Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc. Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2009 Results

SADDLE BROOK, N.J., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc. , a leading provider of supplemental educational material for the K-12 school market, today announced financial results for its, first quarter ended August 31, 2008. Total revenue for the first quarter was $16.0 million, down 5.2% from the same period in the prior year. Revenue from the Test Preparation, Assessment, and Instruction product group was $6.7 million for the quarter, down 9.5% over the prior year. College Preparation revenue for the quarter was $9.3 million, down 1.8% from the prior year. Net income for the quarter was $1.3 million, an increase of 13.8% over the prior year. Basic and diluted earnings per common share were $0.30 for the quarter, compared to $0.26 for the same period last year. Non-GAAP net income for the quarter was $1.5 million or $0.34 per share, compared to $1.2 million or $0.28 per share during the same period in the prior year.

Financial Highlights for the Quarter Ending August 31, 2008 -- Free Cash Flow (defined as cash from operations, less capital expenditures) improved $1.0 million on a year-over-year basis from $3.3 million to $4.3 million. -- Net Income for the quarter was $1.3 million, an increase of 13.8% from the prior year. -- Non-GAAP Net Income improved $0.3 million on a year-over-year basis from $1.2 million to $1.5 million in the current year. -- Focused Instruction revenue for the period increased 17% on a year-over-year basis. -- Electronic revenue increased 24% on a year-over-year basis. -- Direct Costs efficiencies realized in the prior year are being maintained. Direct Costs in total have increased from 51.6% of revenue to 52.5%; however this increase is due to revenue mix. Product costs, as a percentage of revenue within our Testing, Assessment and Instruction, and College Preparation product groups are consistent with the prior year. -- Selling and Marketing costs as a percentage of revenue decreased from 17.3% in the prior year to 14.0%. Business Outlook

Brian T. Beckwith, President and CEO, commented, "While first quarter revenue was down approximately 5% over the prior year, our net income and non-GAAP net income were up 13.8% and 24.5% respectively over the prior year. We are pleased that our cost containment measures that we put into place over the past year have been effective in protecting and growing our bottom line, despite the difficult market for supplemental instructional materials. In addition, our continued progress in efficiency of product development expenditures resulted in a 30% increase in our free cash flow for the quarter as compared the prior year."

"We continue to project revenue to be between $41 and $43 million for fiscal year 2009. We project GAAP net income to be $600,000 to $1.0 million and non-GAAP net income to be between $1.3 million to $1.8 million. In addition, we expect positive free cash flow to range between $1.5 million and $2.0 million."

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Some of the measures in this press release are non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of SEC Regulation G. Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc. believes presenting non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP earnings per share and free cash flow are useful to investors because it describes the operating performance of the Company and helps investors gauge the Company's ability to generate cash flow excluding non-recurring charges and fluctuations between new product development amortization and new product development expenditures. Company management uses these non-GAAP measures as important indicators of the Company's past performance and to plan and forecast performance in future periods. The non-GAAP financial information Peoples Educational Holdings presents, may not be comparable to similarly titled financial measures used by other companies, and investors should not consider non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or in substitution for, financial information presented in compliance with GAAP.

About Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc.

Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc. is a publisher and marketer of print and electronic educational materials for the K-12 school market. The Company focuses its efforts in two market areas:

Test Preparation, Assessment, and Instruction

Test Preparation and Assessment: The Company creates and sells state customized, print and electronic, test preparation and assessment materials that help teachers prepare students for success in school and for required state proficiency tests.

Instruction: The Company produces and sells proprietary state customized print worktexts, and print and web-based delivered assessments. These products provide students with in-depth instruction and practice in reading, language arts, and mathematics. In addition, the Company's backlist remedial and multicultural products are included in this group.

College Preparation

The Company distributes instructional materials that meet the academic standards high schools require for honors, college preparation, and Advanced Placement courses. The Company is the exclusive high school distributor for two major college publishers, and also creates proprietary supplemental materials for this market.

The Company's proprietary products are supplemental in nature. They are predominately soft-cover, high gross profit margin titles that can be sold efficiently through the Company's direct sales force, as well as through catalogs, direct mail, telemarketing, and independent commission sales representatives. Distributed products are both basal and supplemental in nature.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company and its markets as defined in section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including (1) demand from major customers, (2) effects of competition, (3) changes in product or customer mix or revenues and in the level of operating expenses, (4) rapidly changing technologies and the Company's ability to respond thereto, (5) the impact of competitive products and pricing, (6) local and state levels of educational spending, (7) ability to retain qualified personnel, (8) ability to retain its distribution agreements in the College Preparation market, (9) the sufficiency of the Company's copyright protection, and (10) ability to continue to rely on the services of a third party warehouse, and other factors as discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC. The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this report. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by the Company in this press release and the reports the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect the Company's business and results of operations.

Contacts: Peoples Education, Inc., Saddle Brook, NJ Investor Contact: Michael L. DeMarco Press Contact: Michael L. DeMarco Phone: 201-712-0090 investorrelations@peoplesed.com PEOPLES EDUCATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS UNAUDITED UNAUDITED (In Thousands-Except Share August 31, May 31, August 31, Data) 2008 2008 2007 --------- ------- ---------- ASSETS ------- Current Assets -------------- Cash and Cash Equivalents $71 $53 $156 Accounts Receivable Net of Allowances for Doubtful Accounts And Returns 7,786 3,664 7,792 Inventory 3,946 4,394 4,869 Prepaid Expenses and Other 327 404 451 Prepaid Marketing Expenses 1,103 829 1,145 Deferred Income Taxes 802 1,024 871 --- ----- --- Total Current Assets 14,035 10,368 15,284 Equipment - At Cost, Less Accumulated Depreciation of $2,070, $1,994 and $1,767, respectively 551 566 655 --- --- --- Other Assets ------------ Deferred Prepublication Costs, Net 14,857 15,200 17,080 Deferred Income Taxes 976 1,536 386 Trademarks, Net 189 191 170 Prepaid Expenses and Other 299 263 329 Prepaid Marketing Expenses 371 495 901 --- --- --- Total Other Assets 16,692 17,685 18,866 ------ ------ ------ Total Assets $31,278 $28,619 $34,805 ------------ ======= ======= ======= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ------------------------------------ Current Liabilities ------------------- Current Maturities of Long Term Obligations $2,043 $2,042 $603 Accounts Payable 10,387 4,906 11,312 Accrued Compensation 363 247 373 Other Accrued Expenses 360 347 378 Deferred Revenue 526 475 564 --- --- --- Total Current Liabilities 13,679 8,017 13,230 Long Term Obligations, Less Current Maturities 9,708 14,046 13,208 ----- ------ ------ Total Liabilities 23,387 22,063 26,438 ----------------- ------ ------ ------ Commitments and Contingencies ----------------------------- Stockholders' Equity -------------------- Preferred Stock, authorized 1,500,000 shares; none issued Common Stock, $0.02 par value; authorized 8,500,000 shares; issued: 4,470,734 shares as of August 31, 2008 and May 31, 2008 and 4,441,173 shares as of August 31, 2007 89 89 89 Additional Paid In Capital 8,024 8,013 7,887 Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) (158) (1,482) 455 Treasury Stock - 16,232 shares for all periods, at cost (64) (64) (64) --- --- --- Total Stockholders' Equity 7,891 6,556 8,367 -------------------------- ----- ----- ----- Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $31,278 $28,619 $34,805 ----------------------------------- ======= ======= ======= PEOPLES EDUCATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data) Three Months Ended August 31, 2008 2007 ---- ---- Revenue, Net $15,997 $16,867 Cost of Revenue Direct Costs 8,407 8,703 Prepublication Cost Amortization 1,658 1,703 ----- ----- Total 10,065 10,406 ------ ------ Gross Profit 5,932 6,461 Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 3,590 4,129 ----- ----- Income from Operations 2,342 2,332 Other Expenses, Net 8 12 Interest Expense 228 388 --- --- Income Before Income Taxes 2,106 1,932 Income Tax Expense 782 769 ------ ------ Net Income $1,324 $1,163 ====== ====== Net Income per Common Share: Basic and Diluted $0.30 $0.26 Weighted-average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: Basic 4,455 4,409 Diluted 4,455 4,499 ===== ===== PEOPLES EDUCATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) Three Months (In Thousands) Ended August 31, 2008 2007 ---- ---- Cash Flows From Operating Activities Net Income $1,324 $1,163 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Depreciation 76 75 Amortization of Prepublication Costs and Intangible Assets 1,661 1,704 Stock-Based Compensation 11 12 Market Value Adjustment of Interest Rate Swap (12) - Deferred Income Taxes 782 769 Changes in Assets and Liabilities Accounts Receivable (4,122) (3,831) Inventory 448 401 Prepaid Expenses and Other 41 (76) Prepaid Marketing Expenses (150) (372) Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 5,610 4,885 Deferred Revenue 51 237 -- --- Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities 5,720 4,967 ----- ----- Cash Flows From Investing Activities Purchases of Equipment (61) (33) Expenditures for Intangibles (1) (30) Expenditures for Prepublication Costs (1,315) (1,603) ------ ------ Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (1,377) (1,666) ------ ------ Cash Flows From Financing Activities Net Payments Under Line of Credit (3,815) (3,187) Principal Payments On Long-Term Debt (510) (56) ---- --- Net Cash Used In Financing Activities (4,325) (3,243) ------ ------ Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents 18 58 Cash and Cash Equivalents Beginning of Period 53 98 -- -- End of Period $71 $156 === ==== Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash Payments for: Interest $212 $344 ==== ==== Reconciliation of Net Income to non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income ------------------------------------------------------------ (In Thousands - Except per Share Data) Three Months Ended 8/31/2008 8/31/2007 --------- --------- Net Income $1,324 $1,163 Amortization of Prepublications Costs 1,658 1,703 Cash Expenditures for Prepublication Costs (1,315) (1,603) Market Value Adjustment of Interest Rate Swap (12) - Adjusted Benefit for Income Taxes (132) (40) ---- --- Non-GAAP Net Income $1,523 $1,223 ====== ====== Basic Weighted Shares Outstanding 4,455 4,409 Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share $0.34 $0.28 Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow ------------------------------------------------------------------- (In Thousands - Except per Share Data) Three Months Ended 8/31/2008 8/31/2007 --------- --------- Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $5,720 $4,967 Cash Expenditures for Equipment and Trademarks (62) (63) Cash Expenditures for Prepublication Costs (1,315) (1,603) ------ ------ Free Cash Flow $4,343 $3,301 ====== ======

Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc.

CONTACT: Investors and Press, Michael L. DeMarco, Peoples Education,
Inc., +1-201-712-0090, investorrelations@peoplesed.com

Web Site: http://www.peoplespublishing.com/

Blackboard Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2008 Conference Call

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Blackboard Inc. announced today that it will issue a press release concerning its financial results for the third quarter of 2008 after the market close on Wednesday, October 29, 2008. Following the press release, Blackboard management will host a conference call beginning at 4:30 p.m. (ET).

Blackboard First Quarter 2008 Conference Call Details

Blackboard will broadcast its conference call live over the Internet beginning at 4:30 p.m. on October 29, 2008 and interested parties can access the webcast through the Investor Relations section of the company's web site at http://investor.blackboard.com/. Please access the Web site at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download and install any necessary software.

Dial-In Information Domestic: +1 (888) 396-2298 International: +1 (617) 847-8708 Confirmation Code: 66904673

A replay of the call will be available via telephone from approximately 7:00 p.m. (ET) on October 29, 2008 until 11:00 p.m. (ET) on November 5, 2008. To listen to the replay, participants in the U.S. and Canada should dial 888- 286-8010, and international participants should dial +1 (617) 801-6888. The conference ID for the replay is 85636788.

About Blackboard Inc.

Blackboard Inc. is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities. Founded in 1997, Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Blackboard

Educate. Innovate. Everywhere.(TM)

Blackboard Inc.

CONTACT: Michael J. Stanton, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs &
Treasury of Blackboard Inc., +1-202-463-4860 ext. 2305

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

China Distance Education Holdings Limited to Present at The Citi Greater China Investment Conference

BEIJING, Oct. 14 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- China Distance Education Holdings Limited ("CDEL", or the "Company"), a leading provider of online education in China focusing on professional education, announced today that management will present on the afternoon of October 22, 2008 at the Citi Greater China Investment Conference taking place at the Wynn Macau Hotel on October 22 - 24, 2008.

CDEL management will be available to meet with analysts and investors during the conference. A copy of the presentation slides will be made available on the Company's website at http://www.cdeledu.com/ on the day of the event.

About China Distance Education Holdings Limited

China Distance Education Holdings Limited is a leading provider of online education in China focusing on professional education. The courses offered by the Company through its websites are designed to help professionals and other course participants obtain and maintain the skills, licenses and certifications necessary to pursue careers in China in the areas of accounting, law, healthcare, construction engineering, information technology and other industries.

For more information, please contact: China Distance Education Holdings Limited Ping Wei, Chief Financial Officer Tel: +86-10-8233-3101 Investor Relations (HK) Ruby Yim, Managing Director Taylor Rafferty Tel: +852-3196-3712 Investor Relations (US) Mahmoud Siddig, Director Taylor Rafferty Tel: +1-212-889-4350 Media Contact John Dudzinsky, Director Taylor Rafferty Tel: +1-212-889-4350

China Distance Education Holdings Limited

CONTACT: Investor Contact: Ping Wei, CFO of China Distance Education
Holdings Limited, +86-10-8233-3101; Or Investor Relations (US): Mahmoud Siddig,
Director of Taylor Rafferty, +1-212-889-4350; Investor Relations (HK): Ruby
Yim, Managing Director of Taylor Rafferty, +852-3196-3712; Or Media Contact:
John Dudzinsky of Taylor Rafferty, +1-212-889-4350 all for China Distance
Education

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

TechWeb's Financial Technology Network Launches EcoTech, a Destination Website Guiding Financial Institutions to Green Technology Solutions and Environmentally-Friendly Business PracticesDestination Website is the Premier Financial Technology Online Resource for Green Strategies for Technology Decision Makers in the Financial Markets

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- TechWeb's Financial Technology Network (http://financetech.com/) announces the launch of EcoTech (http://ecotech.financetech.com/), a new online resource dedicated to green initiatives for business and IT decision makers at financial institutions. EcoTech's resources will include expert interviews, editorial analysis as well as valuable research that will help banks and insurance executives to compute smarter, champion green initiatives, and achieve business ROI, for all competitive business advantage. EcoTech is dedicated to practical applications of green technology and ecologically sound business practices in financial services, with a special focus on reducing power and paper usage, new "green" financial products and services, and general environmental awareness and advocacy programs at commercial/retail banks and insurance companies.

The site addresses the growing concern and awareness in the financial services community of climate change, environmental issues and natural resource constraints. Through interviews with industry leaders and commentary from knowledgeable experts, EcoTech focuses on the needs and responsibilities of financial services executives from a practical business standpoint.

EcoTech's tagline: "Reduce. Reuse. Return on Investment." captures the site's unique content approach, the coverage focuses on actionable steps that financial services firms can take to reduce their environmental footprints while keeping a firm grasp on the reality of running a successful banking and insurance franchise. With obligations to stakeholders including customers, shareholders, regulators and employees, financial services firms truly have to "do well" and "do good" in equal measure.

Produced by TechWeb's Financial Technology Network, Bank Systems & Technology (http://banktech.com/) and Insurance & Technology (http://insurancetech.com/), EcoTech is written for the most influential business and technology executives at commercial banks and insurance firms. Bank Systems & Technology and Insurance & Technology have over 44,000 and 33,000 unique online visitors each month, respectively, and a controlled print circulation exceeding 42,000 subscribers.

"Environmental issues are gaining prominence across the financial services industry," said Katherine Burger, editorial director of Insurance & Technology and Bank Systems & Technology. "We felt that there was a need to educate, inform and assist our readership in applying green technology to insurer and bank operations, services and marketing."

"Technology has been an amazing enabler of banks and insurance companies in improving their operations and product offerings, and there's going to be a similar role for technology in reducing power usage, moving to electronic payments, promoting green initiatives and transitioning to a carbon-constrained economy," said Ivan Schneider, EcoTech's site editor and blogger. "EcoTech provides a single place for financial industry executives to stay on top of what they'll need to know as the global economy makes the necessary transition to corporate sustainability."

In conjunction with the site launch, EcoTech conducted a comprehensive survey of banking and insurance executives on the industry adoption of green technology and personal outlooks on environmental issues. The results will be published on the EcoTech site and in the October issue of Bank Systems & Technology, in the November issue of Insurance & Technology. Complementing the Financial Technology Network website (http://ecotech.financetech.com/), EcoTech content will be distributed through weekly e-mail newsletters and RSS feeds. To sign up for the newsletter, please visit: http://ecotech.financetech.com/ecotech_sub.jhtml. To subscribe to the RSS feed, please visit: http://www.ecotech.financetech.com/blog/movabletype/blog_rss.xml. For editorial opportunities, contact ecotecheditor@techweb.com

About TechWeb (http://www.techweb.com/aboutus)

TechWeb, the global leader in business technology media, is an innovative business focused on serving the needs of technology decision-makers and marketers worldwide. TechWeb produces the most respected and consumed media brands in the business technology market. Today, more than 13.3 million* business technology professionals actively engage in our communities created around our global face-to-face events Interop, Web 2.0, Black Hat and VoiceCon; online resources such as the InformationWeek Business Technology Network, Light Reading, Intelligent Enterprise, bMighty.com, and The Financial Technology Network; and the market leading, award-winning InformationWeek, TechNet Magazine, MSDN Magazine, and Wall Street & Technology magazines. TechWeb also provides end-to-end services ranging from next-generation performance marketing, integrated media, market research, and analyst services. TechWeb is a division of United Business Media, a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion.

*13.3 million business decision-makers: based on # of monthly connections across TechWeb brands.

About United Business Media Limited (www.unitedbusinessmedia.com)

United Business Media Limited (UBM) is a global media and marketing services company that informs markets and brings the world's buyers and sellers together at events, online, in print, and with the information they need to do business successfully. UBM serves professional and commercial communities, from IT professionals to doctors, from journalists to jewelry dealers, from farmers to pharmacists around the world. UBM employs more than 6,500 people in more than 30 countries. UBM's businesses operating in the US include CMPMedica, Commonwealth Business Media, Everything Channel, PR Newswire, RISI, TechInsights, TechWeb and Think Services. UBM is listed on the London Stock Exchange (UBM.L) and has a market capitalization of $2.5 billion.

Contact: Alix Raine UBM Technology araine@ubm-us.com 516.562.7827 Michelle Somers TechWeb msomers@techweb.com 516.562.7928

TechWeb

CONTACT: Alix Raine of UBM Technology for TechWeb, +1-516-562-7827,
araine@ubm-us.com or Michelle Somers of TechWeb, +1-516-562-7928,
msomers@techweb.com

Web Site: http://banktech.com/
http://ecotech.financetech.com/
http://financetech.com/
http://insurancetech.com/
http://www.techweb.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/683676.html
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/683682.html

KIT digital Hosting Investor Conference Call on Thursday, October 16, 2008

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- KIT digital, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: KITD) , a leading global provider of IPTV enablement technology and video-centric interactive marketing solutions, announced on October 7, 2008 that it had acquired privately held Visual Connection, a.s., a digital media and IPTV solutions provider for major media outlets in Europe and the Middle East. KIT digital announced that the acquisition was pro forma accretive, and that the combined company is now generating in excess of $40 million in revenue on an annualized basis, with positive operating EBITDA.

The company will host a conference call to discuss the acquisition, management's strategic plan and the current market environment at 10:30 a.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. CET on Thursday, October 16, 2008. To participate in the call, please dial +1 (800) 762-6568 (North America) or +1 (480) 248-5088 (outside of North America). Please dial into the call at least five minutes before the scheduled start time to allow for processing time.

For interested individuals unable to join the live conference call, a replay of the call will be available beginning Thursday, October 16, 2008, one hour after the initial call, until Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. ET. To access the replay, please dial +1 (800) 475-6701 (North America) or +1 (320) 365-3844 (outside of North America). The access code for the audio replay is 964890.

About KIT digital

KIT digital, Inc. (OTCBB: KITD) is a leading, global provider of proprietary IP-based video distribution technologies and video-centric interactive marketing solutions. Through its end-to-end platform, KIT digital works closely with consumer brands, content providers and telcos to maximize the value of video content via the Internet, mobile networks and IPTV set-top boxes. The KIT VX platform allows clients to publish, manage and distribute digital video content, build online/mobile communities and integrate advertising. KIT offers businesses a full range of interactive marketing solutions and KIT clients can access approximately 100 KIT-syndicated channels and 40,000 KIT-syndicated videos. KIT digital clients include ABC Disney, Associated Press, China Mobile, General Motors, IMG, Kmart, NASDAQ, News Corp, RCS, Telefonica and Verizon. KIT digital has principal offices in Dubai, Melbourne (Australia), Prague, Stockholm, New York and London. For additional information, visit http://www.kit-digital.com/.

KIT digital, Inc.

CONTACT: Jonathan Cutler of Verse Communications, +1-818-981-3023,
jonathan@verseinc.com, for KIT digital, Inc.

Web site: http://www.kit-digital.com/

Exar Corporation's Fiscal 2009 Second Quarter Financial Results Conference Call Scheduled

FREMONT, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Exar Corporation will hold its fiscal 2009 second quarter financial results conference call on October 30, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. PDT/4:30 p.m. EDT. Exar will release its fiscal 2009 second quarter financial results following the market close on October 30, 2008. To access the conference call, please dial 800-230-1092 after 1:20 p.m. PDT/4:20 p.m. EDT. In addition, a live webcast will be available on Exar's Investors' Homepage at: http://www.exar.com/. A replay of the conference call will be available starting at 5:00 p.m. PDT/8:00 p.m. EDT the day of the call until 11:59 p.m. PST on November 6, 2008/2:59 a.m. EST on November 7, 2008. To access the replay, please dial 800-475-6701 and use conference ID number 965545.

About Exar

Exar Corporation is Powering Connectivity by delivering highly differentiated silicon solutions empowering products to connect. With distinctive knowledge in analog and digital technologies, Exar enables a wide array of applications such as portable devices, home media gateways, communications systems, and industrial automation equipment. Exar has locations worldwide providing real-time system-level support to drive rapid product innovation. For more information about Exar visit: http://www.exar.com/.

Exar Corporation

CONTACT: Greg Kaufman, Marketing Communications of Exar Corporation,
+1-510-668-7121

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

Novell to Acquire Managed Objects

WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novell today announced a definitive agreement to acquire the business service management leader Managed Objects. The acquisition will extend Novell's portfolio of data center solutions by adding tools to provide a unified view of all information and workloads. As a result, both IT and business managers will have improved visibility into how their information systems deliver business services across physical and virtual environments, so managers can make better decisions to ensure availability and quality of service while improving agility and lowering the total cost of data center management.

"The acquisition of Managed Objects by Novell illustrates Novell's commitment to an expanded management strategy and makes them a strong competitor in the service management market," said Tim Grieser, program vice president, enterprise system management Software, IDC. "Managed Objects is a recognized player in BSM and has a proven track record with some of the largest companies in the world. With Managed Objects, Novell can more easily have business conversations in the data center with CIO's, line of business managers, and key business stakeholders. This new service management focus represents a step in the right direction for Novell and adds significant credibility to Managed Objects customers that may have had concern about a smaller company."

The Managed Objects products complement and extend Novell's existing workload management and virtualization solutions by adding flexible service modeling, leading Configuration Management Data Base (CMDB) technology, advanced analytics and unique Web 2.0-based visualization technology. Customers can extract IT configuration and workload information in near real-time into a robust CMDB, model how the IT configuration provides business services, and then generate visualizations and dashboards that dynamically show how IT aligns to business services. By providing a single view of data center workloads across any physical or virtual environment, system administrators can understand and respond to issues in a business context reactively, pro-actively, or automatically.

"This acquisition extends Novell's strategy of making IT work as one in the data center," said Joe Wagner, senior vice president of systems and resource management at Novell. "The Managed Objects products are very complementary to our existing management and virtualization capabilities. By adding the Managed Objects toolset to the Novell(R) portfolio of data center solutions, we are unique in providing technology-agnostic and proven cross-platform solutions that span both the physical and virtual worlds -- all in one unified view."

"Novell and Managed Objects are a natural fit because they share a common ideology for openness and vendor neutrality," said Siki Giunta, president and CEO of Managed Objects. "There is very little product overlap and tremendous synergy between the two companies and our respective technology, which is great news for our customers and the market at large."

Acquisition Overview

Novell will acquire Managed Objects for an undisclosed sum using current cash. The acquisition is expected to close during Novell's first fiscal quarter 2009 subject to the satisfaction of closing conditions. Managed Objects will be fully integrated into Novell's Systems and Resource Management business unit.

About Novell

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

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes statements that are not historical in nature and that may be characterized as "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, including those related to future financial and operating results, future opportunities, the benefits and synergies of the company's brands, strategies and acquisitions, and the growth of the market for Systems and Resource Management, Identity and Access Management, and Linux* Platform Products. You should be aware that Novell's actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations of Novell management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, Novell's completion of announced acquisitions, Novell's ability to transform its business through the implementation of its strategic plan, Novell's ability to realize the benefits anticipated from the Microsoft transaction and other transactions, Novell's ability to realize the benefits anticipated from its restructuring plan, and the expected charges to be incurred and payments to be made under the restructuring plan, Novell's ability to achieve its expense targets, Novell's success in executing its Linux Platform Products, Identity and Access Management, and Systems and Resource Management strategies, Novell's ability to take a competitive position in the Linux Platform Products, Identity and Access Management, and Systems and Resource Management industries, business conditions and the general economy, market opportunities, potential new business strategies, competitive factors, sales and marketing execution, shifts in technologies or market demand, Novell's ability to integrate acquired operations and employees, and the other factors described in Novell's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Dec. 21, 2007. Novell disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release except as required by the securities laws.

Novell is a registered trademark of Novell Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.* All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Novell, Inc.

CONTACT: Ian Bruce, +1-781-464-8034, ibruce@novell.com, or investor
relations, Susan Walker White, +1-781-464-8525, swhite@novell.com, both of
Novell; or Gene Carozza, or Kim Baker, both of PAN Communications,
+1-978-474-1900, novell@pancomm.com, for Novell

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

Elephant Talk Communications Will Present at the FSX Investor Conference in Fort LauderdaleElephant Talk will hold a series of investor meetings in South Florida

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands and FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Elephant Talk Communications, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ETAK), an international telecom and multimedia content distributor, today announced that Vice Chairman Bruce Barren will be presenting Friday, Oct. 17th at the FSX Investment Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Spa (2301 S.E. 17th Street). The FSX investor conference runs this week, Oct. 16-18, 2008.

In conjunction with the South Florida investor conference, Elephant Talk's CEO Steven van der Velden and Mr. Barren will also be meeting with some 250 investors for events organized by OTC Global Partners. These events include a dinner presentation in Boca Raton, Tuesday, Oct. 14th, and a luncheon presentation in Boca Raton, Wednesday, Oct. 15th. Additionally, a second dinner event organized by FSX will take place in Fort Lauderdale on the eve of the FSX conference, Wednesday, Oct. 15th.

During these events, Elephant Talk's management team will provide a financial update and an overview of the company's accomplishments in the last 90 days, including:

-- Restructure of the balance sheets through the conversion of debt and the sale of equity -- Appointment of new auditors, BDO Seidman -- one of the top 20 firms worldwide -- $7.3 million raised in new cash from management/insiders demonstrating commitment and determination for Elephant Talk's success -- Execution of an Agreement with T-Mobile Netherlands B.V. to enable Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in the Netherlands to operate voice and data services over the T-Mobile Network -- Execution of a Heads of Agreement with Vodafone Spain to provide Vodafone in Spain with a wide range of enabling mobile services -- Expanded technical base plus geographical foot print, including entry into Turkey

"Our objectives going forward will be to continue to fulfill our contract with T-Mobile and to continue our global expansion efforts," said Steven van der Velden. "We intend to aggressively pursue additional contracts with other major telecom operators to establish collaborations throughout Europe as well as in the Middle East."

"We are very pleased with the progress we've made in executing our business model," he added.

For more information on the presentation events, contact OTC Global Partners at 1-561-962-4150.

About Elephant Talk Communications, Inc.

Elephant Talk Communications is positioning itself as an international telecom operator and enabler/systems integrator to the multimedia industry by facilitating the distribution of all forms of content as well as mobile and fixed telecom services to global telecommunications consumers. The company provides traditional telecom services, media streaming, and distribution services primarily to the business-to-business (B2B) community within the telecommunications market where it has a presence. The company's global footprint as a fully licensed carrier, supported by its propriety IN (Intelligent Network) and Billing/CRM (Client Relationship Management) Systems, has been designed to offer cutting-edge solutions to the increasingly competitive global multimedia industry. Elephant Talk's telecommunications platform eliminates the usual limitations caused by national borders, networks, devices or media and, therefore, enables its B2B customers to operate as independent telecom and multimedia distribution organizations. Elephant Talk is also a system integrator and developer for mobile telecom and content distribution solutions; and, as a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE), the company has positioned itself as the premier outsourcing partner for both Mobile Network Operators (MNO's) as well as for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO's). At the same time, ETAK assists its MNO partners to more efficiently provide a broad range of sophisticated services to their own existing base of MVNO's. ETAK is positioning itself as the preferred MVNE partner of the larger, global Mobile Operators and currently operates sophisticated networks in over a dozen markets in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. For more information, visit: http://www.elephanttalk.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release and the statements of representatives of Elephant Talk Communications, Inc. (the "Company") related thereto contain or may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions and other statements identified by words such as "projects", "may", "could", "would", "should", "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no duty to update these statements. Actual results will vary, and may vary materially, from those anticipated, estimated, projected or expected for a number of reasons, including, without limitation: (i) risks and uncertainties associated with the integration of the assets and operations the Company has acquired and may acquire in the future, (ii) the Company's possible inability to raise or generate additional funds that will be necessary to continue and expand the Company's operations, (iii) the Company's potential lack of revenue growth, (iv) the Company's potential inability to add new products and services that will be necessary to generate increased sales, (v) the Company's potential lack of cash flows, (vi) the Company's potential loss of key personnel, (vii) the possibility of telecommunications rate changes and technological changes, (viii) the potential for increased competition and (ix) other unanticipated factors. Many of these risks are beyond the Company's control. Risk factors, cautionary statements and other conditions which could cause actual results to differ from management's current expectations are contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, entitled "Risk Factors."

Contact: At the Company: Elephant Talk Communications, Inc. Steven van der Velden Schiphol Boulevard 249 1118 BH Schiphol (Amsterdam) The Netherlands 31 (0)20 654 1015 info@elephanttalk.com http://www.elephanttalk.com/ Investor Relations: RedChip Companies Inc. Jon Cunningham 1-800-REDCHIP (733-2447, Ext. 107) info@redchip.com http://www.redchip.com/

Elephant Talk Communications, Inc.

CONTACT: Steven van der Velden of Elephant Talk Communications, Inc.,
+31(0)20-654-1015, info@elephanttalk.com; or Investor Relations, Jon
Cunningham of RedChip Companies Inc., 1-800-REDCHIP (733-2447, Ext. 107),
info@redchip.com

Web Site: http://www.elephanttalk.com/

Apex Bioventures Announces Trust Investment Details

HILLSBOROUGH, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In light of recent events impacting the global financial markets, Apex Bioventures Acquisition Corp. , a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company with healthcare industry expertise, announced today details related to its assets being held in trust. As of October 14, 2008, the assets are held in a segregated account at Morgan Stanley, with Continental Transfer & Trust Company as trustee. One hundred percent of these assets are invested in Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Treasury Portfolio (the "Fund"). Per the Fund's prospectus, the Fund invests exclusively in U.S. Treasury obligations and repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities, with no individual security having a remaining maturity in excess of 397 days.

Apex is a blank check company formed for the purpose of acquiring, through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase or other similar business combination, one or more domestic or foreign operating businesses in the healthcare industry.

Forward Looking Statement Disclosure

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on Apex's estimates, beliefs and projections, and are subject to numerous risks, assumptions and uncertainties, many of which change over time and are beyond Apex's control. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward- looking statement and you should not place any undue reliance on such forward- looking statements. More detailed information about Apex and risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements, including forward- looking statements in this press release, is set forth in Apex's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Apex urges investors and security holders to read those documents free of charge at the Commission's web site at http://www.sec.gov/ . Interested parties may also obtain these documents free of charge from Apex. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made, and except for any obligation under the U.S. federal securities laws, Apex undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Apex Bioventures Acquisition Corp.

CONTACT: Darrell J. Elliott, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
+1-604-924-0349, or K. Michael Forrest, President and Chief Operating Officer,
+1-650-344-3029, both of Apex Bioventures Acquisition Corporation

Hop-on Secures Distributor for Spain

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hop-on, Inc. (Pink Sheets: HPNN) announced today that it has secured a Spanish distributor with over 5,000 distribution points throughout Spain. "Spain is one of the world's most frequented tourist destinations in the world," Peter Michaels said. Hop-on is also currently in negotiations with distributors in France and England.

Peter Michaels, President and CEO of Hop-on stated. "Our Spanish distributor distributes products at Thomas Cook Currency exchanges. It has been our goal to create a product that sells and meets the demands of our consumers. Our distributors are implementing the essential keys for us to sell our products in mass quantity and inevitably form Co-branding partnerships with major corporations."

Michaels also noted, "We have numerous projects and products set to hit the market this fall. The Spanish distributor will be focusing on Hop-on's three new phones. The HOP1800 its low end/recyclable phone, the HOP1811 with a color LCD screen for travelers who need the ability to text and the ChitterChatter for the more mature visitors traveling throughout Europe. The ChitterChatter has the ability for tracking and location finding for travelers."

For more information, visit http://www.hop-on.com/. About Hop-on, Inc.

HOP-ON (Pink Sheets: HPNN) develops and markets wireless phones and accessories for emerging markets and other domestic carriers and is best known for developing the world's first disposable cell phone. Currently, Hop-on is expanding into value-added services, like mobile gambling and SMS wagering. Hop-on's exclusive software will allow users to stream live interactive feed from legal jurisdictions to play poker, blackjack, roulette and baccarat on personal cell phones.

For more information, visit http://www.hop-on.com/.

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933, and are subject to Rule 3B-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All Statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and other results and further events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Hop-on, Inc., (949) 756-9008

Danny Coleman

Hop-on, Inc.

CONTACT: Danny Coleman of Hop-on, Inc., +1-949-756-9008

Web Site: http://www.hop-on.com/

ProLogis Announces Second U.S. Roof Lease for Solar Panel Installation- Company Will Lease Roof Space to Portland General Electric for Photovoltaic System Totaling 1.1 MW -

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ProLogis , the world's largest owner, manager and developer of distribution facilities, announced today it has agreed to lease roof space to Portland General Electric (PGE) , a vertically-integrated electric utility that serves approximately 813,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon, for the construction of multiple photovoltaic (PV) systems in Portland totaling 1.1 megawatts (MW).

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081014/LATU026)

"We are thrilled to combine efforts with PGE to begin our second large-scale, rooftop solar installation in the United States," said Jack Rizzo, ProLogis' managing director of global construction. "ProLogis is committed to implementing enough renewable energy systems to obtain a combined generation capacity of over 25 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year by 2010; this project will certainly help us achieve that goal."

The solar power system will be installed on three ProLogis distribution centers in the Portland area, the largest of which will be a 534 kilowatt (kW) installation at a 246,000-square-foot distribution facility located at ProLogis Park PDX in northeast Portland. The remaining 574 kW will be installed on two separate ProLogis distribution centers at ProLogis Park PDX Corporate Center East, located nearby. Construction is expected to be completed in December 2008.

This project will be the largest PV installation in the Pacific Northwest. Each installation will consist of building-integrated, thin-film solar material, which is lighter and requires less structural support than traditional crystalline solar panels. Solar Integrated Technologies has been selected to integrate and install the system; the company also has worked with ProLogis on solar energy systems in both France and Spain.

US Bank and PGE have formed SunWay 2, LLC to own and operate the system and to secure state and federal solar tax credits to help finance the project. Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc. (ETO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting energy efficiency and clean renewable energy, is providing $1 million in incentives to help fund the project. All generated power will feed directly into PGE's existing electrical grid to serve its customers.

ProLogis now has a total of approximately 6 MW of PV projects installed or under development worldwide. In March of this year, the company announced a rooftop lease of more than 600,000 square feet to power a 2.4 MW installation with Southern California Edison. The announcement marked the first deal of its kind in the United States and is a part of the utility's five-year, 250-MW solar project. In Europe, ProLogis has solar installations in France, Spain and Germany. In addition, the company has completed three wind turbine installations, all in Japan, for a total of 68 kilowatts (kW).

ProLogis Park PDX, Building 4, the largest installation site, is located near the intersection of Interstate 84 and Northeast 148th Avenue, approximately five miles southwest of Portland International Airport. The facility was built according to standards set in place by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for LEED certification, the national standard for environmentally responsible construction, and is expected to achieve LEED Gold status. ProLogis is the largest provider of distribution space in Portland with 3.7 million square feet owned, managed or under development.

About ProLogis

ProLogis is the world's largest owner, manager and developer of distribution facilities, with operations in 132 markets across North America, Europe and Asia. The company has $40.4 billion of assets owned, managed and under development, comprising 542.3 million square feet (50.4 million square meters) in 2,884 properties as of June 30, 2008. ProLogis' customers include manufacturers, retailers, transportation companies, third-party logistics providers and other enterprises with large-scale distribution needs. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, ProLogis employs over 1,500 people worldwide. For additional information about the company, go to http://www.prologis.com/.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081014/LATU026
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com ProLogis

CONTACT: Investors, Melissa Marsden, +1-303-567-5622,
mmarsden@prologis.com, or Media, Mo Sheahan, +1-303-567-5434,
msheahan@prologis.com, both of ProLogis; or Suzanne Dawson of Linden Alschuler
& Kaplan, Inc., +1-212-329-1420, sdawson@lakpr.com, for ProLogis

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

WD(R) Sets October 23 for First Quarter Fiscal 2009 Financial Results Conference Call and Webcast

LAKE FOREST, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Western Digital Corp. today announced that the company will release its financial results for the first fiscal quarter ended September 26, 2008, after the close of market on the NYSE on Thursday, October 23, 2008. The investment community conference call to discuss these results and the company's outlook will be broadcast live over the Internet that day at 2 p.m. PDT/5 p.m. EDT. The call will be accessible live and on an archived basis via the link below:

Audio Webcast: http://www.westerndigital.com/investor Click on "Conference Calls" Telephone Replay: 866-517-3736 (toll-free) +1-203-369-2047 (international) About WD

WD, one of the storage industry's pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company produces reliable, high-performance hard drives that keep users' data accessible and secure from loss. WD applies its storage expertise to consumer products for external, portable and shared storage applications.

WD was founded in 1970. The company's storage products are marketed to leading systems manufacturers, selected resellers and retailers under the Western Digital and WD brand names. Visit the Investor section of the company's Web site (http://www.westerndigital.com/) to access a variety of financial and investor information.

Western Digital, WD, and the WD logo are registered trademarks of Western Digital Technologies, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000711/WDCLOGO)

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000711/WDCLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Western Digital Corp.

CONTACT: Bob Blair, Investor Relations, +1-949-672-7834,
robert.blair@wdc.com, or Steve Shattuck, Public Relations,
+1-949-672-7817, steve.shattuck@wdc.com, both of Western Digital Corp.

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

Federal Court of Appeals Vacates ITC Exclusion Order- Court Rules Broadcom Cannot Attack Qualcomm's Customers in Absentia -

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Qualcomm Incorporated , a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies and data solutions, today announced that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit vacated a finding by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that Qualcomm induced infringement of a Broadcom patent related to a battery-saving feature. In an opinion issued today, the Court also held that the ITC lacks the statutory authority to ban products made by downstream users of Qualcomm's chips who were not named in Broadcom's complaint. The Court noted that Broadcom knew the identities of all of Qualcomm's customers, but chose not to name them in the action.

"Qualcomm is very pleased with the Court's opinion," said Don Rosenberg, executive vice president and general counsel of Qualcomm. "In effect, the Court has disapproved Broadcom's tactic of attacking the wireless industry, including handset manufacturers and wireless operators, without providing them with the opportunity to defend themselves in the action."

Qualcomm Incorporated is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Qualcomm is included in the S&P 100 Index, the S&P 500 Index and is a 2008 FORTUNE 500 company. For more information, please visit http://www.qualcomm.com/.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the Company's ability to successfully design and have manufactured significant quantities of CDMA components on a timely and profitable basis, the extent and speed to which CDMA is deployed, change in economic conditions of the various markets the Company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2007, and most recent Form 10-Q.

Qualcomm is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Qualcomm Contacts: Christine Trimble, Corporate Communications Phone: 1-858-845-5959 Email: corpcomm@qualcomm.com John Gilbert, Investor Relations Phone: 1-858-658-4813 Email: ir@qualcomm.com

Qualcomm Incorporated

CONTACT: Christine Trimble, Corporate Communications, +1-858-845-5959,
corpcomm@qualcomm.com; or John Gilbert, Investor Relations, +1-858-658-4813,
ir@qualcomm.com, both of Qualcomm Incorporated

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

Apple Unveils 24-inch LED Cinema Display for New MacBook Family

CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today unveiled the LED Cinema Display featuring a stunning 24-inch LED-backlit widescreen display with built-in iSight(R) video camera, mic and speakers in an elegant, thin aluminum and glass enclosure. Designed for the new MacBook(R) family, the LED Cinema Display includes an integrated MagSafe(R) charger, three USB 2.0 ports and the new Mini DisplayPort, making it easy for MacBook users to quickly connect and power their notebooks as well as use their favorite peripherals.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081014/AQTU047)

"The new LED Cinema Display is the most advanced display that Apple has ever made," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "It is a perfect fit for our sleek new line of aluminum MacBooks with its 24-inch LED-backlit screen, aluminum and glass enclosure, integrated camera, mic and speakers, MagSafe charger, three USB ports and Mini DisplayPort."

The 24-inch glossy, widescreen display with 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution uses LED-backlit technology to provide instant full-screen brightness and great power efficiency. Suspended by an aluminum stand with an adjustable hinge that makes tilting the display almost effortless, the new display includes a built-in iSight video camera, mic and speakers, making it ideal for video conferencing with iChat(R),* listening to music or watching movies. The new display also includes three self-powered USB 2.0 ports so users can simply leave their printer, camera, iPhone(TM) 3G or iPod(R) dock connected when they take their MacBook with them. The sleek, thin display also includes a built-in universal MagSafe charger so users can conveniently leave their notebook's MagSafe power adapter in their travel bag.

The new LED Cinema Display is the greenest Apple display ever, made with mercury-free LED technology, arsenic-free glass and highly recyclable materials. The LED Cinema Display meets stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold status.** The new display contains no brominated flame retardants, all internal cables and components are PVC-free and its foam packaging has been reduced by 44 percent.

Part of the next-generation DisplayPort industry standard, the new Mini DisplayPort delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra-compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, perfect for the sleek design of the new MacBook family. Adapters are available for using the MacBook's Mini DisplayPort with older generation VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays.

Pricing & Availability

The new LED Cinema Display will be available in November through the Apple Store(R) (http://www.apple.com/), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $899 (US). The LED Cinema Display requires a MacBook, MacBook Air(TM) or MacBook Pro with the new Mini DisplayPort.

*Video chatting requires a broadband Internet connection; fees may apply.

**EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit http://www.epeat.net/.

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

(C) 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iSight, MacBook, MagSafe, iChat, iPhone, iPod, Apple Store and MacBook Air are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Apple

CONTACT: Janette Barrios, +1-408-974-7608, jbarrios@apple.com, or Bill
Evans, +1-408-974-0610, bevans@apple.com, both of Apple

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

BranchServ Announces New Commercial Credit Facility with M&T Bank

BETHEL, Conn., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- BranchServ (http://www.branchserv.com/), the leading supplier of physical and electronic security equipment and service to U.S. branch banking networks, today announced that the company has established a new, multi-million dollar commercial credit facility with M&T bank.

"We have been growing over 35% per year for the past five years and we've simply outgrown our previous lenders," said Roy Messing, President of BranchServ. "M&T understands our business and our needs and we think they will be a great partner in our continued growth. The fact that we were able to establish this new facility in what can only be described as a challenging credit environment, is a testament to the company's underlying strengths and great prospects for continued growth," added Mr. Messing.

"We're delighted to add BranchServ to our portfolio," commented John Parisio, Vice President of the Commercial Middle Market Group at M&T Bank. "This company has all of the fundamentals that we look for and we're looking forward to financing their growth well into the future," added Mr. Parisio.

Founded in 1999 as a division of Custom Vault Corporation, BranchServ provides physical security and electronic equipment and service solutions to over 3,000 bank and credit union branches from Maine to Florida, including 3 of the 10 largest branch banking networks in the United States. The fastest growing service provider in the industry, BranchServ combines unparalleled experience and product knowledge with a client-driven service focus--empowering branch networks to improve operational efficiency, lower overall costs, enhance the end customer experience, and maintain security standards.

M&T Bank Corporation is a bank holding company with $66 billion in assets. Its banking subsidiaries, M&T Bank and M&T Bank, National Association, operate branch offices in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.

CONTACT: Roy Messing, +1-203-403-4211, BranchServ

BranchServ

CONTACT: Roy Messing, +1-203-403-4211, BranchServ

Web Site: http://www.branchserv.com/

New MacBook Family Redefines Notebook DesignIndustry's Greenest Notebooks

CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today unveiled an all new MacBook(R) family that redefines notebook design, and at the same time dramatically lowers the entry price for advanced notebook features including all-metal enclosures and pro-performance notebook graphics by $700 to make them far more affordable. The new MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro both have a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, resulting in thinner, more durable and incredibly beautiful designs. In addition, every member of the new MacBook family includes state of the art NVIDIA graphics, brilliant instant-on LED-backlit displays and new large glass Multi-Touch(TM) trackpads that offer almost 40 percent more tracking area and support more Multi-Touch gestures. The entire new MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0, EPEAT Gold and RoHS environmental standards, and leads the industry in the elimination of toxic chemicals by containing no brominated flame retardants, using only PVC-free internal cables and components, and using energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury- free and made with arsenic-free glass.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081014/AQTU048)

"Apple has invented a whole new way of building notebooks from a single block of aluminum. And, just as important, they are the industry's greenest notebooks," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "The new MacBooks offer incredible features our users will love -- like their stunning all-metal design, great 3D graphics and LED backlit displays -- at prices up to $700 less than before."

"Traditionally notebooks are made from multiple parts. With the new MacBook, we've replaced all of those parts with just one part -- the unibody," said Jonathan Ive, Apple's senior vice president of Industrial Design. "The MacBook's unibody enclosure is made from a single block of aluminum, making the new MacBook fundamentally thinner, stronger and more robust with a fit and finish that we've never even dreamed of before."

The new MacBook line features the powerful new NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, a revolutionary new 3D integrated graphics processor that features 16 parallel processing cores and delivers up to five times the 3D graphics performance as previous MacBook and MacBook Air(TM) designs. Apple has worked together with NVIDIA on this groundbreaking graphics processor and is the first to bring it to market in the new MacBook family.

The new smooth glass Multi-Touch trackpad on the MacBook and 15-inch MacBook Pro gives users almost 40 percent more tracking area than before, making it even easier to use Multi-Touch gestures like pinch, rotate and swipe. New gestures allow users to activate Expose(R) or switch between applications at the touch of a fingertip. The entire trackpad surface is also a button, allowing users to both track and click virtually anywhere on the trackpad. Users can easily enable multiple virtual buttons in software, such as right-clicking.

Every member of the new MacBook family features an LED-backlit display for brilliant instant-on performance that uses up to 30 percent less energy than its predecessor and eliminates the mercury found in industry standard fluorescent tube backlights. The ultra-thin displays provide crisp images and vivid colors which are ideal for viewing photos and movies, and the edge-to- edge cover glass creates a smooth, seamless surface. Every display in the new MacBook line uses completely arsenic-free glass.

The new MacBook delivers the top three features that MacBook customers have told us they want in a new MacBook -- an all metal enclosure, high performance 3D graphics and LED-backlit displays -- at an entry price that is $700 less than the $1,999 price of the MacBook Pro. At only 0.95-inches thin and weighing just 4.5 pounds, the new 13-inch full featured aluminum MacBook is an incredibly compact and durable notebook starting at just $1,299. Featuring the new NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor, MacBook delivers outstanding 3D game play on a consumer notebook, with up to five times faster graphics performance than the previous generation. The new MacBook is available in two models: the 2.0 GHz MacBook with a 160GB 5400 rpm hard drive, and the 2.4 GHz MacBook with a 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a backlit keyboard.

The powerful new 15-inch MacBook Pro at only 0.95-inches thin and weighing just 5.5 pounds offers ultimate performance and extensive expansion features in a remarkably portable design. Starting at $1,999, the MacBook Pro uses the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors available, running up to 2.8 GHz, and a new graphics architecture that allows users to switch between the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor for better battery life and the powerful NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics processor for higher performance. The new MacBook Pro is available in two models: a 2.4 GHz model with a 250GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a 2.53 GHz model with a 320GB 5400 rpm hard drive.

Today Apple also updated MacBook Air and the 17-inch MacBook Pro. MacBook Air, measuring only 0.16-inches at its thinnest point, 0.76-inches at its maximum height and weighing just three pounds, now includes new NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics and a faster architecture to provide robust support for 3D games and enhanced performance. Starting at $1,799, MacBook Air is available with a 120GB 4200 rpm hard drive, a 50 percent increase from the previous generation, or a new 128GB solid state drive. The updated 17-inch MacBook Pro keeps its original aluminum design, and now comes standard with a high resolution 1920 x 1200 LED-backlit display and a larger 320GB hard drive or an optional 128GB solid state drive.

Setting a new standard for environmentally friendly notebooks, every model of the new MacBook family achieves EPEAT Gold status.* Each MacBook unibody enclosure is made of highly recyclable aluminum and comes standard with energy efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic- free glass. The new MacBook family meets stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements, contains no brominated flame retardants and uses internal cables and components that are PVC-free.

The new MacBook, 15-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air include a next generation, industry-standard Mini DisplayPort to connect with the new Apple LED Cinema Display featuring a 24-inch LED-backlit widescreen display with a built-in iSight(R) video camera, mic and speakers in an elegant, thin aluminum and glass enclosure. Part of the next-generation DisplayPort industry standard, the new Mini DisplayPort delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra- compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, perfect for the sleek design of the new MacBook family. Adapters are available for using the MacBook's Mini DisplayPort with older generation VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays.

Every Mac(R) in the Apple lineup comes with iLife(R) '08, Apple's award- winning suite of digital lifestyle applications, featuring iPhoto(R), the easiest, fastest way to organize and share digital photos, and a completely reinvented iMovie(R), both seamlessly integrated with the MobileMe(TM) Gallery for online photo and video sharing.** Every Mac also includes Leopard(R), the world's most advanced operating system which features Time Machine(TM),*** an effortless way to automatically back up everything on a Mac; a redesigned Finder(TM) that lets users quickly browse and share files between multiple Macs; Quick Look, the best way to instantly see files without opening an application; Spaces(R), an intuitive feature used to create groups of applications and instantly switch between them; and major enhancements to Mail and iChat(R).****

Pricing & Availability

The new MacBook, 15-inch MacBook Pro and 17-inch MacBook Pro are now shipping and the new MacBook Air will be available in early November through the Apple Store(R) (http://www.apple.com/), Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. An updated 13-inch white MacBook featuring 2.1 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processors, a 120GB 5400 rpm hard drive and a slot-load 8X SuperDrive(R) is now available for $999 (US).

The 2.0 GHz, 13-inch aluminum MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US), includes:

-- 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display; -- 2.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache; -- 1066 MHz front-side bus; -- 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB; -- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics; -- 160GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor; -- a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive; -- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately); -- built-in AirPort Extreme(R) 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; -- Gigabit Ethernet port; -- built-in iSight video camera; -- two USB 2.0 ports; -- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog; -- glass Multi-Touch trackpad; and -- 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.4 GHz aluminum MacBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,599 (US), includes:

-- 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display; -- 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache; -- 1066 MHz front-side bus; -- 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB; -- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics; -- 250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor; -- a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive; -- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately); -- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; -- Gigabit Ethernet port; -- built-in iSight video camera; -- two USB 2.0 ports; -- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog; -- glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and -- 60 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the MacBook include the ability to upgrade to 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, a 250GB 5400 rpm, 320GB 5400 rpm hard drive, a 128GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual- Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple USB Modem, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare(R) Protection Plan.

The 2.4 GHz, 15-inch aluminum MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

-- 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display; -- 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3MB shared L2 cache; -- 1066 MHz front-side bus; -- 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, expandable to 4GB; -- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics; -- NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 256MB GDDR3 video memory; -- 250GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor; -- a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive; -- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately); -- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; -- Gigabit Ethernet port; -- built-in iSight video camera; -- two USB 2.0 ports; -- one FireWire(R) 800 port; -- ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot; -- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog; -- glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and -- 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 2.53 GHz aluminum MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

-- 15.4-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1440 x 900 glossy display; -- 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache; -- 1066 MHz front-side bus; -- 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM; -- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics; -- NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics with 512MB GDDR3 video memory; -- 320GB serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor; -- a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive; -- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately); -- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; -- Gigabit Ethernet port; -- built-in iSight video camera; -- two USB 2.0 ports; -- one FireWire 800 port; -- ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot; -- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog; -- glass Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and -- 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the MacBook Pro include a 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, the ability to upgrade to 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM, 250GB 7200 rpm, 320GB 5400 rpm or a 320GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB solid state drive, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple USB Modem, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

The 1.6 GHz MacBook Air, for a suggested retail price of $1,799 (US), includes:

-- 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit high resolution 1280 x 800 glossy display; -- 1.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache; -- 1066 MHz front-side bus; -- 2GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM; -- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics; -- 120GB serial ATA hard drive running at 4200 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor; -- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately); -- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; -- built-in iSight video camera; -- one USB 2.0 port; -- one headphone port; -- Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and -- 45 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

The 1.86 GHz MacBook Air, for a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

-- 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1280 x 800 glossy display; -- 1.86 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache; -- 1066 MHz front-side bus; -- 2GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM; -- NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics; -- 128GB solid state drive; -- Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately); -- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; -- built-in iSight video camera; -- one USB 2.0 port; -- one headphone port; -- Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and -- 45 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options and accessories for the MacBook Air include the MacBook Air SuperDrive, Apple USB Ethernet Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, Apple USB Modem, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter, Apple Remote and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

The 2.5GHz 17-inch MacBook Pro, for a suggested retail price of $2,799 (US), includes:

-- 17-inch widescreen LED-backlit 1920 x 1200 glossy display; -- 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 6MB shared L2 cache; -- 800 MHz front-side bus; -- 4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; -- NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT graphics with 512MB with GDDR3 video memory; -- 320GB Serial ATA hard drive running at 5400 rpm, with Sudden Motion Sensor; -- a slot-load 8X SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive; -- DVI output port for video output (VGA adapter included); -- built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; -- Gigabit Ethernet port; -- built-in iSight video camera; -- three USB 2.0 ports; -- one FireWire 800 port and one FireWire 400 port; -- ExpressCard/34 expansion card slot; -- one audio line in and one audio line out port, each supporting both optical digital and analog; -- Multi-Touch trackpad and illuminated keyboard; and -- 85 Watt MagSafe Power Adapter.

Build-to-order options for the 17-inch MacBook Pro include a 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a 320GB 7200 rpm hard drive, a 128GB solid state drive, anti-glare display, Apple USB Modem, Apple Remote, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter and the AppleCare Protection Plan.

*EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit http://www.epeat.net/.

**The MobileMe service is available to persons aged 13 or older. Annual membership fee and internet access required. Terms and conditions apply.

***Time Machine requires an additional hard drive (sold separately).

****Video chatting requires a broadband Internet connection; fees may apply.

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

(C) 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, MacBook, Multi-Touch, MacBook Air, Expose, iSight, iLife, iPhoto, iMovie, MobileMe, Leopard, Time Machine, Finder, Spaces, iChat, Apple Store, SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme, AppleCare and FireWire are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081014/AQTU048
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Apple

CONTACT: Janette Barrios, +1-408-974-7608, jbarrios@apple.com, or Bill
Evans, +1-408-974-0610, bevans@apple.com, both of Apple

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

Lynnfield, Massachusetts Residents to Benefit from Verizon Wireless Network ExpansionInvesting to Stay Ahead of Growing Demand for Wireless Voice, Multimedia and Internet Access

LYNNFIELD, Mass., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing effort to provide the best wireless service for local residents in Essex County, Verizon Wireless has activated a new cell site. The new site increases wireless voice and data coverage and capacity along Routes, 1, 129, 128, and I-95, in Lynnfield, Massachusetts as well as the surrounding area.

Verizon Wireless has invested more than $45 billion since it was formed to increase the coverage and capacity of its national network and to add new services like BroadbandAccess and V CAST. Regionally the company has invested over $2.2 billion into its New England network, including over $100 million during the first six months of 2008. As a result of these investments, every Verizon Wireless cell site in New England provides wireless broadband connectivity.

"We've always believed that even the most advanced cell phone is only as good as the network it runs on," said director for Network Systems Performance for Verizon Wireless, Richard Enright. "We continue to aggressively invest into our wireless networks across New England to increase coverage and capacity for our customers."

BroadbandAccess offers computer users the nation's most reliable high-speed wireless mobile broadband network, operating at average upload speeds between 500 and 800 kbps, and download speeds between 600 kbps and 1.4 mbps over Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess with EV-DO Revision A network. V CAST brings video clips of TV shows, music on demand and other multimedia services to wireless phones.

Strong demand for Verizon Wireless services continued during the second quarter of 2008 as the company added 1.5 million net new customers and, for the fifteenth consecutive quarter, reported the lowest customer turnover (highest customer loyalty) rate in the wireless industry.

The company's 'nation's most reliable wireless network' reputation is based on network studies performed by real-life test men and test women throughout the country who inspired the "can you hear me now" national advertising campaign. Nationally, these test men and women drive nearly 100 specially equipped vehicles almost 1,000,000 miles annually on Interstate, U.S. and state highways as well as major roads and surface streets in high-population areas, based upon U.S. Census counts, to confirm that voice calls and data connections are successful on the first attempt and stay connected. Vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically make more than three million voice call attempts and more than 16 million data tests annually on Verizon Wireless' network and the networks of other carriers.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 68.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 70,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Michael Murphy of Verizon Wireless, +1-781-932-1213,
Michael.murphy@verizonwireless.com; or David Thomson for Verizon Wireless,
+1-978-808-7700, David@thomsoncommunications.com

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

CTG Announces 2008 Third Quarter Conference Call and Webcast Information

BUFFALO, N.Y., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CTG , an international information technology (IT) solutions and services company, today announced that it would release its 2008 third quarter financial results on October 21, 2008 after the market closes. The company will hold a conference call to discuss its financial results and business strategy on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. CTG Chairman and Chief Executive Officer James R. Boldt will lead the call. Interested parties can dial in to 1-888-276-0010 between 9:45 a.m. and 9:50 a.m., ask for the CTG conference call, and identify James Boldt as the conference chairperson. A replay of the call will be available between 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time October 22, 2008 and 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time October 25, 2008 by dialing 1-800-475-6701 and entering the conference ID number 899690.

A webcast of the call will also be available on CTG's web site: http://www.ctg.com/. You must have Windows Media Player or RealPlayer's audio software on your computer to listen to the webcast. Both are available for downloading at no charge when accessing the webcast. The webcast will also be archived on CTG's web site at http://investor.ctg.com/events.cfm for 90 days following completion of the conference call.

About CTG

Backed by over 40 years' experience, CTG provides IT solutions and services to help our clients use technology as a competitive advantage to excel in their markets. CTG combines in-depth understanding of our clients' businesses with a full range of integrated offerings, best practices, and proprietary methodologies supported by an ISO 9001:2000-certified management system. Our IT professionals based in an international network of offices in North America and Europe have a proven track record of delivering high-value, industry-specific solutions. CTG serves companies in several industries and is a leading provider of IT and business consulting solutions to the healthcare market. CTG posts news and other important information on the Web at http://www.ctg.com/.

Today's news release, along with CTG news releases for the past year, is available on the Web at http://www.ctg.com/.

CONTACT: Jo Ann Rice (716) 887-7244 joann.rice@ctg.com ctgx-e

CTG

CONTACT: Jo Ann Rice, +1-716-887-7244, joann.rice@ctg.com

Web Site: http://investor.ctg.com/events.cfm
http://www.ctg.com/

Equifax Helps Marketers Match the Right Prospects with the Right OffersTargetConnect Optimizes Invitation to Apply Process, Drives Business at Point-of-Sale

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Equifax today announced at the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) 2008 Annual Conference the launch of a marketing solution that enables marketers to identify new, profitable customers at the point of sale. TargetConnect(TM) uses Equifax's industry-leading demographic and lifestyle data to help businesses identify new, profitable customers and make more informed cross-sell decisions.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060224/CLF037LOGO )

"Faced with challenging economic conditions, businesses must find ways to quickly determine which products are best suited to which customers, a process which requires access to both market and purchase data," said Dann Adams, president, Consumer Information Solutions, Equifax. "TargetConnect gives businesses real-time access to industry-leading data, enabling them to personalize marketing offers, cross-sell products and make better decisions for higher ROI."

From banks and insurers to retailers and telecommunications providers, businesses can use TargetConnect to better understand the demographic and behavioral makeup of their customer segments. The new solution offers access to Equifax's rich data sources, including its demographic and lifestyle databases -- Total Source XL(TM) and Lifestyle Selector(R), the direct marketing industry's most comprehensive database of self-reported consumer information.

For businesses, the success of inbound marketing efforts and the opportunity to connect with customers depends on their ability to integrate purchase data while leveraging extensive data assets in real time. Using TargetConnect, marketers can compare the profiles of existing profitable customers with demographic, lifestyle and behavior data of prospects -- when they are in buy mode. With instant access to this level of insight, marketers are equipped to customize sales offers to match consumer preferences and ultimately capture more business at the point of sale.

To further improve the effectiveness of marketing and customer relationship activities, Equifax offers a data integration solution to help businesses manage and link consumer information. Connexus(R) consolidates all of a company's customer data by assigning unique identifiers or "keys" to every consumer and using supercomputing technology to match data records. By enabling better tracking and consolidation of customer information, businesses can eliminate inefficiencies associated with multiple databases and improve direct marketing response rates.

TargetConnect and Connexus are part of the company's portfolio of marketing solutions that help businesses maximize their marketing efforts and manage and grow their customer bases. For more information about Equifax marketing services, visit http://www.equifaxmarketingservices.com/ .

About Equifax Inc. ( http://www.equifax.com/ )

Equifax empowers businesses and consumers with information they can trust. A global leader in information solutions, we leverage one of the largest sources of consumer and commercial data, along with advanced analytics and proprietary technology, to create customized insights that enrich both the performance of businesses and the lives of consumers.

Customers have trusted Equifax for over 100 years to deliver innovative solutions with the highest integrity and reliability. Businesses -- large and small -- rely on us for consumer and business credit intelligence, portfolio management, fraud detection, decisioning technology, marketing tools, and much more. We empower individual consumers to manage their personal credit information, protect their identity, and maximize their financial well-being.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Equifax Inc. employs approximately 7,000 people in 15 countries through North America, Latin America and Europe. Equifax is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500(R) Index. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EFX.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060224/CLF037LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Equifax Inc.

CONTACT: Jennifer Costello of Equifax Inc., +1-404-885-8907,
jennifer.costello@equifax.com

Web site: http://www.equifax.com/
http://www.equifaxmarketingservices.com/

Meta Payment Systems(R) Joins PCI Security Standards Council as Newest Participating Organization- Meta Payment Systems to participate in key standards-setting body protecting payment cardholder data -

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Meta Payment Systems, a leader in the prepaid card industry, announced today that it has joined the PCI Security Standards Council as a new participating organization. As a Participating Organization, Meta Payment Systems will work with the Council to evolve the PCI Data Security Standard (DSS) and other payment card data protection standards.

The PCI DSS, endorsed by American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide and Visa Inc., requires merchants and service providers that store, process or transmit customer payment card data to adhere to information security controls and processes that ensure data integrity. More information on the council and the standard can be found at http://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/.

As a Participating Organization, Meta Payment Systems will now have access to the latest payment card security standards from the Council, be able to provide feedback on the standards and become part of a growing community that now includes more than 500 organizations. In an era of increasingly sophisticated attacks on systems, adhering to the PCI DSS represents an entity's best protection against data criminals. By joining as a Participating Organization, Meta Payment Systems is adding its voice to the process.

"The PCI Security Standards Council is committed to helping everyone involved in the payment chain protect consumer payment data," said Bob Russo, General Manager of the PCI Security Standards Council. "By participating in the standards setting process, Meta Payment Systems demonstrates they are playing an active part in this important end goal."

"The issuing bank MetaBank and Meta Payment Systems are committed to providing our partners and card holders with guidance and protection through PCI compliance," said Troy Larson, Senior Vice President of Information Systems, Meta Payment Systems. "Our participation in the PCI Security Standards Council further strengthens our ability to help our customers be better prepared for the risks in the payment card industry."

About PCI Security Standards Council

The mission of the PCI Security Standards Council is to enhance payment account security by driving education and awareness of PCI security standards. For more information, please visit http://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/.

About Meta Payment Systems(R)

Meta Payment Systems, a division of MetaBank(TM), is a recognized leader in the prepaid card industry and provides innovative payment solutions delivered nationally in collaboration with market-leading partners. Meta Payment Systems focuses on offering specific product solutions in the following areas: (i) prepaid cards, (ii) credit cards and lending solutions, and (iii) ATM sponsorship. Meta Financial Group, Inc.(R) (NASDAQ Global Market(R): CASH) is the holding company for federally-chartered savings bank MetaBank. For more information visit: http://www.metapay.com/.

Meta Payment Systems

CONTACT: Ron Butterfield of Meta Payment Systems, +1-605-782-1712,
rbutterfield@metapay.com; or Glenn R. Boyet of PCI Security Standards Council,
+1-781-876-6248, gboyet@pcisecuritystandards.org

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

LogicVision Reports Management Changes

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LogicVision, Inc. , a leading provider of semiconductor built-in-self-test (BIST) and diagnostic solutions, today announced that, as part of its expense reduction efforts, three of its executive officers will be leaving the Company and their duties will be assumed by existing employees. The three departing executives are Bruce M. Jaffe, Vice President, Finance and CFO, Farhad Hayat, Vice President, Marketing, and Ronald H. Mabry, Vice President, Field Operations and Application Engineering.

Mei Song, LogicVision's controller, has been promoted to Vice President, Finance and CFO and will assume the duties of Mr. Jaffe. Fadi Maamari, LogicVision's Vice President, Engineering, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and will assume the duties of Mr. Hayat. James T. Healy, LogicVision's President and CEO, will assume the duties of Mr. Mabry.

"Due to market uncertainties and to achieve our goals of profitability and positive cash flows from operations, we concluded that we needed to reduce further our operating expenses," said James T. Healy, President and CEO. "We are not changing our guidance for the last quarter; and we expect that our cash, cash equivalents and investments will be in the range of $7.0 million. We will provide fourth quarter guidance during our earnings release call at 2:00 P.M. Pacific time on Tuesday, October 21, 2008."

About LogicVision, Inc.

LogicVision provides proprietary technologies for embedded test and yield learning that enable more efficient manufacturing test of complex semiconductors. LogicVision's embedded test solutions allow integrated circuit designers to embed test functionality into a semiconductor design that is used during semiconductor production test and throughout the useful life of the chip. The company's advanced Design for Test (DFT) product line, ETCreate, works together with Silicon Insight applications and Yield Insight to improve profit margins by reducing device field returns and test costs, accelerating silicon bring-up times and shortening both time to market and time to yield. For more information on the company and its products, please visit the LogicVision website at http://www.logicvision.com/.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements as to the Company's outlook, the Company's ability to achieve positive cash flow and profitability, and the Company's cash, cash equivalents and investments are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, the completion of the review of the Company's third quarter 2008 financial statements, the possibility that orders could be modified or cancelled, existing customer orders may not be renewed, existing customers may not expand their use of the Company's products or increase their adoption of the Company's products, new customers may not adopt or expand their use of the Company's products, the ability of the Company to negotiate and sign customer agreements and obtain purchase orders, trends in capital spending in the semiconductor industry, the timing and nature of customer orders, whether customers accept the Company's new and existing products, the impact of competitive products and alternative technological advances, and other risks detailed in LogicVision's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and from time to time in LogicVision's SEC reports. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. LogicVision disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

LogicVision, Embedded Test and LogicVision logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LogicVision, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

LogicVision, Inc.

CONTACT: Jim Healy, President & CEO of LogicVision, +1-408-452-2472,
InvestorRelations@logicvision.com

Web Site: http://www.logicvision.com/

ZBB Energy Corporation Appoints Marc J Marotta as Special Counsel to the Board of Directors

MILWAUKEE, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ZBB Energy Corporation today announced that Mr. Marc J Marotta has been appointed as Special Counsel to the Board of Directors.

Mr. Marotta is a partner in the Transactional & Securities and Public Affairs Practices with the highly regarded national law firm, Foley & Lardner LLP. Mr. Marotta represents public and private companies in mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, corporate restructurings and recapitalizations, and public and private equity and debt financings. He has represented a wide variety of manufacturers, electric utilities, biotechnology and service companies, as well as both national and regional underwriters. Mr. Marotta also advises a variety of companies on public affairs matters ranging from policy, legislative and regulatory issues to procurement.

In January, 2003 Mr. Marotta became the secretary of the Department of Administration for the state of Wisconsin under Governor Jim Doyle. As secretary of the DOA, Mr. Marotta oversaw state government operations, prepared and implemented the state's $54 billion biennial budget and acted as the Governor's chief cabinet adviser. During his tenure, Mr. Marotta served on the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, the Board of University Hospitals and Clinics and the Wisconsin Center District Board.

Mr. Marotta currently serves on the boards of the Bradley Center, Summerfest (Milwaukee World Festival), Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, Milwaukee Symphony, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, and the Greater Milwaukee Committee.

Mr. Marotta is a 1987 graduate of Harvard Law School and a 1984 graduate of Marquette University, where he studied economics, political science and English, and was a three-time academic All-American basketball player.

About ZBB Energy Corporation

ZBB Energy Corporation develops and manufactures distributed energy storage solutions based on the Company's proprietary environmentally friendly, zinc rechargeable electrical energy storage technology. The unique modular construction of the Company's core 50 kWh product enables ZBB's fuel cell type energy storage system to be sized and packaged as products (ZESS 50(TM), ZESS 500(TM)) as well as a fully customized, large format, energy storage system. This scalable, mobile system is ideally suited for large market applications.

Safe Harbor

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including the description of the company and its product offerings, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the historical volatility and low trading volume of our stock, the risk and uncertainties inherent in the early stages of growth companies, the company's need to raise substantial additional capital to proceed with its business, risks associated with competitors, and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Contact Information: Robert Parry Chief Executive Officer ZBB Energy Corporation T: 262.253.9800 Email: rparry@zbbenergy.com Joanne Verkuilen SMH Market & Liquidity Services, SMH MLS LLC T: 212-893-1122 joanne.verkuilen@smhmls.com About SMH Market & Liquidity Services

SMH MLS LLC is an affiliate of SMH Capital Inc., a registered broker-dealer and a member of FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Sanders Morris Harris Group. SMH Market & Liquidity Services assists small cap companies seeking to expand their investor exposure and market depth and breadth through a broad spectrum of services that include comprehensive perspective reports, strategic shareholder communications, and trading analysis. SMH Market & Liquidity Services receives compensation from its company clients for all communications and publications prepared on its behalf. SMH MLS may engage SMH Capital to provide research coverage for one of its client. In addition, SMH Capital may provide, or may have provided, any of its services to the subject company, including market making, specialized and other proprietary trading, fund management, investment services and investment banking. This is not a solicitation to buy or offer to sell or the subject company's securities.

ZBB Energy Corporation

CONTACT: Robert Parry, Chief Executive Officer of ZBB Energy
Corporation, +1-262-253-9800, rparry@zbbenergy.com; or Joanne Verkuilen of SMH
Market & Liquidity Services, SMH MLS LLC, +1-212-893-1122,
joanne.verkuilen@smhmls.com

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

Verizon Begins Sending New York Customers Easier-to-Understand Bill to Provide Better Customer ServiceRedesigned Bill Will Go to All Verizon Residential Customers by End of Year

NEW YORK, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Verizon bill for residential customers in New York will improve customer service by making it easier for people to understand the cost and see the value of their communication services.

Verizon began introducing the redesigned, simplified bill in New York in the September and October bill cycles. All other Verizon residential customers will receive it by the end of the year. The redesign is in response to the growing base of services Verizon offers -- particularly bundles of voice, high-speed Internet and video -- that made the current bill much more complicated. In addition, customers said they wanted their bills to have fewer pages and for the presentation to be more concise and easier to review.

"Customers love our services, and now they are going to love the presentation of our bills," said Bill Foshay," senior vice president and Verizon customer care czar for the company's wireline business unit, Verizon Telecom.

"Customers have provided us with valuable input about their desire to receive a simpler representation of the charges associated with their services," he said. "The bill is part of the overall customer experience. To meet and exceed customers' needs, we have created a simpler bill format, normally four or fewer pages, that still provides the appropriate backup detail."

Growth in Bundle Popularity, Customer Input Prompts Verizon Bill Redesign

Verizon compiled customer comments obtained over the past two years and conducted a series of focus groups with consumers, including those who order FiOS and traditional Verizon wireline services, and those who order multiple voice, high-speed Internet and video services as part of a bundled offer.

Results of the focus-group sessions revealed that customers want a clearer presentation of monthly charges and associated taxes, plus fewer pages. Customers also expressed interest in having access to billing detail, as long as it is presented in a simple format.

The new format reflects these interests, plus other features. For example, Page 1 of the bill contains the customer's key account information, a Quick Bill Summary section, and a reference to Verizon.com/billview for those who wish to review or pay their bill online.

(Click here to view sample version of the new bill for New York customers. http://newscenter.verizon.com/assets/igallery/ny-triple-play-media-bill.pdf )

Instructions for Spanish-language customers and customers with disabilities are provided on Page 2 (on the back of Page 1). Page 3 provides a detailed breakdown of charges, including local taxes and fees. Page 4, which appears on the back of Page 3, features a restatement of that month's bill.

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: Bob Elek, +1-813-483-2541, bob.elek@verizon.com, or John
Bonomo, +1-212-321-8033, john.bonomo@verizon.com

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

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

AT&T Awards $1.4 Million in Grants to Help Address High School Dropout Crisis in San Francisco Bay AreaProgram Is Part of $100 Million AT&T Aspire Initiative to Promote High School Success and Workforce Readiness

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Inc. today announced it is awarding more than $1.4 million in AT&T Foundation grants to nine Bay Area educational institutions to support high school retention programs for at-risk students.

The grants are part of the company's signature initiative, AT&T Aspire, which was announced earlier this year to help address high school success and workforce readiness. AT&T has committed $100 million in philanthropy through 2011 to schools and nonprofit organizations that are focused on high school retention and better preparing students for college and the workforce.

As part of the Aspire initiative, the AT&T Foundation has committed $29 million in High School Success grants to more than 170 schools and nonprofit organizations. Statewide, AT&T is awarding 35 grants totaling more than $3.5 million.

America's Promise Alliance, the nation's largest multi-sector collaborative dedicated to the well-being of children and youth, has noted that nearly one-third of U.S. high school students drop out before graduating -- with about 7,000 students dropping out every school day, or one every 26 seconds.

"High school dropout rates are a serious issue affecting students everywhere, including the Bay Area," said Loretta Walker, vice president, AT&T External Affairs -- Bay Area. "We're committed to supporting the critical work our educators are already doing to help children succeed by preparing them for a global economy. The response to our program has been terrific, and we look forward to working with these groups to build a brighter future for our youth."

Local recipients of these grants are:

Businesses United in Investing, Lending and Development (BUILD) -- $400,000 over 4 years to support BUILD's entrepreneurial education program, which includes academic support and mentoring designed to assist academically challenged 9th grade students.

West Contra Costa Unified School District -- $150,000 over 3 years to support college preparedness and technical skills programs for at-risk 9th and 10th graders at El Cerrito and Kennedy High Schools.

East Side Union High School District -- $400,000 over 4 years to support "Working on Refining Destiny," an after-school intervention program of the California Alliance of African American Educators, designed to improve academic achievement for African-American 9th and 10th graders at Oak Grove High School.

Foundation of California State University, Monterey Bay -- $224,000 over 3 years to support "Recruitment in Science Education" program that facilitates the retention of at-risk students beginning in the 9th grade by better preparing them to succeed in high school and beyond.

Liberty Union High School District -- $35,000 to support the development of a summer "Boot Camp" for Freedom, Liberty, and Heritage High School students at risk of failing Algebra in the 9th and 10th grades, as well as the expansion of supplemental programs targeting English and Language Arts.

San Francisco School Alliance Foundation -- $56,000 to support the "Freshman Advisory Program" at John O'Connell High School, which is a series of intervention strategies designed to ensure students will show measurable gains in academics and skill development.

Sequoia Union High School District -- $50,000 to support coaching in math, science and English for at-risk 9th and 10th graders at Sequoia Union High School District.

The Breakthrough Collaborative, Inc. -- $25,000 to support strategic planning for Breakthrough's High School Excellence Initiative, which includes student tracking, data analysis, individual interventions, college counseling requirements, and effective community support for students.

Alameda Unified School District -- $85,000 to support Island High School serving credit deficient students who have not been successful in a traditional high school.

"We are so grateful for AT&T's incredible vote of confidence in the BUILD program," said Suzanne McKechnie Klahr, BUILD CEO and Founder. "With AT&T's Aspire grant, BUILD will help 50% more students graduate from high school and enter college. Thanks to AT&T, BUILD will be able to make a lasting impact on students and their communities and create a new generation of role models for our youth."

"The AT&T grant will enable the kind of support all students deserve in order to realize their potential," said Bob Nunez, superintendent of the East Side Union High School District. "The grant will provide after-school services, support parent participation and fund student enrichment programs. We know from research that a more holistic approach to student engagement works best."

As one of the largest-ever corporate commitments to high school retention and workforce readiness, the $100 million AT&T Aspire program will support organizations with strong track records that promote educational success, from the classroom to the workplace. The recipient programs of this year's High School Success grants provide a range of support for students, including academic intervention, mentoring and tutoring services.

In addition to the retention program grants, AT&T Aspire will award funding in three other key areas:

-- A student job shadowing initiative involving 400,000 AT&T employee hours that will give 100,000 students a firsthand look at the skills they will need to succeed in the 21st century workforce.

-- The underwriting of national research that will explore the practitioner perspective (teachers, principals, superintendents, school counselors and school board members) on the high school dropout issue.

-- Support for 100 state and community dropout prevention summits, announced earlier this year by America's Promise Alliance.

For more information about the AT&T Aspire initiative, please visit http://www.att.com/education-news.

About Philanthropy at AT&T

AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives and partnerships, AT&T supports projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; and address community needs. In 2007, AT&T contributed more than $164 million through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T and the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T, combine more than $1.9 billion of historic charitable commitment to communities across the country.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 on Fortune magazine's World's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list and No. 1 on America's Most Admired Telecommunications Company list. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.

(C) 2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

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

AT&T Inc.

CONTACT: H. Gordon Diamond, +1-415-778-1230, hgdiammond@att.com, for
AT&T Inc.

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

Verizon Adds 70 New Channels to FiOS TV Lineup - Including 53 in HD -for Pittsburgh-Area CustomersVerizon Beats Cable With 100 HD Channels for FiOS TV CustomersNew FiOS TV Customers Eligible for a Free High-Def DVR for 12 Months and Free Month of HBO and Cinemax

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon FiOS TV is now even better for customers in southwestern Pennsylvania as the company is launching 70 new channels, including 53 additional high-definition (HD) channels. FiOS TV customers in the area now have 800 HD choices available at any time, with a total of 100 HD channels and more than 700 HD video-on-demand (VOD) titles offered each month.

As a result of this latest expansion of the FiOS TV lineup, Verizon is now offering consumers here more HD channels than the area cable companies offer. Verizon will continue expanding its FiOS TV channel lineup this year, with a continued focus on HD content.

To make FiOS TV even more compelling, Verizon is offering a year's free use of either an HD DVR (digital video recorder) or an HD Home Media DVR to consumers who sign up for FiOS TV between now and Oct. 31. With Verizon's unique Home Media DVR, customers can use one DVR to record programming that can be watched on up to six other TV sets in the home. This includes viewing up to three separately recorded programs simultaneously on different TV sets, and the ability to pause recorded programming on one set and continue watching it on another. FiOS TV's Home Media DVR is bundled with Media Manager, a feature that allows customers to access photos and music from their personal computers and play them on their TV.

Verizon is also offering new FiOS TV customers, or existing customers who upgrade to a bundled package, one free month of HBO and Cinemax, which includes more than 25 premium channels and access to hundreds of additional titles on VOD. New customers who take advantage of this offer will save between $200 and $260 the first year, depending upon the DVR customers choose.

"FiOS TV is the only service to consider if you want the ultimate HD experience," said Mary Yarbrough, vice president of marketing and sales for Verizon's Mid-Atlantic region. "With our increased number of HD channels, along with HD video-on-demand programming and our current HD DVR and premium movie promotion, we're blowing cable away."

"The addition of new HD channels, along with new multicultural content and more, is part of our commitment to lead the industry in the scope and quality of our programming," said Yarbrough.

FiOS TV customers in southwestern Pennsylvania now have a total of 100 HD channels and get to see some of their favorite channels in HD, including Animal Planet, TLC, Science Channel and Smithsonian Channel. New HD programming that FiOS TV customers in the region now receive includes ABC Family, Disney Channel, ESPNews, FX, MGM HD, Speed and Toon Disney.

In addition, movie buffs now can get the Hallmark Movie Channel in HD as well as 12 new channels from HBO and nine from Cinemax in HD, plus FiOS TV's Movie Package, which now offers 13 new HD channels from The Movie Channel, Starz and Showtime, including The Movie Channel Xtra, Starz Edge, Starz Comedy, Starz Kids and Family, Showtime, Showtime Showcase, Showtime Extreme and Showtime 2.

Verizon also has launched four new HD sports channels: ESPNews HD, a 24-hour sports news television station; The Tennis Channel, with comprehensive tennis coverage; World Fishing Network, which provides recreational and sport fishing enthusiasts with an entertaining and comprehensive lineup covering a wide range of programming; and Mav TV, a 24-hour network targeting men that features wrestling, fishing, roller derby and gaming.

New Multicultural Content

In addition to the new HD content, Verizon has launched 17 new standard-definition channels in southwestern Pennsylvania, including Current TV and RFD TV as well as leading channels for Arabic, Portuguese and Russian audiences, among others. These new channels continue to make FiOS TV an outlet for emerging and independent networks to showcase their diverse programming.

Much of the multicultural content comes from World TV, a division of content management and delivery company GlobeCast, which previously signed a distribution deal with Verizon for top-tier international channels. The new GlobeCast World TV international television channels include MBT (Arabic), RTPI (Portuguese) and RTR Planeta (Russian). In addition to the World TV content, Verizon has launched the Filipino channel GMA Pinoy TV.

Verizon's FiOS TV service offers a broad collection of all-digital programming, with nearly 500 total channels and 11,000 video-on-demand titles, 70 percent of which are free. The VOD library also includes an increasing number of HD titles, and Verizon plans to have 1,000 HD VOD titles per month by the end of the year. FiOS TV is currently available to more than 7 million homes in 14 states. For more information on FiOS TV, visit http://www.verizon.com/fiostv. Consumers can also call their local Verizon sales office or 888-438-3467.

[ Note: A complete channel lineup can be found online at http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm .]

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 Communications

CONTACT: Heather Wilner, +1-212-321-8333, heather.b.wilner@verizon.com,
or Harry Mitchell, +1-304-344-7562, harry.j.mitchell@verizon.com

Web Site: http://www.verizon.com/
http://www.verizon.com/fiostv
http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm

Xilinx at Convergence 2008What: Xilinx Automotive to showcase solutions beyond silicon at Convergence 2008Where: Cobo Center, Detroit, Mich., Booth #325When: October 20-22, 2008

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Xilinx, Inc. today announced that its industry-leading programmable logic solutions enabling automotive applications will be showcased at Convergence 2008, October 20-22 in Detroit, Michigan. Xilinx participation includes in-booth demonstrations focusing on Xilinx Automotive (XA) solutions beyond silicon for driver assistance and driver information applications:

-- Optical flow image processing -- Driver assistance algorithm implementations -- Multi-Camera Image Processing -- Hybrid instrument cluster -- Reconfigurable instrument cluster (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020822/XLNXLOGO) About Convergence 2008

Taking place biennially in Detroit, Michigan, the Convergence Conference and Exhibition serves the automotive and transportation electronics community by delivering relevant technology solutions and a recognized roster of speakers and presenters. For more information about Convergence, please visit http://www.sae.org/events/convergence/.

About Xilinx Automotive Solutions

Xilinx is the automotive programmable logic device market leader with its Xilinx Automotive (XA) line of FPGAs and CPLDs tested to the AEC-Q100 automotive qualification specification. The company's solutions go beyond silicon with the most comprehensive ecosystem of production-proven LogiCORE(TM) and AllianceCORE IP, operating systems, middleware, software, and development boards. Xilinx is also certified to ISO-TS16949 automotive quality management standards underscoring its commitment to being the preferred supplier of high quality products and solutions. For more information about Xilinx Automotive solutions, visit: http://www.xilinx.com/automotive.

About Xilinx

Xilinx is the worldwide leader in complete programmable logic solutions. For more information, visit http://www.xilinx.com/.

XILINX, the Xilinx Logo, Virtex, Spartan, ISE and other designated brands included herein are trademarks of Xilinx in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Editorial Contact: Silvia Gianelli Xilinx Worldwide 408-626-4328 silvia.gianelli@xilinx.com

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PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com Xilinx, Inc.

CONTACT: Silvia Gianelli of Xilinx Worldwide, +1-408-626-4328,
silvia.gianelli@xilinx.com

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

More Than Half of Asia-Pacific Internet Users Visited Online Gaming Sites in August 2008, According to comScoreChina Reports Highest Penetration of Online Gaming, While South Korean Users Spend the Most Time on Gaming SitesQQ.com Games Ranks as the Most Visited Gaming Site

TOKYO, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- comScore, Inc. , a leader in measuring the digital world, today released a study of online gaming in the Asia-Pacific region based on data from the comScore World Metrix Service. The report found that 51 percent of the Asia-Pacific Internet population visited gaming sites in August 2008, spending an average of 87 minutes on the sites, and averaging 11.5 visits per visitor during the month.

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

"Online gaming is one of the largest and most engaging site categories in the region, which represents an attractive opportunity for advertisers," said Will Hodgman, comScore executive vice president for International. "This audience defines digital 'active engagement' -- a combination of frequency and duration -- that yields a ripe environment for advertisers."

China Posts Highest Penetration Rate of Online Gaming in Region

China led the Asia-Pacific region in online gaming penetration in August. Nearly 55 percent of China's online population visited gaming sites during the month, representing more than 90 million users. Singapore followed with nearly 50 percent penetration, followed by Australia with 45 percent penetration. India reported the lowest penetration with only 27 percent of its online population visiting a gaming site in August.

South Korea's users led the region in the most time spent on gaming sites with visitors averaging more than three hours per person during the month and visiting gaming sites an average of 13 times. Taiwan showed the second highest level of engagement with 151 minutes per visitor, followed by Hong Kong (143 minutes per visitor) and Singapore (140 minutes per visitor).

Gaming Usage by Asia-Pacific Region August 2008 Total Asia-Pacific Internet Audience*, Age 15+ -- Home & Work Locations Source: comScore World Metrix Games Total Average Average % Reach Unique Minutes Visits Visitors per per (000) Visitor Visitor Asia Pacific** 51.1 199,081 86.8 11.5 China 54.9 90,292 69.8 13.0 Singapore 49.6 1,172 140.0 13.0 Australia 44.7 5,032 125.2 11.3 Taiwan 42.4 4,465 151.0 15.5 New Zealand 41.1 926 134.5 9.9 South Korea 40.5 10,715 189.6 13.0 Malaysia 40.2 3,463 130.8 11.9 Japan 39.8 22,830 76.1 10.0 Hong Kong 36.9 1,388 142.9 13.1 India 27.4 8,295 45.4 4.3 *Excludes searches from public computers such as Internet cafes or access from mobile phones or PDAs. **Improvements to universe estimates in certain Internet markets have recently been made. We caution against trending with data prior to July 2008.

QQ.com Games Ranks as Most Visited Online Gaming Site in Asia-Pacific Region

An analysis of the top 10 most visited gaming sites in the region reveals that QQ.com Games, which is part of China-based Tencent, ranks as the most-visited gaming site with more than 44 million visitors in August, more than double the size of the next site in the top 10. Yahoo! Games captured the second position with 20.2 million visitors, followed closely by 4399.com with 20 million visitors.

QQ.com Games also led as the most engaging gaming site in the region with visitors averaging nearly 47 minutes on the site in August, followed by 4399.com (38 minutes), and Yahoo! Games (35 minutes).

Top 10 Game Sites in Asia-Pacific by Visitors August 2008 Total Asia-Pacific Internet Audience*, Age 15+ -- Home & Work Locations Source: comScore World Metrix Total Unique Average Visitors (000) Minutes per Visitor Total Internet : Total Audience Asia-Pacific** 389,593 1,156.9 Games 199,081 86.8 QQ.COM Games 44,131 46.5 Yahoo! Games 20,211 34.5 4399.COM 20,059 37.9 Nexon Corporation 18,694 29.0 17173.COM 16,671 21.2 SDO.COM 15,451 15.0 Spil Games 14,911 31.9 SINA Games 14,780 10.6 9WEE.COM 10,460 28.4 52PK.COM 8,434 5.2 *Excludes searches from public computers such as Internet cafes or access from mobile phones or PDAs. **Improvements to universe estimates in certain Internet markets have recently been made. We caution against trending with data prior to July 2008. About comScore

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

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AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com comScore, Inc.

CONTACT: Sarah Radwanick of comScore, Inc., +1-312-775-6538,
press@comscore.com

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

Verizon Wireless How Sweet The Sound Competition Names Jubilee Christian Center Bay Area's Best Church ChoirChoir to compete for national title in Atlanta

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Jubilee Christian Center was named overall best church choir in the San Francisco Bay Area during the regional competition of Verizon Wireless' How Sweet The Sound(SM) tour held on Oct. 10 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, Calif. Jubilee Christian Center will advance to perform in the grand finale on Nov. 8 in Atlanta to compete for a cash prize of up to $30,000 and the title of best church choir in America.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081014/NY38604 ) Other winners at the Bay Area semi-final competition were: -- V CAST People's Choice Award: Independent Holiness Church -- Small Category Winner: Antioch Church Family -- Large Category Winner: Jubilee Christian Center

Hosts and judges for the Oakland event included award-winning gospel artists Donald Lawrence, Marvin Sapp and Hezekiah Walker and professional radio broadcaster Marshalen Martin.

Oakland is the ninth stop along the How Sweet The Sound tour. At the grand finale event in Atlanta, the overall winners from prior regional events involving 11 cities will compete for the grand prize, which includes a cash prize of up to $30,000 and the title of the best church choir in America. GRAMMY(R)-winning songwriter, producer, arranger and music director, Donald Lawrence, is serving as tour emcee. At the finale Marvin Sapp, Hezekiah Walker and other guest celebrity judges will join Donald Lawrence.

Verizon Wireless' How Sweet The Sound tour concludes with the grand finale concert on Nov. 8 in Atlanta (Philips Arena).

Music fans planning to watch their favorite choirs compete during this event are encouraged to bring their no-longer-used wireless phones and donate them to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine(R) program. Phones will be collected at booths set up at different locations throughout the concert venues.

HopeLine is Verizon Wireless' exclusive phone recycling and reuse program that collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider to benefit victims of domestic violence. Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness. Since 2001, HopeLine has collected more than 5.3 million phones and awarded more than $5.6 million in cash grants to domestic violence agencies and organizations throughout the country.

Those who cannot make it to the show can drop off their used wireless phones, batteries and accessories at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store at any time of the year.

For more information about Verizon Wireless and the HopeLine program, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline. For more information about How Sweet The Sound, visit http://www.howsweetthesound.com/.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 68.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 70,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com/ Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Heidi Flato of Verizon Wireless, +1-925-279-6545,
Heidi.Flato@verizonwireless.com; or Samantha Kane, +1-212-373-6132,
Samantha.Kane@pmkhbh.com

Web Site: http://www.howsweetthesound.com/
http://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline
http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia

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

eRT Completes Milestone 100th Thorough QT StudyCritical step in determining cardiac safety of new drugs

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- eResearchTechnology, Inc. (eRT), announced today the completion of its 100th Thorough QT Study. QT has been identified as a crucial cardiac safety marker; specifically, the prolongation of QTc is a known surrogate for assessing the cardiac safety risk of a new drug. eRT conducts Thorough QT Studies as one of the centralized ECG services provided within its EXPeRT platform for Cardiac Safety.

According to the most recent regulatory guidance, from the FDA and the ICH E14 Step 5 adopted in October 2005, the development of most candidate drugs should include a QT study conducted with standardized and validated digital equipment, designated cardiologists, consistent measurement methodology and digital data collection, storage and submission in XML format.

eRT began performing Thorough QT/QTc E14 trials as early as 2002. "Since then, the pharma industry has grown to understand the necessity of this type of study to preserve cardiac safety and mitigate the repolarization effects of new drugs," said Jeffrey Litwin, M.D., and Chief Medical Officer. "We have now completed 100 such trials, working with sponsors of all sizes, to construct and conduct these studies in a scientifically valid manner, providing the scientific and operational expertise they need for this important aspect of drug development."

Dr. Michael McKelvey, president and chief executive officer, commented, "The Thorough QT Study often stands as the gateway to Phase III studies and has become a known and accepted part of the drug development process. Coupling our TQT expertise with our breadth and depth in the Phase III environment allows us to continue driving value for our sponsors, helping them reach final regulatory hurdles with robust, high quality cardiac safety data. It is the lack of this data that remains the most significant barrier to final drug approval, and eRT is proud of our achievement in reaching this important 100 TQT milestone."

The significance of the TQT study in regulatory reviews and patient safety makes the careful selection of a cardiac safety provider all the more important. According to Robert Brown, senior vice president, Strategic Marketing, Planning and Partnerships, "eRT's clients and clinical pharmacology partners benefit greatly from our extensive experience and overall clinical, scientific and regulatory insight. From pre-study consultation through study lock, our cardiologists, project managers and other technical experts work in sync with sponsors and pharmacology partners. And our proven Project Assurance methodology delivers final, credible, regulatory-compliant data and expert reports on time and on budget."

Since the inception of the TQT in 2002, eRT has been at the forefront of providing Thorough QT Study ECG services, including offering strategic partnerships with clinical pharmacology units as well as scientific and regulatory consulting to sponsor organizations.

About eResearchTechnology, Inc.

Philadelphia-based eResearchTechnology delivers technology- based products and services that enable pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device companies to bring new drugs to market faster. Specifically, eRT helps clients to more efficiently collect, interpret and distribute cardiac safety and clinical study data more efficiently. eRT is a market leader in centralized electrocardiographic (ECG) services-a core diagnostic capability- and services for Electronic Data Capture and electronic Patient Reported Outcomes. More information at http://www.ert.com/.

Forward-looking statements

Statements included in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, including but not limited to 2008 financial guidance, involve a number of risks and uncertainties such as the company's ability to obtain new contracts and accurately estimate net revenues due to uncertain regulatory guidance, variability in size, scope and duration of projects, and internal issues at the sponsoring client, integration of acquisitions, competitive factors, technological development, and market demand. As a result, actual results may differ materially from any financial outlooks stated herein. Further information on potential factors that could affect the company's financial results can be found in the company's Reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

eResearchTechnology, Inc.

CONTACT: Keith Schneck, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, eResearchTechnology, Inc., +1-215-282-5566, kschneck@ert.com

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

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