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Companies news of 2008-10-15 (page 1)

  • Autodesk Completes Acquisition of Electrical Computer-Aided Design ECSCAD Technology From...
  • ACS Signs $27 Million Contract with Alaska to Transition Fiscal Agent Services for State...
  • Novellus Systems Reports Third Quarter Results
  • Exponent Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results
  • DISH Network Expands MPEG-4 Advanced Delivery System to Reach 32 MarketsLeads Industry in...
  • Verizon Brings More Than 100 HD Channels to Customers in CaliforniaNew Content Additions...
  • Global Music International, Inc. Announces Name Change to Global Technologies Group, Inc.
  • PolyOne to Present at Upcoming Sidoti & Company, LLC Emerging Growth Institutional...
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  • EnerSys Announces 2nd Quarter Fiscal 2009 Results Conference Call
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  • Volcano Corporation Announces Launch of PrimeWire(TM) Pressure Guidewire and s5-FFR Option...
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  • McEvoy Honored by Hispanic Chamber of CommerceFlorida 'near-native' honored with 'Sun...
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  • Vice Presidential Homes: The Cities Rooting for Palin and Biden
  • Gene A. Robinson Elected to the Board of Directors for Micropac Industries, Inc.
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  • Kit Digital Signs Multi-Year Partnership to Deliver IPTV Set-Top Box Solution for Global...
  • J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Record-High Levels of New-Vehicle Buyers Turn to the...
  • Hodes iQ Partners With Halogen SoftwareBringing award-winning employee performance,...
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  • IXI Offers Latest Ogo Multimedia to Swisscom MobileOgo CT-25 Expands its on-the-go...
  • RSDV Signs Letter of Intent With AptHost.com, a Leader in Video Hosting, Powering Social...
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  • /C O R R E C T I O N -- Microsoft/



    Autodesk Completes Acquisition of Electrical Computer-Aided Design ECSCAD Technology From Mensch und Maschine GroupAcquisition Expands Digital Prototyping Options for Electrical Controls Designers

    SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. has completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Elektro-CAE-Software GmbH (ECS), a premier solution provider of electrical computer-aided design (CAD) software, including the ECSCAD product line.

    Autodesk announced its intent to acquire substantially all of the assets of Germany-based ECS from Mensch und Maschine Deutschland GmbH, a member of the Mensch und Maschine group, on August 20, 2008. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

    Further enhancing the Autodesk solution for Digital Prototyping with software that relies on database-driven methods for controls system design, ECSCAD software complements AutoCAD Electrical software, which is used to quickly create accurate schematic-based designs. As both product lines are built on the AutoCAD platform, Autodesk will be positioned to enhance functionality and performance for both ECSCAD and AutoCAD Electrical customers and to offer even more powerful tools for a broad range of electrical controls designers.

    "The acquisition of the ECSCAD technology extends Autodesk's leadership in Digital Prototyping and will allow European electrical design engineers to integrate both mechanical and electrical designs, offering the best of both worlds of database and drawing-based technology," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions senior vice president. "We welcome ECS employees and customers to Autodesk."

    About Mensch und Maschine Software

    Mensch und Maschine Software SE (M+M) is a leading European supplier of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software with locations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, UK, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Romania, USA, Japan and APAC. M+M's diversified product range includes CAD/CAM solutions in different price / performance areas for key industries (e.g. mechanical and electrical engineering, architecture, geography). The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Wessling near Munich. In 2007, group sales of EUR 212.9 million were achieved with 327 employees. M+M is listed on the Prime Segment of Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

    About Elektro-CAE-Software

    ECS was founded in 1993 and is located in Donzdorf, Germany. Formerly part of the M+M group of companies, ECS is one of the leading suppliers of database oriented ECAD systems for the mechanical engineering, energy supply, and plant construction market.

    About Autodesk

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

    Safe Harbor

    This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the impact of the acquisition on Autodesk's product offerings and the performance of its business. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: difficulties encountered in integrating merged businesses; whether certain market segments grow as anticipated; the competitive environment in the software industry and competitive responses to the acquisition; and whether the companies can successfully develop new products or modify existing products and the degree to which these gain market acceptance.

    Further information on potential factors that could affect the financial results of Autodesk is included in the company's reports on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2008, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2008, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

    (C) 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: Clay Helm 415.547.2427 Email: clay.helm@autodesk.com (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050415/SFF034LOGO)

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

    CONTACT: Clay Helm of Autodesk, Inc., +1-415-547-2427,
    clay.helm@autodesk.com

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




    ACS Signs $27 Million Contract with Alaska to Transition Fiscal Agent Services for State Medicaid Program

    DALLAS, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. , today announced the award of a $27 million, 21-month contract for the transition of the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) for the state of Alaska's Department of Health and Social Services.

    Previously in October 2007, ACS signed a $130 million, 10-year contract with Alaska to design, develop, implement and operate a new MMIS system. Now, as part of a separate transition contract, ACS will assume all fiscal agent services included in the state's former MMIS vendor's contract. ACS now will administer claims processing, recipient helpline, pharmacy drug rebate and retrospective drug utilization review, system enhancement, EDI support, pharmacy help desk and preferred drug list services.

    "I am extremely pleased with ACS' responsiveness to our needs. The department sees ACS as a strong partner in fulfilling our vision of maintaining access to health care and providing health coverage to Alaskans in need," said Bill Streur, Deputy Commissioner for Alaska's Medicaid and Health Policy. "ACS demonstrates full understanding and joins us in our sense of urgency to improving administration of the medical assistance program, particularly in serving the needs of our residents and the dedicated provider community."

    With more than three decades of fiscal agent operations experience, ACS has considerable expertise in transitioning existing vendors' MMIS systems. However, unique in this situation is that the previous vendor's employees also will transition to ACS.

    "This contract is recognition by the state of Alaska of ACS' strong commitment to providing quality services and systems for Medicaid programs across the country," said Christopher Deelsnyder, senior vice president and managing director for ACS Government Healthcare Solutions.

    As part of the long-term contract, ACS will provide Alaska with its innovative Health Enterprise(TM) solution, the most sophisticated Medicaid system in the healthcare market today. This system is currently being developed for use by the states of New Hampshire and North Dakota. Its web- based suite of technologies includes solutions for administering the Medicaid enterprise. At the core of Health Enterprise is a set of applications and data analytics used to support administration of the Medicaid enterprise, such as member and provider management, waivers, managed care, disease management, pharmacy programs, eligibility, claims processing and third-party liability.

    About ACS

    ACS is a national leader in state healthcare program administration, offering a full spectrum of systems and complementary services through an integrated solution, from care management solutions and child health programs to pharmacy benefits management and traditional Medicaid fiscal agent services. ACS supports more than 23 million program recipients and processes nearly 550 million Medicaid healthcare claims annually, representing close to $50 billion in provider payments. As the nation's largest government program pharmacy benefits administrator, ACS serves 28 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Labor with drug expenditures totaling more than $13 billion.

    ACS, a global FORTUNE 500 company with 65,000 people supporting client operations reaching more than 100 countries, provides business process outsourcing and information technology solutions to world-class commercial and government clients. The company's Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ACS." Learn more about ACS at http://www.acs-inc.com/.

    The statements in this news release that do not directly relate to historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's control. As such, no assurance can be given that the actual events and results will not be materially different than the anticipated results described in the forward-looking statements. Factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. For a description of these factors, see the Company's prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filing. ACS disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event, or otherwise.

    Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.

    CONTACT: Investor Relations, Jon Puckett, Vice President of Investor
    Relations, +1-214-841-8281, jon.puckett@acs-inc.com, or Media, Lacey
    Hautzinger, Manager of Corporate Communications, +1-214-841-8004,
    lacey.hautzinger@acs-inc.com, both of Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.

    Web site: http://www.acs-inc.com/




    Novellus Systems Reports Third Quarter Results

    SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novellus Systems, Inc. today reported operating results for its third quarter ended September 27, 2008. Net sales for the third quarter were $250.1 million, down $7.6 million or 3.0 percent from second quarter 2008 net sales of $257.7 million, and down $143.2 million or 36.4 percent from third quarter 2007 net sales of $393.3 million. Net income for the third quarter was $1.4 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, up $3.8 million from second quarter 2008 net loss of $2.4 million, or ($0.02) per diluted share, and down $48.3 million from third quarter 2007 net income of $49.7 million, or $0.41 per diluted share. Third quarter 2008 net income and net income per share were impacted by a 14.1 point increase in our 2008 annual forecasted effective tax rate.

    Third quarter 2007 and 2008 results did not include any significant unusual charges or benefits. Excluding certain unusual charges, second quarter 2008 net income was $6.2 million or $0.06 per diluted share. A reconciliation of pro forma operating results to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") is included below.

    Bookings in third quarter 2008 were $202.8 million, down $31.9 million or 13.6 percent from second quarter 2008 bookings of $234.6 million. Shipments of $230.2 million in third quarter 2008 decreased by $10.2 million or 4.2 percent from $240.3 million reported for the second quarter of 2008. Deferred revenue at the end of the third quarter was $70.8 million, a decrease of $24.9 million or 26.0 percent from $95.7 million at the end of the second quarter of 2008.

    Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments as of September 27, 2008 were $455.3 million, an increase of $26.5 million or 6.2 percent from the second quarter 2008 ending balance of $428.8 million. Restricted cash and long-term investments as of September 27, 2008 were $247.3 million, a decrease of $32.6 million or 11.7 percent from the second quarter 2008 ending balance of $279.9 million. During the third quarter of 2008, we purchased approximately 1.4 million shares of our common stock, at an average price of $21.01 per share, for $28.8 million.

    Management uses non-GAAP measures to evaluate operating performance. The presentation of net income excluding certain charges and the discussion of revenue on a shipments basis are not in accordance with GAAP and may differ from non-GAAP methods of accounting and reporting used by other companies. We present net income on a pro forma basis, excluding certain charges, because we believe this helps both management and investors to assess the operating performance of our business by comparing it to prior periods on a more consistent basis. A reconciliation between our GAAP and non-GAAP results is provided in an attached table. Non-GAAP numbers are merely a supplement to, and not a replacement for, GAAP financial measures.

    Richard S. Hill, chairman and chief executive officer said, "Unfortunately, the current economic climate will adversely affect our performance over the next several quarters. We plan to weather this downturn by continuing to lower our cash breakeven level and to shore up an already solid and strong balance sheet. These efforts will enable Novellus to pursue our product and market share strategies during these challenging and difficult times."

    "Safe Harbor" Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including the statements regarding (i) our belief that the current economic climate will adversely affect our performance over the next several quarters, (ii) our plan to weather the downturn by continuing to lower our cash breakdown level and to shore up an already solid and strong balance sheet, and (iii) our belief that our efforts will allow us to pursue our product and market share strategies during these challenging and difficult times, as well as other matters discussed in this news release that are not purely historical data, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, inability to accurately predict global economic conditions and their effect on the Company's performance beyond the next several quarters, inability to sufficiently reduce our operational expenses and maintain our current cash breakeven level, inability to accurately predict the Company's ability to maximize its position within the semiconductor industry, and lack of improvement in industry conditions that negatively impact the semiconductor industry and other risks indicated in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 29, 2008 and June 28, 2008, respectively, and our Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports. Forward-looking statements are made and based on information available to us on the date of this press release. We do not assume, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to update this information.

    About Novellus:

    Novellus Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of advanced process equipment for the global semiconductor industry. The Company's products deliver value to customers by providing innovative technology backed by trusted productivity. An S&P 500 company, Novellus is headquartered in San Jose, CA with subsidiary offices across the globe. For more information please visit http://www.novellus.com/.

    NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended amounts) September June September September September (Unaudited) 27, 2008 28, 2008 29, 2007 27, 2008 29, 2007 Net sales $250,098 $257,740 $393,277 $822,551 $1,206,586 Cost of sales 138,574 146,777 198,970 455,124 609,260 Gross profit 111,524 110,963 194,307 367,427 597,326 % 44.6% 43.1% 49.4% 44.7% 49.5% Operating expenses: Selling, general and admin- istrative 53,858 62,530 67,420 176,717 206,531 Research and development 51,649 59,815 61,384 168,804 185,158 Total operating expenses 105,507 122,345 128,804 345,521 391,689 % 42.2% 47.5% 32.8% 42.0% 32.5% Income (loss) from operations 6,017 (11,382) 65,503 21,906 205,637 % 2.4% (4.4)% 16.7% 2.7% 17.0% Other income, net 3,055 4,916 8,933 9,080 34,637 Income (loss) before income taxes 9,072 (6,466) 74,436 30,986 240,274 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes 7,675 (4,081) 24,725 16,445 79,435 Net income (loss) $1,397 $(2,385) $49,711 $14,541 $160,839 Net income (loss) per share: Basic $0.01 $(0.02) $0.41 $0.15 $1.31 Diluted $0.01 $(0.02) $0.41 $0.15 $1.28 Shares used in basic per share calculation 97,581 98,202 120,414 98,806 122,730 Shares used in diluted per share calculation 98,347 98,202 121,902 99,549 125,244 NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) (EXCLUDING CERTAIN CHARGES) (1) (In thousands, except per share Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended amounts) September June September September September (Unaudited) 27, 2008 28, 2008 29, 2007 27, 2008 29, 2007 Net income excluding certain charges: $1,635 $6,209 $50,658 $23,471 $162,041 Impairment of inventory and evaluation systems - (6,426) - (6,426) - Write down of certain research and development assets - (3,761) - (3,761) - Reductions in workforce (388) (3,405) (1,417) (4,411) (1,796) Total charges (2) (388) (13,592) (1,417) (14,598) (1,796) Tax effect of the above charges 150 4,998 470 5,668 594 Net income (loss) $1,397 $(2,385) $49,711 $14,541 $160,839 Net income per diluted share excluding certain charges (3): $0.02 $0.06 $0.42 $ 0.24 $ 1.29 Impairment of inventory and evaluation systems - (0.06) - (0.07) - Write down of certain research and development assets - (0.04) - (0.04) - Reductions in workforce (0.01) (0.03) (0.01) (0.04) (0.01) Tax effect of the above charges 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.06 0.00 Net income (loss) per diluted share $0.01 $(0.02) $0.41 $ 0.15 $ 1.28 (1) The reconciliation of net income (loss) (excluding certain charges) is intended to present our operating results, excluding certain charges and related adjustments to provisions for income taxes. The reconciliation of net income is not in accordance with or an alternative for GAAP and may be different from similar measures by other companies. (2) For the three months ended September 27, 2008, all of the charges are in Selling, general and administrative. These charges are included for comparative purposes only. For the nine months ended September 27, 2008, $6.5 million is in Cost of sales, $4.8 million is in Research and development and $3.3 million is in Selling, general and administrative. For the three months ended June 28, 2008, $6.5 million is in Cost of sales, $4.3 million is in Research and development and $2.8 million is in Selling, general and administrative. For the three months ended September 29, 2007, all of the charges are in Selling, general and administrative. These charges are included for comparative purposes only. For the nine months ended September 29, 2007, $1.6 million is in Selling, general and administrative, $0.1 million is in Cost of sales, and $0.1 million is in Research and development. (3) Diluted net income (loss) per share calculations were performed using diluted shares of 98,915 for the three months ended June 28, 2008. NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC. SCHEDULE OF SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September June September September September (In thousands) 27, 2008 28, 2008 29, 2007 27, 2008 29, 2007 (Unaudited) (1) (2) (3) (1) (3) Cost of sales $748 $799 $543 $2,165 $1,619 Selling, general and administrative 4,630 5,253 6,674 15,140 17,619 Research and development 2,558 2,422 2,987 7,530 8,989 Total share- based compensation expenses 7,936 8,474 10,204 24,835 28,227 Benefit from income taxes (2,015) (2,199) (3,449) (6,368) (7,805) Net share- based compensation expenses $5,921 $6,275 $6,755 $18,467 $20,422 (1) Amounts include compensation expense related to stock options of $4.0 million and $12.8 million, employee stock purchase plan of $0.6 million and $2.0 million, and restricted stock awards of $3.3 million and $10.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2008, respectively. (2) Amounts include compensation expense related to stock options of $4.4 million, employee stock purchase plan of $0.6 million, and restricted stock awards of $3.5 million. (3) Amounts include compensation expense related to stock options of $5.4 million and $15.3 million, employee stock purchase plan of $0.8 million and $2.2 million, and restricted stock awards of $4.0 million and $10.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2007, respectively. NOVELLUS SYSTEMS, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS September 27 December 31 2008 2007 (In thousands) (Unaudited) * ASSETS Current assets: Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $455,304 $596,766 Accounts receivable, net 210,445 346,866 Inventories 211,810 212,995 Restricted cash and cash equivalents, current 143,314 - Deferred taxes and other current assets 54,758 67,331 Total current assets 1,075,631 1,223,958 Property and equipment, net 287,706 320,009 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 3,515 161,050 Investments 100,467 - Goodwill 238,492 238,944 Intangible and other assets 115,433 132,982 Total assets $1,821,244 $2,076,943 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $194,368 $265,455 Deferred profit 24,078 52,252 Current debt obligations 129,479 1,509 Total current liabilities 347,925 319,216 Long-term debt 1,325 143,267 Long-term income taxes payable 25,433 27,408 Other liabilities 49,672 57,965 Total liabilities 424,355 547,856 Shareholders' equity: Common stock 1,165,488 1,219,533 Retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income 231,401 309,554 Total shareholders' equity 1,396,889 1,529,087 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $1,821,244 $2,076,943 * The December 31, 2007 condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.

    Novellus Systems, Inc.

    CONTACT: Jeffrey C. Benzing, Chief Administrative Officer,
    +1-408-943-9700, or Robin Yim, Investor Relations, +1-408-943-9700, both of
    Novellus Systems, Inc.

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




    Exponent Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results

    MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Exponent, Inc. today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 26, 2008.

    For the third quarter of 2008, total revenues increased 20% to $58,730,000, as compared to $48,904,000, in the same period of 2007. Revenues before reimbursements increased 15% to $51,751,000, as compared to $44,916,000, last year. Net income was up 18% to $5,942,000, or $0.38 per diluted share, as compared to $5,037,000, or $0.31 per diluted share, in the prior year period. EBITDAS(1) improved 21% to $12,430,000, as compared to $10,272,000, in the third quarter of 2007.

    For the first nine months of 2008, total revenues increased 15% to $169,946,000, as compared to $148,414,000, in the same period of 2007. Revenues before reimbursements increased 14% to $154,574,000, as compared to $136,165,000, last year. Net income was up 20% to $18,082,000, or $1.13 per diluted share, as compared to $15,094,000, or $0.92 per diluted share, in the prior year period. EBITDAS(1) improved 22% to $38,175,000, as compared to $31,172,000, in the first nine months of 2007.

    During the third quarter of 2008, Exponent repurchased $12 million of its common stock, and closed the third quarter with $23 million still available under the current authorization for future repurchases and $52.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.

    "We are pleased to report another quarter of solid growth and execution in our business," commented Michael R. Gaulke, Chairman and CEO. "Our electrical, thermal sciences, technology development, human factors, mechanics and materials, and environmental practices performed well in the third quarter, in addition to our health group.

    "As we enter the fourth quarter, we will focus on maintaining our unique market position of offering multidisciplinary engineering and scientific consulting services to assist our clients with their most challenging environmental, health and safety issues. We will also continue to build a strong foundation for the future by adding exceptional talent to the firm. We expect to post low double-digit growth in revenue before reimbursements for fiscal year 2008," concluded Mr. Gaulke.

    Today's Conference Call Information

    Exponent will discuss its financial results in more detail on a conference call today, October 15, 2008, starting at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time/1:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. The audio on the conference call is available by dialing 800-240-5318. A live webcast of the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's web site at http://www.exponent.com/investors. For those unable to listen to the live webcast, a replay of the call will also be available on the Exponent web site, or by dialing 800-405-2236 and entering reservation 11120693#.

    About Exponent

    Exponent is an engineering and scientific consulting firm providing solutions to complex problems. Exponent's multidisciplinary organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and business consultants brings together more than 90 technical disciplines to address complicated issues facing industry and government today. The firm has been best known for analyzing accidents and failures to determine their causes, but in recent years it has become more active in assisting clients with human health, environmental and engineering issues associated with new products to help prevent problems in the future.

    Exponent may be reached at (888) 656-EXPO, info@exponent.com, or http://www.exponent.com/.

    This news release contains, and incorporates by reference, certain "forward-looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and the rules promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended thereto under) that are based on the beliefs of the Company's management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company's management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this document and in the documents incorporated herein by reference, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company or its management with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, any such forward- looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such material differences include the possibility that the demand for our services may decline as a result of changes in general and industry specific economic conditions, the timing of engagements for our services, the effects of competitive services and pricing, the absence of backlog related to our business, our ability to attract and retain key employees, the effect of tort reform and government regulation on our business, and liabilities resulting from claims made against us. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the report. The inclusion of such forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such forward-looking statements.

    (1) EBITDAS is a non-GAAP financial measure defined by the Company as net income before income taxes, interest income, depreciation and amortization, and stock-based compensation. The Company regards EBITDAS as a useful measure of operating performance and cash flow to complement operating income, net income and other GAAP financial performance measures. Additionally, management believes that EBITDAS provides meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position or cash flow that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. This measure, however, should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute or superior to, operating income, cash flows, or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of EBITDAS to GAAP is set forth below. EXPONENT, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME For the Quarters Ended September 26, 2008 and September 28, 2007 (in thousands, except per share data) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended September September September September 26, 28, 26, 28, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Revenues Revenues before reimbursements $51,751 $44,916 $154,574 $136,165 Reimbursements 6,979 3,988 15,372 12,249 Revenues 58,730 48,904 169,946 148,414 Operating expenses Compensation and related expenses 33,097 29,268 99,804 89,497 Other operating expenses 5,620 5,484 16,636 15,926 Reimbursable expenses 6,979 3,988 15,372 12,249 General and administrative expenses 3,346 2,701 9,542 8,760 49,042 41,441 141,354 126,432 Operating income 9,688 7,463 28,592 21,982 Other income Interest income, net 397 407 1,362 1,351 Miscellaneous income, net (43) 433 247 1,636 354 840 1,609 2,987 Income before income taxes 10,042 8,303 30,201 24,969 Income taxes 4,100 3,266 12,119 9,875 Net income $5,942 $5,037 $18,082 $15,094 Net income per share: Basic $0.40 $0.34 $1.21 $1.00 Diluted $0.38 $0.31 $1.13 $0.92 Shares used in per share computations: Basic 14,736 14,902 14,890 15,048 Diluted 15,709 16,163 15,937 16,372 EXPONENT, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS September 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007 (in thousands) September December 26, 28, 2008 2007 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $18,659 $10,700 Short-term investments 33,417 53,034 Accounts receivable, net 68,132 59,819 Prepaid expenses and other assets 6,007 5,754 Deferred income taxes 4,380 3,450 Total current assets 130,595 132,757 Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 31,273 29,409 Goodwill 8,607 8,607 Other assets 14,377 11,618 $184,852 $182,391 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $5,999 $7,139 Accrued payroll and employee benefits 30,456 30,366 Deferred revenues 5,669 6,458 Total current liabilities 42,124 43,963 Other liabilities 5,407 4,754 Deferred rent 1,959 1,755 Total liabilities 49,490 50,472 Stockholders' equity: Common stock 16 16 Additional paid-in capital 71,897 59,772 Accumulated other comprehensive income 153 347 Retained earnings 122,470 113,018 Treasury stock, at cost (59,174) (41,234) Total stockholders' equity 135,362 131,919 $184,852 $182,391 EXPONENT, INC. EBITDAS(1) For the Quarters Ended September 26, 2008 and September 28, 2007 (in thousands) Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended September September September September 26, 28, 26, 28, 2008 2007 2008 2007 Net Income $5,942 $5,037 $18,082 $15,094 Add back (subtract): Income taxes 4,100 3,266 12,119 9,875 Interest income, net (397) (407) (1,362) (1,351) Depreciation and amortization 1,059 1,002 2,984 2,888 Stock-based compensation 1,726 1,374 6,352 4,666 EBITDAS (1) $12,430 $10,272 $38,175 $31,172 (1) EBITDAS is a non-GAAP financial measure defined by the Company as net income before income taxes, interest income, depreciation and amortization, and stock-based compensation. The Company regards EBITDAS as a useful measure of operating performance and cash flow to compliment operating income, net income and other GAAP financial performance measures. Additionally, management believes that EBITDAS provides meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position or cash flow that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. This measure, however, should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute or superior to, operating income, cash flows, or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Exponent, Inc.

    CONTACT: Erica Abrams, +1-415-217-5864, erica@blueshirtgroup.com, for
    Exponent, Inc.

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




    DISH Network Expands MPEG-4 Advanced Delivery System to Reach 32 MarketsLeads Industry in Offering Best Quality Video and Sound for both Standard and High Definition Programming

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DISH Network Corporation , the nation's third largest pay-TV provider and the digital television leader, today announced it will begin transmitting the industry's most advanced MPEG-4 delivery system to consumers in 11 additional markets in the eastern half of the United States. Now, consumers who sign up for DISH Network(R) in 32 markets will receive all standard and high definition programming in the MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding Standard, which provides the best picture quality on any TV. In August, DISH Network became the first pay-TV provider to offer all-MPEG-4 service.

    New customers in 32 designated markets* in the eastern half of the U.S. who sign up for any DISH Network HD package will receive the industry's most advanced delivery system on all televisions connected to DISH Network service. This includes all standard and high definition programming broadcast in MPEG-4 via DISH Network's award-winning MPEG-4 HD and HD DVR receivers. Additional markets will be announced at a later date.

    To maximize the MPEG-4 TV experience, new customers can sign up for the best experience, quality and value in high definition with DISH Network's TurboHD, the only 100 percent high definition programming package in the industry, starting at $24.99 per month. TurboHD is available in three separate tiers and comprises special "turbo-charged" features and benefits such as DISH Network's industry- and customer-favorite DVRs, movies in 1080p resolution quality comparable to Blu-Ray disc(TM), and the most-watched HD channels that may be viewed on any TV -- analog, digital or high definition. DISH Network offers up to 114 national HD channels today and will offer up to 150 channels by the end of the year.

    Current DISH Network customers looking to add the industry's best high definition experience can get a "turbo-charged" HD package for as little as $10 more per month.

    For more information about DISH Network's MPEG-4 service, 1080p programming, new HD channels, and TurboHD system and packages, visit http://www.dishnetwork.com/ or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

    -- The newly-added 11 markets include Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas; Boston; Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, Mich; Greenville-New Bern-Washington, N.C.; Lansing, Mich.; Madison, Wis.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, Va.; Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne, Fla. West Palm Beach-Fort Pierce, Fla.; Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pa. The first 21 markets launched in August are: Cleveland; Richmond, Va.; Baltimore.; Columbia, S.C.; Tampa, Fla; Green Bay, Wis.; Greensboro, N.C.; Providence, R.I.; Greenville, S.C., Knoxville, Tenn.; Raleigh, N.C.; Chicago; Detroit; Charlotte, N.C.; Dallas; Nashville, Tenn.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Philadelphia.; Washington, D.C.; New York, N.Y.; and Hartford, Conn. Additional markets will be added at a later date.

    About DISH Network Corporation

    DISH Network Corporation , the nation's third largest pay-TV provider and the leader in digital television, provides approximately 13.79 million satellite TV customers as of June 30, 2008 with industry-leading customer satisfaction which has surpassed major cable TV providers for eight consecutive years. DISH Network also provides customers with award-winning HD and DVR technology including the ViP722(TM) HD DVR, which received the Editors' Choice awards from both CNET and PC Magazine. In addition, subscribers enjoy access to hundreds of video and audio channels, the most International channels in the U.S., industry-leading Interactive TV applications, Latino programming, and the best sports and movies in HD. DISH Network offers a variety of package and price options including the lowest all-digital price in America, the DishDVR Advantage Package, high-speed Internet service, and a free upgrade to the best HD DVR in the industry. DISH Network is included in the Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) and is a Fortune 300 company. Visit http://www.dishnetwork.com/aboutus or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474) for more information.

    DISH Network Corporation

    CONTACT: Media, Parker McConachie, +1-720-514-5351, press@echostar.com,
    for DISH Network Corporation

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




    Verizon Brings More Than 100 HD Channels to Customers in CaliforniaNew Content Additions Include 22 Standard-Definition and 66 High-Definition Channels, Beating Time Warner Cable and Charter With More HDNew FiOS TV Customers Eligible for a Free High-Def DVR for 12 Months and Free Month of HBO and Cinemax

    THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon FiOS TV is now even better for customers in California as the company is now offering more than 100 HD channels. Verizon on Wednesday (Oct. 15) launched a total of 88 new channels, which includes 66 additional high-definition (HD) channels. FiOS TV customers in the area now have more than 800 HD choices available at any time, with 102 HD channels and more than 700 HD video-on-demand (VOD) titles offered each month.

    As a result of this enhancement to the FiOS TV lineup, Verizon is now offering consumers here more HD than either Time Warner or Charter offer. Verizon will continue expanding its FiOS TV channel lineup this year, with a major focus on HD content. By year-end, Verizon plans to offer all available major HD programming.

    To make the offer even sweeter, 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 by 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 Kathy Koelle, general manager for Verizon's West Coast 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.

    "There's HD on FiOS, and then there's everything else," said Koelle. "The addition of new HD and sports 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."

    Verizon Leads the Way With More Than 100 HD Channels, and More to Come

    FiOS TV customers in California now will get to see more of their favorite channels in HD, including Animal Planet, TLC, Science Channel and Smithsonian Channel. Other new HD programming that FiOS TV customers in the region now receive includes Lifetime, Bravo, TBS, History Channel, Weather Channel, USA, SCI FI, FX and the Biography Channel.

    For those who want the best in news, Verizon has added CNN, CNBC, Fox Business Network and Fox News Channel in HD. Viewers who watch home-and-leisure programming can now enjoy QVC, the Travel Channel and Planet Green, while kids and teens can enjoy their favorite shows on the Disney Channel, Toon Disney and ABC Family -- all in HD.

    In addition, movie buffs now can get MGM HD and the Hallmark Movie Channel in HD, plus 11 new channels from Cinemax and 13 new channels from HBO in HD. FiOS TV's Movie Package also now has more HD, with 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.

    For sports fans in the area, Verizon has launched eight new HD sports channels. Verizon has always placed a high priority on major sports programming and offering as much as possible in HD.

    The company has now added top college basketball and football action with the Big Ten Network in HD, and comprehensive tennis coverage from the Tennis Channel HD. Hockey and golf fans will find NHL games, PGA Tour events and original sports-related programming on the high-definition Versus/Golf Channel.

    In addition, Verizon has launched five other HD sports channels: the Outdoor Channel 2, which provides high-definition programming that promotes traditional outdoor activities like fishing, hunting and shooting sports; World Fishing Network, which provides recreational and sport fishing enthusiasts with an entertaining and comprehensive lineup covering a wide range of programming; Mav TV, a 24-hour network targeting men and that features wrestling, fishing, roller derby and gaming; ESPNews HD, a 24-hour sports news television channel; and Speed HD, the nation's first cable television network dedicated to motor sports, with content that covers everything from racing to restoration to motorcycles, movies and more.

    New Standard-Definition Channels, Including Multicultural Content

    In addition to the new HD content, Verizon has launched 22 new standard-definition channels for customers in California. New content includes Current TV, RFD TV, Reelz, Veria TV and WAPA TV. Verizon also is now offering two new standard-definition sports channels: Big Ten Network and Setanta Sports, a premium channel dedicated to bringing European and International soccer and rugby to U.S.-based fans. Currently, no other cable provider offers Setanta.

    Verizon also is offering customers in the area 15 new multicultural channels, including 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 will offer Filipino channel GMA Pinoy TV.

    Verizon's FiOS TV service offers a broad collection of all-digital programming, with more than 500 total channels and 11,000 video-on-demand titles per month, 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 year-end. 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

    CONTACT: Heather Wilner, +1-212-321-8333, heather.b.wilner@verizon.com,
    or Jon Davies, +1-805-372-6969, jon.davies@verizon.com, both of Verizon

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

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




    Global Music International, Inc. Announces Name Change to Global Technologies Group, Inc.

    SARASOTA, Fl., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Global Music International, Inc. (Pink Sheets: GMUS) has changed its name to Global Technologies Group, Inc. effective this date. Along with the name change, the management and board of directors of the Company has elected to change its business focus. "Our name change signals a change of direction of the Company, which will focus on 'green' and alternative energy technologies," stated the Company's President James Fallacaro. The new direction of the Company to green technologies and energy are a direct result of certain business opportunities presented to the Company which management and the Board believe will enhance shareholder value.

    The Company has applied for a new symbol and cusip number and will advise shareholders as to the changes as soon as possible.

    The new address for the company is: 1304 North Lake Shore Drive, Sarasota, Florida Phone: 941-685-1616 Fax: 941-847-0909 Contact: JIMF@GLBTECH.COM

    The foregoing discussion contains forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations. Actual results, including the outcome of demonstration results, timing and amount of revenues recognized, contracts awarded and performed and net income may differ due to such factors as: delays in payment on contracts due to dealings with governmental and foreign entities; fluctuations in operating costs associated with changes in project specifications; economic and other conditions affecting the ability of prospective clients to finance projects; and other risks generally affecting the financing of projects. Investors are cautioned to perform a proper due diligence and consult-licensed professionals prior to making an investment decision.

    About Global Technologies Group, Inc.:

    Global Technologies Group, Inc., formerly know as Global Music International, Inc., is a company that is now in the business of acquiring exclusive licenses on proven new technologies in the environmental and green industries. The criteria for the licensing of the technologies are they must be proven, in use and have an underlying valid patent.

    Global Technologies Group, Inc.

    CONTACT: James Fallacaro of Global Technologies Group, Inc.,
    +1-941-685-1616, JIMF@GLBTECH.COM




    PolyOne to Present at Upcoming Sidoti & Company, LLC Emerging Growth Institutional Investor Forum

    CLEVELAND, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PolyOne Corporation , a premier global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, announced today that Robert M. Patterson, senior vice president and chief financial officer and Michael E. Kahler, senior vice president, commercial development will present at the upcoming Sidoti & Company, LLC Emerging Growth Institutional Investor Forum in New York on October 28.

    Details on the presentation are as follows: -- Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 -- When: 9:40 - 10:10 am (Eastern) -- What: Sidoti & Company, LLC - Emerging Growth Institutional Investor Forum

    The presentation will be posted on PolyOne's Investor Relations home page at http://www.polyone.com/ after the event.

    About PolyOne

    PolyOne Corporation, with annual revenues of more than $2.7 billion, is a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. Headquartered outside of Cleveland, Ohio USA, PolyOne has operations around the world. For additional information on PolyOne, visit our new Web site at http://www.polyone.com/.

    PolyOne Corporation

    CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact: Robert M. Patterson, Senior Vice
    President & Chief Financial Officer of PolyOne Corp., +1-440-930-3302,
    bob.patterson@polyone.com

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




    LandAmerica Website Development and Hosting Services Help Agent Partners Grow Business Through Internet Marketing

    RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc. is making its Website Development and Hosting Program, which features Internet Marketing Services such as Pay-Per-Click Search Engine Marketing (SEM) solutions, available to the company's Agent Partners across the country. LandAmerica is committed to helping its Agent Partners increase their online visibility, strengthen their brand in local markets and attract more customers.

    LandAmerica's Website Development and Hosting/Internet Marketing Services is the newest of 32 customized solutions delivered through the LandAmerica AgentXtra(SM) Program. For more than four years, this first-of-its-kind program has helped Agent Partners achieve business expansion, boost efficiency, utilize leading technologies and provide better customer service.

    LandAmerica's Website Development and Hosting/Internet Marketing Services help Agent Partners improve their online presence whether or not they have an existing website. LandAmerica has selected Market Hardware as its preferred vendor to provide Website Development and Hosting Services/Internet Marketing Services. Agent Partners can have their existing websites enhanced to achieve a more professional image, better showcase their agency strengths and more effectively communicate key information to business prospects. For Agent Partners needing new websites, Market Hardware will build websites for them or can provide the necessary tools for any agents wishing to build sites themselves.

    Additionally, LandAmerica's Website Development and Hosting Services feature Market Hardware's Search Engine Optimization system for Internet Marketing. These services can better position Agent Partners' websites for both local search results and on major search engines such as MSN, Yahoo and Google. This program also offers optional Pay-Per-Click SEM services, enabling Agent Partners to target key geographies and service categories and use custom parameters to increase "click throughs" and traffic to their websites.

    "Every day, the internet is becoming a bigger factor in effectively marketing to customers on a local and regional level," says Ken Astheimer, President - Agency Services. "With the LandAmerica Website Development and Hosting Services program, our Agent Partners can benefit from a strong online presence - and grow their businesses through proven Internet Marketing Services."

    Astheimer added that LandAmerica regularly surveys its Agent Partners to find solutions that help them meet the challenges of the marketplace and grow their bottom lines. The LandAmerica Website Development and Hosting/Internet Marketing Services program was created in response to a growing number of agents wishing to establish or improve their presence online.

    For information about LandAmerica Website Development and Hosting/Internet Marketing Services or about the LandAmerica AgentXtra Program, contact Jackie Bunting, Vice President - AgentXtra Program Manager, at (804) 267-8442 or jbunting@landam.com.

    About LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc.

    LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc. is a leading provider of real estate transaction services with offices nationwide and a vast network of active agents. LandAmerica serves agent, residential, commercial and lender customers throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia. LandAmerica is recognized as number one in the mortgage services industry on Fortune's(R) 2007 and 2008 lists of America's Most Admired Companies.

    LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc.

    CONTACT: Pamela Pastor, Investor Relations Specialist, +1-804-267-8043,
    ppastor@landam.com, or Peter Habenicht, VP - Corporate Communications,
    +1-804-267-8723, phabenicht@landam.com, both of LandAmerica Financial Group,
    Inc.

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




    EnerSys Announces 2nd Quarter Fiscal 2009 Results Conference Call

    READING, Pa., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EnerSys the world's largest manufacturer, marketer and distributor of industrial batteries, will host a conference call to discuss the Company's second fiscal quarter 2009 financial results and to provide an overview of the business. The call will conclude with a question and answer session.

    The call, scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 9:00 am Eastern Time, will be hosted by John D. Craig, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer and Michael T. Philion, Executive Vice President - Finance & Chief Financial Officer.

    The call will also be Webcast on EnerSys' website. There will be a free download of a compatible media player on the company's web site at http://www.enersys.com/.

    The conference call information is: Date: Thursday, November 6, 2008 Time: 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time Via Internet: http://www.enersys.com/ Domestic Dial-In Number: 800-299-7928 International Dial-In Number: 617-614-3926 Passcode: 39351614

    A replay of the conference call will be available from 11:00 a.m. on November 6, 2008 through midnight on December 5, 2008.

    The replay information is: Via Internet: http://www.enersys.com/ Domestic Replay Number: 888-286-8010 International Replay Number: 617-801-6888 Passcode: 93965487

    For more information, contact Richard Zuidema, Executive Vice President, EnerSys, P.O. Box 14145, Reading, PA 19612-4145, USA. Tel: 800/538-3627

    About EnerSys:

    EnerSys, the world leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, manufactures and distributes reserve power and motive power batteries, chargers, power equipment, and battery accessories to customers worldwide. Motive power batteries are utilized in electric fork trucks and other commercial electric powered vehicles. Reserve power batteries are used in the telecommunications and utility industries, uninterruptible power suppliers, and numerous applications requiring standby power. The company also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers from over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world.

    More information regarding EnerSys can be found at http://www.enersys.com/.

    EnerSys

    CONTACT: Richard Zuidema, Executive Vice President of EnerSys,
    +1-800-538-3627

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




    GCI Boosts Ketchikan Internet Speeds

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Communication, Inc. (GCI) announced it has significantly increased Internet speeds in Ketchikan.

    The increased speeds are available through a service called Xtreme, and will be available following the recent $33 million fiber optic cable investment that connected Ketchikan to the United West cable line stretching from Seattle to Southcentral Alaska.

    According to Miguel Torres, Ketchikan System Manager, the improvements will double the online speed former users of Hypernet Silver will experience when they upgrade to Xtreme. Ultimate Package subscribers who choose to upgrade to GCI's new-to-Ketchikan, Ultimate Xtreme packages, can see speeds up to 20 times faster and get unlimited downloads. An Internet file that took three minutes to download on Hypernet Silver will take a little more than nine seconds with Ultimate Xtreme Power.

    The current Hypernet speeds have a capacity of 512 Kb -- 1.5 Mb per second and the new Ultimate Xtreme services will be offered at the same prices with a capacity of up to 10 Mb per second. The price of each of the new Xtreme packages range from $49.99 to $149.99 per month.

    To upgrade to the improved service, Ketchikan residents may visit the GCI Ketchikan store, Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm, and Saturday, Noon to 4pm, at 2417 Tongass Avenue #104, in the Plaza Mall or call 907-225-2191 or visit http://www.gci.com/.

    GCI is the largest telecommunications company in Alaska. A pioneer in bundled services, GCI provides local, long distance and wireless telephone, cable television, Internet and data communications services throughout Alaska. More information about the company can be found at http://www.gci.com/.

    General Communication, Inc.

    CONTACT: David Morris of GCI, +1-907-265-2596, dmorris@gci.com

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




    Volcano Corporation Announces Launch of PrimeWire(TM) Pressure Guidewire and s5-FFR Option for Existing Fleet of s5 IVUS ConsolesFAME Data Demonstrates 30% Reduction in Composite Events When Using Routine FFR Guidance in Multi-Vessel Disease

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Volcano Corporation today announced the launch of the PrimeWire(TM) Pressure Guidewire, and the s5-FFR Option for its existing installed base of s5 and s5i imaging consoles in the U.S. The PrimeWire is Volcano's newest pressure guidewire, capable of measuring pressure gradients across a lesion to determine the ischemic nature of the stenosis, and can also help determine the extent to which the blockage is flow-limiting. The s5-FFR Option is now available for existing s5 and s5i consoles currently installed throughout the U.S. and Europe to enable these IVUS consoles with FFR (fractional flow reserve) technology. Volcano continues to be the only company offering an imaging console capable of high-frequency rotational IVUS, fast digital IVUS, and FFR.

    FAME

    The one-year follow-up of the FAME study (FFR vs. Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation) was presented yesterday at TCT and confirms the beneficial clinical and economic impact of FFR when used routinely to guide treatments of multi-vessel disease. "The FAME study is among the most important studies in today's DES therapy era. FAME demonstrates that when physicians employ FFR to guide multi-vessel PCI treatment, their patients benefit both clinically and economically. The FFR-guided interventions for multi-vessel disease are also cost effective for hospitals and payers. FAME confirms the benefits of routine FFR for the multi-vessel patient just as the earlier Deferral versus Performance of PTCA in Patients Without Documented ischemia (DEFER) study demonstrated in single-vessel disease, but does so in a larger patient population and in a randomized fashion," commented Morton Kern, MD, professor of medicine and associate chief, Division of Cardiology, University of California, Irvine.

    FAME randomized 1005 patients diagnosed with multi-vessel coronary artery disease at 20 European and US centers to either angiography-guided PCI (n=496) or FFR-guided PCI (n=509) all using current DES regimens. FAME's objective was to compare angiographic guidance to FFR guidance and to determine which coronary lesions required revascularization. FAME demonstrated that FFR- guidance in routine multi-vessel PCI resulted in clinically-superior outcomes and reduced the composite of death, documented myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization by 30 percent at one year. The study also demonstrated that adhering to an FFR-guided regimen for multi-vessel disease is cost beneficial to the hospital and payers by reducing procedural costs ($5,332 vs. $6,007), lowering average length of hospitalization (3.4 days vs. 3.7 days), and reducing the number of drug eluting-stents necessary per patient (1.9 vs. 2.7). The data also showed that the implementation of FFR did not add time to the multi-vessel PCI procedure.

    DEFER

    DEFER is a landmark study demonstrating that patients with intermediate disease not treated with PCI based on FFR guidance achieved long-term outcomes out to five years equivalent to patients who underwent PCI for similar intermediate lesions. DEFER outlines a revascularization strategy for angiographically equivocal stenoses that deploys FFR technology to identify and treat only those lesions producing reversible ischemia. The Journal of the American College of Cardiology has recognized the five-year follow-up results of the DEFER trial as one of the studies with the greatest impact on clinical cardiology in 2007. (JACC Vol. 51, No. 4, 2008 January 29, 2008:490-512)

    PrimeWire(TM) and s5-FFR Option

    Volcano is pleased to announce the launch of the new PrimeWire Pressure Guidewire, which is compatible with Volcano's s5 family of integrated imaging consoles. Volcano's PrimeWire was showcased yesterday at TCT in two live case demonstrations performed at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York and at Riverside Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. "The launch of the PrimeWire underlines Volcano's commitment to this very important Functional Measurement (FM) market and, in light of yesterday's important presentation of the FAME study, we look forward to working with our customers to bring the PrimeWire and our state-of-the-art FFR technology to the benefit of patients," said Scott Huennekens, Volcano's President and Chief Executive Officer.

    Volcano's PrimeWire measures intracoronary pressure to derive an FFR index. FFR expresses maximum achievable blood flow in a coronary artery with the presence of an abnormal stenosis as a fraction of maximum blood flow achievable in the absence of a stenosis. FFR is 100% specific in identifying lesions actually restricting blood flow enough to cause ischemia.

    Hospitals with Volcano's s5 and s5i imaging consoles in the U.S. and Europe can now acquire the FFR functionality to support the PrimeWire and add this important tool to their existing IVUS system and workflow.

    Joe Burnett, Associate Vice President, marketing commented, "Earlier- generation consoles included only one of the three technologies now available on the s5. If a hospital wanted to equip a new lab with all three technologies, they would have to acquire three separate consoles, each with a different measurement modality, training requirements and data storage protocols. The Volcano s5 can now accommodate the three primary intravascular diagnostic tools in regular use by cardiologists today (high frequency rotational IVUS, fast and simple digital IVUS, and pressure-based FFR guidewires) on a single platform, making modern day imaging consoles more flexible than ever before."

    About Volcano Corporation

    Volcano Corporation offers a broad suite of devices designed to facilitate endovascular procedures, enhance the diagnosis of vascular and structural heart disease and guide optimal therapies. The company's intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) product line includes ultrasound consoles that can be integrated directly into virtually any modern cath lab. Volcano IVUS offers unique features, including both single-use phased array and rotational IVUS imaging catheters, and advanced functionality options, such as VH(TM) tissue characterization and ChromaFlo(R). Volcano also provides functional measurement (FM) consoles and single-use pressure and flow guide wires and is developing a line of ultra-high resolution Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems and catheters. Currently, more than 3,500 Volcano IVUS and FM systems are installed worldwide, with approximately half of its revenues coming from outside the United States. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.volcanocorp.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this release regarding Volcano's business that are not historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the commercial prospects for, or potential customer use of, the PrimeWire Pressure Guidewire and the s5-FFR Option. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on management's current expectations. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks and uncertainties related to the development of new products and their commercial acceptance, and other factors discussed in Volcano's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the time they are made. Volcano undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances, changed assumptions or otherwise. Actual results or experience could differ materially from the forward-looking statements.

    Volcano Corporation

    CONTACT: Sandra Mercer, Director of Marketing Communications of Volcano
    Corporation, cell, +1-916-952-2133, smercer@volcanocorp.com; Shalon Roth,
    Managing Director of Ricochet Public Relations, +1-212-679-3300, ext. 127,
    +1-917-952-1157, sroth@ricochetpr.com, for Volcano Corporation

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




    David H. Murdock Research Institute Taps Waters for Laboratory TechnologyStrategic Partnership Provides Advanced Technology for Groundbreaking Nutrition and Disease Research

    KANNAPOLIS, N.C. and MILFORD, Mass., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The David H. Murdock Research Institute (DHMRI), located at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC, and Waters Corporation announced today that Waters(R) has been selected as the institute's primary supplier of analytical science solutions, including mass spectrometers, liquid chromatographs and associated scientific data management software.

    "We selected Waters as a partner based on their breakthrough technologies and hands-on approach to customer service. The equipment that we've purchased from Waters is recognized as the most sophisticated laboratory equipment available," said David H. Murdock, DHMRI founder. "This large purchase continues the momentum we're building as a cutting-edge research facility sought after by some of the nation's brightest scientists, and positions us well for the future."

    The new laboratory instrumentation will enable DHMRI's research programs in the areas of nutrition science and disease prevention and provide state-of the-art capabilities in proteomics research and metabolic profiling, among other key application areas

    "Our respective organizations have a similar focus on pushing the limits of scientific discovery and productivity, as well as collaboration," said Art Caputo, Executive Vice President and President of the Waters Division. "As with all our partners, we are pleased to be working closely with DHMRI to help make scientific discovery at the facility possible."

    Among the new mass spectrometers purchased by DHMRI are a number of Waters(R) SYNAPT(TM) High Definition Mass Spectrometers -- the first commercially-available mass spectrometer with the ability to analyze ions by their size, shape and charge in addition to mass -- as well as the Waters Quattro Premier(TM) XE and ACQUITY(R) SQD systems. DHMRI also purchased several ACQUITY UltraPerformance liquid chromatography (UPLC(R)) systems as their preferred inlet to the Institute's mass spectrometers.

    About the David H. Murdock Research Institute

    The David H. Murdock Research Institute was established as a public charity to support groundbreaking research at the North Carolina Research Campus. Funded through a private grant by David H. Murdock, DHMRI will host the world's top talent and resources - and promote a level of scientific collaboration never before possible. DHMRI is the first of its kind, housing a unique collection of state-of-the-art instrumentation in one central location.

    For more information visit http://www.dhmri.org/. About Waters Corporation

    Waters Corporation creates business advantages for laboratory-dependent organizations by delivering practical and sustainable innovation to enable significant advancements in such areas as healthcare delivery, environmental management, food safety, and water quality worldwide.

    Pioneering a connected portfolio of separations science, laboratory information management, mass spectrometry and thermal analysis, Waters technology breakthroughs and laboratory solutions provide an enduring platform for customer success.

    With revenue of $1.47 billion in 2007 and 5,000 employees, Waters is driving scientific discovery and operational excellence for customers worldwide.

    For more information visit http://www.waters.com/.

    Waters, ACQUITY, UPLC, Synapt, and Quattro Premier XE are trademarks of Waters Corporation.

    Contact: Waters Corporation: Brian J. Murphy 508-482-2614 Brian_J_Murphy@waters.com DHMRI: Phyllis Beaver 704-273-1181 pbeaver@castlecooke.com

    Waters Corporation

    CONTACT: Brian J. Murphy of Waters Corporation, +1-508-482-2614,
    Brian_J_Murphy@waters.com; or Phyllis Beaver of DHMRI, +1-704-273-1181,
    pbeaver@castlecooke.com

    Web site: http://www.waters.com/
    http://www.dhmri.org/




    McEvoy Honored by Hispanic Chamber of CommerceFlorida 'near-native' honored with 'Sun Award'

    APOPKA, Fla., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tom McEvoy wasn't born here, but he thinks of himself as a Florida native, and this week's visit "back home" was especially gratifying, as he received a prestigious Sun Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando.

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060516/EMBARQLOGO)

    McEvoy, president of EMBARQ Business, received the award today at a reception sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber and hosted by EMBARQ at its regional headquarters in Apopka. McEvoy spent his formative, college and early-career years in Florida before moving to Kansas in 1998 as a vice president for former EMBARQ parent Sprint. He said the award holds special meaning for him.

    "I always have thought of central Florida as home, and no matter how often I come back, it is like home," said McEvoy, who moved to the Orlando area with his parents when he was 13. "Through school, college and much of my telecom career, I lived in Apopka, Altamonte and Tallahassee. This was home, and this is like being recognized by my hometown."

    "The Sun Award is presented to an outstanding, dedicated individual who has contributed to the enrichment and overall growth of the region's culture, community outreach and economic development," said Ramon Ojeda, executive director of the Hispanic Chamber. "We are pleased to present this to Tom McEvoy for his personal and professional contributions to this region's Hispanic community."

    About EMBARQ

    Embarq Corporation , headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, offers a complete suite of communications services. EMBARQ has operations in 18 states and is in the Fortune 500(R) list of America's largest corporations. For consumers, EMBARQ offers an innovative portfolio of services that includes reliable local and long distance home phone service, high-speed Internet, wireless, and satellite TV from DISH Network(R) -- all on one monthly bill. For businesses, EMBARQ has a comprehensive range of flexible and integrated services designed to help businesses of all sizes be more productive and communicate with their customers. This service portfolio includes local voice and data services, long distance, Business Class High Speed Internet, wireless, satellite TV from DIRECTV(R), enhanced data network services, voice and data communication equipment and managed network services. For more information, visit embarq.com.

    Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060516/EMBARQLOGO
    AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
    PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com EMBARQ

    CONTACT: Tom Matthews of EMBARQ, +1-407-889-6072,
    Tom.R.Matthews@embarq.com

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




    Ascentium Deploys Multi-Site IP VPN and Metro Ethernet from tw telecom- tw telecom's reliable, flexible data and voice services support Ascentium's business goals; paramount to company's IT needs- Connects Seattle; Baltimore; Los Angeles; Portland, Ore.; Spokane, Wash.; offices with Bellevue, Wash. headquarters

    BELLEVUE, Wash., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- tw telecom inc., a leading provider of managed voice, Internet and data networking solutions for businesses, today announced the successful installation of a six-site IP VPN and other telecommunications services for Ascentium Corporation of Bellevue. Ascentium is one of the nation's leading digital marketing and advertising agencies.

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080626/LATH527LOGO)

    "We were looking for a provider that could meet our strict technical requirements and provide the reliability that's essential to our business," said Brian Jester, Director of IT for Ascentium. "We have six locations across the country that require high-bandwidth capabilities for the production and the delivery of our customers' campaigns. Although, some of our locations could easily access the tw telecom network, they also built fiber into a key location so that we could have a complete network solution. This demonstrated to us that tw telecom was willing to do what was necessary for us to be successful."

    The six-site IP VPN serves Ascentium's headquarters and data center locations in Bellevue, Wash., as well as its strategic offices located in Spokane, Seattle, Portland, Baltimore and Los Angeles. The company also installed two 100-Mbps Ethernet connections to support data center activities and make available shared network assets at its headquarters and data center locations. Additionally, Ascentium has a 50 Mbps Ethernet-based Internet Service (EIS) at its headquarters location and the company deployed local and long distance voices services from tw telecom.

    "Our customers rely on us to deliver premium services that help promote and support their products and we have found that tw telecom does the same thing for Ascentium," continued Jester. "We rely on tw telecom to support us and we enjoy the fact that we can talk directly with our local team and not some rep in a call center. That's the kind of collaborative relationship with a provider that we were seeking."

    "From the start, we worked closely with Ascentium to identify their needs and provide solutions that met those needs," said David King, Vice President and General Manager for tw telecom in Washington. "Multi-city, multi-site IP VPN has become the solution that customers demand as they integrate their business communications. IP VPN's any-to-any connectivity is highly secure, flexible and perfect for businesses that have multiple locations that need to be connected to one another."

    About tw telecom

    tw telecom inc., headquartered in Littleton, Colo., provides managed network services, specializing in Ethernet and transport data networking, Internet access, local and long distance voice, VoIP, VPN and security, to enterprise organizations and communications services companies throughout the U.S. As a leading provider of integrated and converged network solutions, tw telecom delivers customers overall economic value, quality, service, and improved business productivity. Please visit http://www.twtelecom.com/ for more information.

    About Ascentium

    Ascentium is a leading, multi-faceted Digital Agency with a focus on technological services, Web design and digital marketing. The award-winning company provides customer loyalty and branding through innovative creative and technical solutions. Ascentium is ranked as the 27th largest digital agency in the nation according to Advertising Age's Top 50 Digital Agencies annual list. Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, Ascentium has offices across the U.S. and in the U.K. Clients include Amazon, Boeing, Dell, Expedia, InfoSpace, Intel, Microsoft, Motorola, Nintendo and Providence Health Systems. For more information, please visit http://www.ascentium.com/.

    Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080626/LATH527LOGO
    AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
    PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com tw telecom inc.

    CONTACT: Patrick Mulcahy of tw telecom inc., +1-303-566-1470,
    patrick.mulcahy@twtelecom.com

    Web site: http://www.twtelecom.com/
    http://www.ascentium.com/




    Local Choir Wins Los Angeles Competition, Heads to Atlanta to Compete in Grand Finale For $30,000 PrizeMt. Rubidoux Seventh Day Adventist Church of Riverside Wins How Sweet The Sound Competition Sponsored by Verizon Wireless

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The stage had been set: a sold-out LA Memorial Sports Arena alive with buzz, a judging panel of legendary gospel artists, a gospel award-winning host and eight talented local choirs eager to compete for the title of best church choir in Los Angeles. It was the regional competition of Verizon Wireless' How Sweet The SoundSM tour, held on Oct. 13. The Mt. Rubidoux Seventh Day Adventist Church of Riverside, Calif., was victorious, earning the title of overall best church choir in Los Angeles. The choir will perform in the grand finale on Nov. 8 in Atlanta, competing 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/20081015/NY39074 ) The Los Angeles-area semi-finalist winners included: -- V CAST People's Choice Award: Mt. Rubidoux Seventh Day Adventist Church of Riverside -- Small Category Winner: Christian's Community Center -- Large Category Winner: Mt. Rubidoux Seventh Day Adventist Church of Riverside Los Angeles is the tenth stop along the How Sweet The Sound tour.

    At the grand finale event in Atlanta, the overall semi-finalist winners from 10 cities will compete for the grand prize. GRAMMY(R)-winning songwriter, producer, arranger and music director, Donald Lawrence, serves as tour emcee and, at the finale, he will be joined by judges Marvin Sapp, Hezekiah Walker and Gabrielle Union.

    Verizon Wireless' How Sweet The Sound tour concludes 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/.

    (EDITORS NOTE: Broadcast-quality B-Roll featuring 2008 How Sweet The Sound coverage is available online. Log on to Verizon Wireless' Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia to preview and request video segments, which can be received in newsrooms digitally or by tape.)

    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.

    Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh//NY39074
    http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081015/NY39074
    AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
    http://photoarchive.ap.org/
    AP PhotoExpress Network: ADD PRN#
    AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN18
    PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Verizon Wireless

    CONTACT: CONTACTS: Ken Muche, +1-949-286-8193,
    Ken.Muche@verizonwireless.com; or Samantha Kane, +1-212-373-6110,
    Samantha.Kane@pmkhbh.com

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




    CTG HealthCare Solutions Announces New EPIC Implementation Engagements

    CINCINNATI, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CTG HealthCare Solutions (CTGHS), a leading healthcare information technology (IT) consulting firm, and a business unit of CTG , an international IT solutions and services company, today announced that it was awarded a series of engagements in support of Epic Systems clinical implementations.

    CTGHS is providing services to a major children's hospital with a large pediatric research program to support the project leadership and implementation of Epic's clinical applications. The multi-year contract is valued at approximately $1.7 million.

    CTGHS also is implementing Epic software with associated integration services over the next year at one of the nation's largest faith-based integrated delivery systems. The organization, which operates hospitals, physician practices, outpatient clinics, health plans, and related health and human services in seven states, also recently extended its agreement with CTGHS for Epic software support in other areas. CTGHS is working on assisting with the configuration of the Epic software for the inpatient, ambulatory, and outpatient areas for this multi-state system. Once completed with that process, CTGHS will then test the software to ensure it functions as designed and interacts with all other software in the system. The combined value of the implementation, integration, and testing engagements is approximately $3.3 million.

    "Our expertise and experience in implementing Epic software is known throughout the industry and allowed us to come to the forefront when being considered for these implementations," CTGHS General Manager Tom Niehaus said. "The strength of CTG's healthcare business is further reflected in our being named in September 2008 as the eighth-largest company in the Modern Healthcare ranking of the top 20 healthcare management consulting firms. Our focus on quality and our reputation for outstanding work in partnership with our clients helped us secure these new engagements over the last two quarters."

    CTG Chairman and CEO James R. Boldt added, "We are pleased to see the continued success of our healthcare business which includes healthcare providers and payers and life sciences companies. Healthcare now represents over 25% of CTG's total revenue, with revenue from this business increasing 20% in the second quarter, the highest growth rate of the major vertical markets on which we focus.

    CTG HealthCare Solutions is a leading information technology consulting firm dedicated solely to helping healthcare institutions, physician practices, and related organizations achieve clinical and financial goals through effective technology and business solutions. More information about CTGHS is available on the Web at http://www.ctghs.com/.

    Backed by over 40 years' experience, CTG provides IT solutions and services to help Global 2000 clients focus on their core businesses and 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 services, best practices, and proprietary ISO 9001:2000-certified service methodologies. 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 posts news and other important information on the Web at http://www.ctg.com/.

    This document contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the Company's current expectations as to future growth. These statements are based upon a review of industry reports, current business conditions in the areas where the Company does business, the availability of qualified professional staff, the demand for the Company's services, and other factors that involve risk and uncertainty. As such, actual results may differ materially in response to a change in such factors. Such forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's disclosures set forth in the Company's 2007 Form 10-K and Management's Discussion and Analysis section of the Company's 2007 annual report, which are incorporated by reference. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this release.

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

    CONTACTS: CTG Healthcare Solutions: N. Clair Detraz, Vice President, Strategic Planning & Marketing, CTGHS (513) 564-0909 CTG: Richard Dye, Director of Marketing Communications (716) 887-7306 richard.dye@ctg.com ctgx-g

    CTG HealthCare Solutions

    CONTACT: N. Clair Detraz, Vice President, Strategic Planning & Marketing
    of CTG Healthcare Solutions, +1-513-564-0909; or Richard Dye, Director of
    Marketing Communications of CTG, +1-716-887-7306, richard.dye@ctg.com

    Web site: http://www.ctg.com/
    http://www.ctghs.com/




    More TV Choice and Competition Near for Residents of Grafton and Weston, Mass.Towns Approves Video Licenses for Verizon; Thousands More Households Soon Can Get FiOS TV

    GRAFTON, Mass. and WESTON, Mass., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Residents of these two towns are a major step closer to having another choice for their cable television services, thanks to a newly approved agreement authorizing Verizon to offer its FiOS TV service via the most advanced all-digital, fiber-optic network straight to customers' homes.

    The boards of selectmen in Grafton and Weston granted cable franchises to Verizon on Tuesday (Oct. 14), paving the way for video choice for thousands more Massachusetts households.

    The approvals bring to 84 the total number of Massachusetts communities where Verizon's FiOS TV is or will soon be available.

    "We are thrilled to be able to bring FiOS TV to residents in Grafton and Weston," said Donna Cupelo, Verizon region president for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. "Since the launch of FiOS TV in Massachusetts last year, we are continuing our efforts to meet the consumer demand for cable TV choice."

    FiOS TV is the company's new fiber-optic television service, which offers a better-quality picture, more high-definition and on-demand programs, and more reliable service at competitive prices.

    "As a result of these new franchises, consumers in Grafton and Weston will be able to choose their cable provider as easily as they choose their phone company," said Cupelo. "Competition drives innovation, value and service quality, and it puts the consumer in control."

    Verizon is currently in negotiations with several other communities in Massachusetts to obtain additional FiOS TV franchises. For more information on the Verizon franchise process in the state, log on to http://www.verizon.com/ma.

    Verizon research indicates 87 percent of Massachusetts residents favor more competition and choice for video services. Independent studies have shown that competition in the video market brings enormous benefits to consumers in the form of reduced prices, better packages and improved service.

    The Grafton and Weston franchise agreements contain provisions for the network's future growth; financial support and capacity for educational and government access channels; cable service to government buildings; and other important benefits to the towns, including insurance, indemnification and enforcement protections.

    "Verizon will compete aggressively for subscribers in Grafton and Weston with our FiOS services, which are fueled by our lightning-fast fiber-optic network," Cupelo said. Verizon soon will begin its door-to-door sales campaign in the community, explaining to local consumers the many advantages of FiOS TV.

    Verizon is the first company to offer a fiber-to-the premises (FTTP) network, connecting homes and businesses directly to fiber optics on a widespread scale.

    FiOS TV offers a broad collection of all-digital programming, 85 high-definition channels, thousands of video-on-demand titles and more. Fiber delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen.

    In addition to FiOS TV, Verizon's fiber network also allows the company to offer consumers and businesses high-speed FiOS Internet service at download speeds up to 50 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds up to 20 Mbps.*

    * NOTE: actual (throughput) speeds will vary.

    [In Massachusetts, FiOS TV is available in Abington, Acton, Andover, Arlington, Ashland, Bedford, Bellingham, Belmont, Boxborough, Boxford, Braintree, Burlington, Canton, Dedham, Dunstable, Framingham, Franklin, Georgetown, Hamilton, Hingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Ipswich, Lakeville, Lawrence, Lincoln, Littleton, Lexington, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Mansfield, Marion, Marlborough, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Medway, Melrose, Methuen, Middleborough, Millbury, Nahant, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, North Andover, North Reading, Northborough, Norwood, Plymouth, Reading, Rochester, Rockland, Rowley, Sherborn, Southborough, Stoneham, Stoughton, Stow, Sudbury, Sutton, Swampscott, Taunton, Tewksbury, Topsfield, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Wareham, Wayland, Wellesley, Wenham, West Newbury, Westborough, Westwood, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn. FiOS TV also is available in parts of New York, New Jersey, California, Delaware, Texas, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington.]

    Verizon Communications Inc. , headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 69 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 228,600 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of $93.5 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.

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

    Verizon

    CONTACT: Ellen Cummings, +1-508-624-2219, ellen.m.cummings@verizon.com,
    or Phil Santoro, +1-617-743-4760, philip.g.santoro@verizon.com, both of
    Verizon

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

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




    Vice Presidential Homes: The Cities Rooting for Palin and Biden

    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Bringing home the country's fascination and thirst for information on vice presidential candidates Sarah Palin and Joseph Biden, Realtor.com(R) examines the neighborhoods these two political stars call home. Clicking to the #1 homes-for-sale Web site's Find A Neighborhood feature, Americans across the country can easily explore and learn local details about the next vice president's neighborhood, while exploring more than 55,000 other US neighborhoods.

    Wasilla, Alaska -- Home of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin: A recipient of the Find A Neighborhood "Fast-Track Families" designation, Wasilla is composed mainly of large upper-middle-class income families living in spacious homes. This demographic profile certainly describes the Palin family of seven. Fast-Track Families are middle-aged parents in their prime acquisition years, with the disposable income and educated sensibility to want the best for their many children. They buy the latest technology with impunity and take advantage of rustic locales to enjoy camping, boating and fishing.

    Wasilla is situated in the south-central part of Alaska and has an average home price of about $135,000. The local economy supports employment in a variety of city, borough, state, federal, retail and professional service positions, including tourism, agriculture, wood, steel, and concrete products, plus commercial fishing. About 35 percent of the Wasilla workforce commutes to Anchorage for employment. Interestingly, a ballot initiative to make Wasilla the new capital of Alaska, a town of less than 10,000 people, was only narrowly defeated by a 116,000 to 96,000 vote in 1994.

    Wilmington, Delaware -- Home of Delaware Senator Joseph Biden: Wilmington is home to many "Upper Crust" US couples, a lifestyle & profile category on Realtor.com's Find A Neighborhood feature to describe people enjoying the most abundant lifestyles in America. Upper Crust neighborhoods contain the highest concentration of residents earning over $200,000 a year or possessing a postgraduate degree -- usually empty-nesting couples over age 55.

    The average price of all Wilmington homes is about $210,000. Crime in the city is low and the local economy is better than many states, largely due to the pro-business finance laws and a longstanding reputation for a fair and effective judicial system. Longstanding industries include insurance and credit card companies, making Wilmington a U.S. financial center where usury laws have not been employed to limit the interest rates credit card companies can charge.

    Visit Find a Neighborhood on REALTOR.com(R), the #1 homes-for-sale[1] Web site powered by Move, to learn more about the communities in which our two vice presidential candidate call home.

    ABOUT REALTOR.COM(R)

    REALTOR.com(R), where the world shops for real estate online, is operated by Move, Inc., and is the official Web site of the National Association of REALTORS(R). Ranked as the #1 homes-for-sale site, REALTOR.com(R) currently offers potential home buyers access to over four million property listings, as well as the most brokers and agents. It also provides REALTORS(R) and the home sellers they represent with the Internet's largest real estate marketplace, reaching more than 5.4 million consumers in August 2008[1]. Agents and companies have the power to customize REALTOR.com(R) resources to maximize their brand and productivity.

    REALTOR(R) and REALTOR.com(R) are registered trademarks of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(R). REALTOR(R) is a federally registered collective membership mark, which identifies a real estate professional who is a Member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(R) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. All other trademarks appearing above are the property of Move, Inc., or of their other respective owners.

    ABOUT MOVE, INC.

    Move, Inc. is the leader in online real estate with 7.7 million[1] monthly visitors to its online network of websites. Move, Inc. operates: Move.com(R), a leading destination for information on new homes and rental listings, moving, home and garden and home finance; REALTOR.com(R), the official Web site of the National Association of REALTORS(R); Welcome Wagon(R); Moving.com; SeniorHousingNet(TM); and TOP PRODUCER(R) Systems. Move, Inc. is based in Westlake Village, California, and employs more than 1600 individuals throughout North America. For more information: http://www.move.com/.

    [1] comScore Media Metrix, August 2008

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management's view of Move's future expectations, plans and prospects, within the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the results of Move, its subsidiaries, divisions and concepts to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. These risk factors and others are included from time to time in documents Move files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, its Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on Move's future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Move cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, Move expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080213/MOVEINCLOGO)

    Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080213/MOVEINCLOGO
    AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
    PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com REALTOR.com

    CONTACT: Julie Reynolds of Move, Inc., +1-805-557-3080,
    julie.reynolds@move.com; or Victor White of Access Communications,
    +1-415-844-6287, vwhite@accesspr.com, for REALTOR.com

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




    Gene A. Robinson Elected to the Board of Directors for Micropac Industries, Inc.

    GARLAND, Texas, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Micropac Industries, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: MPAD) , a leading company in high reliability electronics, announced that Gene A. Robinson has been elected to the Micropac Board of Directors.

    Mr. Robinson has 35 years of experience in the electronics industry, including 26 years with Texas Instruments, Inc. and later Raytheon through acquisition. Gene holds a Bachelor and a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering. Mr. Robinson was a Senior Fellow at Texas Instruments and Raytheon with involvement in advanced technology components and systems. During the past 10 years, Mr. Robinson has been actively engaged consulting with numerous high technology organizations. He has served on several advisory boards for high technology companies and universities.

    Mr. Robinson said, "I am honored to be selected to be a member of Micropac's Board of Directors. I look forward to my association with Micropac, a great company with outstanding people and innovative products that serve the needs of the Micropac customer community."

    Mr. Mark King, Chairman and CEO of Micropac stated: "We are very excited and privileged to have Mr. Robinson join our board. His experience and business knowledge will serve Micropac well."

    About Micropac Industries

    Founded in 1963, Micropac Industries, Inc. is a diversified, high technology company located in Garland, Texas, specializing in high reliability microcircuit multi-chip modules, Hall Effect devices and optoelectronic components/assemblies. Micropac develops and manufactures complete custom designs to meet specific customer applications and requirements. Our products are being used throughout the world in a wide variety of military/aerospace, space, medical and industrial applications. Visit http://www.micropac.com/ for more information

    Micropac Industries, Inc.

    CONTACT: Jeff Gray of Micropac Industries, Inc., +1-972-272-3571

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




    Just in Time for Holidays, Virgin Mobile USA Lowers Prepaid International Calling to Latin American, South American and Asian Markets With Rates as Low as Two Cents per MinuteNew International Rates are Among Lowest in Wireless with No Annual Contract or Credit Check RequiredOffer Provides Customers with Better Option in Tough Economy

    WARREN, N.J., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Virgin Mobile USA has unveiled new prepaid international calling rates to Latin America, Asia, Brazil and other markets across the globe for as low as two cents per minute, effective October 15. Information about the new rates -- with specific fees for individual countries -- is online at http://www.virginmobileusa.com/rates/internationalCalling.do. With no annual contracts, no credit checks and a choice of Pay As You Go or Monthly Plans including Totally Unlimited calling for just $79.99 per month, Virgin Mobile USA now boasts some of the best domestic and international calling rates in all of wireless.

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070613/VIRGINMOBILE ) International Calling Rates with Even More Value vs. Post-Paid Competition

    Virgin Mobile USA customers can make calls to Brazil* and parts of Mexico, Venezuela, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan for only two cents per minute. Calls to Argentina, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic*, Mexico*, Bangladesh, India, South Korea and Thailand are five cents per minute.**

    By comparison, international calling to Mexico with major carrier contract plans range from $0.39 to $0.49 per minute.

    "These rates are a great value and make Virgin Mobile USA an easy choice for international callers," said Dan Cipoletti, vice president of voice and messaging offers, Virgin Mobile USA, "Especially at a time when people want to connect with friends and family overseas but are concerned about their spending. Consumers will find that we're not only the best value in wireless but that we're also a much better choice than calling cards."

    Say Goodbye to Purchasing International Calling Cards

    Customers will no longer need to purchase an international calling card or pay for a separate international calling service with another carrier. These new international calling rates are more convenient and just as competitive as international calling cards. Virgin Mobile USA customers can simply purchase a single Top-Up card by cash or credit at any one of more than 140,000 retail locations to conveniently satisfy all of their calling needs -- both domestically and internationally.

    Stay in Touch with International Text Messaging and Text to Landline

    Virgin Mobile USA customers now also have the ability to send a text message in Spanish and have it delivered as a Spanish voice message to a landline recipient. Spanish Text to Landline messages can be sent in the United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico. International texting is also offered at twenty cents to send a message and ten cents to receive a message in more than 170 countries worldwide. For a listing of countries, visit: http://www.virginmobileusa.com/stuff/messaging/internationalTexting.do.

    *Applies to calls to landlines only.

    **International calls are charged at the international per-minute rate for the country being calling plus standard airtime rate.

    About Virgin Mobile USA, Inc.

    Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. [NYSE: VM], through its operating company Virgin Mobile USA, L.P., offers more than five million customers control, flexibility and choice through Virgin Mobile's Plans Without Annual Contracts and postpaid offerings through Helio By Virgin Mobile, with national coverage for both powered by the Sprint PCS network.

    Virgin Mobile USA is known for its award-winning customer service and was recently rated the best prepaid wireless service for the third year in a row in the Annual PC Magazine Readers' Choice Survey, with 90% of its own customers reporting satisfaction with the service. Virgin Mobile USA allows customers to earn free minutes in exchange for viewing advertising content online through the innovative Sugar Mama program. Virgin Mobile USA's full slate of smart, stylish and affordable handsets are available at approximately 40,000 top retailers nationwide and online at http://www.virginmobileusa.com/, with Top-Up cards available at more than 140,000 retail locations. Helio's advanced devices like the Ocean and unlimited All-in voice plans can be explored at http://www.helio.com/.

    Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070613/VIRGINMOBILE Virgin Mobile USA, Inc.

    CONTACT: Corinne Nosal of Virgin Mobile USA, +1-908-607-4235,
    corinne.nosal@virginmobileusa.com or Andy Pray of Ruder Finn for Virgin Mobile
    USA, +1-415-348-2732, praya@ruderfinn.com

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




    Kit Digital Signs Multi-Year Partnership to Deliver IPTV Set-Top Box Solution for Global Ethnic Programming in North America

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates and CANNES, France, October 15 /PRNewswire/ --

    - Roll-out will focus on multi-dwelling units (MDUs) which are underserved by satellite TV, starting with Arabic Language content in the United States and Canada

    KIT digital, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: KITD), a leading global provider of IPTV enablement technology and video-centric interactive marketing solutions, announced today that it has been selected by TV2Moro, a new firm backed by several top-tier ethnic television aggregators and producers, to deploy a new IPTV set-top box (STB) service to deliver programming to ethnic consumers in North America. The TV2Moro/KIT digital partnership has a minimum term of 48 months, and involves platform development fees, ongoing platform licensing fees, and a revenue share model based on the number of subscribers adopting the service.

    TV2Moro's initial commercial roll-out will include a top-tier bouquet of Arabic language channels, and is scheduled for the beginning of 2009, with a test phase (or commercial "alpha") taking place now. During the MIPCOM audiovisual conference taking place now in Cannes, France, KIT digital is performing live product demonstrations of the TV2Moro STB platform for prospective broadcaster and telecommunications partners.

    "The TV2Moro partnership is a harbinger of the future for KIT digital," commented Kaleil Isaza Tuzman, chairman and chief executive officer of KIT digital. "We are applying a network- and device-agnostic approach to all of our client partners -- thinking through platform development and distribution across IPTV set-top boxes, mobile phones and the browser. We see ourselves as the only player in the market with this big-picture approach and capability - making us more relevant to our clients' bottom-line than browser-only, video-player and online tools-focused companies."

    TV2Moro anticipates revealing its full content slate, as well as its financial and commercial backers, during the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) conference in Las Vegas, starting January 26, 2009. TV2Moro anticipates launching the service with at least 20 channels, and expects to roll-out other ethnic packages (such as Russian and Spanish-language) through 2009 and 2010.

    The Arabic language package launch is expected to make an immediate impact within the Arab-American and Arab-Canadian communities, as it will offer hard-to-get, TV-quality Arabic programming at attractive price points. The TV2Moro service will feature a company-installed, easy-to-operate set-top box which will "look" and "feel" like a standard cable box, and will work with all broadband Internet providers. The TV2Moro service will support live programming, video-on-demand, pay-per-view and digital video recording functionalities. Later versions of the TV2Moro set-top box may also function as an IP telephony device.

    KIT digital was selected for its end-to-end service, complete product portfolio, enterprise customer service, and content acquisition expertise. KIT digital is managing the entire fulfillment, platform technology and IPTV broadcasting/streaming components of the TV2Moro system, including but not limited to: capture and ingest of satellite and IP-based content, transcoding and encoding, meta-tagging, configuration, programming interface and streaming (live and VoD/DVR). KIT digital will also manage, through an outsource service provider, the in-home installations of the product, and handle inventory management and tier 2 customer service support. Future versions of the TV2Moro STB service will be integrated with online and mobile offerings, in a seamless "home and away-from-home" entertainment solution.

    Gavin Campion, president of KIT digital, continued, "For us, it's all about developing AND monetizing IP-based video platforms for our clients. The TV2Moro deal is an enterprise deal for us by any definition-be it team effort, revenues, gross contribution etc. However, it is structured in such a way so that we are very motivated to see TV2Moro succeed commercially, and share in that success."

    Ethnic media is an enormous market that is well understood by the KIT digital management team. More than 65 million people in North America prefer to consume media in a language other than English, and about a quarter of all U.S. adults consume some type of ethnic media, according to a recent Knight Foundation poll. Today, satellite TV is the dominant modality in the ethnic television market in the United States, but satellite TV is richly priced and most often inaccessible in MDUs. Satellite TV is also one-way, lacking the interactive and social media components available through IPTV.

    The TV2Moro "alpha" version is being demonstrated by KIT digital in booth a04.20 at the MIPCOM audiovisual conference in Cannes, France through October 16, 2008.

    About TV2Moro

    TV2Moro is an ethnic programming IPTV distribution network focusing on diaspora communities in North America, Australia and Europe. TV2Moro executives and investors come from several top-tier ethnic television aggregators and producers. TV2Moro is currently in an "alpha" deployment of its Arabic channel bouquet and will launch the commercial "beta" of its Arabic package on or about January 1, 2009. TV2Moro anticipates revealing its initial content slate, as well as its commercial partners and financial backers, during the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) conference in Las Vegas, starting January 26, 2009. In the future, you will find information on TV2Moro at http://www.tv2moro.com.

    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 box solutions. The KIT VX platform allows clients to publish, manage and distribute digital video content, build online/mobile communities and integrate advertising. The Company 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 News Corp., Verizon, IMG, China Mobile, Telefonica, Vodafone, K-Mart, Coles, NASDAQ, Hummer and RCS. KIT digital has principal offices in Dubai, Melbourne (Australia), Stockholm, Prague, New York and London. For additional information, please visit http://www.kit-digital.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" related to the businesses of KIT digital, Inc. which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including uncertainties relating to product development and commercialization, the ability to obtain or maintain patent and other proprietary intellectual property protection, market acceptance, future capital requirements, regulatory actions or delays, competition in general and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are or will be described in greater detail in our public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. KIT digital, Inc. is not under obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Web site: http://www.kit-digital.com http://www.tv2moro.com

    KIT digital, Inc.

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




    J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Record-High Levels of New-Vehicle Buyers Turn to the Internet for Information as Buying Habits Shift to Smaller VehiclesConsumer-Generated Content Proves Beneficial for Consumers during the New-Vehicle Shopping Process

    WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- New-vehicle buyers are using the Internet more than ever when researching vehicle information, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 New Autoshopper.com Study(SM) released today.

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050527/LAF028LOGO-a)

    The study finds that 75 percent of new-vehicle buyers in 2008 are using the Internet during their shopping process, compared with 70 percent in 2007. This year marks the largest year-over-year increase in online shopping since 2001. The total amount of time shoppers spend online researching automotive information has also increased since 2007 -- up 12 percent to more than six and a half hours. Meanwhile, the number of Web sites being visited by new-vehicle shoppers has remained relatively flat since 2007, which suggests that consumers have become more engaged with the sites they currently visit.

    "The current economic environment, coupled with high fuel prices, has given rise to a shift in the vehicle buying habits of U.S. consumers," said Arianne Walker, director of marketing/media research at J.D. Power and Associates. "Shoppers who were once loyal to larger vehicle models are now finding themselves in the market for a compact or midsize car. For many, this is unknown territory, and these shoppers are turning to the Internet for information and education about the vehicles in their new consideration set. The resulting demand for information provides automotive marketers with valuable opportunities to reach out to shoppers via the Internet."

    Automotive manufacturers can further engage shoppers through consumer-generated content on the Web. According to the study, nearly 70 percent of automotive Internet users (AIUs) utilize consumer-generated content while shopping for a new vehicle. In particular, vehicle ratings and reviews are the most popular form of consumer-generated content, with 63 percent of AIUs utilizing this resource. Additionally, 95 percent of AIUs who use consumer ratings and reviews say that the information is "helpful." Dealer ratings and reviews are also popular among new-vehicle shoppers, with 38 percent of AIUs utilizing the resource, and 87 percent of those find the information "helpful."

    "The collaborative environment facilitated by Web 2.0 is changing the way shoppers research vehicles, driving many to seek the experiences and opinions of other shoppers and owners," said Walker. "The opinions of other consumers are so impactful that we are already seeing distinct purchasing patterns develop between those shoppers who use consumer ratings and reviews, and those who rely solely on expert ratings and reviews."

    The study also finds that different types of automotive Web sites have specific benefits that satisfy the information and shopping needs of consumers. For example, shoppers view independent, third-party sites -- such as Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) -- as being most useful for researching vehicle pricing and for providing ratings, reviews and forums. Conversely, shoppers view manufacturer Web sites as most useful for their information on vehicle model options, features and specifications, while dealer sites are perceived as being most useful for inventory information.

    "The challenge for automotive manufacturers and dealers alike is discovering how best to get involved in online conversations taking place among consumers in order to shift sales to their advantage," said Walker. "Knowing the strengths of various types of sites and where shoppers are going for their information can enable manufacturers and dealers to manage their site content more strategically and focus on efficiently targeting consumers at each stage of the shopping process."

    The study also finds that Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) is the most visited independent Web site, with 44 percent of automotive Internet users visiting the site. Additionally, Edmunds.com is the most useful independent Web site among automotive Internet users. Edmunds.com shoppers are 42 percent more likely than consumers using other independent, third-party sites to say that the reviews, forums and ratings are the most useful information on the site.

    The 2008 New Autoshopper.com Study is based on the self-reported shopping habits of 27,901 new-vehicle buyers. The study was fielded from May to July 2008.

    About J.D. Power and Associates

    Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

    About The McGraw-Hill Companies

    Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2007 were $6.8 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

    J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts: John Tews Aimee Canlas Troy, Mich. Westlake Village, Calif. (248) 312-4119 (805) 418-8917 john.tews@jdpa.com aimee.canlas@jdpa.com

    No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. http://www.jdpower.com/corporate

    Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050527/LAF028LOGO-a
    AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
    PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com J.D. Power and Associates

    CONTACT: Media Relations, John Tews, +1-248-312-4119, john.tews@jdpa.com,
    or Aimee Canlas, +1-805-418-8917, aimee.canlas@jdpa.com, both of J.D. Power
    and Associates

    Web site: http://www.jdpower.com/
    http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/




    Hodes iQ Partners With Halogen SoftwareBringing award-winning employee performance, compensation and succession planning management to customers

    NEW YORK, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Hodes iQ, Bernard Hodes Group's award-winning talent acquisition and management product, is pleased to announce a strategic technology partnership with Halogen Software, further expanding the Hodes iQ talent management suite with employee performance management and succession planning. Hodes iQ customers will now have access to Halogen's leading automated employee performance management, compensation and succession planning, and learning management tools that align with their business goals.

    The Halogen Software partnership will leverage award-winning technology to complement the existing Hodes iQ talent management enterprise platform. Halogen's products are a natural fit with Hodes iQ's functionality, bringing a combination of features, ease of use, and affordability to Hodes iQ customers to assess, develop, motivate and retain a high-performing workforce.

    "This is exciting news for our Hodes iQ customers as they continue to grow their talent acquisition and management needs with us. We aggressively sought out a partner that shares our same vision around best-of-breed technology, and we found that with Halogen," said Jeremy Shapiro, SVP, Hodes iQ. "Working with Halogen allows our customers to align their employee goals and development activities to business priorities, while automating and simplifying their performance and talent management processes."

    Through the integrated partnership, Hodes iQ customers will be able to create high-value employee performance appraisals, plan for training and employee development, implement merit-based compensation and pay-for-performance programs, use talent pools for best-practice succession planning, link learning and development programs to bottom-line success, and gain valuable insight into processes and performance with dashboards and analytics.

    "Our research shows that 59 percent of Best-in-Class organizations currently integrate employee performance management with recruiting," said Kevin Martin, vice president and principal analyst, Human Capital Management at Aberdeen Group. "Given the market's increasing focus on improving 'quality of hire', the ability to integrate data from the pre-hire into a performance management system will allow companies to track career progress and goal attainment of new employees; all which is critical to determine the actual quality of the new hire three, six, or 12 months down the road."

    "Together we offer all organizations functionality for the complete lifecycle of talent management," said Donna Ronayne, vice-president of marketing and business development, Halogen Software. "Hodes iQ enables companies to attract and accurately measure their recruitment activities and Halogen is the ideal complement to this, with a suite that enables organizations to assess, develop, motivate and retain a high-performing workforce year round."

    ABOUT HODES iQ

    Hodes iQ (http://www.hodesiq.com/), with its ever-expanding customer base, is an award-winning talent management system that enables human resources to recruit more effectively. With the combination of a top-ranked job posting system, the leading resume data mining system, and expertise in best-in-class corporate career sites, Hodes iQ gives recruiters essential tools to recruit the best talent efficiently. Solutions are available targeting the Fortune 1000, mid-sized companies, health care institutions, and small companies through several product lines: Hodes iQ Enterprise, Standard and Starter Editions.

    ABOUT BERNARD HODES GROUP

    As a fully integrated talent solutions provider, Bernard Hodes Group (http://www.hodes.com/) offers solutions that often combine multiple service offerings from the Company's core competency areas: Recruitment Marketing; Sourcing/Response Management; Hiring Process Re-engineering; and Staffing Technology (see http://www.hodesiq.com/). All solutions are developed and measured within the company's 360-degree process methodology. The company is headquartered in New York, with over 80 offices and affiliates around the globe. Bernard Hodes Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Omnicom Group, Inc., , one of the world's leading marketing communications companies. Bernard Hodes Group serves thousands of clients in virtually every industry, helping them to attract and retain talented workers in every skill set.

    ABOUT HALOGEN SOFTWARE

    A recognized industry leader with over 1000 customers worldwide, Halogen Software makes powerful, simple-to-use and affordable employee performance and talent management applications. The company offers a complete suite of web-based products that automate, simplify and integrate employee performance appraisals, 360 degree feedback, compensation management (pay for performance), succession planning and learning management. Halogen's offering makes HR best-practices accessible to companies of all sizes and its healthcare, financial services and professional services specific suites meet the unique needs of these industries. Halogen is consistently recognized by the industry and its customers for its exceptional implementation and support services, and has won multiple awards for its corporate leadership and product innovation, including HR Technology Product of the Year. For more information, visit http://www.halogensoftware.com/.

    Bernard Hodes Group

    CONTACT: Liz Owens of Bernard Hodes Group, +1-312-265-1574,
    eowens@ch.hodes.com

    Web site: http://www.hodes.com/
    http://www.hodesiq.com/
    http://www.halogensoftware.com/




    Content is in the Spotlight at TelcoTV 08: Featuring an Unprecedented Digital Media & Entertainment Speaker ProgramSpeakers from Fox Interactive Media, Nielsen, Vudu, Veoh, and Move Networks share their entertainment & communications visions

    IRVINE, Calif. Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- TelcoTV, the premier meeting place for the massive convergence of the entertainment and communications markets, announces an unprecedented digital media and entertainment speaker lineup for its annual conference, November 11-13 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Orange County, California.

    The show's high-profile keynote and general session speakers will discuss trends in mobile, online, and traditional media, including emerging business models for the monetization of content and the future of advertising in the new digital world. TelcoTV, with more than 150 exhibitors, is by far the largest IPTV and video conference and exhibition focused on carriers of all sizes in the US.

    One of the keynote program's highlights will be Ron Berryman, SVP and GM of Fox Interactive Media. Mr. Berryman guides the online strategic direction of Fox's 24 owned and operated television stations, as well as the network's 180+ affiliates. During his TelcoTV keynote address, he will outline how Fox is implementing and executing a successful digital media strategy to leverage its vast content holdings.

    The TelcoTV keynote interactive panel, Beyond the Hype: Maximizing the Advertising Opportunity in Digital Media, will be led by Rohit Bhargava, SVP of Digital Strategy and Marketing at Ogilvy 360, and include panelists Cheryl Idell, EVP Media Product Leadership, Nielsen, and Frank Barbieri, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Transpera. The discussion will center on ways marketers are using digital media to reach their desired audiences. From addressable ads to online behavioral profiling, digital media's role in marketing and advertising is growing exponentially. Understanding this shift in strategy and marketing spend is critical for the TelcoTV community to ensure they maximize the opportunity and understand the implications. This session will outline and debate the important issues surrounding the impact and business opportunity of advertising in the digital age.

    The theme of entertainment and convergence will continue in the TelcoTV ancillary sessions, particularly the Making Sense of NetVideo and Understanding Mobile TV tracks. These educational sessions, which allow attendees the opportunity to dive deeper, exploring the session topics in more detail, will include a review of the major NetVideo players, a candid analysis of viable business models, an examination of consumer trends, and a brainstorming session on how to strengthen partnerships between service providers and content owners. These discussions will be led by digital media experts including Steve Mitgang, CEO, Veoh; Derrick Frost, Founder and CEO, Invision.TV; David Rice, VP Marketing, Move Networks, and Scott Raynovich, Founder and Publisher of Contentinople.

    The seventh annual TelcoTV is jointly owned by United Business Media's TechWeb Division and the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), and produced by Light Reading, the leading online media, research, and targeted event company serving the $3 trillion worldwide communications market.

    For a complete listing of TelcoTV 2008 speakers, please visit http://www.telcotvonline.com/

    About Light Reading

    Founded in 2000, Light Reading (http://www.lightreading.com/) is the leading online media, research, and focused event company serving the $3 trillion worldwide communications market. Lightreading.com is the ultimate source for technology and financial analysis of the communications industry, leading the media sector in terms of traffic, content, and reputation. Light Reading's research arms, Heavy Reading and Pyramid Research, provide the most comprehensive communications research, market data, and technology analysis in close to 100 markets around the world. Light Reading produces almost 20 targeted communications events including TelcoTV, Ethernet Expo New York and Ethernet Expo London, The Tower Summit @ CTIA, and Optical Expo, as well as focused one-day events tailored for cable, mobile, and wireline executives. Light Reading was acquired by United Business Media in August 2005, and operates as a unit of TechWeb.

    About TechWeb

    TechWeb (http://www.techweb.com/aboutus) 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 TechWeb Network, Light Reading, Intelligent Enterprise, InformationWeek.com, bMighty.com, and The Financial Technology Network; and the market leading, award-winning InformationWeek, TechNet Magazine, MSDN Magazine, Wall Street & Technology magazines. TechWeb also provides end-to-end services ranging from next-generation performance marketing, integrated media, 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.

    About United Business Media Limited (http://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.

    About NTCA

    The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association is the premier association representing more than 580 locally owned and managed telecommunications cooperatives and commercial companies throughout rural America. NTCA provides its members with legislative, regulatory, and industry representation; meetings; publications and educational programs; and an array of employee benefit programs. Visit us at http://www.ntca.org/.

    CONTACT: Tony Fisch President, Tony Fisch Consulting (323) 461-7878 tony@fischconsulting.com

    TechWeb

    CONTACT: Tony Fisch, President, Tony Fisch Consulting, +1-323-461-7878,
    tony@fischconsulting.com, for TechWeb

    Web Site: http://www.lightreading.com/
    http://www.techweb.com/aboutus
    http://www.telcotvonline.com/
    http://www.unitedbusinessmedia.com/

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




    IXI Offers Latest Ogo Multimedia to Swisscom MobileOgo CT-25 Expands its on-the-go Functionalities

    RA'ANANA, Israel, October 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IXI Mobile, Inc. (OTCBB: IXMO.OB, IXMOW.OB, IXMOU.OB), the maker of the Ogo(TM) family of devices and services, today announced the availability of new multimedia functionality for its Ogo CT-25 device, which is being provided by Swisscom Mobile, Switzerland's leading telecom provider, at all Swisscom shops.

    The Ogo CT-25 Multimedia now offers access to music, videos, and photo usage. The new Multimedia can download songs directly from the Napster Mobile music catalogue through the latest supported memory card, and offers Ogo personalization through ringtone downloads and contact photo usage.

    Swisscom has announced that the new Ogo CT-25 will be available with a 24-month subscription. Swisscom also stated that all subscriptions to the new multimedia will include unlimited MSN chatting, sending and receiving e-mails, excluding attachments, and internet browsing of up to 10 MB.

    Israel Frieder, Chairman & CEO of IXI said, "The Offering of IXI's latest Ogo Multimedia by Swisscom, our largest partner, is yet another vote of confidence in IXI's leading edge technology, which provides top-of-the-line functionalities, and in the Ogo device's usability by the masses. Our goal is to continually provide Swisscom and other customers with the most innovative technology and share their success."

    About IXI Mobile

    IXI Mobile, Inc. offers end to end solutions that bring innovative, data-centric mobile devices and services to the mass market. IXI's solutions are designed to improve the mobile user experience and increase mobile data usage. The company provides a turn-key solution to mobile operators and service providers worldwide to launch and support Mobile IM and email services.

    IXI's solutions are available on the Ogo family of devices as well as on standard mobile platforms, delivering popular mobile applications, including instant messaging, push email, web browser, multimedia, news and more. IXI's solutions are available from a variety of mobile operators and service providers worldwide.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to IXI's future financial or business performance, strategies and expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "trend," "potential," "opportunity," "pipeline," "believe," "comfortable," "expect," "anticipate," "current," "intention," "estimate," "position," "assume," "outlook," "continue," "remain," "maintain," "sustain," " seek, " "achieve," and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," " would," "should," "could," "may" and similar expressions. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on current expectations and beliefs about future events. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed or projected in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: whether the new Ogo CT-25 will gain acceptance in the market, whether Swisscom will be successful in selling our products, as well as whether the Company will be able to sufficiently reduce its operating costs and increase revenues to enable the Company to continue as a going concern, and whether the Company will be able to raise additional capital or financing in the near term. This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and its other reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which contain more detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that may affect future results. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.

    Please direct enquiries to: In US: KCSA Strategic Communications Marybeth Csaby/ Meghan Garrity +1-212-896-1236/ +1-212-896-1224 mcsaby@kcsa.com/ mgarrity@kcsa.com In Israel: Kwan Communications Zvi Rabin zvi@kwan.co.il

    IXI Mobile, Inc.

    CONTACT: Please direct enquiries to: In US: KCSA Strategic
    Communications, Marybeth Csaby/ Meghan Garrity, +1-212-896-1236




    RSDV Signs Letter of Intent With AptHost.com, a Leader in Video Hosting, Powering Social Media Websites Similar to YouTube

    MADERA, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rancho Santa Monica Developments Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: RSDV.OB) and AptHost.com Communications USA Inc. announced today a letter of intent under which Rancho Santa Monica Developments will acquire privately held AptHost.com ( http://www.apthost.com/ ), a leader in providing Social Media Hosting, worldwide. Terms of the agreement were not announced.

    AptHost.com, is a strategic addition to the Rancho Santa Monica Developments business. The acquisition will extend Rancho Santa Monica Developments into the ever-growing web hosting and technology industry. AptHost.com has seen an expansive growth in the hosting industry by providing a unique service that gives clients the capability to upload and stream videos on their website. Special software installed and managed by AptHost.com allow scripts such as PHPmotion and Clip-Share to run flawlessly, allowing website owners to have a website similar to YouTube.

    "This is an exciting milestone for our company, and we look forward in scaling our growth with Rancho Santa Monica Developments," said Brian French, president and founder of AptHost.com. "With Rancho Santa Monica Developments we intend to build on top our incredible growth in the industry which we can attribute to our specialty hosting. Rancho Santa Monica Developments expertise and knowledge make it an ideal partner for AptHost.com. Our combined teams will create exciting growth opportunities for our company and customers."

    Since it's inception in 2001, AptHost.com has serviced thousands of clients worldwide and has experienced a steady increase of growth particularly since it first introduced FFmpeg hosting to the Shared Hosting market. FFmpeg is a collection of software that can record, convert and stream digital audio and video over the Internet. It is the combination of FFmpeg and other innovative technology that has allowed AptHost.com to become what it is today, a widely known leader in the hosting industry as providers of FFmpeg and Social Media Hosting.

    "With social media and video sharing taking the internet by storm, I would expect to see dramatic growth in the coming years. Companies such as CBS Networks, FOX, and NBC have just begun to offer full programming such as the new 90210 series on YouTube and other media sites; the trends are changing quickly and the demand for high quality and fast video hosting for the masses is increasing dramatically. Media sites will soon own a large percentage of the programming markets. Successful hosting of these types of media will come down to the companies that can offer the best support and service for this exploding market," said Brian French.

    Rancho Santa Monica Developments intends to raise capital to enhance advertising and continue development of industry leading technology as it relates to the support and hosting of FFmpeg powered Social Media websites. Rancho Santa Monica Developments also intends to work with the AptHost.com team to develop other technologies and applications. With the growing video hosting market, the company has discovered an important niche for which they built their foundation and are now in the process of growing into other hosting markets. "We are using innovation to give us an edge in maintaining our stance as a leader in the hosting industry," said Brian French.

    AptHost.com plans to grow and develop its product line for many years to come with the coming addition of Tomcat Hosting and other technology, unique to the hosting industry. Tomcat allows for a Java hosting environment, giving website owners the opportunity to create their own Java applications with the necessary tools, configuration and management needed to run them. With the addition of Tomcat, AptHost.com is testing new technology and In-house software which has yet to be announced.

    As a result of the acquisition, Rancho Santa Monica Developments has announced an offering of shares at $0.50 a share. For each share, the holder will get one warrant for $0.50 a share, good for 2 years. Further information, regarding the acquisition will be posted shortly.

    About AptHost.com

    Founded in 2001, AptHost.com started by offering Linux-Based Shared Web Hosting and grew to offer a comprehensive level of hosting products for consumers and businesses worldwide.

    About Rancho Santa Monica Developments, Inc.

    Founded in 2004, Rancho is a US Public Company with ticker symbol RSDV. We are a diversified development company based in Madera, CA.

    Rancho Santa Monica Developments Inc.

    CONTACT: Brian French, President of AptHost.com Communications USA Inc.,
    +1-800-903-0648, ext 778; or Investor: Graham Alexander, President of Rancho
    Santa Monica Developments, Inc., +1-559-474-8690

    Web Site: http://www.rsdv.net/
    http://www.apthost.com/




    Just in Time for Holidays, Virgin Mobile USA Lowers Prepaid International Calling to Latin American, South American and Asian Markets With Rates as Low as Two Cents per MinuteNew International Rates are Among Lowest in Wireless with No Annual Contract or Credit Check RequiredOffer Provides Customers with Better Option in Tough Economy

    WARREN, N.J., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Virgin Mobile USA has unveiled new prepaid international calling rates to Latin America, Asia, Brazil and other markets across the globe for as low as two cents per minute, effective October 15. Information about the new rates -- with specific fees for individual countries -- is online at http://www.virginmobileusa.com/rates/internationalCalling.do. With no annual contracts, no credit checks and a choice of Pay As You Go or Monthly Plans including Totally Unlimited calling for just $79.99 per month, Virgin Mobile USA now boasts some of the best domestic and international calling rates in all of wireless.

    (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070613/VIRGINMOBILE ) International Calling Rates with Even More Value vs. Post-Paid Competition

    Virgin Mobile USA customers can make calls to Brazil* and parts of Mexico, Venezuela, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan for only two cents per minute. Calls to Argentina, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic*, Mexico*, Bangladesh, India, South Korea and Thailand are five cents per minute.**

    By comparison, international calling to Mexico with major carrier contract plans range from $0.39 to $0.49 per minute.

    "These rates are a great value and make Virgin Mobile USA an easy choice for international callers," said Dan Cipoletti, vice president of voice and messaging offers, Virgin Mobile USA, "Especially at a time when people want to connect with friends and family overseas but are concerned about their spending. Consumers will find that we're not only the best value in wireless but that we're also a much better choice than calling cards."

    Say Goodbye to Purchasing International Calling Cards

    Customers will no longer need to purchase an international calling card or pay for a separate international calling service with another carrier. These new international calling rates are more convenient and just as competitive as international calling cards. Virgin Mobile USA customers can simply purchase a single Top-Up card by cash or credit at any one of more than 140,000 retail locations to conveniently satisfy all of their calling needs -- both domestically and internationally.

    Stay in Touch with International Text Messaging and Text to Landline

    Virgin Mobile USA customers now also have the ability to send a text message in Spanish and have it delivered as a Spanish voice message to a landline recipient. Spanish Text to Landline messages can be sent in the United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico. International texting is also offered at twenty cents to send a message and ten cents to receive a message in more than 170 countries worldwide. For a listing of countries, visit: http://www.virginmobileusa.com/stuff/messaging/internationalTexting.do.

    *Applies to calls to landlines only.

    **International calls are charged at the international per-minute rate for the country being calling plus standard airtime rate.

    About Virgin Mobile USA, Inc.

    Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. [NYSE: VM], through its operating company Virgin Mobile USA, L.P., offers more than five million customers control, flexibility and choice through Virgin Mobile's Plans Without Annual Contracts and postpaid offerings through Helio By Virgin Mobile, with national coverage for both powered by the Sprint PCS network.

    Virgin Mobile USA is known for its award-winning customer service and was recently rated the best prepaid wireless service for the third year in a row in the Annual PC Magazine Readers' Choice Survey, with 90% of its own customers reporting satisfaction with the service. Virgin Mobile USA allows customers to earn free minutes in exchange for viewing advertising content online through the innovative Sugar Mama program. Virgin Mobile USA's full slate of smart, stylish and affordable handsets are available at approximately 40,000 top retailers nationwide and online at http://www.virginmobileusa.com/, with Top-Up cards available at more than 140,000 retail locations. Helio's advanced devices like the Ocean and unlimited All-in voice plans can be explored at http://www.helio.com/.

    Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070613/VIRGINMOBILE Virgin Mobile USA, Inc.

    CONTACT: Corinne Nosal of Virgin Mobile USA, +1-908-607-4235,
    corinne.nosal@virginmobileusa.com or Andy Pray of Ruder Finn for Virgin Mobile
    USA, +1-415-348-2732, praya@ruderfinn.com

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




    /C O R R E C T I O N -- Microsoft/

    MARANELLO, Italie, October 15 /PRNewswire/ --

    Veuillez prendre note que, dans le communiqué de presse que Microsoft a publié plus tôt aujourd'hui par l'intermédiaire de PR Newswire, intitulé << Ferrari fait un essai sur route avec la nouvelle solution de calcul haute performance de Microsoft >>, la première phrase du quatrième paragraphe devrait indiquer << Piergiorgio Grossi, chef des systèmes d'information chez Ferrari Racing Team >>, et non << systèmes d'information chez Ferrari >>, tel que préalablement publié par mégarde. Veuillez trouver ci-dessous le communiqué complet et corrigé :

    MARANELLO, Italie, October 15 /PRNewswire/ --

    - L'informatique hautes performances sur place est sur le point de révolutionner le design et l'ingénierie automobile.

    Deux des sociétés les plus dynamiques et performantes du monde ont uni leurs forces aujourd'hui lorsque Ferrari SpA a décidé d'utiliser la technologie de calcul haute performance (HPC) la plus récente de Microsoft Corp afin de repousser les limites de l'ingénierie, du design et de la production automobile.

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

    Le département sport de Ferrari est l'une des premières sociétés à tester le nouveau système de calcul haute performance de Microsoft, Windows HPC Server 2008. Grâce à un soutien solide de l'industrie par le biais de ses partenaires et de ses clients, Microsoft révèle l'impact que le calcul haute performance peut avoir sur le secteur de l'automobile.

    Les nouvelles technologies en matière de HPC peuvent représenter un levier de croissance pour les sociétés et s'avérer un outil d'une valeur inestimable pour les aider à maximiser leur efficacité et à analyser le risque. Travaillant en étroite collaboration, Microsoft et Ferrari ont élaboré une solution haute performance destinée à l'une des industries les plus exigeantes. Windows HPC Server 2008 réduit considérablement les délais de déploiement, ce qui renforce la capacité des sociétés à introduire de nouveaux produits sur le marché.

    << Ferrari est constamment à la recherche des solutions technologiques les plus perfectionnées, et bien sûr, il en va de même pour ce qui est des logiciels et de l'ingénierie >>, a déclaré Piergiorgio Grossi, chef des systèmes d'information chez Ferrari Racing Team. << Nous cherchons toujours à découvrir de nouvelles technologies à même de nous procurer un avantage concurrentiel. La solution Windows HPC Server 2008 est très prometteuse, et la collaboration de longue date avec Ferrari guidera le développement d'une plate-forme de calcul haute performance rapide et conviviale destinée à nos utilisateurs, ingénieurs et administrateurs. >>

    << Plus que jamais auparavant, les sociétés doivent utiliser les ressources informatiques de façon efficace, mais elles doivent également conserver leur position au sein d'un marché concurrentiel >>, a affirmé Chris Philips, directeur général du groupe Windows Server and Solutions de Microsoft. << Elles ont besoin de solutions de HPC qui se déploient rapidement, qui s'intègrent dans un environnement hétérogène et que l'on peut utiliser autant à l'échelle d'un poste de travail que d'une grappe de terminaux. >>

    << Le lancement de Windows HPC Server 2008 est une étape supplémentaire vers l'atteinte de notre objectif : faire du HPC un outil grand public >>, a indiqué Bill Laing, vice-président général du groupe Windows Server and Solutions de Microsoft.

    Grâce à l'introduction de Windows HPC Server 2008, le calcul haute performance au sein de l'industrie automobile est désormais prêt à provoquer d'importantes améliorations dans les domaines suivants :

    -- Rapidité de la commercialisation -- Prédiction et prévention de défauts -- Amélioration de la collaboration -- Automation des systèmes autrefois complexes et obscurs -- Collecte de renseignements en temps réel à partir des véhicules sur la route

    Le développement de Windows HPC Server 2008 signifie que le calcul haute performance, autrefois utilisé uniquement pour l'analyse cryptographique de la CIA et les simulations de guerre du Pentagone, est en voie de devenir aussi facilement accessible aux concepteurs et aux ingénieurs automobiles que les programmes pour ordinateur portable. L'industrie automobile entre dans une période de profonds changements, au cours de laquelle les personnes responsables de la conception et de l'essai des véhicules destinés aux consommateurs auront accès aux capacités de calcul haute performance directement sur leur bureau. Ainsi, ces capacités ne seront plus uniquement utilisées dans le cadre de vastes opérations centralisées de la salle des ordinateurs coûteuses en temps et en argent.

    Microsoft fournit des solutions de HPC aux entreprises et aux institutions européennes de premier plan actives dans les milieux universitaires ainsi que dans les secteurs de l'automobile, du pétrole et du gaz et des services financiers, s'inspirant de certaines des plus importantes grappes en vue de présenter le vaste écosystème de la plate-forme. En outre, Microsoft initie des partenariats avec certains des plus importants fournisseurs du domaine de l'informatique hautes performances, notamment Advanced Micro Devices Inc, Cray Inc, Dell et HP.

    La demande pour le HPC provient de l'effet combiné de l'amélioration des performances des processeurs par noeud de calcul, des faibles coûts d'acquisition des noeuds ainsi que du coût et de la performance des grappes de calcul en général. Ces tendances poussent les nouveaux consommateurs à adopter le HPC pour remplacer ou compléter les expériences directes et concrètes avec des analyses, des essais et de la modélisation simulée par ordinateur.

    À propos de Microsoft

    Fondée en 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq : MSFT) est le leader mondial des logiciels, des services et des solutions qui aident les particuliers ainsi que les entreprises à réaliser leur plein potentiel.

    À propos de Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Moyen-Orient et Afrique)

    Microsoft est présent dans l'EMEA depuis 1982. Microsoft emploie dans la région plus de 16 000 personnes au sein de 64 filiales et fournit des produits et des services dans plus de 139 pays et territoires.

    Le présent document est fourni exclusivement à titre indicatif. Microsoft Corp rejette toutes les garanties et les conditions concernant l'utilisation du présent document à d'autres fins. Microsoft Corp ne pourra, à aucun moment, être tenue responsable des dommages directs, indirects, particuliers ou consécutifs, ayant été occasionnés au cours d'une action contractuelle, d'une négligence, ou de toute autre action découlant de l'utilisation ou du rendement du présent document, ou qui y est liée. Aucun élément du présent communiqué ne peut être interprété comme une garantie.

    Site Web : http://www.microsoft.com http://www.microsoft.com/hpc/en/us/default.aspx

    Microsoft

    Daniela Trivelloni, gestionnaire des relations publiques de Microsoft pour l'Europe de l'Ouest, portable, +44-7812-338101, i-datriv@microsoft.com ; ou Centre de coordination de Microsoft EMEA, emearesponse@waggeneredstrom.com. NOTE AUX RÉDACTEURS : Si vous êtes intéressés à obtenir de plus amples renseignements au sujet de Microsoft dans l'EMEA, veuillez consulter le http://www.microsoft.com/emea ou consulter le Centre de presse de l'EMEA au http://www.microsoft.com/emea/presscentre. Les liens hypertextes, les numéros de téléphone, et les titres étaient corrects au moment de la publication, mais peuvent avoir changé depuis. Pour obtenir de l'aide, les journalistes et les analystes peuvent contacter les personnes-ressources dont le nom figure au http://www.microsoft.com/emea/presscentre/contactus.mspx. Si vous êtes intéressés à obtenir de plus amples renseignements au sujet de Microsoft Corp, veuillez consulter le site Web de Microsoft au http://www.microsoft.com/presspass dans les pages contenant des renseignements d'entreprise de Microsoft. /Photo : NewsCom : http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO, AP Archive : http://photoarchive.ap.org, PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com

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