Companies news

Arbinet Announces Results of 2009 Annual Meeting and Board AppointmentsStockholders Approve Company Name ChangeJoe Cecin Appointed Chairman and Randall Kaplan Joins Board

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Arbinet Corporation, formerly known as Arbinet-thexchange, Inc. , a leading provider of innovative voice and IP solutions for buying and selling telecommunications capacity, today announced the results of its Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was held on June 16, 2009. Stockholders elected Stanley Kreitman, Robert Pons and David Reymann as Class II directors to serve until 2012. Stockholders also approved Board proposals authorizing a change in the Company's name to "Arbinet Corporation" and giving the Board the discretion to effect a reverse stock split within 12 months. Arbinet has filed the name change amendment with the Delaware Secretary of State and notified NASDAQ. The newly-named Arbinet will continue to trade on the NASDAQ under the trading symbol ARBX.

"We appreciate the continued strong support of our stockholders as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance value," said Shawn O'Donnell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arbinet. "The name change better reflects the variety of services and products we offer to our customers and more closely aligns our name with our brand."

Arbinet also announced that Jose "Joe" Cecin was appointed Chairman of the Board, succeeding William Freeman who will remain on the Board as a director. In addition, the Company announced that Randall Kaplan was appointed as a new director and will serve as a member of the Company's Audit Committee. Mr. Kaplan will stand for election at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

"On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to welcome Randy to Arbinet," said Mr. Cecin. "We look forward to benefiting from his entrepreneurial experience as well as his technology and finance expertise."

Mr. Kaplan said, "Arbinet is an innovative company with impressive technology, great people and significant prospects. I look forward to working with the Board and management as we work to enhance Arbinet's position in the telecommunications industry and improve profitability."

Biographies Joe Cecin

Mr. Cecin has served as a director of Arbinet since November 2008 and is a member of the Audit and Compensation committees. He has over 23 years of leadership and management experience with a strong focus on telecom operations, finance and corporate development.

Mr. Cecin is currently the President of Lumina Advisors, a consulting and professional services company he formed in September 2008. Prior to forming Lumina, Mr. Cecin was Managing Director of BB&T Capital Markets. Mr. Cecin is also a co-founder of Cambrian Communications, a facilities-based telecommunications service provider, where he served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and a member of the Board of Directors. Currently Mr. Cecin is on the Board of Directors of RCN Corporation and has served on the Board of Directors and Board of Advisors of several additional companies, both public and private, including SkyTerra Communications and NEON Group, Inc.

Mr. Cecin earned a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA from Stanford University. Prior to attending business school, Mr. Cecin served as an officer in the United States Army's 25th Infantry Division.

Randall Kaplan

Mr. Kaplan brings more than 13 years of technology and financial experience to Arbinet.

Mr. Kaplan is the founder and president of JUMP Investors, a Los Angeles-based investment firm specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge funds and venture capital. In 1998, Mr. Kaplan co-founded Akamai Technologies, the leader in powering rich media, dynamic transactions and enterprise applications online. Before co-founding Akamai, Mr. Kaplan was a Managing Director at SunAmerica Inc. specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Kaplan is a member of the Northwestern Law Board and serves on the Dean's Advisory Council of the University of Michigan's College of Arts, Sciences and Literature.

Mr. Kaplan earned a BA from the University of Michigan, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa during his junior year and graduated with Highest Distinction. Mr. Kaplan graduated with honors from Northwestern University School of Law, and in 1996 was the recipient of the school's first Distinguished Entrepreneur Award.

About Arbinet

Arbinet is a leading provider of international voice and IP solutions to carriers and service providers globally. With more than 1100 carriers across the world utilizing the Arbinet Network, Arbinet combines global scale with sophisticated platform intelligence, call routing and industry leading credit management and settlement capabilities. Customers and suppliers include many leading fixed line, mobile, wholesale and VoIP carriers as well as calling card, ISPs and content providers around the world who buy and sell voice and IP telecommunications capacity and content. For more information about Arbinet's solutions, visit http://www.arbinet.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding anticipated future revenues, growth, capital expenditures, management's future expansion plans, expected product and service developments or enhancements, discussions of strategy, and future operating results. Various risks and uncertainties may cause Arbinet's actual results to differ materially. Please refer to Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2009, and other filings that have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Arbinet assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise and such statements are current only as of the date they are made.

Contacts: Jack Wynne, CFO Arbinet Corporation 732-509-9230 Andi Salas / Dara Silverstein Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449

Arbinet Corporation

CONTACT: Jack Wynne, CFO of Arbinet Corporation, +1-732-509-9230 or Andi
Salas or Dara Silverstein, both of Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher for
Arbinet Corporation, +1-212-355-4449

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

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation to Acquire Universal Safety Response, Inc.Smith & Wesson Diversifies Into Perimeter Security MarketDeal Expected to be Cash Accretive in Current FY2010SWHC Also Announces Q4 FY2009 Revenue of $99.5 Million (+20%)Firearms Backlog Grows to over $200.0 Million

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation , parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 157-year old company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Universal Safety Response, Inc. (USR), a privately held, full-service security systems solutions provider, for up to 9.7 million shares of common stock and up to $26.2 million in cash. The Company also announced certain preliminary, financial information from its fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, including year over year increases in revenue, gross margins, product backlog, and cash balances. The company will report its fourth quarter and full fiscal 2009 performance on Monday, June 22, 2009.

In the current year, which ends April 30, 2010, the acquisition will be immediately accretive excluding the purchase accounting impact on a per share basis and approximately breakeven per share on a US GAAP basis. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to EPS on a U.S. GAAP basis in future periods.

USR, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, is a full-service, uniquely positioned, fast-growing provider of integrated perimeter security solutions. USR is the original creator of the GRAB(R) vehicle safety barrier, which represents the fastest growing barrier technology in the world and is the only active barrier product that meets the Federal Highway Administration's TL-2 safety test, the Department of State's K12 L3 security test, and the Department of Defense ASTM M50 Shallow Mount security test. USR has leveraged the success of its GRAB(R) barrier systems to become a turnkey perimeter security provider, with a large portfolio of products and services. USR serves a variety of clients in the defense, transportation and petro-chemical industries, as well as airports, Fortune 500 companies and national laboratories.

The transaction provides Smith & Wesson entry into the rapidly growing perimeter security market, a move aligned with the company's growth and diversification strategy, and one that expands its revenue base into commercial, non-firearms categories.

Michael F. Golden, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, said, "We are excited about the opportunities that this acquisition creates for both Smith & Wesson and for USR. USR has built a solid reputation in the perimeter security market based on its differentiated GRAB(R) product and its unique ability to deliver integrated security systems solutions to an impressive list of government agencies and blue-chip customers. USR has assembled a strong group of professionals in the perimeter security industry. In addition, USR's broad product and service portfolio, combined with its management's expertise in perimeter security, gives us a strong platform for future growth. Growing demand for enhanced security measures at government, military and corporate facilities presents USR with numerous opportunities. In addition, there are opportunities in areas of transportation, railroad crossings, work zone safety, ballistics, law enforcement, energy producing facilities and international markets yet to be addressed."

In conjunction with the acquisition, USR founder, Matthew Gelfand, will continue to serve as President of USR. He will continue to lead the USR operation and will head Smith & Wesson's efforts to develop USR's security-related businesses. Gelfand said, "I am excited about USR becoming 'a Smith & Wesson company' and about becoming a stockholder of Smith & Wesson. These are two well-established and highly regarded brands in their respective industries, and the value proposition to customers on a combined basis is compelling. We believe that the Smith & Wesson brand name around the world will help open markets for USR's security systems solutions offerings. On a personal level, I am especially proud to become part of a company and a management team for which I have developed great respect. As the founder of USR, it is with careful consideration that I, along with our Board of Directors, have made the decision to sell the company, and it is the power of the Smith & Wesson brand, combined with the people inside the company that served as the deciding factors. I look forward to our combined future."

USR operates primarily in two facilities in Franklin, Tennessee, with an expanding workforce of approximately 110 employees. The organization consists of internal, senior level sales professionals headed by Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Wesley Foss, as well as account managers that focus on client based solutions, including the latest and most innovative products and services. In addition, USR has a full complement of project managers and design and program engineers, focused on fully integrated total perimeter security solutions. The programming expertise involves a variety of technical disciplines, which enable multiple security systems to operate in conjunction with each other. In addition, the USR team includes professional construction site project managers to assure timely, high quality site build-outs. It is this combination of professionals that defines USR's unique business model of providing total system design, product selection and integration, and site installation and maintenance.

Fourth Quarter Full Fiscal 2009 Financial Results and Outlook

William F. Spengler, EVP and Chief Financial Officer for Smith & Wesson, added, "The acquisition of USR is expected to close in late July 2009 and therefore it does not impact our financial results for fiscal 2009, which concluded on April 30, 2009. As noted above, on Monday, June 22, 2009, we will provide the full details of our fourth quarter and full fiscal 2009 financial performance via our normally scheduled press release and conference call. The focus of today's news is on our acquisition of USR; therefore at this point, we are providing only a limited number of highlights from our fourth quarter results.

"Revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 was $99.5 million, which is $16.4 million, or 20%, higher than revenue for the comparable quarter one year ago, and gross profit margins improved to 31.0%. Demand for our handguns and tactical rifles remained strong throughout the fourth quarter, as evidenced by our revenue as well as by our backlog balance, which grew to over $200.0 million as of April 30, 2009. We again improved our cash position, which increased to $39.8 million, a balance which does not include the approximately $35.0 million of net proceeds from a public offering that we concluded in May 2009. We look forward to sharing more detail with you on Monday.

"The purchase price of USR will include 5.6 million shares at closing and up to 4.1 million shares of our common stock depending on USR meeting certain targeted EBITDAS for calendar years 2009 and 2010, and, depending upon the average price of our common stock leading up to the closing date of the transaction, between approximately $8.8 and $26.2 million in cash. We will be including the results of operations for USR from the closing date forward, which is expected by late July, 2009. We currently anticipate the revenue contribution from USR for the period from the closing date to the end of our 2010 full fiscal year will be approximately $50.0 million. Looking forward, we expect the USR revenue contribution for fiscal year 2011 to be approximately $100.0 million, and EBITDAS from USR in that period to exceed $15.0 million. It should be noted that the acquisition agreement includes an earn-out provision whereby USR shareholders will earn the maximum number of shares only if a minimum EBITDAS target of $15.0 million for calendar 2010 is successfully met. For accounting purposes, our share count for fully diluted earnings per share purposes will increase each fiscal year as the incremental 4.1 million shares are earned.

"In summary, our underlying business continues to perform extremely well and we believe that USR provides Smith & Wesson with a new and very strong growth driver for the future," concluded Spengler.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements give the Company's current expectations or forecasts of future events. These forward looking statements include expectations regarding (i) the proposed acquisition, (ii) the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, (iii) the timing of the proposed acquisition, (iv) the expected financial effect of the acquisition, (v) the accretive impact of Universal Safety Response, Inc. earnings, (vi) the effect of the acquisition on customer growth strategy, (vii) the ability of the Company's management to integrate the acquired business in a successful manner, (viii) the market position, market acceptance, demand for, and growth prospects of USR's products, (ix) the strength of USR's management and technical personnel, (x) USR's platform for growth, (xi) the revenue and EBITDAS contributions to Smith & Wesson by USR in future periods, (xii) Smith & Wesson's revenue, profit margin and product demand, (xiii) the performance of the Company's business, (xiv) the ability of USR to successfully expand as a subsidiary of Smith & Wesson rather than as a standalone company (xv) and the Company's outlook for fiscal 2010 and 2011. The Company cautions that these statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include the demand for the Company's products, the Company's growth opportunities, the ability of the Company to obtain operational enhancements, the ability of the Company to increase its production capacity, the ability of the Company to engage additional key employees, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's reports filed with the SEC, including its Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2008. The Company assumes no obligation to update publicly such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and webcast today, June 18, 2009, to discuss the acquisition. The conference call and webcast may include forward-looking statements. The call and webcast will begin at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific), and will contain a slide presentation and a short video clip. The live audio broadcast and a replay of the event can be accessed on Smith & Wesson's Web site at http://www.smith-wesson.com/ (Windows Media is required). The Company will maintain a replay of this event on its website for a period of time after the call. No other replay will be available.

EBITDAS

In this press release, a non-GAAP financial measure, known as "EBITDAS" is discussed. EBITDAS in this press release excludes the effects of interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, stock-based employee compensation expense and certain merger related expenses and is defined in the definitive agreement to acquire USR. Adjusted financial measures are not, and should not be, viewed as a substitute for GAAP results. Our definition of these adjusted financial measures may differ from similarly named measures used by others.

About Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, a global leader in safety, security, protection and sport, is parent company to Smith & Wesson Corp., one of the world's largest manufacturers of quality firearms and firearm safety/security products and parent company to Thompson/Center Arms, Inc., a premier designer and manufacturer of premium hunting rifles, black powder rifles, interchangeable firearms systems and accessories under the Thompson/Center brand. Smith & Wesson licenses shooter protection, knives, apparel, and other accessory lines. Smith & Wesson is based in Springfield, Massachusetts with manufacturing facilities in Springfield, Massachusetts; Houlton, Maine; and Rochester, New Hampshire. The Smith & Wesson Academy is America's longest running firearms training facility for law enforcement, military and security professionals. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to http://www.smith-wesson.com/. For more information on Thompson/Center Arms, log on to http://www.tcarms.com/.

About Universal Safety Response

Based in Franklin, Tennessee, USR is a full-service perimeter security integrator, barrier manufacturer and installer. Founded in 1994, USR is the original creator of GRAB(R), which has become the fastest growing barrier technology in the world. USR serves a variety of clients in the defense, transportation and petrol-chemical industries, as well as corporate facilities, airports, Fortune 500 companies, and national laboratories. For more information on Universal Safety Response, log on to http://www.usrgrab.com/.

Contacts: Liz Sharp, VP Investor Relations Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (413) 747-3304 lsharp@smith-wesson.com William F. Spengler, EVP, Chief Financial Officer Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (413) 747-3304

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation

CONTACT: Liz Sharp, VP Investor Relations, +1-413-747-3304,
lsharp@smith-wesson.com, or William F. Spengler, EVP, Chief Financial Officer,
+1-413- 747-3304, both of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation

Web Site: http://www.smith-wesson.com/

Mercury Computer Systems Delivers on Aegis Weapon System Upgrade for Lockheed MartinMercury provides extreme processing and I/O capability with current- and next-generation COTS multicomputing for the Lockheed Martin Signal Processor upgrade programs

CHELMSFORD, Mass., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. , a leading provider of embedded, high-performance computing systems and software for image, sensor, and signal processing applications, announced it delivered on an initial order and received a follow-on order from Lockheed Martin for the Aegis Weapon System upgrade.

In February 2009, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $78.6 million production contract from the U.S. Navy to provide the next evolution of hardware for the Aegis Modernization and Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) programs. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the Aegis Weapon System is the only operational sea-based radar and weapon system capable of simultaneous warfare against air, surface, subsurface and land targets.

Mercury is delivering on an order for its next-generation Ensemble(TM) 7100 components and systems, which will be integrated on both land and ship sites for the Multi-Mission Signal Processor (MMSP) upgrade, which is a key component to provide ballistic missile defense capability to Aegis-equipped destroyers undergoing modernization beginning in 2012.

In addition, a recent follow-on order calls for Mercury to provide PowerStream(R) 7000 production systems for the first two ships in the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Signal Processor (BSP) 4.0.1 upgrade, which is now undergoing testing for existing Aegis BMD-capable cruisers and destroyers. Both the PowerStream 7000 and next-generation Ensemble 7100 systems provide extreme processing power in harsh, confined environments. Mercury will also provide integration services for the upgrades.

According to Lockheed Martin, the BSP and MMSP upgrades will be installed on up to nine ships per year. The BSP upgrade will deliver a leapfrog performance capability from current capability, while the MMSP upgrade will help to set the stage for implementation of a single commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) architecture.

"The Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Signal Processor and Multi-Mission Signal Processor will provide fleet commanders with a great leap in capability to detect, track and target ballistic missile targets," said Allan Croly, Lockheed Martin's director of Naval Radar Programs. "Mercury's PowerStream 7000 and Ensemble 7100 support operational upgrades in the near term, and provide a software migration path to the industry-standard Linux operating system and the Navy's open architecture objective."

"With the deep expertise of our engineering team, and our powerful COTS-based multicomputing technology, which is unmatched in I/O and processing bandwidth, we'll help enable Lockheed Martin to maintain an aggressive implementation schedule for these critical performance upgrades," said Didier Thibaud, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Computing Solutions at Mercury.

For more information on Mercury's innovative solutions for next-generation warfare, visit http://www.mc.com/defense, or contact Mercury at (866) 627-6951 or at info@mc.com. For more information on the Aegis Weapon System, visit http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/AegisWeaponSystem/.

Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. - Where Challenges Drive Innovation(TM)

Mercury Computer Systems (http://www.mc.com/, NASDAQ: MRCY) provides embedded computing systems and software that combine image, signal, and sensor processing with information management for data-intensive applications. With deep expertise in optimizing algorithms and software and in leveraging industry-standard technologies, we work closely with customers to architect comprehensive, purpose-built solutions that capture, process, and present data for defense electronics, homeland security, and other computationally challenging commercial markets. Our dedication to performance excellence and collaborative innovation continues a 25-year history in enabling customers to gain the competitive advantage they need to stay at the forefront of the markets they serve.

Mercury is based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and serves customers worldwide through a broad network of direct sales offices, subsidiaries, and distributors.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to the orders from Lockheed Martin, or the PowerStream 7000 and Ensemble 7100 systems, intellectual property, or integration services provided to Lockheed Martin. You can identify these statements by our use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, including unforeseen weakness in the Company's markets, effects of continued geo-political unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, continued funding of defense programs, the timing of such funding, changes in the U.S. Government's interpretation of federal procurement rules and regulations, market acceptance of the Company's products, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, inability to fully realize the expected benefits from acquisitions or delays in realizing such benefits, challenges in integrating acquired businesses and achieving anticipated synergies, and difficulties in retaining key customers. These risks and uncertainties also include such additional risk factors as are discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.

Contact: Kathleen Sniezek, Public Relations Manager Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. 978-967-1126 / ksniezek@mc.com

PowerStream is a registered trademark, and Challenges Drive Innovation and Ensemble are trademarks of Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081013/NEM013LOGO )

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081013/NEM013LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com Mercury Computer Systems, Inc.

CONTACT: Kathleen Sniezek, Public Relations Manager of Mercury Computer
Systems, Inc., +1-978-967-1126, ksniezek@mc.com

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

Verizon's Thinkfinity.org Creates Summer Fun Activities Feature to Help Students to Stave Off 'Summer Learning Loss'Studies Show Need for Students to Engage in Educational Activities When School Is Out

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Finding free educational resources and online activities to engage students during the summer and help them retain the academic skills they learned during the school year just got easier, thanks to a plethora of free materials available on the Verizon Foundation's Thinkfinity.org.

According to the National Center for Summer Learning, based at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, all young people experience learning loss when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. For example, studies cited by the center show that most students lose about two months of grade-level equivalency in mathematical computation skills, and low-income students lose more than two months in reading achievement.

To help address this problem, Verizon's Thinkfinity.org has created a special Summer Learning feature that includes many engaging activities and resources created by some of the nation's leading educational organizations.

Thinkfinity.org is the Verizon Foundation's free, comprehensive Web site that contains thousands of educational resources including K-12 lesson plans, online educational activities, videos and other materials to enhance teacher effectiveness and improve student achievement.

Resources highlighted in the Summer Learning feature include: -- Invention At Play: This site, which is part of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, challenges students to explore, question, invent and collaborate to make their own discoveries. Grades K-12. http://www.inventionatplay.org/ -- OurStory: In this resource from the National Museum of American History, parents and children can explore American history through museum objects, hands-on activities and neighborhood field trips. Each themed activity is centered on a recommended work of children's historical fiction to keep reading skills sharp. Grades K-12. http://americanhistory.si.edu/ourstory/ -- Writing a First Resume: Both during the summer and the school year, many teens are interested in getting a part-time job or volunteering to help build their work experience. This activity from the International Reading Association and National Council of Teachers of English's ReadWriteThink.org will help teens create a professional resume to effectively present their skills and talents. Grades 9-12. http://www.readwritethink.org/beyondtheclassroom/summer/grades9_12/Res ume/ Additional summer learning resources for grades K-12 can also be found at ReadWriteThink.org's Beyond the Classroom feature at http://www.readwritethink.org/beyondtheclassroom/summer/ -- Calculation Nation: Through this online game from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, students can challenge opponents from anywhere in the world. At the same time, students are able to challenge themselves by investigating significant mathematical content and practicing fundamental skills. Grades K-12. http://www.calculationnation.com/ -- Summer Science Fun: Through this portal from the American Association for the Advancement of Science's Science NetLinks, students, parents and teachers have access to a wide-range of experiments and interactive computer games to demonstrate how science impacts daily life. Grades K-12. http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/summer/ -- We The People Bookshelf: This resource from the National Endowment for the Humanities' EDSITEment contains a list of books for K-12 students that capture the theme of Picturing America. In addition, this resource also contains related lesson plans and links to reviewed Web sites. http://edsitement.neh.gov/wtpbookshelf/

"For students to truly have the best opportunity to succeed, learning must not end when the school year does," said Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston. "Learning must be a constant pursuit, and these valuable resources from Verizon's Thinkfinity.org and its many wonderful content partners will help keep children engaged and excited about learning throughout the summer months."

Content for Thinkfinity.org is provided through a partnership between the Verizon Foundation and 11 of the nation's leading organizations in the fields of education and literacy: the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Council for Economic Education, International Reading Association, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, National Center for Family Literacy, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Council of Teachers of English, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Geographic Society, ProLiteracy and the National Museum of American History.

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2008, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit http://www.verizonfoundation.org/.

Verizon Communications Inc. , headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 86 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations provide converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. Wireline also includes Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 237,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 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: Brian C. Malina of Verizon, +1-908-559-6434,
brian.c.malina@verizon.com

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

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

Overstock.com Opens Doors to More International CustomersNow shipping to Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore

SALT LAKE CITY, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Overstock.com, Inc. today announced its launch of international sales to customers in Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This announcement now brings to 37 the total number of countries in which Overstock is selling products to customers.

These International shoppers can now search, browse and purchase over 600,000 quality discount products, all priced in local currency, from the company's website: http://www.overstock.com/.

"International markets are underserved by online retail," said Patrick Byrne, Overstock.com chairman and CEO. "With the weakness of the dollar the time has never been better for international customers to buy bargain American goods, creating a great opportunity for us."

The site geolocates international visitors and displays pricing in their local currency, automatically adjusted to daily fluctuations in exchange rates. Overstock.com launched its international service in August 2008, and International shoppers can conveniently find quality brand-name items in 10 major categories.

Since its go-international announcement in May 2008, Overstock.com has seen a substantial increase in international traffic on site and international sales.

"With the high interest and volume of international customers visiting our site, we want to continue to give them an opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of shopping Overstock.com," added Byrne. "We plan to continue our expansion into other countries as we roll this business forward over the next several years."

About Overstock.com

Overstock.com, Inc. is an online retailer offering brand-name merchandise at discount prices. The company offers its customers an opportunity to shop for bargains conveniently, while offering its suppliers an alternative inventory distribution channel. Overstock.com, headquartered in Salt Lake City, is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market System under the symbol: OSTK, and can be found online at http://www.overstock.com/. Overstock.com regularly posts information about the company and other related matters on its website under the heading "Investor Relations."

Overstock.com(R) is a registered trademark of Overstock.com, Inc.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding whether online retail underservices international markets; the opportunity for the company's international sales, owning to a weak U.S. currency, statements regarding future international sales and a continued expansion of the company's international sales program, Our Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2007, our subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, or any amendments thereto, and our other subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in our projections, estimates or forward-looking statements.

Overstock.com, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Roger Johnson, +1-801-947-4430, rojohnson@overstock.com;
or Investors, Kevin Moon, +1-801-947-3282, kmoon@overstock.com, both of
Overstock.com, Inc.

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

Pearson VUE Selected by Citrix as Exclusive Test Delivery Partner

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson VUE, the computer-based testing business of Pearson, announced today that Citrix Systems, Inc. has selected the company as its exclusive delivery provider of Citrix certification exams. With the transition, Pearson VUE and Citrix plan to work more closely together to focus on key areas such as exam security and marketing programs that enhance the integrity and value of Citrix certifications. This will also allow Citrix to increase the scalability and coverage of its certification programs, and improve operational efficiencies.

Citrix certifications differentiate individuals seeking to validate in-demand skill sets in virtualization and networking. They also add to an IT job seeker's marketability--in fact, IT certification studies and salary surveys have consistently ranked the Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator(TM) (CCEA) and Citrix Certified Integration Architect(TM) (CCIA) as top-earning certifications.

"The decision to move to a single exam delivery provider will allow us to grow our certification program globally, explore new market opportunities, and strengthen test center security and data protection," said Julieann Scalisi, Managing Director of Worldwide Education for Citrix. "We look forward to deepening our partnership with Pearson VUE and utilizing their security and marketing services to enhance our certification program."

"We are honored to have been selected as the exclusive test delivery provider for Citrix," said Robert Whelan, president and chief executive officer of Pearson VUE. "Our alignment with Citrix on the importance of technology innovation and test center security has been recognized by both companies, and we are excited to continue to grow our partnership in the years to come."

For more information on this transition, including Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Citrix Education website at http://www.citrixeducation.com/ or the Pearson VUE website at http://www.pearsonvue.com/citrix.

About Pearson VUE

Pearson VUE (http://www.pearsonvue.com/) is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world. Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management, and delivers exams through the world's most comprehensive and secure network of test centers in 165 countries. Pearson VUE is a business of Pearson , the international media company, whose businesses include the Financial Times Group, Pearson Education and the Penguin Group.

About Citrix Education

Citrix Education provides Citrix customers and partners with official training and certification programs on Citrix products, technology and best practices. Its robust training curriculum includes instructor-led, virtual instructor-led, and self-paced online courses, as well as virtual practice labs. Industry-recognized Citrix certifications enable IT professionals at every level to prove in-demand skills necessary to build, maintain and maximize Citrix environments. For more information, go to http://www.citrixeducation.com/.

About Citrix Systems, Inc.

Citrix Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of virtualization, networking and software-as-a-service (SaaS) technologies for more than 230,000 organizations worldwide. It's Citrix Delivery Center, Citrix Cloud Center (C3) and Citrix Online Services product families radically simplify computing for millions of users, delivering applications as an on-demand service to any user, in any location on any device. Citrix customers include the world's largest Internet companies, 99 percent of Fortune Global 500 enterprises, and hundreds of thousands of small businesses and prosumers worldwide. Citrix partners with over 10,000 companies worldwide in more than 100 countries. Founded in 1989, annual revenue in 2008 was $1.6 billion.

Pearson VUE

CONTACT: Adam Gaber of Pearson VUE, +1-212-641-6118,
adam.gaber@pearson.com

Web Site: http://www.pearsonvue.com/
http://www.citrixeducation.com/

Panasonic Avionics Selected to Supply Cabin Management and Passenger Address System for Bombardier CSeries Aircraft

LAKE FOREST, Calif., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, today announced their selection by Bombardier to provide Cabin Management and Passenger Address Systems (CMS) for the Bombardier CSeries aircraft.

Panasonic's CMS on the CSeries aircraft will allow control, monitoring and diagnostics of numerous aircraft cabin functions, including temperature and lighting. The CMS also provides a complete embedded digital audio solution offering passenger address, interphone and pre-recorded announcements and music (PRAM) capabilities to the CSeries aircraft passengers, cabin and flight crew. Panasonic is committed to enhancing the entire passenger experience, including CMS, in-flight entertainment and communications systems.

"Panasonic's CMS is one of many features that allow the CSeries aircraft to deliver a preferred passenger experience at one of the lowest operating costs in its class," said Rob Dewar, Vice President, CSeries Integrated Product Development Team, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. "Together with Panasonic, we are introducing features that make flying more enjoyable for passengers and create real value for our customers."

"We are pleased that Bombardier selected Panasonic to provide the CMS for its CSeries aircraft," said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer at Panasonic Avionics Corporation. "We look forward to using the latest technology to deliver a cost-effective and lower weight solution that enhances the passenger experience on this new aircraft."

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. The company's best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling airlines to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality communication systems and solutions, reduced time-to-market and lower overall costs.

Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics Corporation is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation . Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, with over 3,100 employees and operations in 80 locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional information, please visit http://www.panasonic.aero/.

Panasonic Avionics Corporation

CONTACT: Theresa Yeoh of Panasonic Avionics Corporation,
+1-949-462-1730, theresa.yeoh@panasonic.aero

Web Site: http://www.panasonic.aero/

CNNIC Selects IBM System z To Support China's Explosive Internet Growth

BEIJING, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBM today announced that China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), as a new IBM mainframe customer, has selected IBM System z9 Business Class (z9 BC) to create an advanced information technology (IT) platform to support the explosive Internet growth of China. By migrating its distributed servers to a Linux-based System z platform through "specialty engines" known as Integrated Facilities for Linux (IFLs), CNNIC also has created a new, environmentally efficient enterprise data.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

As the state network information center for China, CNNIC provides Internet-related services, ranging from domain name registry service to IP address and autonomous system number (AS Number) allocation service to catalogue database service. The demand for CNNIC's services reflects recent Internet adoption rate in China. As of the end of 2008, Chinese Internet users have surpassed 298 million while the country's Internet penetration rate of 22.6% had topped the global average level of 21.9%, making China one of the world's largest base of Internet users and Internet penetration rate.*

To support the rapidly advancing Internet development in China over the last decade, CNNIC has been increasing the computing capacity of its IT platform by adding hundreds of servers and network devices. This increased energy cost significantly and decreased operational efficiency. In short, CNNIC needed a more affordable and flexible solution to overcome space constraints and related real estate costs.

After running stringent tests and simulations of its applications and database management system on various industry solutions in late 2008, CNNIC decided to use IBM System z9 BC as the IT foundation of its "Prospective Business Research Platform". CNNIC chose IBM's mainframe technology for its superior integration capability, as well as unmatched stability and security required for its IT infrastructure. Another plus is that System z boasted of a central processor dedicated to Linux workloads.

"At present, we only utilized 60 percent of the IBM System z9 BC CPU to run about 20 workload applications that were previously processed by a flight of small and mid-range servers. It is definitely a drastic improvement compared with five percent server utilization in the past," said Dr. Zhang Yuedong, deputy director of Technology Department at CNNIC.

Dr. Zhang added, "Running Linux on System z boasts wonderful compatibility with PC Linux. Currently, both of RedHat and SUSE offer specific editions supporting System z virtual machine. We also plan to migrate some low and medium workload of mission critical businesses to the IBM mainframe in the future."

To date, CNNIC's deployment of IBM's flagship virtualization technology has enabled the company to offer the most highly available network with full utilization and around-the-clock support. Additionally, the ability to activate new virtual servers within minutes via Linux on System z has helped CNNIC realize rapid application deployment.

About CNNIC

China Internet Network Information Center, or CNNIC, was founded as a non-project organization in 1997. CNNIC takes orders from the Ministry of Information Industry (MII) to conduct daily business, while it was administratively operated by Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). For more information about CNNIC, visit http://www.cnnic.net.cn/en/index/index.htm

About IBM System z

The adoption of IBM mainframes, which power the top 50 banks worldwide and 22 of the top 25 US retailers, has enabled IBM's System z to nearly double its share this decade, according to IDC's high-end server quarterly tracker. Examples of the clients in the Asia Pacific region that have adopted IBM mainframes include: HDFC Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea, and RHB Banking Group (Malaysia). For more information on the facts about IBM's System z mainframe, visit IBM's Get the Facts website.

* Statistical Survey Report on the Internet Development in China, January 2009, published by CNNIC. For more information, go to http://www.cnnic.cn/uploadfiles/pdf/2009/3/23/153540.pdf

Media Contact Alvin Xiao Yi SHEN Communications, IBM China Tel: 86-10-63613053 E-mail: shenxyi@cn.ibm.com Harriet Ip Communications, Growth Markets Unit, IBM Tel: 65-64181521 / 65-81618505 Email: harrieti@sg.ibm.com Mylissa Tsai System z Media Relations, IBM STG Tel: +1 (917) 472-3680 Email: tsaim@us.ibm.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com IBM Corporation

CONTACT: Alvin Xiao Yi SHEN, Communications, IBM China, +86-10-63613053,
shenxyi@cn.ibm.com, or Harriet Ip, Communications, Growth Markets Unit, IBM,
+65-64181521 or +65-81618505, harrieti@sg.ibm.com, or Mylissa Tsai, System z
Media Relations, IBM STG, +1-917-472-3680, tsaim@us.ibm.com

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

Fusion Common Stock Trades on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board

NEW YORK, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fusion (BULLETIN BOARD: FSNN) today announced the listing of its common stock on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol FSNN.OB. The OTCBB listing follows the Company's June 8, 2009 filing of Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the voluntary delisting of its securities from the NYSE Amex Exchange and its de-registration from Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. The delisting from the NYSE Amex Exchange became effective at the opening of trading today and the Section 12(b) deregistration is expected to become effective on or before September 7, 2009.

The Company's Common Stock Purchase Warrants are expected to trade over-the-counter on the Pink Sheets under the symbol FSNNW.PK. Given the relatively light trading volume of the warrants and their expiration in less than one year, the Company believes that investors will be adequately served by alternative trading in the "pink sheets" for those securities, and anticipates no interruption in their trading.

The Company intends to continue to comply with reporting requirements (e.g., 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K) under the Exchange Act.

About Fusion:

Fusion is a new breed of communications carrier, dedicated to providing a full range of advanced, IP-based voice and data solutions to corporate and carrier customers worldwide. The Company provides hosted IP-PBX applications, SIP trunking services, voice traffic termination, private networks, Internet access and a full suite of enhanced features and services.

For more information, please go to http://www.fusiontel.com/.

Statements in this Press Release that are not purely historical facts, including statements regarding Fusion's beliefs, expectations, intentions or strategies for the future, may be "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, introduction of products in a timely fashion, market acceptance of new products, cost increases, fluctuations in and obsolescence of inventory, price and product competition, availability of labor and materials, development of new third-party products and techniques that render Fusion's products obsolete, delays in obtaining regulatory approvals, potential product recalls and litigation. Risk factors, cautionary statements and other conditions which could cause Fusion's actual results to differ from management's current expectations are contained in Fusion's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available through http://www.sec.gov/.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050705/NYTU073LOGO ) FUSION Philip Turits, Treasurer CONTACT: 212-201-2407 pturits@fusiontel.com Damon Testaverde, Managing Director Network 1 Financial Securities 718-317-7746 ddtestaverde@netw1.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050705/NYTU073LOGO Fusion

CONTACT: Philip Turits, Treasurer, +1-212-201-2407,
pturits@fusiontel.com or Damon Testaverde, Managing Director, Network 1
Financial Securities, +1-718-317-7746, ddtestaverde@netw1.com

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

IOGEAR Signs Distribution Agreement With SED International Holdings

TUCKER, Ga., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SED International Holdings, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: SECX) , a multinational supply chain management provider and distributor of leading computer technology, wireless communications and consumer electronics, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with IOGEAR, Inc. to distribute IOGEAR's complete line of KVM, Connectivity, Networking, Digital Audio/Video, Mobility and Desktop solutions, including its award-winning wireless USB to VGA Kit, Wireless Audio/Video Kit; Mobile Digital Scribe, DVI Net ShareStation and USB 2.0 Printer Auto Sharing Switch, among other popular solutions.

Miranda Su, Executive Vice President of IOGEAR, noted, "SED International is a great addition to our distribution channel, broadening our reach to consumers and contributing to our overall sales goals. We look forward to fostering this relationship and bringing high quality personal technology products to a new audience."

SED will distribute IOGEAR's products to its VAR and e-tailing customers, supported by its six distribution centers strategically located throughout the U.S. and Latin America. According to Jonathan Elster, SED's President and Chief Operating Officer, "SED is actively seeking ways to expand our business relationships with our customers and to attract new resellers to the SED family through the addition of best-of-breed products and solutions that consumers want and need. In view of the dynamic growth of Internet TV, we are highly confident that IOGEAR's new Wireless Audio/Video Kit, in particular, will fast prove to be among our most in-demand products in the coming year."

Headquartered in Irvine, California, IOGEAR offers innovative technology solutions that are fun, stylish and help people enjoy daily life. A consumer electronics leader, the Company provides a range of KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) and KVMP (Peripheral), Connectivity, Networking, A/V Digital Home, Mobility and Desktop solutions. IOGEAR's products decrease office clutter and energy consumption, reduce electronic waste, enable computer sharing at home and in the office as well as enhance mobility and efficiency when on-the-go. For further information, please visit IOGEAR's Web site at http://www.iogear.com/.

ABOUT SED INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.

Founded in 1980, SED International Holdings, Inc. is a multinational, preferred distributor of leading computer technology, wireless communications and consumer electronics products. The Company also offers custom-tailored supply chain management services ideally suited to meet the priorities and distribution requirements of the e-commerce, Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer markets. Headquartered near Atlanta, Georgia with business operations in California; Florida; Georgia; Texas; Bogota, Colombia and Buenos Aires, Argentina, SED serves a customer base of over 10,000 channel partners and retailers in the U.S. and Latin America. To learn more, please visit http://www.sedonline.com/ or follow us on Twitter @SEDIntl.

Statements made in this Press Release that are not historical or current facts are "forward-looking statements." These statements often can be identified by the use of terms such as "may," "will," "expect," "believes," "anticipate," "estimate," "approximate" or "continue," or the negative thereof. The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Any forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment as to what may occur in the future. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and important factors beyond the control of the Company that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from historical results of operations and events and those presently anticipated or projected. These factors include adverse economic conditions, entry of new and stronger competitors, inadequate capital, unexpected costs, failure to gain product approval in foreign countries and failure to capitalize upon access to new markets. The Company disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statement or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. These factors and others are discussed in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis" section of the Company's Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT Elite Financial Communications Group, LLC Dodi Handy, President and CEO (Twitter: @dodihandy) Kathy Addison, Director of Elite Media Group (Twitter: @kathyaddison) 407-585-1080 or via email at SECX@efcg.net

SED International Holdings, Inc.

CONTACT: Dodi Handy, President and CEO of Elite Financial Communications
Group, LLC, (Twitter: @dodihandy); or Kathy Addison, Director of Elite Media
Group (Twitter: @kathyaddison),.+1-407-585-1080, SECX@efcg.net, both for SED
International Holdings, Inc.

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

City of Dreams, Macau Opens With GPI Casino CurrencyMacau's newest casino to utilize high-frequency RFID gaming plaques

LAS VEGAS, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gaming Partners International Corporation announced the successful delivery of its order for the City of Dreams casino in Macau, which opened earlier this month. The order, which included all of the casino's gaming plaques for their 550 table games, was valued at US$2.7 million.

City of Dreams, a Melco PBL Entertainment property, purchased GPI's Bourgogne & Grasset(R) (B&G) line of gaming plaques fitted with high-frequency 13.56MHz RFID (radio frequency identification device) micro chips. The plaques were provided in a variety of styles, shapes and color combinations, available in the B&G line.

The RFID technology offered with all GPI's lines of casino currency, allows casinos to verify the authenticity and value of each chip, plaque and jeton almost instantly, reducing the possibility of counterfeits, staff pilferage or errors in casino currency counts. This technology enables casinos to track individual chips, plaques or jetons throughout the gaming floor and, with specialized readers and software, follow payments, fills and credits, table drops, tips, and win and losses per table at any time of the day. GPI's high-frequency RFID chips are compatible with special player tracking hardware and software that allow for accurate tracking of play data from tables so casinos can follow player bets and accurately rate and reward players.

"GPI is very proud to have been a part of the successful opening of this landmark casino," said Gerard P. Charlier, President and CEO of GPI. "The City of Dreams' acceptance of RFID is a testament to the advantages of this technology and our commitment in providing the best solutions for casino currency security and tracking."

City of Dreams, Macau is just the latest Melco PBL property to implement GPI's RFID technology with its casino currency. GPI has been providing the Crown Macau and Crown Melbourne casino with RFID Casino Currency Control(R) solutions since 2007. This latest delivery maintains GPI's dominance in the Macau casino currency control market.

About Gaming Partners International Corporation

GPI manufactures and supplies casino table games and equipment to licensed casinos worldwide. Under the brand names of Paulson(R), Bourgogne et Grasset(R) and Bud Jones(R), GPI provides casino currency such as chips, plaques and jetons; gaming furniture and accessories; table layouts; playing cards; dice; and roulette wheels. GPI pioneered the use of security features such as RFID technology in casino chips, and provides RFID solutions including chips, readers and displays. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, GPI also has offices Beaune, France; San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico; Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Gulfport Mississippi. For additional information, please visit http://www.gpigaming.com/.

Gaming Partners International Corporation

CONTACT: Lauren Coombs of Gaming Partners International Corporation,
+1-702-598-2444, lcoombs@gpigaming.com

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

BT Innovates Product Portfolio to Help Businesses and Government Organizations Succeed in the Current Economy and the FutureVirtual Data Center optimizes "cloud computing" offering new ways of pricing and delivering IT services

LONDON, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- BT today revealed that it will be launching its new Virtual Data Center (VDC) service in the coming months, aimed at helping large business and public sector organizations succeed in the current economy and prepare for the future. It provides a dynamic and virtualized infrastructure platform that enables them to consume their IT and networking infrastructure as a service and forms the base for future cloud services.

The BT VDC, showcased by BT today at the Handelsblatt Telecommunications Market Europe conference in Dusseldorf, Germany, marks the first of several networked IT product and service innovations and updates to be announced by BT Global Services this year. BT's investment has been focused on supporting portfolio innovations in voice/unified communications, network services, security, mobility, data centers and contact centers infrastructure.

BT Virtual Data Center service will, uniquely in the market, be rolled-out across datacenters in multiple countries in EMEA and this will enable BT to provide true enterprise class services. The second key differentiator with competitors is that BT offers servers, storage, networks and security that is orchestrated and automatically provisioned through its online portal. Customers can change the infrastructure easily in real-time throughout the duration of the contract through the portal.

BT customers will also be able to virtualize many of their networking and IT needs to the required service levels. By using BT's enterprise class infrastructure, BT VDC delivers to large organizations the benefits of enterprise class "cloud computing" to customers at a significant saving against a standard hosted infrastructure deployment.

"Any Infrastructure as a Service offering that can provide a platform where organizations can scale their computing, network, and storage requirements in real time, according to their needs, will have obvious appeal," said Roy Illsley, Senior Research Analyst at research company Butler Group.

As part of the BT VDC offering, customers will be able to purchase virtualized components and access them over a pre-provisioned infrastructure. Virtual server, storage, security and networking capabilities will be available, automated and orchestrated through an online portal and supported by a single service desk.

Hanif Lalani, Chief Executive of BT Global Services, said: "In today's turbulent, global economy companies need flexible, efficient, and secure networked IT services to sharpen their competitive edge, innovate how they do business and get to market first.

"The launch of BT VDC services is just one example of innovation in of our Global Services product portfolio, illustrating that BT continues to invest in and innovate our capabilities to ensure customers have the right services to run their business in 2009. BT VDC will deliver a new and enhanced customer experience. Having the click-to-build and buy facility will give them flexibility and ease of provisioning. Deployment times will also be reduced from months to weeks resulting in further cost savings and efficiencies," he added.

"BT is one of the very first movers in Europe with its infrastructure as a service offer and the only global provider that will be deploying this service across a vast network of data centers both in the UK and Europe," said Dustin Kehoe, Principal Analyst, Current Analysis. "Other differentiators for BT include a strong central platform allowing customers to provision services on the fly and a solid professional services organization to support customers with higher end requirements."

Luis Alvarez, President, EMEA, BT Global Services, speaking today at the Handelsblatt Telecommunications Market Europe conference in Dusseldorf, Germany, said: "BT's vision is to become a leading infrastructure as a service provider. BT VDC has all of the components to enable us to realise that vision including virtual computing, storage, security and networks orchestrated and automatically provided via our online portal. Our investment in this innovative service means that we differentiate ourselves from simple server virtualization offering."

Further Innovations to BT Global Services' Product Portfolio

BT VDC is just one of a number of new product innovations that will be announced by BT Global Services this year, focused on helping business customers and government organizations achieve competitive edge this year.

BT Global Services' product offerings are available as managed services and have been improved to help businesses attain cost leadership and create more value for their own customers. BT's portfolio of products and services offers customers the capabilities to rapidly, securely and efficiently deploy networked IT services to help them survive in the current climate and seize opportunities when the economy revitalises.

BT will be making a series of announcements throughout this year about its continued investment and innovation in products and services including:

-- BT Onevoice is a market leading global voice solution that delivers operational and cost benefits today, and creates a robust roadmap approach to global Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC). BT has developed a range of services, offering advances in features, access and the very latest voice technology. BT Onevoice is a highly flexible, scalable and reliable package, with fully-featured digital telephony and reduced-rate mobile calls, that is able to combine traditional and IP voice environments seamlessly across the globe. -- BT Unite, new to the market this year, delivers on the promise of UCC through converged voice and data services. BT Unite features a range of packages that bring together the best and most-requested UCC elements from Cisco, Microsoft and IBM and delivers a fully integrated solution. BT was the first to offer a fully integrated approach to UCC, and with our extensive Professional Services team, supported by fully accredited engineers, BT's customers can enjoy all the benefits of unified communications with approved and tested solutions that address all the interoperability and integration challenges. -- BT MobileXpress enables mobile and remote employees to access corporate networks and applications securely and reliably via fixed or wireless connections, making them accessible and productive wherever they are. During 2009 we are evolving BT MobileXpress' security and remote management capabilities. We will be extending our global consultancy services for flexible working and mobile security, enabling managed solutions such as the award-winning Laptop Protection, a service which provides customers the ability to 'kill' the data held on the machine if security is compromised. -- BT Unified Video utilises the very latest video conferencing technologies that ensures customers can continue to have all important face-to-face interaction in meetings, while cutting down on costs associated with travel. BT is now the number one video conferencing provider in the world and is ideally placed to take advantage of analysts' predictions that telepresence will be the strongest growth area in the video market in 2009. BT's conferencing solutions offer unique levels of service, underpinned by world class infrastructure. -- BT Carbon Impact Assessment measures a customer's carbon footprint and energy consumption, before outlining the sustainable practices and communication technologies that can help them lower emissions, reduce costs and increase efficiency. BT has tried and tested the Carbon Impact Assessment (CIA) and was able to help one customer save an estimated Â£30 million over five years. The CIA offers serious business benefit by identifying the maximum possible opportunity for cost savings, cost avoidance, and carbon reduction. -- BT Intelligent Networks is a family of services which includes BT's recently launched best-in-class BT Intelligent Virtual Private Network (BTiVPN), BT Etherflow and Wide Area Network Optimisation technologies which help customers prioritise mission-critical data traffic, optimize business application performance and drive efficiencies. BT's recently launched BTiVPN allows global organizations to better manage and improve the performance of their IT network and business applications, and reduce technical and operational costs. -- BT Managed Security Services deliver flexible, cost-effective and comprehensive end-to-end security, that protects customers' infrastructure from ever-evolving threats and enables compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. We monitor over 335,000 devices, for almost 1000 MSSP customers around the world and provide over 300 million secure connections per day in over 1,000 cities across 70 countries. BT is investing in a new global, harmonized MSS platform which further improves the service we deliver to our customers. -- BT Next Generation Contact Centers (NGCC) provides fully hosted contact center capability for customers deploying contact center services all around the world. This means that organizations can benefit from world class contact center features without the need to deploy technology at the location, enabling rapid roll out of agents and pricing on a pay as you go basis that allows extra agents to be added and then removed to staff to peak periods. For 2009, NGCC includes enhanced geographic resilience, providing 99.99 per cent availability and per minute pricing. About BT

BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.

In the year ended 31 March 2009, BT Group's revenue was 21,390 million pounds Sterling.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

For more information, visit http://www.bt.com/aboutbt

BT Americas Inc.

CONTACT: Diane Noe of BT Americas Public Relations, +1-703-622-3143
(Mobile), diane.noe@bt.com

Web Site: http://www.btplc.com/
http://www.bt.com/aboutbt

Whole Foods Market(R) Launches Recipe Search and Store Locator Application on Apple App StoreFree App for iPhone and iPod touch Provides Natural Recipes, Searches by Dietary Preference and Store Locator

AUSTIN, Texas, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Whole Foods Market today announced the availability of an application on the App Store. The app was created as an additional way to satisfy and delight customers by providing Whole Foods Market's entire selection of over 2,000 online recipes to iPhone and iPod touch users.

Searchable by ingredient, special diets, and other elements like "budget" and "family friendly," each recipe contains detailed preparation instructions and nutritional information, which can be copied and pasted, saved as a personal "favorite," and emailed from within the App itself. The App also includes an "On Hand" feature where customers can enter ingredients and get back meal recommendations.

"We're delighted to provide iPhone and iPod touch users with yet another way to explore their passion for food and health," said Bill Tolany, Global Coordinator of Integrated Media for Whole Foods Market. "We're particularly excited about the On Hand feature as a way to answer the ever so popular 'What's for dinner?' question."

Built with the new iPhone OS 3.0 software, the app also comes with a store locator, where customers use a ZIP code search or the iPhone's built-in location finder to view in-app maps and identify their nearest Whole Foods Market. Each store page contains operating hours, phone and address, and links to maps, directions, and even store specials.

The Whole Foods app is available for free from Apple's App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at http://www.itunes.com/appstore/

For more information please visit: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/iphone and http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=320029256&mt =8.

About Whole Foods Market(R)

Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/), a leader in the natural and organic foods industry and America's first national certified organic grocer, was named "America's Healthiest Grocery Store" in 2008 by Health magazine. The Whole Foods Market motto, "Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"(TM) captures the company's mission to find success in customer satisfaction and wellness, employee excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to its more than 50,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in America by FORTUNE magazine for 12 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2008, the company had sales of $8 billion and currently has more than 275 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market, Fresh & Wild(TM), and Harry's Farmers Market(R) are trademarks owned by Whole Foods Market IP, LP. Wild Oats(R) and Capers Community Market(TM) are trademarks owned by Wild Marks, Inc.

Contacts: Kate Lowery, Whole Foods Market (512) 542-0390 Kate.Lowery@wholefoods.com Liz Burkhart, Whole Foods Market (512) 542-0682 Liz.Burkhart@wholefoods.com

Whole Foods Market

CONTACT: Kate Lowery, +1-512-542-0390, Kate.Lowery@wholefoods.com, or
Liz Burkhart, +1-512-542-0682, Liz.Burkhart@wholefoods.com, both of Whole
Foods Market

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

Optimum Online Receives Top Honors From J.D. Power and Associates in Business Telecom Data Services Customer SatisfactionNational Study Ranks Service Providers Based On Customer Satisfaction With Telecommunications Data ServiceCablevision Offers Small And Medium-Sized Businesses Three Distinct High-Speed Data Products, Including Nation's Fastest High-Speed Internet Service, Optimum Online Ultra

BETHPAGE, N.Y., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cablevision Systems Corp. today announced that its Optimum Online high-speed Internet service received top honors in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Data Services Study(SM) for home-based businesses and small/medium-sized businesses. The study, which ranked service providers based on customer satisfaction with telecommunications data services, focuses on a range of key product and buying experience attributes including: performance and reliability; sales representatives/account executives; billing; cost of service; offerings and promotions; and customer service. Optimum Online's overall rating for data services, in both segments, ranked highest - leading all other providers - including traditional telecommunications providers and other multiple system cable operators.

The study, released by J.D. Power and Associates earlier today, found that Optimum Online received the "highest numerical score" among each segment resulting in the highest overall customer satisfaction ranking for small/midsize business data service providers and home-based business data service providers. Optimum Online ranks highest in the home-based business segment, performing particularly well in performance and reliability, as well as offerings and promotions. And, in the small/midsize business segment, Optimum Online performed particularly well in four of the six factors driving satisfaction: sales representatives/account executives; billing; cost of service; and offerings and promotions.

"This recognition is particularly meaningful, because the J.D. Power and Associates ranking is based on information gathered from the most important audience of all - our customers," said Joseph Varello, Cablevision's vice president of small and medium business services. "Internet accessibility, speed and uptime are critical performance factors for business customers. Our primary goal is to deliver the best services and greatest value to businesses across the New York metropolitan area. This kind of recognition, from a trusted source like J.D. Power and Associates, makes it clear to both existing and prospective customers that Optimum is a leader in customer satisfaction for a wide range of businesses in our market."

Designed for small and medium or home-based sized business that require high-speed Internet and voice communications, Optimum Business provides bottom line benefits like predictable flat rate pricing and highly reliable voice and data services. Optimum Business offers small and medium-sized businesses three powerful and distinct service options to support their business needs, including the fastest downstream Internet Service in the country, Optimum Online Ultra.

Even the basic level of Optimum Online is one of the fastest high-speed Internet products available in the country, with speeds of up to 15 megabits-per-second Mbps downstream and 2 Mbps upstream. Optimum Online Boost delivers downstream speeds up to 30 Mbps and upstream speeds of 5 Mbps, and Optimum Online Ultra offers downstream speeds of up to 101 Mbps and upstream speeds up to 15 Mbps. Optimum Online leads the nation in market acceptance, having achieved a broadband market share in Cablevision's service area of more than 75 percent, representing the most highly-penetrated high-speed Internet service in the country.

The 2009 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Services Study is based on responses from more than 4,000 business customers with telecommunications data services at home-based businesses (one to five employees based from a non-commercial location), small/midsize (companies with 2 to 499 employees) and large enterprise businesses (companies with 500 or more employees) in the United States and includes evaluation of their data service providers. The study was fielded from January to April 2009.

Optimum Online was previously ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among High-Speed Internet Service Providers in the East Region" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Internet Service Provider (ISP) Residential Customer Satisfaction Study(SM)*. Optimum Online has also received the top ranking of any cable broadband service for four out of the last five years in PC Magazine's Annual Readers' Survey for speed, reliability and overall ranking.

The full J.D. Power and Associates' press release and survey results are available at: http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2009105.

Key benefits of Optimum Online for Business include: -- Static IP: For use with Optimum Online Boost and Optimum Online Ultra, offers customers the ability to host their own business applications such as; Web Server, E-mail Server and other IP applications. DDNS is a standard feature provided in Optimum Online, Optimum Online Boost and Optimum Online Ultra. -- Web Hosting: Optimum Online Boost and Optimum Online Ultra subscribers receive 12GB of web space for hosting a website. Comes with easy to use SiteBuilder tools which include shopping cart, search engine submission and optimization and an annual domain registration. Domain registration allows up to 250 domain based personalized email addresses each with 500MB of storage. Lastly, $50 worth of Google AdWords to help businesses connect with new customers. -- Optimum Business Web Portal: The web portal delegates user authority between the customer system administrator and business end users. Enabling individual user access of Optimum Online and Optimum Voice features while allowing the customer system administrator complete control of all Optimum Business services. Features include; access to Static IP configurations, port configuration of Optimum Online Boost, comprehensive management of Optimum Voice features, call detail records, enhanced voicemail and more. -- Email: Optimum Online provides five optimum.net email accounts each with 500 MB of storage. Both Optimum Online Boost and Optimum Online Ultra provide 15 email accounts each with 1GB of storage. The Web Hosting feature provides up to 250 domain based each with 500 MB of storage. -- Protection with Online Security: Businesses have PC protection with CA Antivirus and CA Personal Firewall. -- Access Email from Anywhere: Optimum Online comes with a webmail feature that enables access from any browser, including a user's mobile phone or PDA. -- 24/7 Customer Service: Optimum Business customer service is local 24/7 customer support and dedicated technical support. -- Easy to Follow and Easy to Understand Bill: Optimum Business offers predictable pricing with no hidden fees or extra charges. -- Significant Savings over Phone Company: Optimum Voice and Optimum Online are just $29.95 per month each for one year when combined. Optimum Online Boost with Static IP is available for an additional $24.95 per month. And, Optimum Online Ultra is available for $99.95 per month.

To learn more about Optimum Business, including features, benefits and more, please visit http://www.optimumbusiness.com/.

*Cablevision's Optimum Online received the highest numerical score among internet service providers in the East Region in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Internet Service Provider Residential Customer Satisfaction Study(SM). Study based on 16,933 total responses from consumers measuring 11 providers in the East region (CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, VA, DC, WV) and measures satisfaction of consumers with their internet service provider. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in July 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

About Cablevision

Cablevision Systems Corporation is one of the nation's leading media and entertainment companies. Its cable television operations serve more than 3 million households in the New York metropolitan area. The company's advanced telecommunications offerings include its iO TV(R) digital television, Optimum Online(R) high-speed Internet, Optimum Voice(R) digital voice-over-cable, and its Optimum Lightpath integrated business communications services. Cablevision operates several successful programming businesses, including AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and WE tv, through Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, and serves the New York area as publisher of Newsday and other niche publications through Newsday Media Group. In addition to these businesses, Cablevision owns Madison Square Garden and its sports teams, the New York Knicks, Rangers and Liberty. The company also operates New York's famed Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, and the Chicago Theatre, and owns and operates Clearview Cinemas.

Cablevision Systems Corp.

CONTACT: Charlstie Laytin, +1-516-803-2357, claytin@cablevision.com

Southern Company Among Computerworld's Annual '100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology' List for Third Consecutive Year

ATLANTA, June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southern Company today announced that IDG's Computerworld Magazine ranked it among the best workplaces for information technology (IT) professionals in its annual "100 Best Places to Work in Information Technology" list. Southern Company placed 28th among all companies for the second year in a row.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080801/SOCOLOGO)

Since 1994, Computerworld's annual "Best Places to Work in IT" feature has ranked the top 100 work environments for technology professionals, based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, diversity, career development, training and retention. In addition, this year Computerworld surveyed more than 27,000 IT workers for the list, and their responses factored heavily in determining the rankings.

"Southern Company is pleased to be recognized as one of the best places to work in information technology," said Becky Blalock, executive vice president and CIO, Southern Company. "Our IT employees are truly among the most talented in the profession and it's their hard work and innovative thinking that makes Southern Company among the best places to work."

Southern Company offers commuting options including ride-sharing services, vanpools and a program offering subsidized mass transit passes. Plus, nearly 1,000 IT employees have the ability to telecommute, and about 300 of them do so regularly. IT workers also have multiple opportunities for professional development, including job-shadowing arrangements and on-the-job training programs. The company also encourages employees to get experience in new jobs, either within or outside of the IT department. Through an employee council, workers help IT executives address concerns such as workgroup fairness. And a group known as the IT Green Place to Work Team finds ways to use technology to benefit the environment.

"To be among the Best Places to Work in IT, it's not enough just to seek out and hire the most talented IT people, offer them competitive pay and provide great benefits," said Scot Finnie, editor in chief of Computerworld. "The organizations that made this year's Best Places to Work list sustain a dynamic work environment in which IT professionals keep their hands on the latest technologies and work on projects that are business critical. In the months and years ahead, IT is going to become a key accelerator of business growth.

With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are below the national average. Southern Company is consistently listed among the top U.S. electric service providers in customer satisfaction by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). Visit our Web site at http://www.southerncompany.com/.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080801/SOCOLOGO Southern Company

CONTACT: Valerie Hendrickson of Southern Company, +1-404-506-5333 or
+1-866-506-5333, media@southerncompany.com

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

Cars.com Dad Makes Father's Day Car Suggestions for Practical and Performance-Inclined Dads

CHICAGO, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- With Father's Day coming this Sunday, Cars.com senior editor and father of two David Thomas took a look at the cars he's test-driven over the past year to offer some recommendations that will appease both practical fathers and dads who need some performance out of their kid-carrier.

"As an automotive journalist, the criteria for what makes a car good dramatically changes once children are thrown into the equation," Thomas said. "I went through this metamorphosis last year, and I've been casually detailing how my children fit into what I drive every week."

Below are some recommendations in a variety of body styles and price ranges:

Best Budget Car: Hyundai Elantra Touring Runner Up: Honda Fit

The biggest surprise in terms of cars this year had to be the Hyundai Elantra Touring. It's really a great package of standard features and lots of room for a good price. The backseat seemed as big as the one in my 2008 Subaru Outback - which, granted, isn't saying much, but the Elantra costs much less. The cargo area is also decent.

The Honda Fit's rear headroom is fantastic. It remains one of the easiest cars I've tested to get in and out of without bonking my - or my child's - head.

Best Crossover: Toyota Venza Runner Up: Tie -- Buick Enclave and Subaru Forester

Let me just say that I'm not a fan of the driving experience in the Venza, but everything else about it screams "terrific daily driver for dads." The backseat is positively huge, and the cargo area swallows golf bag after golf bag, for those times when dad foursomes get a day off to hit the links -- like on Father's Day. Some dads might even like the standard 19- or 20-inch wheels.

The Buick Enclave and its GMC Acadia and Chevy Traverse siblings are also impressive. They're very easy to get in and out of when holding a baby, despite their height. I'd say the Ford Flex is a little easier, but not much, and you don't have to give up the high riding position and SUV looks.

The smaller Subaru Forester has a very usable cargo space, and it costs less and comes with standard all-wheel drive.

Best Wagon: BMW 535xi Runner Up: Hyundai Elantra Touring

As far as wagons go, nothing beat the BMW 535xi. Not only was there plenty of room for parents and child seats in back, but the cargo area was nice and big, with a nifty lift-up cover. It might have cost near $70,000 as-tested, but it was well-enough equipped around $66,000 for this to be the uber daddy-mobile.

Best Performance Car: BMW M3 Runner Up: Dodge Challenger SRT8

The BMW M3 is a dad's dream car, and the fact that the sedan gives up so little in the usability department makes it the winner here. That said, I couldn't believe how well a baby seat fit in the center position of the Dodge Challenger.

Best Sports Car/Coupe: Infiniti G37 Runner Up: Mercedes-Benz CL550

The G37 was terrific in the day-to-day-use department. It has electronic controls to slide the front passenger seat forward on both the door side of the seat and the side near the driver. That meant that when it was raining I could shut the door with the seat all the way forward after plopping my child into his seat, then when I was safely sheltered from the rain in the driver's seat I could hit that side's button to slide the seat back. It's really well-thought-out.

I wouldn't typically pick a $100,000-plus coupe for family errand-running, but the CL550 sure did come in handy one weekend when we had to hit the big-box baby store. My son was so comfy in it he took a nap, which he rarely does in the car anymore. I was so comfy in it I wanted to move in full-time -- and with how much it costs, that might be the price I'd have to pay to get one.

Best Sedan: 2010 Ford Fusion

I was impressed with the Fusion more for its great mileage - I had the four-cylinder version - and quiet ride than its child-carrying capacity. It did have easy-to-reach Latch connectors, though, and a big trunk.

For more information about cars recommended for dads, visit http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/

About Cars.com

Cars.com is the leading destination for online car shoppers, offering credible, easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. With comprehensive pricing information, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and a large selection of new- and used-car inventory, Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions.

Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo , Gannett Co., Inc. , The McClatchy Company , Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company .

Cars.com

CONTACT: Jackie Brennan, Associate Public Relations Manager,
+1-312-601-6229, mobile, +1-219-577-6106, jbrennan@cars.com, or Steve Nolan,
Public Relations Manager, +1-312-601-5163, mobile, +1-630-310-2468,
snolan@cars.com, both of Cars.com

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

CSC to Support 'REACH' Chemical Registration Compliance for DuPont

FALLS CHURCH, Va., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- CSC announced today that it has signed an agreement with DuPont, a science-based products and services company, to support the company's Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) compliance program.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090422/CSCLOGO)

REACH, a 2006 European Union (EU) requirement, mandates the registration and tracking of chemicals that are manufactured, used or transported within EU countries if the chemical amount exceeds one ton per year. Failure to comply with REACH requirements could result in severe restrictions, including plant shut downs or the inability to transport chemical materials within EU countries.

CSC has cultivated its position as a REACH compliance leader by successfully assisting several global companies in their compliance efforts. CSC uses a proven methodology to organize, integrate and manage complex portfolios of projects that involve information technology (IT) systems, data management processes, organizational change and business management processes.

"We appreciate the confidence DuPont has placed in us and are proud of what we have accomplished together through this partnership," said Russ Owen, president of CSC's Americas Commercial Group. "Our REACH solution, which is part of a new family of enterprise compliance and sustainability offerings from our Chemical, Energy and Natural Resources vertical, will leverage CSC's deep understanding of REACH requirements and help establish DuPont as an early leader in this effort."

CSC has provided infrastructure, applications and business consulting services to DuPont since 1997, when the two companies joined in a 10-year, $4.3 billion IT outsourcing alliance. In 2005, DuPont awarded CSC with a $1.9 billion extension to continue services through 2014.

About CSC

CSC is a global leader in providing technology-enabled solutions and services through three primary lines of business. These include Business Solutions and Services, the Managed Services Sector and the North American Public Sector. CSC's advanced capabilities include systems design and integration, information technology and business process outsourcing, applications software development, Web and application hosting, mission support and management consulting. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., CSC has approximately 92,000 employees and reported revenue of $16.74 billion for the 12 months ended April 3, 2009. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.csc.com/.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090422/CSCLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com CSC

CONTACT: Jane Howell, Principal, Marketing, Global Business Solutions
Group, +1-781-631-1326, jhowell24@csc.com, or Janet Herin, Sr. Manager, Media
Relations, Corporate, +1-310-615-1693, jherin@csc.com, both of CSC

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

Comcast Programming Group Acquires Hearst's Interest in NECN

PHILADELPHIA and NEW YORK, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast Corporation today announced that Comcast has purchased from Hearst its 50 percent interest in New England Cable News (NECN). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Comcast now owns 100 percent of NECN, which was launched in 1992 as a joint venture between Hearst and Comcast's predecessor cable operators in New England. For Comcast, the transaction adds a respected local news voice to its regional programming operations, which now include three news and entertainment networks and ten regional sports networks, including Comcast SportsNet New England. For NECN, the transaction represents the first consolidated ownership and management since the network launched and an opportunity to continue to grow under the Comcast Programming Group.

"NECN is one of the leading sources for New England news and one of the most recognized regional cable networks in the nation, which makes it an attractive business operation," said Jon Litner, who leads Comcast's local programming businesses as president of Comcast Sports Group. "We value NECN's strong connection with New England viewers, and in combination with Comcast SportsNet New England, NECN will strengthen Comcast's position as the leading source for news, sports and entertainment in New England."

Litner also announced that Bill Bridgen, presently the executive vice president and general manager of Comcast SportsNet New England, will oversee the management responsibilities of both networks. Bridgen has over a dozen years of experience in the cable television industry and has run several cable networks. He will replace Charles J. Kravetz, who has served as NECN's President and General Manager since March of 2008 and who was also the founding News Director for the station starting at its inception in 1992.

About NECN

NECN, a Comcast network, is the largest, most honored 24-hour regional news network in the country, with more than 3 million subscribers in nearly 1,120 cities and towns in all six New England states. The station also specializes in long-form journalism, producing documentaries and extensive local and national political coverage. For more information on NECN, go to http://www.necn.com/.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (http://www.comcast.com/) is the nation's leading provider of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 24.1 million cable customers, 15.3 million high-speed Internet customers, and 6.8 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, ten sports networks operated by Comcast Sports Group and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast's Internet businesses, including Comcast.net (http://www.comcast.net/). Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.

Comcast Corporation

CONTACT: Jennifer Khoury, +1-215-286-7408, jennifer_khoury@comcast.com,
or Skip Perham, +1-781-270-7252, sperham@comcastsportsnet.com, both of Comcast
Corporation

Web Site: http://www.comcast.net/

China Security & Surveillance Technology, Inc. Signs Letters of Intent to Acquire Two Chinese Security Service Companies

SHENZHEN, China, June 18 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- China Security & Surveillance Technology, Inc. ("China Security" or "CSST" or the "Company") (NYSE: CSR; Nasdaq Dubai: CSR), a leading provider of digital surveillance technology in the PRC, today announced it has signed letters of intent for equity transfer agreement with Shanghai Forever Security Co., Ltd, (SFSC) and Beijing Emergency Security Service Center for Maintenance and Repair (BESC), two leading security companies in China in June 2009, for RMB17 million (approximately $2.5 million based on a conversion price of USD: RMB 1.00:6.83) and RMB 3 million (approximately $0.4 million based on a conversion price of USD: RMB 1.00:6.83) in cash, respectively.

Established in 1995, SFSC is a professional security service company based in Shanghai. With its dedicated call center facility, high-tech digital supervision alarm system and a fleet of guard dispatch and patrol vehicles, SFSC provides professional security and safety monitoring and first level alarm responses. SFSC owns a Shanghai First Degree Certificate in Design and Installation of Security Systems. It is also a member of China Security and Protection Industry Association (CSPIA), Shanghai Security and Protection Industry Association and China Standardization Technic Committee for Security and Protection Alarm Systems (SAC/TC100). By the end of 2008, SFSC had approximately 2,500 users subscribing to their network security and alarm services.

Established in 2006, BESC is a professional security emergency maintenance service provider based in Beijing, authorized by the local government and the Beijing Security Industry Association. In conjunction with the Beijing Security Industry Association, BESC has developed and established various standards in the quality management and maintenance of security related systems in Beijing. It is also the only company approved by Beijing Municipal Administration for Industry and Commerce to engage in maintenance and repair services for security systems related to specific government projects. Its services include the provision of emergency maintenance services, routine maintenance services, and consulting services. BESC's customers include government organizations, the public security bureaus, hospitals, educational institutions and logistic companies.

Mr. Guoshen Tu, Chief Executive Officer of China Security commented, "We are very pleased to announce the two transactions which will facilitate our strategic objective of building our security service business in China and a recurring revenue business. The acquisitions also signify a strategic move on our part to enter the security markets in Beijing and Shanghai. This move fits nicely with our long-term strategy and reflects our determination and confidence in building the largest homegrown security service provider in China. We believe that as the security market in China continues to grow and develop, professional security services will become a key competitive differentiator.

About China Security & Surveillance Technology, Inc.

Based in Shenzhen, China, China Security manufactures, distributes, installs and services security and surveillance products and systems as well as develops security and surveillance related software in China. Its customers are mainly comprised of commercial and government entities and non-profit organizations. China Security has built a diversified customer base through its extensive sales and service network that includes over 150 branch offices and distribution points throughout China. To learn more about the Company visit http://www.csst.com/ .

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may include certain statements that are not descriptions of historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'will,' 'believes,' 'expects' or similar expressions. Such information is based upon expectations of our management that were reasonable when made but may prove to be incorrect. All of such assumptions are inherently subject to uncertainties and contingencies beyond our control and upon assumptions with respect to future business decisions, which are subject to change. We do not undertake to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. For a description of the risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, see our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'), and our subsequent SEC filings. Copies of filings made with the SEC are available through the SEC's electronic data gathering analysis retrieval system at http://www.sec.gov/.

For more information, please contact: Company Contact: Terence Yap Tel: +86-755-8351-5634 Email: ir@csst.com Investor Contact: ICR: Michael Tieu Tel: +86-10-6599-7960 Email: michael.tieu@icrinc.com Bill Zima Tel: +1-203-682-8200 Email: bill.zima@icrinc.com Media Contact: Patrick Yu Fleishman-Hillard Hong Kong Tel: +852-2530-2577 Email: patrick.yu@fleishman.com

China Security & Surveillance Technology, Inc.

CONTACT: Terence Yap of China Security & Surveillance Technology, Inc.,
+86-755-8351-5634, ir@csst.com; or Investors, Michael Tieu, +86-10-6599-7960,
michael.tieu@icrinc.com, or Bill Zima, +1-203-682-8200, bill.zima@icrinc.com,
both of ICR; or Media, Patrick Yu of Fleishman-Hillard Hong Kong,
+852-2530-2577, patrick.yu@fleishman.com

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

Six Massachusetts and Rhode Island Students Awarded Verizon Foundation ScholarshipsMore Than $4 Million in Scholarships to Benefit 809 Children of Verizon Employees Across the Country

BOSTON, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Paying for college just got easier for six Massachusetts and Rhode Island students. They are among 809 students nationwide who received scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year through Verizon's scholarship program for the children and dependents of company employees.

The students will receive $5,000 annually toward their college expenses. Each scholarship is renewable for three years and has a total value of $20,000.

This year's Massachusetts and Rhode Island recipients are: -- Marisa Altieri of Norwood, Mass., daughter of Patrick Altieri, who plans to attend Northeastern University. -- Andrew Bartlett of Weymouth, Mass., son of Michelle Bartlett, who plans to attend University of Massachusetts-Amherst. -- Derek Hand of East Walpole, Mass., son of Donna Hand, who plans to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology. -- Thomas Williams of Reading, Mass., son of Mary Williams, who plans to attend University of Massachusetts-Amherst. -- Svetlana Lasnier of Warwick, R.I., daughter of Linda Lasnier, who plans to attend James Madison University. -- Laura Thompson of Cranston, R.I., daughter of Stephen Thompson, who plans to attend Assumption College.

Verizon's scholarship program selects recipients based on financial need, academic achievement and extracurricular activities. The scholarships are for high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited four-year institution.

Since 2001, 2,152 students from across the country have benefited from the scholarship program, which has invested more than $36 million toward the college education of children and dependents of Verizon employees. For the 2009-2010 academic year, the Verizon Foundation will invest more than $4 million toward the education of 809 Verizon scholars.

"Education is a key issue for Verizon and for both Massachusetts and Rhode Island," said Donna Cupelo, Verizon's region president of New England. "We're proud to make a significant investment in the education of our future leaders and provide this tremendous benefit to our employees."

The Verizon Foundation awards the scholarships in partnership with Scholarship America, the nation's largest nonprofit, private sector scholarship and educational support organization, which was founded in 1958.

"Verizon's scholarship program is among the most generous in corporate America, providing students with the resources needed to complete their program of study and become productive citizens," said Scholarship America's senior vice president, Donald Lassere. "Scholarship America is proud to administer this important program for Verizon and the children of their employees."

A list of 2009 Verizon scholars is available on the Verizon Foundation Web site at http://www.verizonfoundation.org/about/press/scholstudents09.shtml

Verizon

CONTACT: Philip Santoro, +1-617-743-4670, philip.g.santoro@verizon.com

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

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

IBM Unleashes New Symphony for Millions of Microsoft Office Customers

ARMONK, N.Y., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBM is offering millions of companies and consumers the chance to save hundreds of dollars on each of their Microsoft Office licenses by providing support for Microsoft Office 2007 with the newest version of Lotus Symphony, IBM's free of charge productivity software suite. This could translate into millions of dollars in savings at many large companies that are looking for financial relief in the current economy.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090618/NY34732-a ) (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090618/NY34732-b ) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

The ability to import Microsoft Office 2007 files into Symphony means that Microsoft Office customers can save on licensing costs by switching to Symphony while retaining access to, and easy use of, the contents of their Office files. Lotus Symphony version 1.3 is now available free of charge on the Web at http://www-01.ibm.com/software/lotus/products/symphony/. In addition, Symphony is shipped with every copy of Lotus Notes and Lotus Foundations software. View the Symphony video.

IBM's alternative to Microsoft Office 2007 makes cost-free document software a legitimate option for many companies around the business world which want to realize cost-efficiencies in the current economic climate but require assurance of the quality and reliability of the technology.

In addition to adding support for Microsoft Office 2007 file formats, Lotus Symphony 1.3 offers DataPilot Table improvements that make it easy to drill down and analyze data. It also enhances mail merge and envelope printing for organizations that need simple, efficient ways to communicate with their customers. Symphony 1.3 also provides animation to add sizzle to presentations and interoperate with Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.

The new version of Symphony allows users to drag-and-drop plug-ins, extending its use to other business applications. For example, a new learning plug-in can be installed on the right sidebar to help people learn new Symphony capabilities in real-time use.

"IBM is delivering on its commitment to free businesses and consumers from having to pay licensing fees over and over just to access their own personal or company information," said Kevin Cavanaugh, VP of Lotus Software. "Now, it will be much harder to justify paying Office licensing fees when you can preserve and access your Office documents for free using Lotus Symphony."

Reducing fixed costs in challenging times is important to Cluttons, a partnership of chartered surveyors, founded in 1765. Through a network of offices in the U.K., Europe, Middle East, South Africa and the Caribbean, Cluttons offer a very wide range of professional property management, agency and consultancy services across the commercial and residential sectors, for both investors and occupiers. In recent years, Cluttons delivered Microsoft Windows desktop, including Microsoft Office, IBM Lotus Notes and business applications to its users via a virtualized environment based on Citrix. Now it plans to switch from Office to Symphony, used with Lotus Notes 8.5.

Mark Clemence, Cluttons IT Director, stated, "The opportunity to use fully supported office productivity tools as part of the deployment of Lotus Notes 8.5 was too good an opportunity to be missed. We plan to use the cost saving to further invest in Lotus productivity tool sets."

Another Symphony customer, The John Lewis Partnership (JLP), owns the leading U.K. retail businesses Waitrose, John Lewis and Greenbee. All 69,000 of its permanent staff are partners who own 27 John Lewis department stores, 210 Waitrose supermarkets (http://www.waitrose.com/), an online and catalogue business, johnlewis.com (http://www.johnlewis.com/), a direct services company, Greenbee (http://www.greenbee.com/), a production unit and a farm with nearly Â£6.9 billion in revenue in 2008.

JLP was determined to control costs within a competitive retail environment to deliver first-class service and products to John Lewis customers. It plans to deploy Symphony to approximately 8,000 employees. Providing Microsoft Office to all staff in John Lewis Department Stores was evaluated, but determined to be cost-prohibitive.

Recently Italian food distributor Gruppo Amadori began converting its 6,000 employees to Symphony on Linux desktops from an Office and Windows environment as part of a cost-control strategy. The IBM Linux desktop includes Lotus Notes, Lotus Sametime and Lotus Quickr in addition to Symphony.

New businesses are forming around the rising demand to migrate from Microsoft Office to Symphony. For example, Indellient (http://www.indellient.com/), based in Montreal, Canada offers migration services such as Asset Conversion Inspector and Notes Integration Inspector which can help larger organizations understand their Microsoft Office dependencies. Indellient is also providing products specifically for the small-medium business market and the Lotus business partner channel with Web-based Document Conversion Services and Personalized Template Packs. These services allow SMB business partners to offer their customers an easy and cost-effective set of business automated templates, for an efficient and professional look and feel to their communications.

For more information, visit http://www.ibm.com/lotus Contact: Mike Azzi 914-766-1561 azzi@us.ibm.com

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CONTACT: Mike Azzi of IBM, +1-914-766-1561, azzi@us.ibm.com

Web Site: http://www.ibm.com/lotus

NI Technology Research Updates Outlooks for Qualcomm, Silicon Laboratories, Alvarion, PMC-Sierra and NetLogic Microsystems

PRINCETON, N.J., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Next Inning Technology Research (http://www.nextinning.com/), an online investment newsletter focused on semiconductor and technology stocks, announced it has updated outlooks for Qualcomm , Silicon Laboratories , Alvarion , PMC-Sierra , and NetLogic Microsystems .

Editor Paul McWilliams has been red hot when it comes to picking the right stocks to buy and sell. Year to date, the Next Inning portfolio is up 31% compared to the S&P 500, which is up just 1%. With earnings season right around the corner, Next Inning has begun publishing its quarterly State of Tech Report. The multi-part report includes illuminating data, charts, and graphs, and covers roughly 65 companies ranging from contract wafer fabricators to finished goods manufacturers. In total, these companies will report annual revenues in excess of $500B in 2009.

To read McWilliams' State of Tech series that is designed to prepare investors for the July earnings season, please accept our invitation to take a free 21-day no risk test drive with Next Inning by visiting the following link:

https://www.nextinning.com/subscribe/index.php?refer=prn832 McWilliams covers these topics and more in his most recent report:

-- It took Wall Street over six months to realize McWilliams was right all along; for over six months he advised his readers that the earnings consensus for Qualcomm was too low, but it was just yesterday that Goldman Sachs realized this and upped its rating for Qualcomm. With the stock price up 40% from when McWilliams recommended readers buy the stock, does he think there is more upside or that it's time to take some profits?

-- As he did with Qualcomm, McWilliams advised readers early this year that the earnings consensus for Silicon Labs was at least 25% too low. Since then both the stock price and the earnings consensus have increased notably. Does McWilliams think there is a good balance between the two or that Silicon Labs stock price has overshot its fair value?

-- Should investors be enthusiastic about Alvarion's recently announced deal with Open Range Communications? What makes Alvarion a very logical choice for a program that is being fueled by government stimulus money?

-- Does new data suggest that technology-focused stimulus spending may be slowing in China? What will this mean for companies like PMC-Sierra and NetLogic? At what price would McWilliams be accumulating shares in those stocks?

Founded in September 2002, Next Inning's model portfolio has returned 174% since its inception versus 1% for the S&P 500.

About Next Inning:

Next Inning is a subscription-based investment newsletter that provides regular coverage on more than 150 technology and semiconductor stocks. Subscribers receive intra-day analysis, commentary and recommendations, as well as access to monthly semiconductor sales analysis, regular Special Reports, and the Next Inning model portfolio. Editor Paul McWilliams is a 30+ year semiconductor industry veteran.

NOTE: This release was published by Indie Research Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor with CRD #131926. Interested parties may visit adviserinfo.sec.gov for additional information. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.

CONTACT: Marcia Martin, Next Inning Technology Research, +1-888-278-5515

Indie Research Advisors, LLC

CONTACT: Marcia Martin, Next Inning Technology Research,
+1-888-278-5515

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

China Security & Surveillance Technology, Inc. Signs Letters of Intent to Acquire Two Chinese Security Service Companies

About China Security & Surveillance Technology, Inc.

Safe Harbor Statement

China Security & Surveillance Technology, Inc.

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

General Dynamics Awarded $51 Million Contract from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center

FAIRFAX, Va., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics , has been awarded a $51 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR). The single-award contract covers a five-year base period with eight potential six-month option periods and has a total potential value of $98 million if all options are exercised.

General Dynamics will support SPAWAR Systems Center (SSC) Atlantic through the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Secure Voice and Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN), Information Assurance and Interoperability program. The work will be performed in Chesapeake, St. Juliens Creek and Portsmouth, Va., along with other locations worldwide.

Through the contract, General Dynamics will perform a variety of duties including program management, engineering support, testing and evaluation, integrated logistics support, on-site technical assistance, network security, and implementation and integration of secure voice, command and control, DRSN and information systems networks. The DRSN provides global, secure voice and voice-conferencing services to senior decision makers within the Department of Defense (DOD).

"General Dynamics will continue to partner with SPAWAR Systems Center Atlantic to provide technical support for their communications networks," said Kenneth Slaght, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Information Technology's Naval IT Solutions sector. "We will work to ensure the seamless communications necessary for successful day-to-day operations for SSC Atlantic."

As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology provides information technology (IT), systems engineering and professional services to customers in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, federal civilian government and commercial sectors. With approximately 16,000 professionals worldwide, the company manages large-scale, mission-critical IT programs delivering IT services and enterprise solutions. More information about General Dynamics Information Technology is available at http://www.gdit.com/.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,900 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at http://www.gd.com/.

General Dynamics Information Technology

CONTACT: Mark Meudt of General Dynamics Information Technology,
+1-703-246-0525, Fax: +1-703-246-0206, Mark.Meudt@gdit.com

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

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Optimum Business and Verizon Rank Highest in Satisfying Business Customers With Telecommunications Data ServicesImprovements in Customer Service Lead to Overall Satisfaction Gains

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimum Business ranks highest in satisfying home-based and small/midsize business customers with telecommunications data services, while Verizon ranks highest among customers in the large enterprise business segment, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Study(SM) released today.

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With an index score of 654 on a 1,000-point scale, Optimum Business by Cablevision ranks highest in the home-based business segment--a new segment in the 2009 study. Optimum Business performs particularly well in performance and reliability, as well as offerings and promotions. Cox Communications (637) and EMBARQ (629) follow in the segment rankings.

Optimum Business also ranks highest in the small/midsize business segment with a score of 673, performing particularly well in four of the six factors driving satisfaction: sales representatives/account executives; billing; cost of service; and offerings and promotions. Cox Communications follows Optimum Business in the segment rankings with a score of 669, while AT&T ranks third with 632.

In the large enterprise business segment, Verizon ranks highest in customer satisfaction with a score of 694, performing particularly well in five factors: performance and reliability; sales representatives/account executives; customer service; cost of service; and offerings and promotions. Time Warner Cable follows Verizon in the segment rankings with 677.

After a sharp decline in satisfaction scores in the small/midsize and large enterprise business segments between 2007 and 2008, overall satisfaction in both segments increases in 2009, driven by improvements in the billing and customer service factors.

Comparison of Overall Satisfaction Scores by Segment, 2008-2009 Segment 2008 2009 Difference Small/midsize business segment average 600 627 27 points Large enterprise business segment average 665 672 7 points

"Providers have taken major steps to improve customer service since the 2008 study, and those investments are beginning to pay off," said Frank Perazzini, director of telecommunications at J.D. Power and Associates. "Improved service tools and better-prepared customer service representatives have improved problem resolution during the first contact to 56 percent, compared with less than 40 percent in 2008."

The study also finds a considerable decline in the percentage of small/midsize and large enterprise business customers who said they had difficulty understanding the customer service representative, which includes a lack of understanding of the problem by the customer service representative and issues with the clarity of a customer service representative's response. Among small/midsize business customers, 16 percent report having experienced this problem, compared with 23 percent in 2008. Only 13 percent of large enterprise business customers report having experienced this problem--down from 26 percent in 2008.

"The sharp decline in communication-related problems between customer service representatives and their clients is just another example of how strong internal training programs pay long-term dividends for business services providers," said Perazzini. "These results are particularly impressive considering that there were no major differences in network outage performance between 2008 and 2009."

The study measures customer satisfaction with providers of telecommunications data services, such as cable modem, DSL, T1, T3/DS3, Ethernet and frame relay. Providers are ranked in three segments: home-based businesses (companies based in a residential location with one to five employees); small/midsize businesses (companies with two to 499 employees); and large enterprise businesses (companies with 500 or more employees). Five factors are used to measure satisfaction across all three segments: performance and reliability; billing; cost of service; offerings and promotions; and customer service. A sixth factor--sales representatives/account executives--is included for small/midsize businesses and large enterprise businesses.

The 2009 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Study is based on responses from 4,252 business customers with telecommunications data services at home-based, small/midsize and large enterprise business in the United States and includes evaluation of their data service providers. The study was fielded in January and April 2009.

Customer Satisfaction Index Rankings Home-Based Business Segment (Based on a 1,000-point scale) Index JDPower.com Power Circle Ratings Provider Score For Consumers -------- ----- ------------- Optimum Business 654 5 Cox Communications 637 4 EMBARQ 629 4 Verizon 626 4 Qwest 625 4 AT&T 617 4 Home-Based Business Major Provider Average 601 3 Time Warner Cable 589 3 Comcast 570 2 Charter 535 2 Small/Midsize Business Segment (Based on a 1,000-point scale) Index JDPower.com Power Circle Ratings Provider Score For Consumers -------- ----- ------------- Optimum Business 673 5 Cox Communications 669 5 AT&T 632 3 Verizon 629 3 Small/Midsize Business Major Provider Average 627 3 Comcast 621 3 Time Warner Cable 598 2 Qwest 592 2 Large Enterprise Segment (Based on a 1,000-point scale) Index JDPower.com Power Circle Ratings Provider Score For Consumers -------- ----- ------------- Verizon 694 5 Time Warner Cable 677 3 Large Enterprise Major Provider Average 672 3 AT&T 666 3 Comcast 630 2 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, Web intelligence 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 2008 were $6.4 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts: John Tews; Troy, Mich.; (248) 312-4119; media.relations@jdpa.com

Syvetril Perryman; Westlake Village, Calif.; (805) 418-8103; media.relations@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. www.jdpower.com/corporate

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CONTACT: John Tews, Troy, Mich., +1-248-312-4119, or Syvetril Perryman,
Westlake Village, Calif., +1-805-418-8103, both of J.D. Power and Associates,
media.relations@jdpa.com

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