadlands Golf Course (Broomfield, Colo.) now features the ProLink Solutions GPS system used at many of the world's most famous golf courses and plans to participate in ProLink's exclusive national advertising opportunity.

Dick Phelps designed Broadlands Golf Course with four sets of tees, open fairways and water on 11 holes, providing a fair but challenging test for all golfers. Broadlands' standout hole is the 15th, a 598-yard par 5 that can be reached by bold players cutting off the dogleg left. The course stretches to a daunting 7,263 yards from the back tees, with a USGA rating of 72.9.

"The expansive fairways and ever-present water hazards at Broadlands make the ProLink GPS system a great tool for our golfers," says Tim Schwartz, General Manager at the Broadlands. "ProLink also helps maintain a steady pace of play, which is essential for customer satisfaction and course management. The system's ability to drive additional revenue through food and beverage, pro shop sales and advertising makes it a necessity."

"Broadlands Golf Course is a mainstay on the Denver-area golf scene, and we are proud to call the club a trusted partner," said Lawrence D. Bain, CEO of ProLink Solutions. "By adding ProLink GPS, Broadlands will upgrade its golfers' experience while enhancing course management and bringing in added revenue."

With ProLink's patented, 10.4" high-resolution color screen -- the industry's largest -- Broadlands' cart-mounted units display dynamic, easy-to-read graphics including distances to the pin and hazards, pro tips, pace-of-play timer and radial arc for cart-path-only holes. Golfers at Broadlands will also be able to order food and beverage items with a touch of a button on the ProLink screen.

For more information on Broadlands Golf Course, visit http://www.thebroadlandsgc.com/ or call 303.466.8285.

About ProLink

ProLink Solutions is the world's leading provider of GPS golf course management systems and revenue-generating on-course advertising. ProLink Solutions' core philosophy is to be a "Trusted Partner" to its golf-course customers. From enhancing golfers' overall experience and improving pace-of-play, to increasing current revenue streams and creating new profit centers for golf courses, ProLink Solutions' products and services have captured markets both nationally and globally. For more information about ProLink, visit http://www.goprolink.com/, call 480.753.2325 or email info@goprolink.com.

CONTACT: Daniel Mitchell Buffalo Communications 253.312.4536 dmitchell@billycaspergolf.com Investor Relations Contact: CEOcast, Inc. Gary Nash 212.732.4300 gnash@ceocast.com

ProLink Holdings Corp.

CONTACT: Daniel Mitchell of Buffalo Communications, +1-253-312-4536,
dmitchell@billycaspergolf.com; or Investor Relations, Gary Nash of CEOcast,
Inc., +1-212-732-4300, gnash@ceocast.com, both for ProLink Holdings Corp.

Web site: http://www.goprolink.com/
http://www.thebroadlandsgc.com/

Vixxi Solutions Selects Level 3 as the Primary Network Provider for Its Enhanced 911 Nationwide NetworkLevel 3 Delivers Extended Geographic Coverage of Emergency Enhanced 911 Infrastructure

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Level 3 Communications' Wholesale Markets group today announced that it has extended its relationship with Vixxi Solutions, Inc., a nationwide, Internet-enabled Enhanced 911 (E-911) solutions provider, to support that company's network connectivity to E-911 private and dedicated infrastructures. Supporting Vixxi's deployment of FCC-compliant nomadic 911 services to Voice over IP (VoIP) service providers, Level 3 now serves as a primary provider of E-911 network connectivity for Vixxi.

Under the terms of this agreement, Vixxi will leverage Level 3's extensive geographic presence to route 911 calls to the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) over the nationwide 911 infrastructure, thereby expanding Vixxi's coverage to provide FCC compliant nomadic E-911 capabilities to service providers. Vixxi's database capability will identify the customer's location and then send the call to Level 3 with routing instructions to terminate the call to the geographically relevant PSAP.

"Aligning ourselves with the Level 3 network enables expanded coverage of our Enhanced 911 services to customers across the nation," said Christopher Camut, Chief Executive Officer of Vixxi Solutions. "With a comprehensive solutions portfolio and proven E-911 expertise, Level 3 will help us to provide a better, more extended reach in support of public safety."

Vixxi is a partner of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Next Generation Enhanced 911 (E-911) Program of providers of nationwide, Internet-enabled E-911 solutions.

"Our expanded relationship with Vixxi improves Level 3's presence and market space within the E-911 segment of telecommunications," said Andrew Crouch, president of Level 3's Wholesale Markets Group. "This Internet-enabled technology will leverage the Level 3 network, to ensure maximum geographic reach and efficiency for Vixxi."

Level 3 is a premier provider of Voice services and its Level 3(R) E-911 Direct service is one of the only FCC-complaint E-911 services that meets NENA standards. Level 3's E-911 network was created in 2004 and provides connectivity to over 330 selective routers and over 3,700 PSAPs, covering approximately 82 percent of the U.S. population.

About Level 3 Communications

Level 3 Communications, Inc. is a leading international provider of fiber-based communications services. Enterprise, content, wholesale and government customers rely on Level 3 to deliver services with an industry-leading combination of scalability and value over an end-to-end fiber network. Level 3 offers a portfolio of metro and long-haul services, including transport, data, Internet, content delivery and voice. For more information, visit http://www.level3.com/.

Level 3 Communications, Level 3, the red 3D brackets and the Level 3 Communications logo are registered service marks of Level 3 Communications, LLC and/or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Level 3 services are provided by wholly owned subsidiaries of Level 3 Communications, Inc. Any other service, product or company names recited herein are trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statement

Some of the statements made in this press release are forward looking in nature. These statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs. These forward looking statements are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside Level 3's control, which could cause actual events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. The most important factors that could prevent Level 3 from achieving its stated goals include, but are not limited to the company's ability to: successfully integrate acquisitions; increase the volume of traffic on the network; defend intellectual property and proprietary rights; develop new products and services that meet customer demands and generate acceptable margins; successfully complete commercial testing of new technology and information systems to support new products and services; attract and retain qualified management and other personnel; and meet all of the terms and conditions of debt obligations. Additional information concerning these and other important factors can be found within Level 3's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this press release should be evaluated in light of these important factors. Level 3 is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990721/LVLTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Level 3 Communications, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Jennifer Daumler, +1-720-888-3356, or Tarra Ryerson,
+1-720-888-1214, or Investors, Valerie Finberg, +1-720-888-2501, or Mark
Stoutenberg, +1-720-888-2518, all of Level 3 Communications, Inc.

Web site: http://www.level3.com/

Qiao Xing Universal Telephone Issues Chairman's Message on Operating Strategy and Corporate Transparency

HUIZHOU, Guangdong, China, Aug. 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Qiao Xing Universal Telephone, Inc. today delivers its Chairman's message, to address two issues.

The Strategy of the Company and its Subsidiaries' Telecommunication Terminal Business

Mr Wu Rui Lin, Chairman of XING, said, "Our top priority is to maintain sustained profitability growth. Subsequent to a record-high profitability in 2007, the Company's income from operations and net income increased to USD22.6 million and USD6.6 million respectively, compared to an income from operations of USD18.8 million and net loss of USD12.6 million for the same period of 2007. By contrast, quite a few mobile phone companies, domestic and international, were recently reported to have suffered a large decline in profitability in the China market (from outside recourses).

"We have been able to maintain sustained profitability by continuously launching differentiated products and efficiently utilizing differentiated distribution channels. By implementing this differentiation strategy, we have seen significant increases in both shipment of handsets (both mobile phone and indoor phone handsets) and gross margin. Our subsidiary CECT's gross margin increased from 23.2% for 2007 Q1 to 31.4% for 2008 Q1, which is much higher than the average level for the whole industry. In XING's indoor phone business, gross profit increased 13.0% from the first quarter of 2007 to reach RMB10.1 million (USD1.4 million) in the same period this year.

"I am so pleased to see that the Company has been able to enhance its brand recognition among consumers. One of our popular handsets, the CECT YAMI II wristwatch mobile phone received 'China's consumer electronics appliances -- Best Industrial Design Innovation Award' for the first half of 2008 from the China International Consumer Electronics Show (SINOCES) and China Electronic News.

"In an environment of increasing competition, with the recession of the whole industry, the average selling price (ASP) is declining. The ASP decline will negatively affect sales revenue. We are not an exception to this. However, are confident that we can stand out and enhance our competitive status, because our profitability, gross margin, sales volume and brand recognition are all improving. Instead of shrinking, we will introduce more differentiated products and expand to overseas markets in the future."

Corporate Transparency

Mr. Wu also addressed the corporate transparency issue by saying, "We understand the importance of having XING's share price fully reflect the solid value of the Company. We are planning a series of programs to improve our corporate transparency. Measures will be taken to deliver our financial results on a more timely basis. To build up values for our shareholders has been always our number one objective to us and all necessary options will be considered to accomplish objective."

About Qiao Xing Universal Telephone, Inc.

Qiao Xing Universal Telephone, Inc. is one of China's largest manufacturers and distributors of telecommunications products. QXUT's product portfolio includes telecommunications terminals and related products, including fixed wireless phones, VoIP telephones, mobile handsets, PDAs and consumer electronic products, including MP3 players, cash registers and set-top-box products. The Company primarily conducts its business through its operating subsidiaries CEC Telecom Co., Ltd (CECT), and Huizhou Qiao Xing Communication Industry Co., Ltd (HZQXCI), a company engaged in R&D and distribution of indoor telephone sets and economy mobile phones under the COSUN brand. The Company Group has built a strong distribution network comprised of more than 5,000 retail stores throughout China and has established partnerships with major retailers in Europe, North America and Latin America, including Bellsouth and Wal-Mart. For more details, please visit http://www.cosun-xing.com/ .

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "is /are likely to," "may," "plan," "potential," "will" or other similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Qiao Xing Universal's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Information regarding these factors is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Qiao Xing Universal does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release is as of August 05, 2008, and Qiao Xing Universal undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact: Rick Xiao Qiao Xing Universal Telephone, Inc. Tel: +86-752-2820268 Email: rick@qiaoxing.com

Qiao Xing Universal Telephone, Inc.

CONTACT: Rick Xiao of Qiao Xing Universal Telephone, Inc.,
+86-752-2820268, or rick@qiaoxing.com

Web site: http://www.cosun-xing.com/

Gerber Scientific Confirms Fiscal Year 2009 Earnings Guidance Despite Softness in Certain Markets; Announces 6% Reduction in Work Force

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gerber Scientific, Inc. , a worldwide leader in integrated automation solutions, today announced it is reducing its global work force by approximately 6 percent. This reduction is in response to a significant softening in demand during the fiscal first quarter ended July 31, 2008 for the Company's ophthalmic lens processing and apparel and flexible materials equipment. However, as a result of these actions and the continued ramp up in demand and production of sign making and specialty graphics products, the Company confirms its previous full year earnings guidance for fiscal year 2009 of between $0.72 and $0.82 per diluted share.

In connection with the reductions, Gerber expects to record approximately $1.0 million in charges for severance benefits, all in the form of cash payments, during the second quarter of this fiscal year. The actions will eliminate approximately 135 positions worldwide, and result in expected savings of approximately $5.5 million in fiscal 2009 and approximately $8.8 million annualized savings going forward.

"While the longer-term outlook for our apparel cutting and lens processing equipment is positive and we still expect to sell between 400 and 600 Solara ion(TM) printers for the year, we believe it is prudent to act aggressively now to respond to current market softness," commented Marc T. Giles, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gerber Scientific, Inc. "While this was a difficult decision for us to make, these work force actions were necessary for us to achieve our commitment to continuously improve our operating margins."

Gerber has updated its revenue expectations for this fiscal year ending April 30, 2009 to be in the range of $660 to $690 million, or up 3 to 8 percent from fiscal 2008. While this revenue guidance is about $30 million below previous guidance, the Company continues to confirm its previous full year earnings guidance for fiscal year 2009 of between $0.72 and $0.82 per diluted share, net of the anticipated severance charges, but expects this year's fiscal first quarter earnings to fall below the same quarter of last year.

About Gerber Scientific, Inc.

Gerber Scientific, Inc. (http://www.gerberscientific.com/) is a leading international supplier of sophisticated automated manufacturing systems for sign making, specialty graphics and packaging, apparel and flexible materials, and ophthalmic lens processing industries. Headquartered in South Windsor, Connecticut, the company operates through four businesses: Gerber Scientific Products and Spandex, Gerber Technology, and Gerber Coburn.

Forward-looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements contained in this news release regarding the Company's expected financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, product launches and planned cost reductions are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. For information identifying other important economic, political, regulatory, legal, technological, competitive and other risks and uncertainties, readers are referred to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, the information included in Gerber Scientific's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2008 under the headings "Business," "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Influence Future Results," as well as information included in subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, which outline certain important risks regarding the Company's forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are made as of the date of this release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this release, except as required by law.

Gerber Scientific, Inc.

CONTACT: Gene Skayne of Gerber Scientific, Inc., +1-860-644-1551

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

CCID Consulting: Sales Volume of China's Printer Market Reaches 1.9419 Million Sets in 2008Q2, Down 1.7% Year-on-Year

BEIJING, Aug. 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- CCID Consulting, China's leading research, consulting and IT outsourcing service provider, and the first Chinese consulting firm listed in Hong Kong (Hong Kong Stock Exchange: HK08235), recently released a report on sales volume of China's printer market.

Under a favourable economy in 2008Q2, China also faces inflation pressure. The growth rate of users' demands for printer obviously slow down, which resulting in depression in the whole of China's printer market. CCID Consulting's data shows that the sales volume of China's printer market in 2008Q2 reaches 1.9419 million sets, down 1.7% year-on-year. Sales revenue reaches 2.68 billion Yuan, down 0.3% year-on-year. China's printer market experienced its first downslide in 2008Q2 in the past ten quarters.

As for market segment, inkjet printer market still has weak presentation in 2008Q2. Its sales volume reaches 1.1803 million sets in 2008Q2, down 6.8% year-on-year, which is the major reason for the decline in China's printer market. However, the demands from traffic, manufacturing, government, education and family users drive rapid development of laser printers and dye-sublimation printers. CCID Consulting's data shows that the sales volume of China's laser printer reaches 510,700 sets, up 110.1% year-on-year; the sales volume of China's dye-sublimation printer reaches 13,600 sets, up 36.5% year-on-year.

Figure 1: 2008Q2 Sales Volume and Growth in China's Printer Market (by Types)

http://www.ccidconsulting.com/upload/13586.jpg Source: CCID Consulting, July 2008 Laser Printer Market Position is Increasingly Stronger

Further price cuts in laser printer products encourage consumers to buy more laser products, as China's printer market gradually transfers from inkjet products to laser products. Market share of Laser printers has increased to 26.3% in 2008Q2, while it was only 19% in 2005; laser printer has gradually become one of the mainstream products. Improvements in cost performance advantage and development in color trend will further expand laser printer's market position.

Best Performance with Samsung, OKI and Brother

As for major brands' presentation in 2008Q2, Samsung, OKI and Brother performed well with two-digit growth in sales volume. The sales volumes of HP and Canon decrease slightly. Because of slow upgrade, a few types, unfavorable marketing strategies and channels, Lenovo printer continues to lose user foundation; the Olympic marketing effect could not avoid the downslide of its sales volume. According to statistics, the sales volume of Lenovo printer in 2008Q2 is down 22.1% year-on-year.

Market Monopoly Competition Increasingly Obvious

With the market becoming more mature, a few core brands emerge and account for a big portion of the market. According to CCID Consulting's statistics, HP, Epson and Canon account for 78.5% of China's printer market in 2008Q2, up 2.5% year-on-year. The top eight brands' concentration degree is 93.3%. Currently, printer products' core technologies are mastered by HP, Epson, Canon, Samsung and Brother, other manufacturers are difficult to break through this monopoly, and monopolistic competition becomes the major development formation of China's printer market.

Figure 2: 2008Q2 Brand Sales Volume Structure of China's Printer Market http://www.ccidconsulting.com/upload/13587.jpg Source: CCID Consulting, July 2008 About CCID Consulting

CCID Consulting Co., Ltd. (hereinafter known as CCID Consulting), the first Chinese consulting firm listed in the Growth Enterprise Market of the Stock Exchange (GEM) of Hong Kong (stock code: 8235.HK), is directly affiliated with China Center for Information Industry Development (hereinafter known as CCID Group). Headquartered in Beijing, CCID Consulting has so far set up branch offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan and Chengdu, with over 300 professional consultants after many years of development. The company's business scope has covered over 200 large and medium-sized cities in China.

Based on major areas of competitiveness: industrial resources, information technology and data channels, CCID Consulting provides customers with public policy establishment, industry competitiveness upgrading, development strategy and planning, marketing strategy and research, HR management, IT programming and management. CCID Consulting's customers range from industrial users in electronics, telecommunications, energy, finance, automobile, to government departments at all levels and diversified industrial parks. CCID Consulting commits itself to becoming the No. 1 advisor for enterprise management, the No. 1 consultancy for government decisions and the No. 1 brand for informatization consulting.

For more information, please contact: Cynthia Liu Coordinating Manager CCID Consulting Co., Ltd. Tel: +86-10-8855-9080 Email: liuyan@ccidconsulting.com

CCID Consulting Co., Ltd.

CONTACT: Cynthia Liu, Coordinating Manager of CCID Consulting Co., Ltd.,
+86-10-8855-9080, or liuyan@ccidconsulting.com

Web site: http://www.ccidconsulting.com/
http://www.ccidconsulting.com/upload/13586.jpg
http://www.ccidconsulting.com/upload/13587.jpg

Partners Embrace Oracle(R) Unbreakable Linux Support ProgramOracle Demonstrates Partner Momentum Across Oracle Unbreakable Linux Program; Expands Benefits for Partners Aligning to New OPN Linux Product Focus Area

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

-- Further demonstrating its commitment to support, promote and advance Linux in the enterprise, Oracle today announced continued momentum across its Linux partner ecosystem with new partners adopting the Oracle(R) Unbreakable Linux Support Program, by certifying with Oracle Enterprise Linux and participating in the Oracle Validated Configurations testing program. -- In addition, Oracle announced an enhanced Linux partner program provided through the Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN). -- A key contributor to the Linux community since 1998, Oracle has a long-standing history of delivering technology innovations to the Linux community. Oracle's continued Linux advancements help customers modernize and automate their data centers, while lowering IT costs.

Partners Support Oracle Unbreakable Linux Program, Certify with Oracle Enterprise Linux

-- Oracle continues to demonstrate exceptional momentum with partners, including independent software vendors, hardware vendors, and system integrators, supporting the Oracle Unbreakable Linux Program and certifying with Oracle Enterprise Linux. -- Partners can easily and rapidly support their applications on Oracle Enterprise Linux because Oracle Enterprise Linux is fully compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. -- Available as a free download, Oracle Enterprise Linux can also be freely distributed, enabling partners to easily create low-cost solutions for their users (terms, conditions and restrictions may apply). -- New partners and certifications in the Oracle Unbreakable Linux Support Program include: 3PAR, ActiveState, Bakbone, FalconStor, Likewise Software, Mellanox Technologies, SGI, SteelEye Technology, Inc., Quest Software, Tripwire, TeamQuest, Trusted Computer Solutions, Voltaire, Zeus and Zmanda. Oracle and Partners Deliver Pre-Tested, Validated Configurations for Linux -- Oracle Validated Configurations provide pre-tested, validated architectures-including software, hardware, storage, and network components-along with documented best practices, enabling easier, faster and more cost-effective deployment of Linux solutions. -- Oracle and partners now provide more than 100 Validated Configurations to help users deploy Linux faster and more seamlessly.

Oracle Unbreakable Linux for Partners Elevated to Product Focus Area on OPN

-- Members of the Oracle PartnerNetwork can now join the Oracle Unbreakable Linux Product Focus Area on the OPN portal and align themselves with the Linux opportunities offered. Previously housed within the Database Product Focus Area on OPN, partner interest in Oracle Unbreakable Linux has accelerated the move to offer a specific Product Focus Area for partners to join. Through this alignment, partners can now also embed Oracle Enterprise Linux and offer enterprise-quality support to customers. Oracle Unbreakable Linux accelerates the Linux market opportunity for partners and helps lower their cost of bringing high quality, fully supported, solutions to users. Other Oracle Unbreakable Linux opportunities available to partners include: -- Resell Oracle Unbreakable Linux support -- Certify applications on Oracle Enterprise Linux -- Access best practices via the Oracle Validated Configurations Program -- Order Enterprise Linux development support -- Promote their Linux offerings in the Oracle PartnerNetwork Solutions Catalog -- Leverage joint marketing opportunities Supporting Quotes

"Oracle remains a leading contributor to the Linux community -- both from a technology and support perspective and is dedicated to broadening the partner community to provide tested, proven and cost-effective enterprise Linux solutions for customers," said Monica Kumar, senior director, Linux and Open Source Product Marketing, Oracle. "Continued adoption amongst our valued partner community will further provide customers the choice to deploy and optimize Linux within their respective organizations."

"The enthusiastic interest and support of Oracle Enterprise Linux by our partners highlights the value Oracle is bringing to the Linux market," said Judson Althoff, group vice president, Worldwide Alliances & Channels at Oracle. "Our partners' demand for more Linux opportunities further demonstrates the power of our growing partner ecosystem to bring tested, supported and reliable enterprise-class Linux-based solutions to our customers through the Oracle Unbreakable Linux Support program."

Supporting Resources Oracle Unbreakable Linux Program: Oracle Linux Website: http://www.oracle.com/technologies/linux/index.html

Partners Support Oracle Unbreakable Linux: http://www.oracle.com/technologies/linux/quotes.html

Certifying solutions with Oracle Enterprise Linux: http://www.oracle.com/technologies/linux/el4cert-ds.pdf

Oracle Magazine: High Availability on Linux Oracle Magazine: License to Operate Oracle Magazine: More Support for the Kernel Oracle PartnerNetwork

Oracle Unbreakable Linux Product Focus Area OPN page: http://www.oracle.com/partners/home/pf/global/linux/unauth/index.html

Oracle Validated Configurations: Website: http://www.oracle.com/features/hp/linux-validated-0606.html

Press release: Oracle Provides Six New Validated Configurations for Linux Customers http://www.oracle.com/corporate/press/2007_aug/validated-configs-lw.html

Enterprise Open Source Magazine: Oracle Validated Configurations: Making Choices with Confidence http://opensource.sys-con.com/node/295336

FAQ: Oracle Validated Configurations Oracle Unbreakable Linux Support Program

The Oracle Unbreakable Linux Support Program provides enterprises with industry-leading global support for Linux and delivers enterprise-class features including premier backports, comprehensive management, cluster software, indemnification, testing and more, all at significantly lower cost. A key component of the program is Oracle Enterprise Linux. Available as open source, Oracle Enterprise Linux is fully compatible-both source and binary- with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). For decades, Oracle has been supporting customers' enterprise-class software deployments for mission critical data centers around world. As a Linux leader, Oracle is committed to delivering high quality, comprehensive and integrated support solutions to help drive the adoption of Linux in the enterprise and reduce the IT infrastructure costs.

About the Oracle PartnerNetwork

Oracle PartnerNetwork is a global business network of more than 20,000 companies who deliver innovative software solutions based on Oracle software. Through access to Oracle's premier products, education, technical services, marketing and sales support, the Oracle PartnerNetwork program provides partners with the resources they need to be successful in today's global economy. Oracle partners are able to offer their customers leading-edge solutions backed by Oracle's position as the world's largest enterprise software company. Partners who are able to demonstrate superior product knowledge, technical expertise and a commitment to doing business with Oracle qualify for the Certified Partner levels. http://oraclepartnernetwork.oracle.com/.

About Oracle

Oracle is the world's largest enterprise software company. For more information about Oracle, please visit our Web site at http://www.oracle.com/.

Trademarks

Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020718/ORCLLOGO)

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020718/ORCLLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Oracle

CONTACT: Teri Whitaker, +1-650-506-9914, teri.whitaker@oracle.com, or
Carol Sato, +1-650-633-5551, carol.sato@oracle.com, both of Oracle

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

New LeapFrog Platforms Ease Transition from Summer Fun to Back-to-School LearningDidj(TM), Leapster2 and Tag(TM) Handhelds Give Kids a Head Start on School and Extend Classroom Learning

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Parents and kids will find more than pens, pencils and rulers when they do their back-to-school shopping this year -- they will also find engaging new products that make it fun to get back into classroom mode. The new educational handhelds from LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. , a leading developer of technology-based learning products, provide kids from pre-K to fifth grade with a range of on-the-go learning fun at home, school and beyond. LeapFrog's learning products are used widely in homes and in more than 100,000 school classrooms.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080806/AQW050)

"Back-to-school may mark the end of long summer days, but with the new Didj, Leapster2 and Tag handhelds it doesn't have to be the end of learning fun," said Dr. Jim Gray, LeapFrog's director of learning. "Whether parents want to help prepare their children for back-to-school learning or build on what they will be studying in the classroom, kids will enjoy learning with a wide range of engaging games and books that feature their favorite movie and TV characters."

Custom Gaming with Actual Schoolwork: 1st Grade to 5th Grade

The Didj system, an entirely new learning platform from LeapFrog, is the first totally customizable educational gaming platform. Customized learning for Didj is available, through online connectivity that makes it easy for parents and kids to connect gameplay with actual schoolwork. For example, a custom spelling list can be created from the 10,000-word database, giving students the ability to practice for regular classroom tests while playing their favorite Didj game. Children can also personalize the look and feel of the games, from designing their own avatars to choosing background scenery, color schemes and music.

Didj, with an MSRP of $89.99, is available at http://www.leapfrog.com/gaming and at major retailers nationwide. The Didj software library includes nine learning games, with an MSRP of $29.99 each, including Star Wars(TM): The Clone Wars, SEGA's Sonic the Hedgehog, Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants: Fists of Foam, and Nicktoons(R): Android Invasion.

New Gaming Handheld from Leapster Family: Pre-K to 3rd Grade

The Leapster2 handheld takes over for the groundbreaking Leapster(R) handheld. Designed for a new generation of learning games, the Leapster2 handheld expands the gameplay online with fun activities and rewards that encourage continued play, while allowing parents to see what their child is learning. The Leapster2 handheld provides active learning fun for children from Pre-K to third grade.

Leapster2, with an MSRP of $69.99, is available at http://www.leapfrog.com/gaming and at major retailers nationwide. The Leapster2 software library includes five new titles and 10 refreshed Leapster titles, including Disney/Pixar's WALL-E, Scholastic I SPY: Treasure Hunt and Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer Camping Adventure: Explore Spanish Words!, with an MSRP of $24.99 each.

Tag Makes Reading Fun: Pre-K to 3rd Grade

LeapFrog's new Tag Reading System is the first interactive reading product that brings books to life with a simple touch. Using the Tag handheld reader, a child can touch any word or picture in a Tag-enabled book to hear an entire story, hear individual words or play captivating learning games. For pre-K through third-grade children, Tag helps engage kids so they not only are reading the words but also have the power to explore the characters, play games and interact personally with the book. Children who enjoy reading will ultimately want to read more frequently and have the potential to become lifelong readers.

Tag, with an MSRP of $49.99, is available at http://www.leapfrog.com/tag and at major retailers nationwide. The Tag Reading System comes with one book, Ozzie and Mack, and is compatible with a 20-volume library of children's classic stories and activity books, MSRP $13.99 each, as well as activity cards, MSRP $7.99 each, and activity boards, MSRP $13.99 each. Books include The Little Engine That Could, Olivia, Kung Fu Panda and Scholastic I SPY: Imagine That!.

Share the Learning: Parents Get Connected

The Learning Path, LeapFrog's proprietary online tool for parents, will be available later this month at http://www.leapfrog.com/learningpath. The Learning Path interfaces with LeapFrog products so that parents can share in their child's accomplishments and follow along to see what they are learning while they play. The Learning Path lets parents see how their child's activities map back to the Scope and Sequence of educational skills that LeapFrog has always built into every product.

About LeapFrog

LeapFrog is a leading designer, developer and marketer of innovative, technology-based educational products that make learning fun. With more than 120 million educational platforms, books and games in homes worldwide, and multisensory technology in more than 100,000 US classrooms, the LeapFrog learning brand is trusted by parents, valued by teachers and loved by children. Many of LeapFrog's newest learning products connect to the Internet, for rich, offline/online experiences that parents and children can personalize.

LEAPFROG, the LeapFrog logo, LEAPSTER and DIDJ are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Copyright (C) 2008 LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

Media contacts Mischa Dunton Blair Decembrele LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. Kaplow Communications 510-596-5441 212-221-1713 mdunton@leapfrog.com bdecembrele@kaplowpr.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080806/AQW050
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN14
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

CONTACT: Mischa Dunton of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., +1-510-596-5441,
mdunton@leapfrog.com; Blair Decembrele, +1-212-221-1713,
bdecembrele@kaplowpr.com, of Kaplow Communications for LeapFrog Enterprises,
Inc.

Web site: http://www.leapfrog.com/
http://www.leapfrog.com/gaming
http://www.leapfrog.com/tag
http://www.leapfrog.com/learningpath

Rise and Shine in Style With Memorex(R) Alarm Clocks for iPodPerfect for dorm room living and back-to-school

WESTON, Fla., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Summertime is winding down, summer vacations are coming to an end and students everywhere are gearing up for those early mornings ahead. Memorex, the leading brand of optical media at U.S. retail and a portfolio brand of Imation Corp. , offers the Mi4019 and iWakeUp(TM) alarm clocks with buzzer, iPod and radio options to help make waking up into a new daily routine that much easier.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080806/AQW034) (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080106/AQSU028-c)

The Memorex Mi4019 alarm clock's compact design and fresh colors make it ideal for the freshman looking to add sizzle and style to dorm room living. For the upperclassman, the Memorex iWakeUp's smart vertical design and clean lines are sure to get them in the back-to-school groove. Fun and fashion-forward, these alarm clocks feature built-in docks that charge and function as speakers for all iPod devices.

"Memorex iPod alarm clocks have all the basic functions you would expect from a clock radio plus so much more," said Carla Pihowich, brand director - Memorex Americas. "They let you choose how you want to wake up -- be it to the buzzer, radio or a favorite song from your iPod. They also function as a charger for iPods, all with the sleek design, form and function to complement the furnishings of any bedroom or dorm room."

The Memorex Mi4019 Alarm Clock

When everything serves a double purpose, the Memorex Mi4019 alarm clock's compact design not only leaves space on a nightstand or dinner table, but also charges and plays all the user's favorite songs from his or her iPod. A flip door discretely hides buttons and iPod connectors when not in use. The Mi4019 alarm clock features an integrated AM/FM radio, white backlit LCD display, snooze function and universal dock to power and charge all iPod devices. It is available in pink, white and black.

The Memorex iWakeUp Clock Radio

Inspired by the bedroom pillow, the iWakeUp Clock Radio features a soft form and clean design for a stylish fit with any home decor. Sitting vertically on your nightstand, iWakeUp maximizes speaker size with a sleek profile and sophisticated appearance. This alarm clock comes equipped with a universal dock that plays and charges all iPod devices and includes many cool features like a dual alarm, FM tuner, white backlit LCD display, snooze function and wireless remote. It incorporates high-quality audio enhancement technology for optimal playback and is available in rich black and bright white.

Availability

The Memorex Mi4019 alarm clock has a suggested retail price (SRP) of $39.99, and the Memorex iWakeUp (Mi4016) Clock Radio SRP of $69.99. Both are available at Toys "R" Us retail stores nationwide.

Is it live or is it Memorex?(R)

Memorex is one of the most trusted and recognized consumer brands in modern marketing history. A portfolio brand of Imation Corp. , Memorex is the market share leader in optical media and media accessories at retail and one of the best known names in the consumer electronics industry. Memory makers and memory keepers turn to Memorex for simple and stylish products that capture, save and share precious moments in music, video and pictures. Memorex reaches into millions of homes with optical and high-definition media and drives, media accessories, home audio and video equipment, MP3 players, digital picture frames, iPod(R) electronics accessories, and LCD televisions that are stylish and simple in form and function. For more information about Memorex, please visit http://www.memorex.com/.

Memorex, the Memorex logo, eMemorex, "Is it live or is it Memorex?" and Imation are trademarks of Imation Corp. and its subsidiaries.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080806/AQW034
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080106/AQSU028-c
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Imation Corp.

CONTACT: Josie Lee, +1-602-808-1162, jlee@brodeur.com, or Sarah
Sbordone, +1-602-808-1167, ssbordone@brodeur.com, both of Brodeur Partners,
for Imation Corp.

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

Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2008 Results- Gross bookings in the second quarter of 2008 totaled $3.0 billion as international gross bookings grew 41 percent to $476 million.- Net revenue for the second quarter of 2008 increased to $231 million.- Net loss for the second quarter of 2008 was $5 million versus a net loss of $32 million in the second quarter of 2007.- Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2008 increased nine percent to $37 million.- Orbitz.com debuted Orbitz Price Assurance(SM), an innovative and proprietary functionality that helps consumers book airline tickets with greater confidence.

CHICAGO, Aug. 6, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008. Net revenue increased to $231 million for the second quarter of 2008, up from $229 million for the second quarter of 2007. The net loss in the second quarter of 2008 was $5 million or $0.06 per share, compared to a net loss of $32 million in the second quarter of 2007. Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2008 was $37 million, an increase of nine percent over the second quarter of 2007.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070813/AQM125LOGO)

"We are pleased with our Adjusted EBITDA growth this quarter, and we believe that the initiatives we put in place set the stage for strong growth over the remainder of the year. In the second quarter, we successfully introduced Price Assurance, our innovative new functionality that we believe creates a competitive advantage that will drive customers to search and book their travel on Orbitz.com," said Steven Barnhart, CEO and president of Orbitz Worldwide. "We also launched a new offline advertising campaign in May. In addition, we are excited by the potential of our new, multi-year partnership with Microsoft for Orbitz.com and ebookers.com to serve as the online travel providers for MSN.com's travel portals in the United Statesand United Kingdom. Microsoft selected Orbitz because our exclusive features, like Price Assurance and OrbitzTLC, offer great value to the consumer and because of our superior search capability.

"We believe that the functionality, advertising and partnerships we launched will accelerate our domestic growth in the second half of the year and help offset any impact from current economic and travel industry uncertainty," continued Barnhart. "Our non-air and other net revenue, which currently comprises nearly 60 percent of our total net revenue, grew 11 percent on a year-over-year basis, and we continue to focus on shifting our business mix away from air. Our international business continues to deliver strong growth, now accounting for 23 percent of net revenue, up from 20 percent a year ago. We are on track to complete the migration of all ebookers sites to the new platform by year-end, with three more countries added since the end of the first quarter. We believe that this new platform will enable us to continue our strong European growth."

For the first six months of 2008, net revenue increased to $450 million, up from $441 million for the first half of 2007. The company reported a net loss in the first half of 2008 of $20 million or $0.24 per share, compared to a net loss of $42 million in the first six months of 2007. Adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2008 was $58 million.

The attached Appendix A entitled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" provides a definition and information about the use of non-GAAP financial measures in this press release and reconciles these non-GAAP financial measures to the GAAP financial measures that Orbitz Worldwide considers to be the most comparable.

Second Quarter Financial Highlights Gross Bookings and Net Revenue

For the second quarter of 2008, Orbitz Worldwide's gross bookings were $3.0 billion, up four percent from the second quarter of 2007. International gross bookings were $476 million, an increase of 41 percent (26 percent after adjusting for the impact of foreign currency fluctuations). The growth in international gross bookings resulted from a higher number of transactions as well as higher prices. Gross bookings at ebookers increased 50 percent to $376 million in the quarter, with strength in both air and non-air. HotelClub reported an increase in gross bookings of 15 percent to $100 million. These comparisons exclude the results of Travelbag, the U.K. offline travel company sold in July 2007.

Domestic gross bookings declined one percent for the second quarter of 2008 to $2.6 billion. Gross bookings for air declined, driven by lower volume, while non-air gross bookings improved primarily because of growth in dynamic packaging. Worldwide bookings for the air business improved three percent to $2.3 billion, and worldwide bookings for the non-air and other businesses increased seven percent compared to the second quarter of 2007 to $791 million.

Net revenue for the second quarter of 2008 was $231 million, an increase of one percent from $229 million in the second quarter of 2007.

-- Air net revenue was $90 million for the second quarter of 2008, down $13 million or 13 percent from $103 million in the second quarter of 2007. The primary factor was a decline in domestic volume, largely a result of the pullback in online marketing that the company began in the third quarter of 2007.

-- Non-air and other net revenue, which consists primarily of hotel, car, dynamic packaging, advertising and insurance revenue, was $141 million for the second quarter of 2008, up 12 percent from $126 million for the second quarter of 2007. Domestic non-air and other net revenue increased four percent, driven primarily by strong gains in advertising and insurance revenues. International non-air and other net revenue increased 42 percent, primarily as a result of strong growth in international hotel and dynamic packaging revenue.

-- Domestic net revenue was $178 million for the second quarter of 2008, a decrease of four percent from second quarter 2007 domestic net revenue of $185 million. Some of the decline in the domestic air net revenue referred to above was offset by an increase in non-air and other net revenue, primarily advertising and insurance revenue.

-- International net revenue was $53 million for the second quarter of 2008, an increase of 20 percent from $44 million for the second quarter of 2007. Higher net revenue from hotels and dynamic packaging was offset in part by lower air net revenue.

In an effort to improve comparability between years, the company has posted on its website (http://orbitz-ir.com/) a chart that adjusts net revenue for purchase accounting impacts, the sale of the offline U.K. travel business and currency fluctuations.

Additional operating metrics used by management to evaluate the results of Orbitz Worldwide are attached to this press release in Appendix B.

Expenses

Orbitz Worldwide's cost of revenue was $46 million (20 percent of net revenue) in the second quarter of 2008, compared to $42 million (18 percent of net revenue) in the second quarter of 2007. A portion of this increase reflects higher affiliate commissions resulting from growth in the white-label business. A higher level of charge-backs at one of the international locations continued early in the quarter, but the implementation of new technology caused charge-backs to decline sharply toward the end of the quarter.

Marketing expense in the second quarter of 2008 was $81 million, a decrease of five percent from $85 million in the second quarter of 2007. The decline is the result of lower online marketing expense in the U.S. and a shift in U.S. offline marketing expenditures from the second quarter to the third quarter to support the launch of Price Assurance. This was offset in part by an increase in international marketing expenditures.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense decreased 21 percent in the second quarter of 2008 to $72 million from $91 million in the same period of 2007. The decline resulted primarily from the absence of costs incurred in the second quarter of 2007 in connection with the early termination of a marketing contract, as well as the absence of IPO-related costs.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA was $37 million in the second quarter of 2008, an increase of nine percent from $34 million in the second quarter of 2007. Additional details can be found in Appendix A attached to this press release.

Interest and Capital Expenditures

Orbitz Worldwide incurred net interest expense of $15 million in the second quarter of 2008, down from $28 million in the second quarter of 2007. Interest expense for the 2008 quarter primarily related to the $600 million term loan the company entered into in connection with its initial public offering in July 2007. Cash interest payments (net of capitalized interest) were $11 million for the second quarter 2008; there was no cash interest paid in the second quarter of 2007.

Effective May 30, the company entered into a three-year interest rate swap that converted an additional $100 million of the term loan from a variable to a fixed interest rate of 6.39 percent inclusive of the 300-basis-point borrowing spread on the term loan. At June 30, the company's weighted average interest rate on the term loan was 7.1 percent.

Capital spending for the second quarter of 2008 was $14 million, an increase of $2 million from capital expenditures of $12 million in the second quarter of 2007.

Other Highlights through July

-- Orbitz.com launched Orbitz Price Assurance, an innovative and proprietary functionality that assures customers that if the price drops for a plane ticket booked on Orbitz.com and another customer subsequently books the same airline ticket on Orbitz.com for less, Orbitz will automatically send travelers a cash refund for the difference.

-- Orbitz.com in the United States and ebookers.com in the United Kingdom signed a multi-year deal with Microsoft to serve as the online travel provider for MSN.com's travel portals in those countries. Orbitz.com and ebookers.com will power all of MSN Travel's offerings in the U.S. and U.K., including air, hotel, vacation package, cruise and car rental bookings.

-- ebookers continued to migrate onto the new global platform on schedule, with the initial migration of Belgium in June and of the Netherlands and Austria in July. The company is on track to complete the migration of all ebookers sites to the new global platform in 2008.

-- Cheaptickets.com added contextual text advertising in order to further monetize traffic on the site.

-- HotelClub extended the booking window for its last-minute hotel booking brand -- RatesToGo.com -- from 21 days to 28 days so that consumers can benefit from last-minute hotel rates and specials over a longer period of time.

-- Orbitz for Business added low-fare carrier Southwest Airlines to its corporate booking tool.

-- Orbitz introduced the Orbitz Visa Credit Card powered by Capital One, a new credit card that rewards travelers with triple Capital One No Hassle Rewards points for booking airfare, hotel accommodations and vacation packages on Orbitz.com.

-- HotelClub.com launched its Russian language site to service the burgeoning demand of the Russian travel market.

-- The company announced a strategic partnership with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, a global collection of nearly 80 premier hotels and resorts.

Quarterly Conference Call

Orbitz Worldwide will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter results at noon EDT (11:00 a.m. CDT) on Wednesday, August 6. A live webcast of the conference call can be accessed through the Orbitz Worldwide Investor Relations website at http://orbitz-ir.com/. An archive of the webcast can be accessed through the Orbitz Worldwide Investor Relations website for a period of at least 30 days after the conference call, and an MP3 file of the call will also be available on the site. A transcript of the call will be posted under Webcasts & Presentations at http://orbitz-ir.com/.

Earlier today, the company also announced that it would be restating its previously issued financial statements to correct misclassifications related to certain intercompany transactions with Travelport and credit card receipts at its foreign locations. More information regarding the restatement can be found in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Orbitz Worldwide

Orbitz Worldwide (corp.orbitz.com) is a leading global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products offered by over 75,000 suppliers worldwide. Orbitz Worldwide owns and operates a portfolio of consumer brands. In the U.S., those brands include Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com/) and CheapTickets (http://www.cheaptickets.com/), a leading online site for discounted leisure travel products. Orbitz Worldwide's international brands include ebookers (http://www.ebookers.com/), a leading full-service online travel company in Europe, serving customers through 13 country-specific websites; HotelClub (http://www.hotelclub.com/), a global accommodation specialist website offering hotels in approximately 120 countries; and RatesToGo (http://www.ratestogo.com/), which offers last-minute hotel reservations worldwide. The Away Network (http://www.away.com/) specializes in providing travel content for travelers seeking unique experiences and activities. Orbitz for Business (http://www.orbitzforbusiness.com/) is a full-service managed business travel program offering a portfolio of business travel products for small to large companies. Orbitz Worldwide is listed on the New York Stock Exchange .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and its attachments contain forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors concerning, among other things, Orbitz Worldwide's (the "Company's") expected financial performance and its strategic operational plans. The results presented are preliminary and unaudited. The Company's actual results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. The potential risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed by the forward-looking statements in this press release and its attachments include, but are not limited to, competition in the travel industry; factors affecting the level of travel activity, particularly air travel volume; maintenance and protection of the Company's information technology and intellectual property; the outcome of pending litigation; the Company's significant indebtedness; future acquisition opportunities; risks associated with doing business in multiple currencies; trends in the travel industry; and general economic and business conditions. More information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties and factors is contained in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 21, 2008, and is available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/ or the Company's Investor Relations website at http://orbitz-ir.com/. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All information in this press release and its attachments is as of August 6, 2008, and Orbitz Worldwide undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events after the date of this press release or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events.

About Basis of Presentation

Prior to an intercompany restructuring (the "Reorganization") that was completed on July 18, 2007, the Company's businesses were operated by Travelport as a part of its broader corporate organization, rather than as a separate consolidated entity. The legal entity Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. was formed in connection with the Reorganization and as a result, prior to the Reorganization, there was no single capital structure upon which to calculate historical earnings (loss) per share information for the Orbitz Worldwide businesses. Accordingly, earnings (loss) per share information has not been presented for historical periods prior to the Reorganization.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release and its attachments include certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the SEC. These measures may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Further information regarding the non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release are contained in Appendix A attached to this press release.

Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (in millions, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Net revenue $231 $229 $450 $441 Cost and expenses Cost of revenue 46 42 89 80 Selling, general and administrative 72 91 149 161 Marketing 81 85 166 167 Depreciation and amortization 17 12 32 25 Total operating expenses 216 230 436 433 Operating income (loss) 15 (1) 14 8 Other (expense) Interest expense, net (15) (28) (31) (47) Total other (expense) (15) (28) (31) (47) Loss before income taxes - (29) (17) (39) Provision for income taxes 5 3 3 3 Net loss ($5) ($32) ($20) ($42) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 June 30, 2008 Net loss ($5) ($20) Net loss per share-basic and diluted: Net loss per share ($0.06) ($0.24) Weighted average shares outstanding 83,243,607 83,199,010 Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (in millions, except share data) June 30, December 31, Assets 2008 2007 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $99 $25 Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1 and $2, respectively) 84 60 Prepaid expenses 19 16 Security deposits 13 8 Deferred income taxes, current 8 3 Due from Travelport, net 15 - Other current assets 12 9 Total current assets 250 121 Property and equipment, net 187 184 Goodwill 1,197 1,181 Trademarks and trade names 316 313 Other intangible assets, net 59 68 Deferred income taxes, non-current 11 12 Other non-current assets 46 46 Total Assets $2,066 $1,925 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $41 $37 Accrued merchant payable 318 218 Accrued expenses 138 121 Deferred income 44 28 Due to Travelport, net - 8 Term loan, current 6 6 Other current liabilities 7 4 Total current liabilities 554 422 Term loan, non-current 590 593 Line of credit - 1 Tax sharing liability 123 114 Unfavorable contracts 15 17 Other non-current liabilities 39 40 Total Liabilities 1,321 1,187 Commitments and contingencies Shareholders' Equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding - - Common stock, $0.01 par value, 140,000,000 shares authorized, 83,231,614 and 83,107,909 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 1 1 Treasury stock, at cost, 17,407 and 8,852 shares held, respectively - - Additional paid in capital 901 894 Accumulated deficit (171) (151) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (net of accumulated tax benefit of $2 and $2, respectively) 14 (6) Total Shareholders' Equity: 745 738 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $2,066 $1,925 Appendix A Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA is a performance measure used by management that is defined as net loss plus: net interest expense, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA as adjusted for certain items as described in the table below.

EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, as presented for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, are not defined under GAAP, and do not purport to be an alternative to net loss as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Because not all companies use identical calculations, this presentation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures used by other companies.

Orbitz Worldwide uses and believes investors benefit from the presentation of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA in evaluating its operating performance because they provide the Company and its investors with an additional tool to compare its operating performance on a consistent basis by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not directly reflect the Company's core operations. Orbitz Worldwide believes that EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are useful to investors and other external users of the Company's financial statements in evaluating the Company's operating performance and cash flow because:

-- EBITDA is widely used by investors to measure a company's operating performance without regard to items such as interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, which can vary substantially from company to company depending upon accounting methods and book value of assets, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired; and

-- Investors commonly adjust EBITDA information to eliminate the effect of non-recurring items such as restructuring charges, as well as non-cash items such as impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and equity compensation, all of which vary widely from company to company and impact comparability.

Orbitz Worldwide's management uses adjusted EBITDA:

-- As a measure of operating performance to assist in comparing performance from period to period on a consistent basis;

-- As a measure for planning and forecasting overall expectations and for evaluating actual results against such expectations; and

-- As a performance evaluation metric off which to base executive and employee incentive compensation programs.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 (in millions) Net (loss) $(5) $(32) $(20) $(42) Interest expense, net 15 28 31 47 Provision for income taxes 5 3 3 3 Depreciation and amortization 17 12 32 25 EBITDA $32 $11 $46 $33 EBITDA was adjusted by the items listed and described in more detail below. The following table provides a reconciliation of EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2008 2007 2008 2007 (in millions) EBITDA $32 $11 $46 $33 Purchase accounting adjustments (a) - - - 6 Corporate allocations and other direct corporate costs (b) - 3 - 6 Global platform expense (c) - 2 - 4 Stock-based compensation expense (d) 5 2 9 3 Public company costs (e) - (3) - (7) Professional services fees (f) - 6 2 6 Severance expense (g) - - 1 - Contract exit costs (h) - 13 - 13 Adjusted EBITDA (i) $37 $34 $58 $64 (a) Represents the purchase accounting adjustments made at the time the Company was acquired by affiliates of The Blackstone Group and Technology Crossover Ventures in August 2006 in order to reflect the fair value of deferred revenue and accrued liabilities on the opening balance sheet date. These adjustments, which are non-recurring in nature, reduced deferred revenue and accrued liabilities and resulted in a reduction in net revenue and operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2007. (b) Represents corporate allocations and direct costs for services performed on the Company's behalf by Travelport through the date of the Company's initial public offering in July 2007 ("IPO"). Following the IPO, the Company now performs these services with either internal or external resources, although it continues to utilize Travelport for certain services under a transition services agreement. Refer to footnote (e) below for a discussion of the Company's estimate of costs it would have incurred had it been operating as a public company for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007. (c) Represents costs associated with operating two technology platforms simultaneously as the Company invested in its global technology platform. These development and certain duplicative technology expenses are expected to cease in 2008 following the migration of certain of the Company's operations to the global technology platform. (d) Primarily represents non-cash stock compensation expense; also includes expense related to restricted cash awards granted as a private company. (e) Certain corporate costs were previously incurred on the Company's behalf by Travelport. This adjustment represents the Company's estimate of costs it would have expected to incur for certain headquarters and public company costs had it been operating as a public company for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007, including costs for services which were previously provided by Travelport and adjusted for in footnote (b) above. These costs include tax, treasury, internal audit, board of directors' costs, and similar items. Also included are costs for directors and officers insurance, audit, investor relations and other public company costs. The amount shown for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007 includes the Company's estimate of such costs. (f) Represents one-time accounting and consulting services primarily associated with the IPO and post-IPO transition period. (g) Represents severance costs for departed Company employees. (h) Represents costs to exit an online marketing services agreement. (i) Includes EBITDA of Tecnovate, an Indian services organization that the Company sold on July 5, 2007, of $1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and $2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Also includes EBITDA of Travelbag (an offline U.K. travel business) that the Company sold on July 16, 2007 of $(1) million and $(2) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. Travelbag had net revenue of $6 million and $13 million and gross bookings of $58 million and $124 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. Includes air net revenue of $3 million and $7 million and non-air and other net revenue of $3 million and $6 million of Travelbag for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. Appendix B Summary of Selected Operating Metrics (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, % June 30, % 2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change (in millions) Gross Bookings (a) Air $2,252 $2,196 3% $4,323 $4,291 1% Non-air / Other 791 739 7% 1,595 1,519 5% Domestic 2,567 2,597 -1% 4,954 5,127 -3% International 476 338 41% 964 683 41% Net Revenue (b) Air 90 103 -13% 185 202 -8% Non-air / Other 141 126 12% 265 239 11% Domestic 178 185 -4% 346 351 -1% International 53 44 20% 104 90 16% Net Loss (5) (32) -84% (20) (42) -52% EBITDA 32 11 191% 46 33 39% Adjustments 5 23 ** 12 31 ** Adjusted EBITDA 37 34 9% 58 64 -9% ** Not meaningful. (a) Excludes gross bookings for an offline U.K. travel business (see Note I in Adjusted EBITDA table). (b) The net impact of purchase accounting adjustments recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2007, accounted for almost nil of the overall increase in net revenue from the three months ended June 30, 2007 to the three months ended June 30, 2008. The net impact of purchase accounting adjustments recorded in the six months ended June 30, 2007, accounted for $6 million of the overall increase in net revenue from the six months ended June 30, 2007 to the six months ended June 30, 2008. This $6 million of purchase accounting adjustments impacted net revenue recorded from our non-air/other business in the six months ended June 30, 2007.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070813/AQM125LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.

CONTACT: media, Brian Hoyt, +1-312-894-6890, bhoyt@orbitz.com, or
investors, Shannon Burns, +1-312-260-2550, shannon.burns@orbitz.com, both of
Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.

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

FiberNet Telecom Group, Inc. to Present at Canaccord Adams' 28th Global Growth Conference

NEW YORK, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FiberNet Telecom Group, Inc., , a leading provider of complex interconnection services, announced today that it will deliver a presentation at the 28th Annual Canaccord Adams Global Growth Conference in Boston. Jon DeLuca, President & CEO, as well as Charles Wiesenhart, Vice President of Finance & CFO, are scheduled to present to leading institutional investment representatives on Wednesday, August 13, 2008, at the InterContinental Boston.

They will join executives from nearly 270 public and private companies for the conference, one of the longest-running institutional events focused exclusively on growth companies.

"We look forward to showcasing our company to some of the country's top growth investors at this year's Growth Conference," said Jon DeLuca, President & CEO of FiberNet Telecom Group, Inc. "This is an ideal venue in which we can provide an important mid-year update of our growth strategy and achievements."

"It is our continued mission to deliver a top quality event for institutional clients and venture capitalists, connecting them with exciting growth companies," said Jamie Brown, President and Head of US Investment Banking for Canaccord Adams Inc. "The conference will also afford corporate clients access to investing insights and valuable market information. Our goal is to provide a premier forum for sharing knowledge, discussing emerging trends and identifying investment opportunities for public and private companies, venture capitalists and institutional investors."

The Canaccord Adams Global Growth Conference is one of the oldest and largest programs showcasing both publicly traded and privately held growth companies. Many of the presenting public companies are covered by Canaccord Adams' global team of equity analysts. To learn more about the conference, please contact Nadine Miller at 617.371.3842 or Nadine.Miller@CanaccordAdams.com.

ABOUT FIBERNET TELECOM GROUP, INC.:

FiberNet Telecom Group, Inc. owns and operates integrated interconnection facilities and diverse transport routes in the two gateway markets of New York/New Jersey and Los Angeles, designed to provide comprehensive broadband interconnectivity enabling the exchange of traffic over multiple networks. FiberNet's customized connectivity infrastructure provides an advanced, high bandwidth, fiber-optic solution to support the demand for network capacity and to facilitate the interconnection of multiple carriers' and customers' networks. For additional information about FiberNet, visit the company's website at http://www.ftgx.com/.

Various remarks that we may make about FiberNet's future expectations, plans and prospects constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such remarks are valid only as of today, and we disclaim any obligation to update this information. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those discussed in FiberNet's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ABOUT CANACCORD ADAMS:

Canaccord Adams is a leading independent financial services firm committed to fostering the entrepreneurial economy by bringing corporate and institutional clients a unique perspective on global investment opportunities. With operations in research, sales and trading, and investment banking, our 225 professionals seek out emerging opportunities in our key sectors - Mining and Metals, Energy, Technology, Life Sciences, Consumer, Real Estate, and Industrial Growth. Located in ten offices internationally, our experienced team generates focused, actionable ideas that identify opportunity and facilitate growth. Canaccord Adams, the international capital markets division of Canaccord Capital Inc., has operations in Toronto, London, Boston, Vancouver, New York, Calgary, Montreal, San Francisco, and Houston.

More information is available at http://www.canaccordadams.com/. Canaccord Adams Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Canaccord Adams Limited is regulated and authorized by the Financial Services Authority and is a member of the LSE. Canaccord Adams is a division of Canaccord Capital Corporation, Member IIROC/CIPF. ABOUT CANACCORD CAPITAL INC.:

Through its principal subsidiaries, Canaccord Capital Inc. (TSX & AIM: CCI) is a leading independent full-service investment dealer in Canada, with capital markets operations in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Canaccord is publicly traded on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange. Canaccord has operations in two of the principal segments of the securities industry: private client services and capital markets. Together these operations offer a wide range of complementary investment products, brokerage services and investment banking services to Canaccord's private, institutional and corporate clients. Canaccord has approximately 1,570 employees worldwide in 31 offices, including 23 Private Client Services offices located across Canada. Canaccord Adams, the international capital markets division, has operations in Toronto, London, Boston, Vancouver, New York, Calgary, Montreal, San Francisco, and Houston.

FiberNet Telecom Group, Inc.

CONTACT: Norma I. Salcido, +1-212-405-6210, norma.salcido@ftgx.com of
FiberNet Telecom Group Inc.

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

Alliance Data's Canadian Loyalty Business Signs New Agreement With Hilton HHonors(R)* ProgramLeading Hotel Loyalty Program Hilton HHonors(R)* Becomes Newest National Sponsor in Canada's AIR MILES(R) Reward Program

DALLAS, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliance Data Systems Corporation , a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data, today announced that Hilton HHonors(R)* has signed an agreement as a national sponsor and reward supplier in Alliance Data's Canadian AIR MILES(R) Reward Program.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051024/ADSLOGO )

With more than 25 million global members enrolled, Hilton HHonors is the only guest rewards program that offers members Points & Miles(R)* for the same stay and No Blackout Dates for reward stays, giving frequent travelers a fast way to earn the rewards they want most at more than 3,000 Hilton Family hotels worldwide. Hilton Family hotels include Hilton(R)* Hotels, Conrad(R)* Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree by Hilton(TM)*, Embassy Suites Hotels(R)*, Hampton by Hilton(TM)*, Hilton Garden Inn(TM)*, Hilton Grand Vacations(TM)*, Homewood Suites by Hilton(TM)*, and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection(TM)*.

The AIR MILES Reward Program is Canada's premier coalition loyalty program, with approximately two-thirds of Canadian households actively collecting reward miles. AIR MILES collectors earn reward miles at more than 100 leading brand-name sponsors representing thousands of retail and service locations across Canada. AIR MILES reward miles can be redeemed for more than 800 different rewards, such as travel, movie passes, entertainment attractions, and electronic merchandise.

Beginning in August, AIR MILES collectors can earn reward miles when staying at any Hilton Family hotel worldwide. Collectors that join Hilton HHonors can also take advantage of No Blackout Dates on reward stays with the only hotel rewards program that offers members the opportunity to Double Dip(R)* and earn both AIR MILES reward miles and Hilton HHonors points for the same stay. Collectors will also be able to redeem AIR MILES reward miles for Hilton Family Canada gift certificates, which can be redeemed for any folio charges incurred during a stay.

Alliance Data's Epsilon business has also provided a full suite of marketing services in support of the Hilton HHonors program for more than 11 years. Epsilon's comprehensive solution includes the development, hosting and management of the Hilton HHonors database as well as the execution of multi-channel marketing strategy and communications.

"We're very enthusiastic about this new relationship with AIR MILES, said Adam Burke," senior vice president, customer loyalty, Hilton Hotels Corporation. "Hilton HHonors is constantly looking for ways to drive value for our members and provide them with a rewarding experience. By collaborating with, AIR MILES, we provide our members with access to even more great rewards."

"Hilton HHonors is a valuable addition to the AIR MILES Reward Program's growing list of more than 100 partners," said Bryan Pearson, president, Alliance Data's LoyaltyOne business. "This agreement demonstrates the AIR MILES Reward Program's ability to grow organically by adding new marketing partners that strengthen the coalition and deliver measurable results for all stakeholders."

About The HHonors Program

Hilton HHonors(R)* is the only guest rewards program in the world that offers Points & Miles(R)* and No Blackout Dates, giving frequent travelers a fast way to earn the rewards they want most at more than 3,000 Hilton Family hotels worldwide. Enrolled members can Double Dip(R)* to earn HHonors points and airline miles for the same stay, at nearly any rate, at participating Hilton(R)* Hotels, Conrad(R)* Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree by Hilton(TM)*, Embassy Suites Hotels(R)*, Hampton by Hilton(TM)*, Hilton Garden Inn(TM)*, Hilton Grand Vacations(TM)*, Homewood Suites by Hilton(TM)*, and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection(TM)* hotels around the world.

Due to the tremendous simplicity, flexibility and value offered by HHonors program features, as well as the many attractive promotions that HHonors offers each year, the program has been recognized with numerous travel industry awards.

Membership in HHonors is free. Travelers may enroll online by visiting HiltonHHonors.com. Consumers in the U.S. and Canada can enroll instantly in the program by calling 1-800-HHONORS. Outside the U.S. and Canada, travelers may call the Hilton Reservations and Customer Care office in their area. Travelers also may enroll at any Hilton(R)* Hotels, Conrad(R)* Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree by Hilton(TM)*, Embassy Suites Hotels(R)*, Hampton by Hilton(TM)*, Hilton Garden Inn(TM)*, Hilton Grand Vacations(TM)*, Homewood Suites by Hilton(TM)*, and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection(TM)* hotels around the world. For further information, visit HiltonHHonors.com.

About Alliance Data

Alliance Data is a leading provider of marketing, loyalty and transaction services, managing over 120 million consumer relationships for some of North America's most recognizable companies. Using transaction-rich data, Alliance Data creates and manages customized solutions that change consumer behavior and that enable its clients to create and enhance customer loyalty to build stronger, mutually beneficial relationships with their customers. Headquartered in Dallas, Alliance Data employs over 9,000 associates at more than 60 locations worldwide. Alliance Data's brands include AIR MILES(R), North America's premier coalition loyalty program, and Epsilon(R), a leading provider of multi-channel, data-driven technologies and marketing services. For more information about the Company, visit its website, http://www.alliancedata.com/.

About LoyaltyOne

LoyaltyOne (formerly Alliance Data Loyalty Services) works with more than 100 of North America's leading brands in the retail, financial services, grocery, petroleum retail, travel, and hospitality industries to profitably change customer behavior. Through a team of businesses, each specializing in a loyalty discipline, LoyaltyOne designs, delivers, and manages a suite of loyalty marketing services-consumer data, customer-centric retail strategies, direct-to-consumer marketing, loyalty consulting, and more. LoyaltyOne is part of the Alliance Data family of companies. For over 30 years, Alliance Data has helped its clients build more profitable, more loyal relationships with their customers. More information is available at http://www.loyalty.com/.

Alliance Data's Safe Harbor Statement/Forward Looking Statements

This release may contain 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. Such statements may use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "predict," "project" and similar expressions as they relate to us or our management. When we make forward-looking statements, we are basing them on our management's beliefs and assumptions, using information currently available to us. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what we projected. Any forward-looking statements contained in this presentation reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include those made with respect to and any developments related to the termination of the proposed merger with an affiliate of The Blackstone Group, including risks and uncertainties arising from actions that the parties to the merger agreement or third parties may take in connection therewith. We have no intention, and disclaim any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this presentation regarding Alliance Data Systems Corporation's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year. Risk factors may be updated in Item 1A in each of the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for each quarterly period subsequent to the Company's most recent Form 10-K.

Airline miles accrued and awards issued are subject to the terms and conditions of each participating airline's reward program, as applicable. Hilton HHonors(R) membership, earning of Points & Miles(R), and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions. (C)2008 Hilton Hotels Corporation

(R)(TM) Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne Inc.

(R)*(TM)* Trademarks owned by Hilton Hotels Corporation or its subsidiaries.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20051024/ADSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Alliance Data Systems Corporation

CONTACT: Alliance Data, Julie Prozeller, Investors-Analysts, Financial
Dynamics, +1-212-850-5721, alliancedata@fd.com, or Shelley Whiddon, Media,
+1-972-348-4310, Shelley.Whiddon@alliancedata.com; Erika White,
+1-310-205-7805, Erika.White@hilton.com, or Kendra Walker, +1-310-205-4545,
Kendra.Walker@hilton.com, both of Hilton Hotels

Web site: http://www.alliancedata.com/
http://hiltonhhonors.com/
http://www.loyalty.com/

KVH Taps Industry Veteran to Manage Growth of Global Mobile Broadband Satellite NetworkFormer SES AMERICOM executive Brent Bruun, KVH's new Vice President of Business Development, to focus on expanding mini-VSAT Broadband coverage

MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- KVH Industries, Inc., has hired Mr. Brent Bruun as its new Vice President for Business Development. Mr. Bruun, formerly of SES AMERICOM, is expected to play a key role in KVH's planned worldwide rollout of the mini-VSAT Broadband(sm) satellite communications service. Expansion will provide service coverage in new regions, supporting leisure, commercial, and government vessels while offering opportunities to strengthen KVH's growing satellite communications products and airtime services revenue streams.

"While at SES AMERICOM, I had the opportunity to collaborate with KVH during the initial launch of the groundbreaking mini-VSAT service and was very impressed with the way they do business. Now, I'm thrilled to be a part of the KVH team," commented Mr. Bruun. "The TracPhone(R) V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband service are becoming a vital part of the marketplace, and I look forward to helping guide the global expansion of the service. We have a tremendous opportunity to offer affordable broadband communications within the maritime market while also generating airtime revenue from related aeronautical applications."

In his previous position as Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for SES AMERICOM, Mr. Bruun concentrated on global mobile broadband opportunities with particular emphasis on the maritime and aeronautical markets, experience that will be invaluable as he assumes his new role at KVH. His most recent experience is complemented by the diversified knowledge he has gained throughout his career at KPMG, General Electric, and SES AMERICOM in general management, finance, accounting, operations, sales, and business development. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Alfred University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Mr. Bruun will help lead an expansion effort that will include acquisition of satellite capacity from satellite operators as well as the purchase of new regional satellite hubs for the global rollout of KVH's mini-VSAT Broadband service. Together with the compact, 24" TracPhone V7 antenna, the service already offers regional Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone service and Internet access as fast as 512 Kbps (upload) and 2 Mbps (download) to mariners throughout North America, the Caribbean, the North Atlantic, and Europe.

"Brent is a valuable addition to our development team, and the expertise he brings with him will help us to successfully and efficiently expand our mini-VSAT Broadband coverage worldwide and into new markets. As we do so, KVH will be able to offer leisure, commercial, and government vessels around the globe a rugged, powerful satellite communications technology that brings significant advantages over traditional VSAT in size, data speed, and airtime costs, while still being compact and practical enough for smaller vessels," explained Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH's Chief Executive Officer.

Visit http://www.minivsat.com/ for additional details regarding the TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband service.

Note to Editors: Press-ready images of Mr. Brent Bruun and KVH's TracPhone V7 are available at http://press.kvh.com/

About KVH Industries, Inc.

Middletown, RI-based KVH Industries, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, KVH Europe A/S, are leading providers of in-motion satellite TV and communications systems, having designed, manufactured, and sold more than 150,000 mobile satellite antennas for applications on vessels, vehicles, and aircraft. KVH's mission is to connect mobile customers around the globe with the same digital television entertainment, communications, and Internet services that they enjoy in their homes and offices.

This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, for example, the service rollout plans, the functionality, characteristics, quality and performance of KVH's products and technology; anticipated innovation and product development; and customer demand, preferences, requirements and expectations. The actual results could differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, uncertainty about the scope of customer demand; the potential inability to secure adequate Ku-band satellite capacity or the licenses necessary for the network; risks associated with the delivery or performance of critical hardware; future decisions about the expected profitability of additional satellite regions; changes in the costs and capabilities of competing offerings; and those other risk factors discussed in KVH's most recent Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. KVH does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect new information or developments.

KVH and TracPhone are registered trademarks of KVH Industries. mini-VSAT Broadband is a service mark of KVH Industries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

KVH Industries, Inc.

CONTACT: Chris Watson of KVH Industries, +1-401-845-8138,
cwatson@kvh.com

Web site: http://www.minivsat.com/
http://press.kvh.com/

BCE reports 2008 second quarter resultsThis news release contains forward-looking statements. For a description of the related risk factors and assumptions please see the section entitled "Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" later in this release. This release should be read in conjunction with BCE Inc.'s 2008 Second Quarter MD&A dated August 5, 2008 (available at http://www.bce.ca/en/investors/financialperformance/quarterlyresults/ ) which is incorporated by reference in this release, filed by BCE Inc. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Form 6-K and with Canadian securities commissions.- Accelerated wireless performance - net adds up 32% with best postpaid gain since Q4 2005 of 111,000 - Third consecutive quarter of fewer year-over-year residential line losses - Bell revenues up 1.7% to $3,700 million - Solid Bell EBITDA growth of 3.6% before unusual items - Free Cash Flow of $410 million, up 73%; Cash from Operations of $1,534 million, up 9%

MONTREAL, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada's largest communications company, today reported results for the second quarter of 2008.

"This was a quarter of strong progress against our strategic imperatives, especially the significant acceleration of our wireless business," said George Cope, President and Chief Executive Officer of BCE and Bell Canada. "Wireless saw improvements in financial and operating metrics in the quarter, including the highest level of postpaid net activations since the fourth quarter of 2005, significant growth in total net activations, improvements in churn, COA and postpaid ARPU, and double-digit growth in operating revenue and EBITDA."

The Bell Wireless segment(1) achieved 111,000 postpaid net activations compared to 43,000 in Q2 2007. Total net activations this quarter grew to 83,000, or by 31.7%. Postpaid churn improved to 1.1% and blended churn improved to 1.6% from 1.4% and 1.8% respectively last year. Cost of acquisition decreased by 5.7% to $417 per gross activation. Total Bell Wireless operating revenues increased by 10.7% and Bell Wireless EBITDA(2) grew by 10.8%. Postpaid ARPU increased $1 to $66.

"Wireline momentum continued with improvements in residential local lines losses for a third consecutive quarter - 34,000 fewer NAS losses than in the same quarter last year - continued solid financial results, and an ongoing acceleration of our turnaround in the business market. We were disappointed with our high-speed Internet business this quarter, but we are taking action to improve performance in the second half of the year," Mr. Cope said.

Growth in customer winbacks and the success of The Bell Better Home marketing program led to year-over-year improvement in the rate of residential local line (NAS) losses. Total NAS declined by 10.7% over the last twelve months. However, normalized for the previously announced contract termination with a major wholesale customer and a beginning-of-year adjustment to our residential NAS base following a review of historical records, total NAS declined by 6.2%.

Overall, Bell delivered solid revenue growth and generated significant growth in free cash flow. Bell EBITDA growth before the impact of unusual items also showed underlying strength this quarter.

Bell's operating revenues grew by 1.7% to $3,700 million this quarter as growth in wireless, video, and data revenues more than offset declines in local and access, long distance, and equipment and other revenues. Revenues from Bell's growth services portfolio of wireless, video, high-speed Internet and other services, such as ICT solutions, grew by 8.3%.

Bell's EBITDA growth of 0.4% was adversely affected by two unusual items: a Federal Court of Appeal decision related to CRTC broadcast licence fees in the amount of $31 million for periods dating back to September 2006, and a write down of assets in the amount of $14 million associated with the termination of Sympatico's PC equipment sales program.

Excluding these items, Bell's EBITDA grew by 3.6% reflecting higher wireless revenues and lower subscriber acquisition costs and the solid financial performance of the Video and Enterprise units. Bell's operating income was $682 million, or 0.6% lower than last year as higher operating revenues and lower net benefit plans cost were more than offset by the two unusual charges and higher depreciation and amortization expense. Adjusted for the two unusual charges that affected EBITDA, Bell's operating income grew by 6.0%.

Bell invested $583 million of capital this quarter, or 8.6% more than Q2 2007. Underscoring Bell's commitment to its strategic imperatives including to accelerate wireless and to invest in broadband networks and services, capital expenditures focused on enhancing the wireless network and the continuing expansion of the Fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) program.

BCE's cash from operating activities increased to $1,534 million this quarter, or by 8.6%, due to improvement in working capital, lower pension plan payments and lower interest payments. BCE's free cash flow(3) increased by 73% to $410 million this quarter due mainly to the higher cash from operating activities and lower capital expenditures as a result of the sale of Telesat.

On July 28, 2008, the company announced a reduction in the size of the management team by approximately 2,500, representing approximately 6% of the total workforce or about 15% of management, including a 30% reduction in executive positions, as part of an organizational realignment focused on the strategic imperative to achieve a competitive cost structure. The estimated cost related to the workforce reductions is approximately $230 million. Combined with other reductions so far this year, this streamlining is expected to provide annualized savings of approximately $300 million.

Financial Highlights ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q2 2008 Q2 2007 % change ($ millions except per share amounts) (unaudited) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bell(i) Operating Revenues $3,700 $3,637 1.7% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BCE(ii) Operating Revenues $4,422 $4,427 (0.1%) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bell EBITDA $1,405 $1,399 0.4% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BCE EBITDA $1,741 $1,779 (2.1%) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bell Operating Income $682 $686 (0.6%) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BCE Operating Income $882 $903 (2.3%) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BCE Cash From Operating Activities $1,534 $1,413 8.6% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BCE Free Cash Flow $410 $237 73.0% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BCE EPS $0.45 $0.83 (45.8%) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BCE EPS before restructuring and other and net gains on investments(4) $0.53 $0.56 (5.4%) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Bell includes the Bell Wireless and Bell Wireline segments. (ii) BCE's results for Q2 2007 include Bell, Bell Aliant and Telesat while BCE's results for Q2 2008 include only Bell and Bell Aliant.

On October 31, 2007, BCE completed the sale of Telesat. Accordingly, BCE's results for Q2 2008 no longer reflect Telesat's financial results while BCE's results for Q2 2007 include Telesat's results for the full quarter.

BCE's operating revenue declined by 0.1% to $4,422 million this quarter as revenue growth at Bell and Bell Aliant was offset by the loss of Telesat's contribution to revenue. Similarly, BCE's EBITDA declined 2.1% to $1,741 million this quarter as Bell's and Bell Aliant's EBITDA growth was offset by the loss of Telesat's contribution to EBITDA. BCE's operating income decreased by 2.3% to $882 million due to the loss of Telesat's contribution to operating income and slightly lower Bell operating income.

BCE's net earnings per share (EPS) was $0.45 for the quarter compared to $0.83 for the same period last year. EPS in Q2 2007 included a gain from Bell Aliant's sale of Aliant Directory Services and a favourable tax settlement totalling $0.36, while EPS this quarter included a net loss on investment from discontinued operations of $0.02 and the adverse effect of the two previously mentioned unusual items which totalled $0.04.

EPS before restructuring and other and net gains on investments was $0.53 in the quarter, or $0.03 lower than Q2 of 2007 due to the adverse effect of the two previously mentioned unusual items, totalling $0.04.

Privatization Transaction Update

On August 1, 2008, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission again granted early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period for the privatization transaction. As such, all regulatory approvals required for the transaction have been obtained. The transaction is expected to close on or before December 11, 2008.

Bell Wireless Segment

The Bell Wireless segment delivered solid financial performance in Q2, significant improvements in postpaid net activations and churn, and higher postpaid ARPU.

- Total Bell Wireless operating revenues grew 10.7% to $1,121 million due to a larger subscriber base, higher postpaid ARPU and stronger equipment sales. Wireless network revenues increased by 9.0% to $1,006 million and wireless equipment revenues grew by 36.0% to $102 million due to higher smartphone sales and customer upgrades. - Bell Wireless EBITDA grew by 10.8% to $442 million and Bell Wireless operating income grew by 9.7% to $316 million this quarter due to higher revenues and lower subscriber acquisition costs. - EBITDA margins on network revenues this quarter increased by 0.7 percentage points to 43.9% this quarter, with the year-over-year improvement in network revenues generating a flow through to EBITDA of 52%. - Total gross activations were 391,000 this quarter, slightly higher than last year. - Postpaid net activations reached 111,000 this quarter, the highest level since Q4 2005 and significantly higher than the 43,000 net activations in Q2 2007. The prepaid customer base decreased by 28,000. Total net activations were 83,000 this quarter, 31.7% more than Q2 last year. - The Bell Wireless client base reached 6,332,000, up 7.6% over last year. - Blended churn of 1.6% improved by 0.2 percentage points from Q2 2007 with postpaid churn improving by 0.3 percentage points to 1.1% and prepaid churn improving by 0.1 percentage points to 3.0%. - Postpaid ARPU increased $1 to $66 while blended and prepaid ARPU remained relatively stable at $54 and $17 respectively. - Cost of acquisition decreased by 5.7% to $417 per gross activation, reflecting lower handset subsidies and marketing expenses. Bell Wireline Segment

The Bell Wireline segment continued to reduce the number of residential NAS losses this quarter.

- Bell Wireline operating revenues decreased by 1.6% to $2,600 million this quarter as gains in video and data revenues were more than offset by decreases in local and access, long distance and equipment and other revenues. - Bell Wireline EBITDA decreased by 3.7% to $963 million and Bell Wireline operating income decreased by 8.0% to $366 million due to the ongoing erosion of our NAS customer base, the adverse effect from the judicial decision related to CRTC video broadcast licence fees and the write down of assets associated with the termination of Sympatico's PC equipment sales program. - Local and access revenues declined by 8.0% to $845 million due to ongoing NAS erosion. - Residential NAS declined by 125,000 this quarter, an improvement of 34,000 over the decline of 159,000 experienced last year reflecting the continued growth in customer winbacks and the effectiveness of The Bell Better Home marketing campaign. Business NAS declined by 7,000 this quarter. - Total NAS declined by 10.7% compared to the end of Q2 2007. However, when normalized for the contract termination with a major wholesale customer and a beginning-of-year adjustment to residential NAS following a review of historical records, total NAS declined by 6.2%. - Long distance revenues declined by 2.9% to $298 million this quarter due mainly to ongoing NAS erosion partly offset by pricing initiatives. This is the tenth consecutive quarter that long distance revenue erosion rates have improved. - Data revenues increased 3.8% to $900 million this quarter due to growth in Internet, IP Broadband and ICT revenues partly offset by the further erosion of legacy data services. - High-speed Internet customer connections decreased by 1,000 this quarter due to weaker sales in our retail channels and lower overall market demand due to the relatively high broadband Internet penetration rate in Canada. At the end of Q2 2008, Bell had 2,013,000 high-speed Internet customer connections, an increase of 3.4% compared to the end of Q2 2007. - Video revenues increased by 10.6% to $356 million this quarter due largely to an ARPU increase of $6 to $64. - Video EBITDA was $47 million this quarter, or 30.9% lower than last year, reflecting the adverse effect from the judicial decision related to CRTC video broadcast licence fees. - Total video subscribers increased by 8,000, an increase of 15,000 net additions compared to the same quarter last year, to reach 1,831,000. - Video subscriber churn improved by 0.2 percentage points to 1.1%. - Equipment and other revenues decreased by 16.8% to $153 million due to lower customer premise equipment sales consistent with our continued focus on not pursuing low-margin business. Bell Aliant Regional Communications

Bell Aliant's revenues increased 2.4% this quarter to $846 million due to growth in Internet, data and IT service revenues more than offsetting declines in local and access and long distance service revenues. Operating income increased 9.3% to $200 million due to higher revenues, cost reductions and lower net benefit plans cost and depreciation and amortization expenses.

Notes The information contained in this news release is unaudited. (1) Consistent with North American industry practices, total wireless gross activations, net activations and subscribers include 100% of Virgin Mobile's subscribers. Wireless ARPU, churn, usage per subscriber and cost of acquisition continue to be computed by including 50% of Virgin Mobile's results, a level corresponding to Bell Canada's ownership position. (2) The term EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning according to Canadian GAAP. It is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. We define EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of intangible assets) as operating revenues less cost of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses, meaning it represents operating income before depreciation and amortization of intangible assets and restructuring and other. We use EBITDA, among other measures, to assess the operating performance of our ongoing businesses without the effects of depreciation and amortization of intangible assets and restructuring and other. We exclude these items because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. We exclude depreciation and amortization of intangible assets because it largely depends on the accounting methods and assumptions a company uses, as well as non-operating factors, such as the historical cost of capital assets. Excluding restructuring and other does not imply they are non-recurring. EBITDA allows us to compare our operating performance on a consistent basis. We believe that certain investors and analysts use EBITDA to measure a company's ability to service debt and to meet other payment obligations, or as a common measurement to value companies in the telecommunications industry. The most comparable Canadian GAAP financial measure is operating income. The following table is a reconciliation of operating income to EBITDA. ($ millions) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BCE Q2 2008 Q2 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income 882 903 Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 788 805 Restructuring and other 71 71 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA 1,741 1,779 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BELL Q2 2008 Q2 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income 682 686 Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 652 643 Restructuring and other 71 70 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA 1,405 1,399 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BELL WIRELINE Q2 2008 Q2 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income 366 398 Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 534 532 Restructuring and other 63 70 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA 963 1,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BELL WIRELESS Q2 2008 Q2 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income 316 288 Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 118 111 Restructuring and other 8 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- EBITDA 442 399 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (3) The term free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning according to Canadian GAAP. It is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. We define free cash flow as cash from operating activities after capital expenditures, total dividends and other investing activities. We consider free cash flow to be an important indicator of the financial strength and performance of our business because it shows how much cash is available to repay debt and to reinvest in our company. We present free cash flow consistently from period to period, which allows us to compare our financial performance on a consistent basis. We believe that free cash flow is also used by certain investors and analysts in valuing a business and its underlying assets. The most comparable Canadian GAAP financial measure is cash from operating activities. The following table is a reconciliation of cash from operating activities to free cash flow on a consolidated basis. ($ millions) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q2 2008 Q2 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash from operating activities 1,534 1,413 Capital expenditures (710) (744) Total dividends paid (417) (432) Other investing activities 3 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Free cash flow 410 237 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (4) The term net earnings (or EPS) before restructuring and other and net gains on investments does not have any standardized meaning according to Canadian GAAP. It is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. We use net earnings before restructuring and other and net gains on investments, among other measures, to assess the operating performance of our ongoing businesses without the effects of after- tax restructuring and other and net gains on investments. We exclude these items because they affect the comparability of our financial results and could potentially distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Excluding these items does not imply they are necessarily non-recurring. The most comparable Canadian GAAP financial measure is net earnings applicable to common shares. The following table is a reconciliation of net earnings applicable to common shares to net earnings before restructuring and other and net gains on investments on a consolidated basis and per BCE Inc. common share. ($ millions except per share amounts) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q2 2008 Q2 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- PER PER TOTAL SHARE TOTAL SHARE ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings applicable to common shares 361 0.45 667 0.83 Restructuring and other 48 0.06 45 0.06 Net (gains) losses on investments 16 0.02 (267) (0.33) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings before restructuring and other and net gains on investments 425 0.53 445 0.56 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the proposed privatization of BCE, certain expected annualized cost savings and other statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize.

The timing and completion of the proposed privatization transaction is subject to each of the parties fulfilling their commitments under the transaction documents and to a number of terms and conditions, including, without limitation, the provisions of, and certain termination rights available to the parties under, the definitive agreement dated June 29, 2007, as amended by the final amending agreement dated July 4, 2008, governing the terms of the transaction. The conditions to the transaction may not be satisfied in accordance with their terms, and/or the parties to the definitive agreement may exercise their termination rights, in which case the proposed privatization transaction could be modified, restructured or terminated, as applicable. Failure to complete the proposed privatization transaction could have a material adverse impact on the market price of BCE's shares.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by Canadian securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, we undertake no obligation to comment on expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the proposed privatization transaction. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other assumptions and risks, please refer to BCE's 2007 annual management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") dated March 5, 2008 included in the Bell Canada Enterprises 2007 Annual Report, BCE's 2008 First Quarter MD&A dated May 6, 2008, BCE's 2008 Second Quarter MD&A dated August 5, 2008, the definitive agreement dated June 29, 2007, as amended by the final amending agreement dated July 4, 2008, and BCE's management proxy circular dated August 7, 2007, all filed by BCE with the Canadian securities commissions (available at http://www.sedar.com/) and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (available at http://www.sec.gov/). These documents are also available on BCE's website at http://www.bce.ca/.

About BCE Inc.

BCE is Canada's largest communications company, providing the most comprehensive and innovative suite of communication services to residential and business customers in Canada. Under the Bell brand, the Company's services include local, long distance and wireless phone services, high-speed and wireless Internet access, IP-broadband services, information and communications technology services (or value-added services) and direct-to-home satellite and VDSL television services. BCE also holds an interest in CTVglobemedia, Canada's premier media company. BCE shares are listed in Canada and the United States.

BCE INC.

CONTACT: Pierre Leclerc, Bell Canada, Media Relations, (514) 391-2007,
1-877-391-2007, pierre.leclerc@bell.ca; Thane Fotopoulos, BCE, Investor
Relations, (514) 870-4619, thane.fotopoulos@bell.ca

page 1 page 2 page 3 page 4 page 5

News archive of November 2009
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

News Archives of August 2008
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

News Archives other dates
2009: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2008: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2007: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2006: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Datasheet begin: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Distributors inventory: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z